Happy New Year! I hope that 2017 brings you fun, happiness and prosperity. What an incredible start to the New Year. I was fortunate to travel to India as part of the Norther Powerhouse and Federation of Asian Business (FAB) trade delegation. Didn't know what to expect, but must admit if I had any expectations they would have all been exceeded.
Travelling with Turkish Airlines, who were a key trade partner, the service was faultless. In an era where travel just appears to become more and more stressful, the journey could not have been any better, although I must have been a stone heavier being continuously fed and watered. If you are travelling out of Manchester then do consider this airline as a competitive alternative.
Having started the journey at 3am on Thursday morning we eventually arrived at our hotel in Bangalore at 2pm on the Friday. Even though we were all exhausted there was a real buzz about the place that was infectious. I genuinely did not expect Bangalore to be so welcoming, hospitable or as developed.
The main purpose of the trade visit was to attend the Pravasi Bhartia Divas Conference which is an opportunity for non-resident Indians to come together and celebrate with various dignitaries including the PM Modi. With thousands of people attending from over 75 countries this was a big event. The organisation of the three day conference was first-class.
On the Saturday we were taken on tour around various smart specialisation sectors across the region which happens to be the start-up, tech, bioscience, advance manufacturing capital of India contributing to nigh on 38% of the GDP. Starting at Electronic City, which was established in 1997 as India’s Silicon Valley, it must be a strong contender to fair equally if not close behind the original. There are over 300 multinational tech businesses located in this Development Corporation Area that independently maintains all aspects of the community from transport to infrastructure. There were an incredible number of inspirational females in leading roles across the public and private sector clearly demonstrating India’s progress to ensuring equality and diversity.
Within India’s Tech City the Bangalore Bio Centre (BBC) is located that offers life science businesses all of the support needed to start and scale up. We were fortunate to hear various pitches from a number of innovative and interesting organisations that have developed a range of unique services and products both to national and international markets. After our visit they are now considering the North East as a potential base.
We were fortunate enough to visit a state school in a deprived and disadvantaged area. The school children could not even afford shoes, yet their passion for learning, respect, discipline and the way they cherished their school books was amazing. We have agreed to roll-out the PIE Project to all 120 schools that are part of the network, which is probably one of the highlights of my visit to offer these future entrepreneurs life choices and chances that they may not have had.
The following four days were spent meeting various ministers, officials, trade organisations and institutes both in Bangalore and Delhi that we managed to obtain agreements in principal from to form partnerships with the UK and in particular the North East. India offers an incredible opportunity for North East businesses and if you haven’t already done so you need to consider India as a potential market. With over 1.2billion people and a growing market for all goods and services India undoubtedly offers a chance that I don’t think any other country can. Without doubt India is the New Land of Hope and Glory.
Ammar Mirza CBE is the founder and chairman of Asian Business Connexions, Board member of North East LEP and holds various other positions across the public and private sectors.
PS – Couple of dates for the diary:
ABC Professional Network Launch 16th February 530pm at Brewin Dolphin in association with SME Centre of
Excellence and Square One Law.
SME Centre of Excellence Power of 3 @Newcastle College 9th March 430pm.
