Showcasing Nottingham as a ideal investment hotspot for Indian companies from Punjab and Chandigarh region at a conference, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), here on Tuesday, David Bishop Corporate Director- Development, Nottingham City Council invited industry from this region to collaborate, invest, partner and build business ties with their counterparts in Nottingham, extending full support.
"Nottingham is a perfect investment platform for Indian companies keen to tap into the growing UK market due to its strategic location advantage and immense connectivity. Nottingham's central UK location is a key advantage for businesses that locate here with most of the UK's regions within a two hour road journey; it is easy to reach a national customer base," said Bishop.
"Nottingham is not only a vibrant business destination but also a great place to live as it is over 60 per cent cheaper than London, residential rental prices are 200 per cent lower than London and South East, it has a big Indian community.
Launched in 2012, The Nottingham Growth Plan set out an ambitious and long term strategy for economic development and job creation to reinvigorate the City's fortunes over the next decade.
The Growth Plan comprises a suite of business support products, from equity funding and start-up loans to development programmes and free support with recruitment and training-aimed at helping local companies to flourish and bring further employment to the city
"As part of the priorities set out in Nottingham's Growth Plan, Nottingham City Council seeks to increase trade and investment with India in areas like Health & Lifesciences, CleanTech (Recycling & Energy generation), Education and Information Technology" Bishop said.
"In a bid to boost investment flows and strengthen inter-regional ties, Nottingham Enterprise Zone is offering reduced business rates, simplified planning procedures, superfast broadband and tailored inward investment support to encourage companies from Punjab and Chandigarh region to join hands with their counterparts in UK and further implement their regional and international expansion plans," he added.
During the visit to India, Bishop said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue our focus on developing further links with India. There are many opportunities on each side that we want to pursue and we will build on existing economic and sporting links to enhance these. Nottingham has a lot to offer as a world class, cost effective business destination with the talent and supportive environment to attract major business and investment - and we need to spread that message further afield."
Nottingham has a well established and influential Indian business community, who have been highly supportive of the collaboration with India. Representatives from the Council have planned to meet a number of potential investors in which the city and its potential will be showcased. There will be a special focus on ICT and Life Sciences, as key sectors where Nottingham has a unique offer.
