North East Firms Urged to Think Indian
A high-profile delegation from the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) visited the region recently to urge companies to explore business opportunities on the sub-continent.
The Council is chaired by former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, who visited the region along with Chief Executive Richard Heald.
The UKIBC is the premier business-led organisation supporting the Government in the promotion of trade, business and investment between the two countries.
Its aim is to increase trade between the UK and India through business to business dialogue and create and sustain an environment in which free trade and investment flourishes.
India is a key emerging market for North East businesses and, since the beginning of 2008, there has been almost a 40% increase in exports to Asia and Oceana from regional firms.
NECC Export Services Manager, Brian Dakers, said:
"The Indian market is one that has grown rapidly in recent years, but we could be doing so much more business in this part of the world.
"Hopefully this visit by the UK-India Business Council, which can help and support companies looking to explore this particular market, has helped to highlight the opportunities India presents and further boost the North East's already impressive export credentials."
The delegation visited Port of Tyne in South Shields to see how the vast majority of exports leave the region by sea via our two major ports before attending a dinner with key NECC members at Durham County Cricket Club's Emirates Durham Ground.
Richard Heald, CEO, UKIBC said:
"Businesses in the North East are already leading the way in India. Gate 7 Ltd based in Gateshead specialises in safety and instructional signs for construction equipment manufacturers and are already exporting to JCB India. Fleet M8, based in Bolson Tyne and Wear, have formed a partnership with Indian company SLN Technologies to deploy a tracking device following trials on buses in Karnataka after completion of a successful pilot project in Mysore. You can do the same. For that you need to understand the opportunities and challenges in India."
"The UKIBC can support business from the North East by outlining the practical steps they need to take in order to start forming partnerships with Indian business and Government. We are hosting the biggest India business event of the year at Manchester on March 14th this year. It will help companies understand and develop market entry and expansion strategies. Companies from the North East should join the other 500 companies attending to learn about the Indian market. It can seem like a huge leap but small businesses around the world are finding fantastic opportunities in India every single day," he added.
Susan Wear, Port of Tyne, Director of Corporate Affairs said:
"We estimate that around £10bn worth of goods are shipped from and to the Port of Tyne annually. Having a Port equipped to handle the world's major cargoes on the doorstep is a huge factor in the success of many regional businesses getting their goods to market quickly and cost effectively.
"We are pleased to be able to continue to support the economic growth of the region and, looking forward, we are investing in the infrastructure that will equip the Port to handle more of the world's largest cargo ships."
Among the businesses which attended the dinner were HSBC, sliding door specialists PC Henderson, AEI Cables, business consultants Black Swan, DSV Air & Sea, legal firm Eversheds and British Engines.
Any members interested in targeting new overseas markets can now take advantage of an enhanced range of international trade services through NECC Global.
This service is an upgrade to NECC membership for all members engaged in export activities with NECC. It provides members with access to an additional range of specialist services and further discounts on many current services such as International Trade Training.
To find out more about NECC Global and the benefits to your business, visit www.necc.co.uk/global or call 0300 303 6322.