India a core focus international growth market for East of England firms
The firm’s Business Outlook Tracker, which surveyed mid-sized businesses in the East of England, finds that over one third of business leaders are planning to invest more in growing internationally in the next six months. And many have their sights set on India, with 68 per cent of respondents identifying the country as a focus international growth market.
The East of England’s mid-market is already very familiar with doing business in India, with over half the companies surveyed already having an established presence there. Of these, almost all (97 per cent) have plans to expand their presence, with the majority intending to do so within the next two years.
The opportunities that a Free Trade Agreement would offer are also evident to the region’s business leaders. As negotiations continue, almost three quarters of respondents agree that an FTA with India is likely to encourage their business to explore more opportunities there.
As India’s economy continues to grow in strength, the mid-market sees many benefits to establishing a business presence in this market. The top three benefits identified by the research are:-
- Similar corporate governance and compliance requirements to the UK
- Access to a large population of highly skilled workers
- A fast growing and stable economy
However, while establishing a business presence in an international market can offer numerous opportunities, it also presents challenges. The biggest barriers for the mid-market to building a business presence in India identified by the research are
- Ease of doing business
- High tariffs and protectionist policies
- Safeguarding intellectual property
James Brown, Practice Leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP in the Central and East region, said: “India is now the fifth largest economy in the world and is predicted to become the third largest by 2030.
“It therefore presents a huge opportunity for growth for businesses in the East of England. As the country is only set to continue to grow, it is an excellent time for both those with an existing presence, and those looking to India for the first time, to be exploring potential opportunities in this market.
“With the uncertain geopolitical situation at the moment, India offers a stable and certain economic environment for investors and businesses, with, not only a fast-growing economy, but also a large working age and consumer population.
“The anticipated UK-India Free Trade Agreement should also help propel the relationship between the two countries further and provide an excellent platform for further investment.
“An FTA should reduce tariffs and duties to allow for a more level playing field for overseas businesses and give greater access to a large and fast-growing market.
“It should also allow for the relaxation of certain regulations and help improve the ease with which businesses in the UK can look to do business with, or within, India.”