(21 January 2009)

While Western economies are experiencing an economic downturn, UK companies are looking to increase their business in India to ride out the downturn. According to a recent UK India Business Council (UKIBC) survey, over 46 % respondents said they plan to increase their Indian business operations and 38 % respondents said the economic downturn has made no difference to their India business plans.

Three UKIBC members have opened offices in India this month- Avanta, Benoy and Sturgis. Benoy, who lead the architects of Bluewater in Kent, the Bullring in Birmingham and Market City in Mumbai, has built an enviable global reputation for internationally exemplary architecture. Since entering the India market three years ago Benoy has successfully secured 32 projects across retail, mixed-use and urban regeneration sectors. Graham Cartledge, Chairman, Benoy commented “We found there is an increased opportunity for Benoy to extend their services into India. Not just the front end design part of the process but into the construction phases. The realignment of pound also makes British business more competitive.”

Commenting on the survey, UKBC CEO Sharon Bamford said, “The presence of a strong, high level delegation of 100 business leaders visiting India with Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform establishes UK’s strong interest in the Indian market.” The delegates include business leaders Vittorio Colao, CEO, Vodafone, Lord Desai, Terry Hill, Chairman, Arup, Evelyn de Rothschild, Gerry Grimstone, Standard Life and Stuart Popham, Clifford Chance who are visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.

Moreover, Lord Mandelson will also open UKIBC office in Mumbai on the 22nd January, sending out a strong message of solidarity. The office will serve its Indian and UK members by providing expert guidance, informative events, seminars and thought provoking reports and research.

Sturgis Associates which runs an architectural practice with a leading approach to sustainability has also opened an office in Delhi after scouting for three years. “It is essential that we get the right partners who add value to our set up,” said Romi Dahele from Sturgis.

Avanta, which provides serviced offices to British companies in India is also expanding its operations. Chris Taylor, director, Avanta said, “There is an increasing demand for serviced offices by start-ups and SMEs. We are seeing more consultants, project teams, inward investors and offspring companies now.”