India calling!

SIGNIFICANT opportunities exist for Oldham businesses in the emerging cities of India.

The regional launch of UK India Business Council’s report “Opportunities for UK plc” attracted around 100 businesses from across the area.

Sandra Brusby, speaking on behalf UK Trade and Investment North West India Unit, said: “They were drawn by the guarantee of a free copy of the research. The feed back we are still getting is tremendous as the value of the information is being realised.

“This research has been a long-time coming but has been well worth the wait.

“Quite simply it will save a business not only time but literally thousands of pounds because we’ve in effect done the cold calling for them.

“They can see straight away the areas where there is and isn’t a demand for what they do.”

Nine emerging cities have been identified including Ahmedabad, which is dominant in the automotive, pharmaceutical and education sectors and Pune which is dominant in the automotive, ICT and general industrial sectors. Creative and media thrives in Goa, which is also home to India’s International Film Festival while Chandigarh is a rapidly emerging centre for biotechnology.

There is a trade mission to these emerging cities leaving in September 2009 and a further mission specifically to Ahmedabad in November.

Businesses that missed out on getting a free copy of the research report can access the information by becoming members of the UK India Business Council.

The contact is Brian Thorp, the North West regional director, on 01925 715 202.