Kim McGuinness Inaugurates ISS India Office in Bengaluru; Business and Start-up Delegation to Northeast England Planned for November 2026

In his comments, Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, UK, said,”The potential of our partnership with India is enormous and we want to help more UK businesses make the most of the opportunities created by the landmark FTA with nearly £12bn worth of deals struck since it was signed. This new venture is another example of what stronger UK-India ties can deliver, helping British firms reach new markets, grow their business and showcase the innovation & expertise, UK is known for."

 

In her address, Kim McGuinness, Chair of The Great North Delegation, said,” Pleased to inaugurate ISS India’s office in Bengaluru. This’s among the many outcomes of the first combined North delegation to India. Glad to see on-ground movement to ensure more Northern businesses leverage the trade deal recently operationalized. Extend my support to the Indian business & start-up delegation announced by ISS India. I believe that once someone experiences our region, it’s easier to get them to do business.”

In his comments, Ammar Mirza, CBE, Chairman, International space station (ISS) India, said, “We have been looking at replicating the physical presence similar to the one we have in Newcastle upon Tyne, in India that becomes the launchpad for UK businesses looking to tap and grow in the Indian market, for many years now. Am truly delighted to be here at the ISS India office in Bengaluru. We believe the value proposition that we bring to the table is truly formidable and attractive for any business in both countries looking to access and grow.”

In her comments, Sharon Kaur Jandu OBE, CEO- UK, ISS India, said, "The launch of ISS India’s office in Bengaluru is a significant milestone in our mission to ensure that regional businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators are able to seamlessly access and expand in both the markets. The focus on MSMEs is strategic and highly relevant considering there is still not much non-Asian businesses in UK that have looked at India as a market and conversely many Indian MSMEs who have not explored UK not just as a market but also as a gateway to the European market.”

 

According to Xavier Prabhu, CEO-India, ISS India,” The network, resources & expertise that Ammar, Sharon and me bring collectively besides our unwavering commitment to inclusive trade & growth (which reflects in our focus on regional businesses and MSMEs) is the biggest USP for ISS India. We intend to expand to other cities in India gradually over the next few years, in line with demand. The timing, momentum and the opportunity have all been aligned like never before for India and UK business & trade collaboration and we look forward to being one of the catalysts fuelling that.”