New partnership launched to promote Indian business community
A network to promote the growth of business and commerce with the Indian business community in the Southampton city region and between the city and India has been launched at a special event hosted by the University of Southampton.
The Southampton India Business Network (SIBN) is a partnership between University of Southampton, Business Southampton and the UK India Business Council.
Its aims are to promote an environment for business innovation with people of all cultures who are interested in developing business opportunities with India; support the development of young talented people to become the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future; and provide a network that regularly brings together those people with an interest in enhancing business opportunities with the Indian business community.
There will be a programme of activities, in the UK and India, throughout the year. The next event in September ‘Insight to India’ will give information about doing business in India, while young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to attend the exciting ‘Next Generation’ event in December.
Professor Adam Wheeler, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, comments: “The University recognises the importance of developing partnerships in a global knowledge economy, especially with India. This event provides an opportunity to understand potential for investment and to cultivate commercial relationships.”
Business Southampton CEO, Sally Lynskey says: “This is an excellent event for Business Southampton to be involved with and signals a positive move for the city region. There are untold opportunities in the emerging markets in India and it is crucial that City Champions seize this opportunity.”
The event also saw the presentation of a landmark report by the UK India Business Council (UKIBC), ‘Opportunities for UK PLC in Emerging Cities of India’.
Sharon Bamford, Chief Executive Officer of UKIBC, who presented the report comments: “The international business community is not yet fully aware of the vast potential in cities such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Indore. It is little known that there is a thriving graphic design scene in Goa, or that Chandigarh is a rapidly emerging centre for biotechnology. The aim of the report is twofold: to provide concrete sector specific opportunities and meaningful intelligence to actively impact upon the operations of UK PLC.
“UK companies are well placed to act on these embryonic yet burgeoning new industries. The two countries are closely connected through language and shared history and many UK firms already have successful Indian operations and vice versa.”