Among those making the trip was Duncan Grant, Managing Director of the Amersham-based toy retailer ‘The Entertainer’ which currently employs more than 1,000 people. Speaking before the trip, he said: “We are looking forward to this important visit to India and I’m very keen to follow up on discussions we have already been having with potential Indian partners and to hopefully secure a deal. Our key objective will be to find a franchise partner who can help us break into the lucrative Indian retail market.”

The Indian retail sector is expected to grow by 25% a year over the next two years and the delegation will be hoping to take advantage of an aerospace market which is expected to be among the top three in the world over the next ten years, with 7% annual growth.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister celebrated the strong cultural links between the UK and India, with an expansion of student exchange programmes and visits to schools and universities in Delhi and Mumbai. Also on the trip was Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, who explored opportunities for UK companies and strengthen collaboration on energy and climate change.

Before embarking for India, the Deputy Prime Minister said:

“I am delighted to be leading the first trade delegation to India since the election of the new government. There is already £16 billion of trade every year between India and the UK. India invests more in the UK than it does in the rest of the European Union combined, and no country in the G20 invests more in India than Britain does.

In addition, there are the historic cultural links. The rich tapestry of British community, business, cultural and sporting life is hugely enriched by our links with India. Thousands of students take part in exchange programmes such as the UK-India Education and Research Initiative and I look forward to seeing how we can forge even deeper and stronger bonds between our people.”

Is your company interested in exporting? Buckinghamshire Business First, in partnership with UK Trade & Investment are planning an Exporting for Growth event in November designed to help companies maximise their success in overseas markets. If you are interested in attending please email events@bbf.uk.com. Further information will be available nearer the date.