A coalition of Northern mayors, businesses, universities, tourism bodies, cultural organisations and sporting institutions is preparing to take the North of England's economic offer to India, as leaders seek to maximise opportunities created by the new UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
The trade mission, led by The Great North and delivered in partnership with HSBC, will see almost 200 representatives travel to India in what is being hailed as the first coordinated international investment and trade mission representing the North of England as a single proposition.
The delegation will include regional mayors, business leaders, universities, tourism organisations and cultural and sporting institutions, all united by a shared ambition to attract investment, create jobs, boost exports and strengthen long-term relationships with one of the world's fastest-growing major economies.
According to UK Government analysis, the UK-India FTA could generate an additional £450 million annually for the North's economy over the long term. This includes an estimated £210 million for the North West, £170 million for Yorkshire and the Humber, and £70 million for the North East.
The mission marks the first visit to India since the agreement came into force and aims to convert the trade deal into tangible business opportunities across the North.
Northern leaders will use the visit to showcase the region's strengths in sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences and the creative industries.
The programme includes investment forums, business-to-business meetings, government engagement, university partnerships and tourism promotion across several Indian cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will join part of the mission alongside senior UK business representatives, helping to strengthen links between Northern England and Indian investors, businesses and policymakers.
Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“The North is going to India with ambition, confidence and a simple message: we want to seize every opportunity this new trade deal creates.
“That's why we're not waiting for the benefits to come to us. We're taking the North’s leading businesses, universities, sports clubs and visitor destinations to India to win investment, open doors for our businesses, bring more visitors to the North and build relationships that can last for generations.
“From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to life sciences, technology and our creative industries, the North has world-class strengths and a compelling offer to India.
“When the North comes together, we are mighty - and we’re excited to showcase the best of our regions on the global stage, to help bring jobs, prosperity and opportunity back home.”
The week-long programme has been designed to turn the opportunities created by the FTA into measurable economic growth.
Key priorities include:
- Securing new investment from Indian companies into Northern England.
- Helping Northern firms access new customers and commercial partners.
- Hosting a flagship trade and investment event in Delhi.
- Building relationships with Indian ministers, investors and business leaders.
- Promoting Northern visitor attractions to Indian travel buyers.
- Expanding university and research collaborations.
- Using sport and culture, including football and cricket, to deepen international ties.
- Developing long-term partnerships across business, tourism, education and innovation.
Northern universities will also participate in activities led by the British Council and Study UK to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation and student exchange programmes.
The visit represents a significant milestone in efforts to market the North of England internationally as a single economic powerhouse.
By bringing together major employers, SMEs, investors, higher education institutions and cultural organisations under one banner, leaders hope to strengthen the North's profile in India while securing investment, trade opportunities and increased visitor numbers for communities across the region.
The mission forms part of The Great North's wider strategy to promote Northern England globally and accelerate economic growth through stronger international partnerships.
Image credit: iStock
