Key figures from the Indian business world gathered at the London Stock Exchange this morning to encourage eligible UK and Indian businesses to enter the UK Trade & Investment India Business Awards announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair in India last September. The awards are the first created by any government to specifically recognise India's global business influence and success.

The UK Trade & Investment India Business Awards jury panel was also announced at the LSE as:
* Mr. Hugh Sandeman (Director India, London Stock Exchange)
* Mr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (CEO Biocon Ltd)
* Mr Nigel Turner (CEO BMI)
* Mr Karan Bilimoria (Chief Executive, Cobra Beer)
* Mr Kiran Karnik (President Nasscom)
* Mr S Ramadorai (CEO, TCS)
* Mr Saurabh Srivastava (CEO Xansa @ Chairman TiE)

Guests including His Excellency Mr. Kamalesh Sharma the Indian High Commissioner witnessed the opening of the Stock Exchange by Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Founder and CEO Cobra Beer and UK Chairman Indo British partnership.

Speaking at the LSE, Karan Bilimoria said "The wonderful thing about these awards is they really are about the relationship between India and Britain both ways. As UK chairman of the Indo British partnership I have seen interest growing in leaps and bounds. British business is waking up to India, and these awards will go a long way to inspiring people in both countries."

Speaking about the UK Trade & Investment India Business Awards, Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive UK Trade & Investment said: "The UK is ideal both as a location for investment and as a gateway to the European market. India's economy is one of the fastest growing in the world and offers huge opportunities to UK companies in many sectors. As the organisation that supports companies in the UK doing businesses internationally and advising overseas enterprises seeking to set up and expand in the UK."

Categories under which companies or individuals may apply:

* Investor of the Year; for those Indian companies that have successfully set up in the UK

* Business partnership Award; for successful Indian and UK business partnership in the UK or India

* Innovation Award; UK company that has successfully launched a new product or service in the Indian market.

* New Market Entrant; UK company that has successfully demonstrated start up capability in India.

* Business Person of the Year; Indian or UK businessperson who has contributed significantly to India-UK business relations.

* Entrepreneur of the Year; an Indian entrepreneur successful in the UK.

* UK Trade & Investment Special Recognition Award; nominations are not sought for this category. The judging panel will identify companies and individuals for consideration and those short-listed will be notified.

For nomination forms and eligibility criteria visit: http://www.ukinindia.com. Entries close on June 30th 2006.