The delegates include senior representatives, from the Aerospace Defence & Security Group (ADS), the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), British Expertise, the Engineering Industries Association (EIA), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Institute of Directors (IOD), the Institute of Export (IoE), the International Visual Communications Association (IVCA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Welcoming the delegates, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, Chair UKIBC said, "We are delighted to have leading UK trade body representatives join us on our UK India Business Centre launch. I am sure they will find that the Centre an ideal 'home away from home' for their members, and they will be as impressed - as I am - by the new UKIBC team in India, recruited to deliver market entry advice and support to British business."
Mike Cherry, National Policy Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses said, "The FSB are proud to be supporting this UKIBC initiative to help UK small businesses into the Indian market, through the UK India Business Centres in Gurgaon and New Delhi. Having a "home away from home" with hot-desking, office space and training facilities would make entering the Indian market much easier for small British businesses."
On landing in New Delhi, the delegates have had a packed schedule including: a political and economic briefing; meetings with India sector specialists, and leading British businesses in India; the Centre launch networking event; and visits to sites around New Delhi demonstrating the rapid developments in sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure and engineering.
This programme is being delivered with UKTI, Invest India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Ian Taylor, Institute of Export said, "India is often seen as a 'tough market to crack' so this investment will help provide confidence and competence to help exporters grow. It reduces the up-front commitment an exporter needs to get started: time, bureaucracy & critical mass".
The Centre is part of a global initiative by the UK Government to strengthen British business networks in 20 overseas markets and is designed to transform the quantity and quality of support available to British businesses, especially SMEs, seeking to enter or expand in India. The facilities, which are available to all UK companies, include office space, meeting facilities, hot-desking, event space and a Launchpad® service.
UK India Business Council (UKIBC) is the premier business-led organisation promoting bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. Its mission is to facilitate an increase in trade between the UK and India through business to business dialogue. UKIBC plays an influential role in creating and sustaining an environment in which free-trade and investment flourishes. Through the facilitation of partnerships, and with an extensive network of influential corporate and individual members, UKIBC provides the resource, knowledge and infrastructure support vital for UK companies to make the most of emerging opportunities in India. For further information please visit www.UKIBC.com
UK India Business Centre: The Centre comprising 7,200 sq ft is located in Infinity Towers, Cyber City, Gurgaon and will act as the "hub" within the important North Central economic region in India. We also have a 600 sq ft "spoke" in Connaught Place, Central Delhi. The Centres are designed to transform the quantity and quality of support available to British businesses, especially SMEs, seeking to enter or expand in India.
UKTI: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI): UKTI is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. It also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK's economy - acknowledged as Europe's best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world
Invest India, a Joint Venture Company (Not for Profit Company) between Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) - Ministry of Commerce and Industry - Government of India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Various State Governments has been set up. Invest India is responsible for promoting and facilitating Investments to India. The shareholding currently is 51% FICCI and 49% DIPP. Subsequently DIPP will dilute its equity to include all State Governments.
