Senior leaders from across the North of England are set to participate in a trade mission to India this October, marking the first time the region will travel under a unified banner known as The Great North. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, innovation, culture, and the visitor economy.
The delegation, scheduled from October 12 to 16, will include representatives from the North East, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, as well as Cheshire and Warrington. Participants encompass civic officials, business leaders, academics, and civic partners, reflecting a broad spectrum of the region’s interests.
This mission arrives as the UK-India Free Trade Agreement is implemented, signifying a backdrop of expanding economic ties. According to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), total trade between the UK and India reached £47.9 billion in 2025, representing a 10 percent increase over the previous year.
The program will begin with an opening event hosted by the British High Commission in New Delhi. It will feature sector-specific meetings alongside cultural and sporting activities designed to showcase the North of England’s offerings. The mission will also engage Indian travel trade stakeholders with the goal of reinforcing visitor economy links between India and the Northern regions of England.
Kim McGuinness, Chair of The Great North and Mayor of the North East, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating it provides the North of England with a rare opportunity to present a united front internationally. She described the mission as a step toward the region taking control of its economic future by building meaningful relationships, attracting investment, and fostering opportunities that support local communities and businesses over the long term.
The Great North delegation represents a coordinated effort to elevate the North’s global profile in a competitive international landscape, leveraging the momentum created by the UK-India trade agreement to boost economic growth and cultural exchange.