‘Great North’ Delegation Launches High-Stakes Trade Mission to India
In an unprecedented show of regional unity, a powerful coalition of Northern English mayors, academic leaders, and business titans has embarked on a strategic trade mission to India. This landmark visit, taking place from October 12 to 16, marks the first time the North of England has mobilized as a singular entity under the “Great North” banner to court international investment.
The initiative follows the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, a pact that serves as the catalyst for this ambitious journey. With a delegation of nearly 200 participants delivered in partnership with HSBC, the North is looking to tap into a potential £450 million annual economic windfall.
A Unified Front for Economic Growth
For years, individual Northern cities have fostered bilateral ties with India. However, this trip represents a departure from fragmented efforts. By presenting a collective front, the mayors of the North intend to showcase the region’s combined strength in sectors ranging from clean energy and advanced manufacturing to life sciences and the burgeoning creative industries.
Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East and Chair of The Great North, emphasized the proactive nature of the mission. “We are not waiting for the benefits of the trade deal to come to us,” she stated. “By bringing our leading businesses, universities, and cultural institutions together, we are building relationships designed to last for generations and securing prosperity for our residents.”
The government’s economic projections suggest that this collaboration could yield significant dividends, estimating an annual boost of £210 million for the North West, £170 million for Yorkshire and the Humber, and £70 million for the North East.
Strengthening Existing Ties
For many participating regions, the trip is about building upon established success. Greater Manchester, for instance, has seen consistent Indian investment, including the recent RPSG Group and Lancashire Cricket partnership aimed at developing a world-class high-performance cricket center.
“Greater Manchester has already benefited from Indian investment, which has created over 500 jobs in the last five years,” said Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig. “This trade mission is about taking that success to the next level.”
Similarly, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin noted the practical history of her region’s engagement with Indian markets. Having previously converted meetings in Bangalore and Mumbai into localized job creation, Brabin believes the “Great North” approach will amplify this impact. “We are speaking with one voice to send one clear message,” she added. “If you are looking for the best place in the world to invest, the North of England is where opportunity lives.”
A Strategic Partnership
The mission is being conducted in coordination with the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds lauded the delegation, noting that this initiative is precisely the type of collaborative effort needed to drive national economic growth.
As the delegation engages with Indian counterparts throughout the week, the primary objective remains clear: to transition from mere dialogue to tangible investment. By pooling resources and expertise, the North of England is positioning itself as a premier destination for global capital, aiming to secure long-term jobs and industrial relevance in a rapidly shifting international market.
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