Regional leaders to discuss how new UK-India business relationship can benefit women in trade

Business, policy and academic leaders from across West Yorkshire will gather in Leeds on

16 October to explore how the gender chapter of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could transform opportunities for women in trade.

Hosted by law firm Womble Bond Dickinson with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the half-day event will bring together negotiators, legal experts, historians and local exporters to discuss how the FTA’s gender provisions can support regional businesses and strengthen historic links between West Yorkshire and India.

The event, titled “Women, Trade and the UK-India Future: A West Yorkshire Perspective”, will also consider the practical steps needed to make international trade more inclusive.The gathering comes ahead of next month’s Northern Trade Delegation to India, led by ISS Airview, which will take place from 12–20 November. The eight-day mission aims to connect delegates with senior policymakers, entrepreneurs and trade facilitators across India.

Participants will gain insight into market entry strategies, regulatory frameworks and new opportunities arising from the FTA, helping them to navigate and succeed in India’s dynamic business environment.Thursday’s event will open with remarks from Sharon Jandu OBE, Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Engagements for India at the NPH Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum.

She will be followed by Vine Pemberton Joss, a leading historian of the women’s suffrage movement, who will deliver a keynote lecture on Dr Edith Pechey, Yorkshire’s first female doctor, and her legacy in India.A panel discussion, chaired by Tania Arora, Partner at Baker McKenzie, will feature:

• Kate Thornley, Chief UK-India FTA Negotiator, Department for Business and Trade
• Clair Gammage, Professor of International Trade Law, University of Bristol
• Fiona Conor, Managing Director, Trust Electric Heating
• Anna Parker, Head of International Sales, Paxman Scalp Cooling
• Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Chief UK-India FTA Negotiator, Indian High Commission, London

The morning will close with remarks from Rose Smalley-Gordon, Managing Associate at Womble Bond Dickinson, followed by lunch and networking.Speaking ahead of the event, Sharon Jandu OBE said “This event is about turning commitments into transactions – enabling women founders and exporters across West Yorkshire to benefit from the UK-India relationship.The FTA’s gender provisions reframe trade policy by recognising that trade is not gender neutral. Commitments on paper must become concrete, measurable support that entrepreneurs can use to export, scale and create sustainable jobs. West Yorkshire’s cultural and commercial links with India, its deep diaspora networks and growing base of women-led firms make our region exceptionally well placed to make that happen.”

Vine Pemberton Joss added “Dr Edith Pechey’s life across Yorkshire and India reminds us that lasting institutional change is both possible and necessary if trade is to be truly inclusive.”

Delegates and stakeholders interested in attending Thursday’s event or joining the Northern Trade Delegation to India in November are invited to contact Sharon Jandu at sharon@issfreeports.com.