A golden opportunity exists for northern businesses to mark their stamp in India.

That is the message being spread by the India Roadshow, organised by the Department for International Trade and Invest India, which has been touring northern cities.

The head of the Northern Powerhouse region at DIT, Natalie Bain, has also announced a trade mission to Bangalore and Mumbai in October, which will focus on opportunities in digital technology, clean energy, health innovation and education.

The roadshow provided an opportunity for companies across the north to access expertise around doing business in India.

Exports of goods from the Northern Powerhouse region to India grew by 18.1 per cent from 2017 to 2018 to reach a total value of £698 million.

India is the world’s sixth largest economy.

In 2018, total UK exports of goods and services to India grew by 19.3 per cent to reach a value of £8.0 billion, while inward investment from India in the 2018/19 financial year also grew to 106 projects.

Natalie said: “The Indian economy is more relevant, faster growing and more open to UK exporters than ever before.

“Now is the moment for Northern Powerhouse businesses to make their move and establish a presence in this diverse and exciting country.

“DIT is on hand to help navigate the Indian market, and with a team of 60 International Trade Advisers in the Northern Powerhouse alone, we have the resources, sector expertise and financial support through UK Export Finance to help you leap into India.”