Dr. Aman Puri (Consul General of India, Birmingham), Cllr Baggy Shanker (Derby City Council) with Mr. Will Tanner (Director Public Relations and Public Affairs UK, Bombardier) and his colleagues.
‘India Derby Business’ meeting was hosted by the Derby City Council on 27th November 2018. Consul General, Aman Puri shared his insights besides giving an update on Indian economy stating, ‘though Indian economy is highly competitive, it provides an enormous opportunity for British businesses for growth, and returns in the long term’ The meeting was focussed on identifying the successful examples which could be used further by Derby City Council to influence policy, investment and drive economic growth between India and UK. Cllr. Baggy Shanker of Derby City Council, moderated the meeting and discussed how the various sectors in Derby can benefit from the huge pool of available resources in India, the fastest growing major economy of the world. Leader of Derby City Council Cllr. Chris Poulter expressed great satisfaction that the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Derby City Council and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce with Indian Chamber of Commerce – Kolkata in January 2018, has resulted in 9 businesses, based in and around Derby, to form business links with their counter parts in Kolkata.
Subsequently, Consul General, Aman Puri toured the facilities of ‘Rolls Royce – Aerospace Centre’ in Derby where Mr Paul Harris, Director of Economic Development gave an overview of the economic impact of Rolls Royce on the aerospace industry, and the larger economy. He also highlighted the Company’s Indian footprint including work which Rolls Royce is currently doing in reaching out to a targeted 6 million kids, to kindle their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) courses. In order to reach that overall goal, Rolls Royce have taken formed partnerships with NGO’s & institutions in India where 30,000 students have been covered in the programme.
Dr Puri also visited the facilities of ‘Bombardier’– a world leading manufacturer of trains. Mr Will Tanner, Director Public Relations and Public Affairs, Bombardier UK, gave an insightful tour of the train manufacturing giant, and also presented interesting facts on Bombardier & the relationship with Delhi Metro. He also highlighted the manufacturing taking place in India for export to Queensland, Australia supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The day ended with a visit to ‘Pattonair’ – leading global aerospace and defence supply chain service provider, where Mr Mark Ness, Commercial Director focussed on Pattonair’s working relations with India and how Pattonair is in the process of setting up their first supply centre in Bangalore. He also shared their plans to have India as a base to supply to other economies. He mentioned the support provided by the ‘Access India Programme’, for Pattonair to establish their footprint in India.
To conclude, Consul General, Aman Puri lauded the efforts of Cllr. Baggy Shanker for organising such a fruitful visit. Consul General also expressed hope that a major ‘ Aerospace Conference’ could be hosted at Derby in the middle of 2019, which will further strengthen India and East Midlands business relationship. Midlands Engine had supported a Trade Mission to India in October, 2018, during which Secretary of State Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire was accompanied by Mayor Andy Street, and Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Engine. Consulate will be supporting the next Midands Trade Mission to India, and will encourage British Small and Medium Enterprises from East Midlands to join in large numbers to explore first hand, the amazing opportunities available in India.
