Press Release
5 January 2009
India’s retail boom in the spotlight for exporters
The exciting developments in India’s dynamic, consumer-led retail sector
and the export opportunities they are creating for British companies are
the subject of a conference to be staged by UK Trade & Investment’s
London International Trade Team on 27 January.
Far from curtailing internationalisation, the economic downturn actually
provides an incentive for UK firms to seek out and evaluate potential for
export development, so as to place themselves to take full advantage
when growth returns.
The half-day London conference will provide retailers and representatives
of associated service industries – including logistics, infrastructure, and
supply chain management – with an overview of the changing Indian
market, focusing on its rapidly expanding consumer class. With India’s
economy growing at a rate second only to China (GDP rose 9.1% in
2007/08), huge demand for goods, services and investment is being
created.
Unlike many other markets, India’s population profile will remain young
for a long time. The total under-25 population – about 560 million in 2005
– is expected to be around 600 million in 2025, a highly significant
population of earning and spending potential customers. So, any company
looking at addressing the Indian market must view it as a long-term
opportunity, rather than a short-term fix.
Expert speakers, such as Sameer Prasad, CEO of Planet Retail (India
franchise partner for top brands Debenhams, Next, Monsoon, Accessorize,
and Body Shop, among others), will examine this complex market and the
social and cultural changes creating significant business development
openings for UK companies.
Other contributors will include:

Devangshu Dutta, CEO of retail consultants Third Eyesight;

Laxmi Chaudhry of 1 Stop HR, a specialist adviser on cross-cultural
management and business effectiveness;

Bradley Jones, Head of South Asia Unit, UKTI;

Professor Kul Pawar, Nottingham University Business School,
University of Nottingham; and

Sabe Tibbitts, International Trade Adviser and India Specialist, UKTI
London.
Laxmi Chaudry will speak about the impact of culture on business and
how awareness of culturally sensitive issues can enhance your ability to do
business effectively in the Indian market. Other contributions will include an
economic and political overview of India; the recipe for effective
partnerships between India companies and UK retailers; and a
presentation on supply chain management.
UKTI International Trade Advisers will also be on hand to answer
questions and provide more tailored advice.
Overall, this event is ideal for directors of major UK retailers currently
exporting to India or planning to export there in the future; and retail
companies and logistics enterprises wanting to learn more about
opportunities in the rapidly expanding Indian market.
The event also marks the launch of the UKTI report “The Retail
Opportunity in India 2009”, which examines key factors such as India’s
growing middle class, the changing face of the retail sector, supply chain
considerations, Indian tax law and FDI regulations, cultural nuances to be
taken into account when doing business, and more.
Notes to editors
1.
“The Retail Opportunity in India” conference will be held from 9 am to 2
pm on Tuesday, 27 January 2009, at the Rejuvenation Centre, 132
Commercial Street, London E1 6NG. The event costs £65 + VAT per
delegate (including lunch).
2.
A 100-page UKTI report entitled “The Retail Opportunity in India 2009” is
also being launched at the conference. For more information about the
event and the report, go to
www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/highgrowthmarkets
3.
UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides
integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade
and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment
location. It brings together the work of British embassies and FCO posts
overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England,
international trade support is co-ordinated by nine International Trade
Directors working in partnership with each Regional Development Agency.
The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
have their own arrangements for local delivery of services.
4.
UKTI’s London regional team is dedicated to increasing the
competitiveness of SMEs in the capital through international sales
development. A team of International Trade Advisers delivers tailored help
to businesses who are either exporting for the first time or looking to enter
new markets. The team can be reached on 020 7234 3000; or at
info@uktilondon.org.uk
For more information about UKTI London,
please contact Penelope Parkin: penelopeparkin@uktilondon.org.uk
Issued by COI News & PR on behalf of UK Trade &
Investment
For more information please contact Simon Holder on
020 7261 8342 or at simon.holder@coi.gsi.gov.uk