UK Secures £1 Billion in Deals as Delegation Seeks CETA Benefits
British business delegation explores opportunities in India across data technology, aviation services, manufacturing and regional trade cooperation
The UK government has highlighted the conclusion of new deals worth £1 billion during a visit by a British business delegation to India, aimed at maximising benefits from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The delegation included businesses from sectors such as data technology, aviation services and manufacturing, while discussions also covered regional trade, investment and economic cooperation.
UK-India Business Deals Target Multiple Sectors
The UK government said the Monday announcement highlighted the conclusion of new deals worth £1 billion, alongside efforts to strengthen business partnerships between the two countries.
Over 100 businesses from a range of sectors travelled with UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Angela Eagle, alongside seven parliamentary delegations from Northern England.
The so-called Great North mission comes almost three months after the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) was signed on July 15.
“Our trade deal with India opened the door, and now regional businesses are walking through it with our northern mayors leading the way in building partnerships to drive jobs, investment and growth,” Reynolds said in a pre-visit statement.
“From advanced manufacturing to education, we want to continue to deepen ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies to bring opportunity for businesses and consumers in all corners of both countries,” he said.
The deals announced to coincide with the visit include a £50 million pounds investment from Meta in Data Technologies (MFD) to fund AI research in the UK, and leading UK aviation services company, Menzies Aviation, seeking to generate over 600 million pounds in revenue with an expanded footprint in India.
Aviation and Data Technology Investments
The UK delegation also highlighted opportunities for regional businesses to benefit from the trade agreement.
The UK Trade Department said the package highlights the UK's ambition to work with one of the world's fastest-growing economies and means that deals worth nearly 12 billion pounds have now been announced since the signing of the landmark CETA in July last year.
“Our free trade agreement was hard won and will now open up a big market for high-quality products like salmon and whisky,” said Scotland Secretary Alexander.
“I am determined to make sure Scotland's producers can turn the trade deal into real business wins, by helping them access and navigate this valuable market.”
“Scotland's success in markets like India is supported by the strength, reach and influence that come from being part of the UK. Boosting export opportunities and encouraging inward investment is Scotland means real benefits back at home in economic growth and jobs,” he said.
Regional Trade and Investment Cooperation
The visit also reflects the broader opportunity offered by the UK-India relationship, with representatives outlining the role of regional bodies and industry organisations in supporting business connections.
The trip included the visit of the UK delegation with a 50 million pounds investment from Meta for Data Technologies (MFD) to fund AI research in the UK, and leading UK aviation services company, Menzies Aviation, seeking to generate over 600 million pounds in revenue with an expanded footprint in India.
The visit also featured discussions on regional business opportunities, manufacturing and trade, including cooperation with organisations such as the British Metal Processors Association, Fever Tree, Kendamil, the National Farmers’ Union, Salmon Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and Walker’s Shortbread.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) minister Angela Eagle said: “This government’s landmark deal with India opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing markets – and we are working to turn its commitments into outcomes for British farmers and food and drink companies.
“We’re in India alongside food and drink exporters helping them showcase the best of British produce, build new trading relationships, and unlock the export opportunities for communities across the UK.”
During the visit, Reynolds also met his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, in Delhi and co-chair the UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).