The India UK Free Trade Agreement has created fresh momentum in the economic relationship between the two countries, but for Greater Manchester, the opportunity goes far beyond trade. Joe Manning, Managing Director, Invest Manchester, and Jo Ahmed, Co Chair of the Manchester India Partnership, believe the agreement can become a catalyst for deeper collaboration in manufacturing, innovation, research and technology.
Speaking during an interaction in Mumbai, Jo Ahmed said the agreement has already generated a noticeable shift in the conversations taking place with businesses.
"The optimism is really palpable. Businesses are now asking how we can collaborate through research and academic partnerships to take full advantage of the Free Trade Agreement," Ahmed said. She added that "the Free Trade Agreement is a real signal from the government level that we are serious about the relationship. For manufacturers in India, there is a fantastic opportunity to look at Greater Manchester and explore what opportunities there could be." Greater Manchester has long been recognised for its strengths in advanced manufacturing.
Today, that legacy is supported by world class universities, cutting edge research and a fast-growing technology ecosystem. According to Ahmed, the future of manufacturing will depend as much on innovation as on production. "It is not just about the ability to make a product. It is about creating the software, the digital technologies and the innovation that are transforming manufacturing," she said while highlighting opportunities in material science, artificial intelligence and advanced engineering.
Sustainability is another area where both sides can benefit from closer collaboration. Greater Manchester has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2038 and sees this as an opportunity for companies developing cleaner manufacturing technologies. "We want to get ahead of others and demonstrate that these things can work. That creates market opportunities for businesses looking to invest and showcase their technologies," Ahmed observed.
While technology and manufacturing remain central to the partnership, both leaders stressed that relationships are what truly differentiate Greater Manchester. "It is about relationships first before we talk about business," Ahmed said, pointing to the long standing Indian community in the region and the trust that has developed through decades of people-to-people engagement.
For companies considering an expansion into the United Kingdom, Joe Manning said Invest Manchester works as a long-term partner rather than simply an investment promotion agency. "We see ourselves as the front door into the city region. We want to provide people with the best welcome they can possibly have and help them navigate the city," Manning said.
He explained that every business has different objectives, whether it is market access, research partnerships or setting up innovation centres, and Invest Manchester works to connect companies with the right institutions, universities and business networks.
Ahmed added that the Manchester India Partnership complements this effort by creating an ecosystem where Indian businesses feel supported from the moment they arrive. "It is about being human. It is about being relevant to those businesses and supporting them at every stage of the journey," she said. "Once businesses come, they stay. It is very rare that you hear of a business leaving Manchester.
They come, they grow and they expand." Making a direct pitch to Indian manufacturers looking at their first investment in the United Kingdom, Manning highlighted the city's business environment, skilled workforce and international connectivity.
"Indian businesses will be in good company. You will get a proper Manchester welcome, and Manchester is very much a global city in its outlook," he said. "From Manchester, businesses can look into European markets and North American markets as well. Think of us as a global city and as a global gateway."
The discussion also focused on future areas of collaboration, with healthcare, life sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and university led research emerging as priority sectors.
Both leaders agreed that the greatest value would come from companies and institutions working together rather than operating independently. Looking ahead, Ahmed said success should not be measured only by investment figures but by the impact those investments create.
She said the partnership should lead to more collaborative projects, stronger business engagement in both directions and greater innovation between companies in India and Greater Manchester.
Ultimately, she added, the real measure of success will be investments that create skilled jobs, strengthen capabilities and deliver long term benefits for communities in both countries.
