An Altrincham resident is spearheading a major trade summit this week that is bringing hundreds of business leaders and senior policymakers from across the North of England to Trafford.
Vishakha Yaduvanshi, who lives in Altrincham, is the Consul General of India in Manchester and is leading the India North England Opportunity Summit, a landmark event coinciding with the imminent introduction of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
The deal, signed in July 2025, is expected to boost bilateral trade by an estimated £25.5 billion annually, eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian goods entering the UK and 64% of UK goods entering India.
The summit also marks one year since the opening of the Consulate General of India in Manchester, which Ms Yaduvanshi has led since its launch.
She said: “With the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement soon coming into force this is an important moment to strengthen relationships and ensure businesses across the North are ready to seize the opportunities ahead.
“Since launching in Manchester a year ago, the Indian Consulate in Manchester has played an important role in facilitating business connections between India and the North of England. We are committed to building on that momentum by being the catalyst that brings policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry together.
“It’s an exciting time and we are delighted to continue to support business relationships between the UK and India so we can all grow together.”
Bilateral trade between the UK and India exceeded £41 billion in 2024, with India now the world's fastest-growing major economy. Almost 100 Indian companies registered in the North West have collectively invested £1.07 billion in the region, employing more than 6,700 people.
The summit, which takes place at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, on Friday 20th March, is being managed by Go Live Global, an award-winning events agency based on Stamford Street in Altrincham.
Key speakers will include Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip), Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Angela Rayner MP.
