£450million a year target as Northern delegation heads to India

A coalition of Northern mayors, businesses, universities and other organisations are heading to India to “seize a £450m-a-year trade opportunity.”

It comes following the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and it’s the first time that the North of England has joined forces to promote the region together.

In total almost 200 people will be part of the delegation, delivered in partnership with HSBC.

“The North is going to India with ambition, confidence and a simple message: we want to seize every opportunity this new trade deal creates,” said Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.

“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.”

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Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds added:

“[…] the coalition of Northern mayors and businesses is an exciting initiative in the next stage our partnership which is packed with economic opportunities from our most significant deal to date. 

“From Sunderland to Skye this is what will drive economic growth across the country, where government lays the groundwork for businesses and organisations to work together with international partners to create jobs and opportunities for now and for the future.” 

The government has estimated that the trade agreement could boost the North’s economy by £450m every year – the North West by £210m, Yorkshire and the Humber – £170m and £70m for the North East.

“India is already a hugely important partner to Greater Manchester and I’m excited to strengthen those links even further,” added Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig.

“My job as Mayor is to back our city region. Greater Manchester is an important voice on the global stage and in India I’ll be joined by a 60-strong delegation of businesses, universities, sports clubs and cultural institutions from across our city region to help tell that story.

“Over the past five years, investment from Indian companies has created more than 500 new jobs in Greater Manchester. We’ve seen fragrance manufacturer Keva invest £8 million in a new research centre, and just last month RPSG Group and Lancashire Cricket announced plans to build a new high-performance cricket centre next to Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

“We’ve built strong foundations and the Free Trade Agreement gives us a further boost. The prize is an additional £210 million for the North West’s economy, and that means more trade and investment, more international visitors, and closer links in culture and sport, creating new jobs for our residents and opportunities for our businesses.”

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, said: 

“India is a hugely important market for the North, and there’s a massive amount we can gain by building stronger relationships with businesses, universities and institutions there.

“In the Liverpool City Region we already have strong links with India, but this is about taking that relationship to the next level. Coming together as the Great North, the Liverpool City Region can make sure the world sees the scale and strength of what we’ve got to offer – and that the opportunities that come from it are felt right across our communities.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added:

“Here in West Yorkshire we have a proud track record of turning conversations into results, whether it’s hundreds of jobs in Leeds off the back of a meeting in Bangalore, or millions of pounds of investment after a visit to Mumbai.

“While this landmark trade mission will build on that success, it will also empower us to do so much more, by bringing the whole of the North of England together for the very first time to champion our communities and bat for our businesses abroad.

“Together, we’ll be speaking with one voice to send one clear message. If you’re looking for the best place in the world to invest and grow – with outstanding universities, exceptional talent and extraordinary businesses – then the North of England is where opportunity lives.”

The North of England India Mission takes place place from 12 to 16 October, under the “Great North” banner.

It is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mayors and regions attending include: Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness; Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig; Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Roterham; Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracey Brabin; Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith; South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard; Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire Luke Campbell; Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Chair Cllr Louise Gittins.