UK’s Northern Mayors Strengthen Economic Ties with India in Landmark Trade Mission
The first-ever joint mayoral trade mission from the North of England to India has concluded with significant success, resulting in the creation of 763 new jobs, the signing of multiple commercial agreements, and the cementing of long-term international partnerships. The delegation, which featured a coalition of Northern Mayors alongside nearly 200 representatives from the business, academic, and cultural sectors, aimed to capitalize on the momentum of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement.
A Surge in Investment and Employment
The mission served as a strategic platform to showcase the industrial and innovation strengths of Northern England. Beyond the creation of over 760 jobs, the visit secured 80 new apprenticeships and facilitated the launch of two international university campuses.
Major announcements dominated the visit, particularly in the tech and manufacturing sectors. Hexaware Technologies led the charge with a £25 million UK expansion, set to create 240 jobs in Leeds and 420 in Greater Manchester, alongside a new Design and Innovation Centre. In the software space, Newcastle-based giant Sage announced 128 new roles split between the North East and Bengaluru, fostering a deeper exchange of digital expertise.
Greater Manchester also benefited significantly, with RavenAI committing £7.5 million for a new UK headquarters, and Infosys announcing a recruitment drive for 80 apprentices to support the NHS PeoplePortal.
Industrial and Academic Collaboration
The partnership extended deep into the heart of Northern industry. Yorkshire-based AssetCool secured a crucial commercial licence with India’s APAR Industries to deploy electricity network efficiency technology. Meanwhile, County Durham’s Low Carbon Materials is establishing a green supply chain through a potential partnership with the Indian start-up Ground Up, focusing on sustainable construction solutions.
Academic ties were equally prominent. The University of Liverpool officially inaugurated its Bengaluru campus, while the University of York celebrated the early milestones of its new facility in Mumbai. These institutions are now positioned as conduits for research, skills development, and international student mobility.
Strengthening Regional Diplomacy
The mission succeeded in bridging regional leadership, with Northern Mayors engaging directly with Indian government officials. Discussions between Yorkshire’s Mayors and the Chief Minister of Telangana focused on long-term cooperation in trade and economic development, building on the historical and cultural ties between the two regions.
Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East, highlighted the unified approach, noting that the mission demonstrated the North’s confidence and outward-looking agenda on the global stage. Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig emphasized that the mission was essential for driving local growth, while West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin reflected on the deep-rooted cultural connections between Yorkshire and India, describing the mission as a gateway to turning historic friendships into contemporary economic drivers.
A Future-Focused Partnership
The success of the mission has laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration. Businesses and universities involved are already pursuing further leads, with plans for a return delegation from India in 2027. By establishing a new trade centre in Bengaluru—a partnership between ISS Airview and Newcastle Airport—the North of England has ensured a permanent footprint to support businesses looking to scale across borders.
As the North of England continues to align its economic strategy with India’s status as a rapidly growing G20 economy, the partnerships formed during this visit represent a transformative shift in the region’s international trade trajectory.
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