HSBC UK urges businesses in Northern Ireland to ‘explore opportunities’ of Indian market
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement was signed in summer 2025 and is due to enter into force this year. With this in mind HSBC UK is sponsoring a series of government roadshows in the coming weeks, including Belfast on 18th June.
To help UK businesses prepare and take full advantage of this opportunity, HSBC UK is sponsoring a series of Department for Business and Trade (DBT) UK–India Roadshows across all four UK nations between 17-25 June 2026.
The agreement opens up better access to the Indian market for the UK’s powerhouse services sector, including government procurement contracts valued at around £38 billion every year.
The roadshows come as HSBC CMB promotes ‘Growth Month’ highlighting a series of products and events to show how businesses up and down the country are driving UK Growth.
India has a huge appetite for advanced manufacturing and sustainability technologies in which UK expertise is strong. Aerospace, automotive, electrical circuits, medical devices and high-end optical products are among the sectors that will benefit from substantially reduced tariffs. There will also be access to India’s clean energy market, as the country seeks to meet ambitious renewables targets.
The roadshow is designed to provide UK businesses with the clarity, confidence and connections needed to enter or scale in one of the world’s fastest‑growing major economies.
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, said:
“Helping businesses to prepare to use our landmark trade deal and realise the huge opportunities is crucial. From advanced manufacturing to our world-class services sector, I’m supporting UK businesses to take advantage of this deal, which will be worth billions to our economies.
“Alongside the Government of India we’re making good progress towards entry into force and both sides will continue to work tirelessly to deliver this.”
The roadshow will visit:
Wednesday 17 June: Leeds
Thursday 18 June: Belfast
Monday 22 June: Edinburgh
Tuesday 23 June: Cardiff
Wednesday 24 June: Birmingham
Thursday 25 June: Manchester
To sign up please visit this link: UK–India Roadshow 2026 - New Registration
Susan Rowand, Head of Corporate Banking, Scotland & Northern Ireland at HSBC UK, said:
“India remains relatively unexplored by UK businesses, but as an opportunity, represents a potential cornerstone to drive UK Growth.
“Business between the two countries was already mounting before the trade deal was signed. Total trade in goods and services rose by 8.3% to £42.6 billion last year. The UK government estimates that as a result of the new deal, annual UK exports to India will grow by over 59%, a value of £15.7bn. We are urging businesses across Northern Ireland to talk to us, get involved, sign up and start to explore opportunities.”