Northern England builds a new business bridge to India through ISS India

ISS India opens Bengaluru office with Mayor Kim McGuinness and announces Indian business delegation to the North in November

L-R Sharon Jandu OBE, Ammar Mirza CBE, Mayor Kim McGuinness, Xavier Prabhu

Northern England’s businesses have a new route into India following the opening of ISS India’s Bengaluru office, connecting the region’s entrepreneurs, universities and industrial strengths with one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, Chair of The Great North, officially opened the office during the Great North trade mission to India, attended by British Deputy High Commission representatives, Northern business delegates, entrepreneurs and venture capital investors.

The venture has a clear purpose. Help British businesses enter and grow in India, while supporting Indian companies to invest, establish operations and develop commercial partnerships across Northern England and the wider UK, with support to explore European markets.

Its next step is a three-day roadshow across key Northern business hubs in late November 2026, bringing an Indian business and start-up delegation to meet potential customers, investors and partners.

Priyam Gandhi Mody, Executive Director of FEC Council, an Indian strategic policy think tank, has agreed to participate. A policy paper will also be unveiled during the visit.

The opening follows the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and reflects a growing determination to translate stronger national ties into practical opportunities for regional businesses.

Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary, said

“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.

“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.”

Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor and Chair of The Great North, said

“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.

“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.”

ISS India combines a physical presence in both countries with strategic and practical support. Its offer includes market-entry planning, partner and distributor identification, investor readiness, innovation programmes and introductions to universities, supply chains and commercial networks.

Its UK base at ISS Airview, Newcastle International Airport, provides a soft landing and launch pad connected to the wider North through ISS logistics operations and Freeport customs infrastructure. The Bengaluru office provides corresponding support for British companies entering India.

Ammar Mirza CBE, Executive Chairman of ISS India, said

“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.

“ISS India brings together investment, innovation and internationalisation, underpinned by the right people, places and programmes. 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 focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises, including businesses taking their first international steps and established companies seeking new markets. ISS India aims to make the relationships, knowledge and practical support needed for expansion more accessible.

Sharon Jandu OBE, UK CEO of ISS India, said

“International growth should be within reach of a good business, whatever its size or postcode. 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.

“We provide that support in both directions, connecting British and Indian businesses with customers, partners, universities and investment networks.

“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.”

Xavier Prabhu, India CEO of ISS India, said

“India’s entrepreneurial energy and growing demand complement the North’s strengths in innovation, industry and research. The opportunity is substantial, but success depends on finding the right partners and understanding how each market works.

“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.

“We intend to expand into other Indian cities as demand develops, building lasting relationships that support trade and investment in both directions.”

The Bengaluru opening and November roadshow mark the start of a sustained programme to connect Northern enterprise with Indian opportunity, creating a dependable route for businesses to trade, invest and grow together.