Businesses across Northern England are being offered a new gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies following the opening of ISS India’s office in Bengaluru, in a move designed to unlock trade, attract investment and forge commercial partnerships between the two markets.
The launch, which took place during the Great North trade mission to India, signals a push to turn the opportunities arising from the UK–India trade agreement into tangible benefits for Northern businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, who also chairs The Great North, officially inaugurated the office in the presence of British Deputy High Commission representatives, Northern business leaders, entrepreneurs and venture capital investors.
The initiative will operate in both directions, helping British companies establish and expand their presence in India while supporting Indian businesses looking to invest, set up operations and build commercial relationships across Northern England and the wider UK.
In a significant next step, ISS India has announced plans for a three-day business roadshow across key Northern commercial centres in late November 2026.
The delegation will bring Indian businesses and start-ups face to face with potential customers, investors and strategic partners, creating opportunities for investment discussions, market entry and new business relationships.
Priyam Gandhi Mody, Executive Director of the Indian strategic policy think tank FEC Council, has confirmed her participation. A policy paper is also expected to be unveiled during the visit.
Turning the UK–India trade agreement into business opportunities
The opening comes against the backdrop of the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which is expected to create new opportunities for businesses seeking to expand into each other’s markets.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the agreement was already generating commercial interest, with nearly £12 billion worth of deals struck since it was signed.
“The potential of our partnership with India is enormous and we want to help more UK businesses make the most of the opportunities created by the landmark FTA, with nearly £12bn worth of deals struck since it was signed,” he said.
“This new venture is another example of what stronger UK–India ties can deliver, helping British firms reach new markets, grow their business and showcase the innovation and expertise the UK is known for.”
For Northern businesses, the challenge is not simply identifying opportunities in India but securing the right commercial contacts, understanding local regulations and establishing reliable routes to market.
ISS India aims to address those barriers through market-entry planning, identifying partners and distributors, investment readiness programmes and access to university, innovation and supply-chain networks.
Northern England positioned as an investment destination
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the opening as a practical outcome of the first combined Northern trade delegation to India.
“I am pleased to inaugurate ISS India’s office in Bengaluru. This is among the many outcomes of the first combined Northern delegation to India, and it is encouraging to see practical action helping more Northern businesses benefit from the trade deal,” she said.
“I welcome the Indian business and start-up delegation announced by ISS India. Once businesses experience our region, it becomes much easier for them to see the opportunities to do business here.”
The initiative is also designed to promote Northern England as an attractive destination for Indian investment, highlighting the region’s industrial expertise, research institutions, innovation capabilities and access to UK and European markets.
ISS India’s UK operations are based at ISS Airview, Newcastle International Airport, providing a base for overseas companies exploring opportunities in Britain.
The location is supported by ISS logistics operations and Freeport customs infrastructure, while the Bengaluru office will offer corresponding support to UK businesses entering the Indian market.
‘Turning introductions into lasting commercial relationships’
Ammar Mirza CBE, Executive Chairman of ISS India, said the initiative was about ensuring businesses across the North could compete internationally and benefit from stronger commercial links with India.
“The North has the talent, industrial strengths and ambition to compete globally. Our task is to connect that capability with customers, investment and opportunities in India, while helping Indian businesses discover what the whole of Northern England offers,” he said.
“ISS India brings together investment, innovation and internationalisation, underpinned by the right people, places and programmes.”
He described the venture as a practical bridge between the two economies, designed to help businesses move beyond initial introductions towards sustainable partnerships.
“We are building a practical living bridge, with trusted support on the ground to turn introductions into lasting commercial relationships.
“This is about helping businesses grow and ensuring the benefits of international trade reach more places and more people.”
The initiative places particular emphasis on SMEs, including businesses considering international expansion for the first time and established companies looking to diversify into new markets.
By offering local contacts and practical assistance in both countries, ISS India hopes to make international growth more accessible to companies that may lack the resources or established networks of larger organisations.
Opening international markets to smaller businesses
Sharon Jandu OBE, UK CEO of ISS India, said the ambition was to ensure that international trade opportunities were not restricted to major corporations or businesses based in traditional commercial centres.
“International growth should be within reach of a good business, whatever its size or postcode,” she said.
“Across the North, companies have products and expertise that could succeed in India. They need a clear route to market and people they can trust.”
She said the organisation would work to connect businesses with potential customers, investors, universities and commercial partners on both sides.
“For Indian companies, Northern England offers a compelling base for UK growth and a platform from which to develop wider European opportunities. November’s delegation will bring that proposition to life.”
Bengaluru launch could lead to wider Indian expansion
Xavier Prabhu, India CEO of ISS India, said the partnership would bring together complementary strengths in innovation, manufacturing, research and entrepreneurship.
“India’s entrepreneurial energy and growing demand complement the North’s strengths in innovation, industry and research,” he said.
“The opportunity is substantial, but success depends on finding the right partners and understanding how each market works.”
He said ISS India’s combined networks would help businesses progress from initial interest to commercial activity, with a focus on supporting smaller companies and encouraging more inclusive economic growth.
“Our combined networks and experience help businesses move from interest to action, with practical support in both countries. Inclusive growth is central to that approach, particularly for regional businesses and smaller enterprises.”
The organisation also intends to expand into other Indian cities as demand develops, creating additional routes for British businesses to access regional markets across the country.
November delegation to test commercial opportunities
Attention will now turn to the planned three-day roadshow in late November, which will provide an early opportunity to translate the Bengaluru launch into business connections on the ground in Northern England.
The programme is expected to bring Indian entrepreneurs, start-ups and business representatives into direct contact with Northern companies, investors and potential commercial partners.
For businesses seeking new export markets, overseas investment or international partnerships, the initiative offers a potential route into India’s expanding economy.
Equally, for Indian companies considering a UK presence, the North’s combination of industrial capabilities, universities, skilled workforce and logistics infrastructure forms a central part of ISS India’s investment proposition.
The longer-term measure of success will be whether these new connections translate into sustained investment, export growth, jobs and commercial partnerships across Northern communities.
With its Bengaluru office now open and an incoming Indian business delegation planned, ISS India is positioning itself as a two-way platform for trade and investment between Northern England and India.
