Latest news with #LordBilimoria
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Britain 'very close' to post-Brexit trade deal with India amid claims negotiators have backed off demands for big concessions on visas
The UK is 'very close' to signing a post-Brexit trade deal with India, according to a leading British-Indian businessman. Lord Bilimoria, a crossbench peer who founded the Cobra beer brand, said he had been told by senior Indian politicians that an agreement would soon be concluded. Britain has been in negotiations with India over a free trade agreement since early 2022, with Labour having relaunched stalled talks in February this year. The possibility of a trade deal with New Delhi has long been viewed as one of the bigger prizes of Britain's departure from the EU. Negotiations stumbled under the previous Tory government over demands for the UK to grant more visas to Indian workers as the price of an agreement. But, according to reports, India has now accepted the UK will only offer minor changes to visa rules. Piyush Goyal, India's commerce minister and chief trade negotiator, is meeting with Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in London today and tomorrow to continue talks. Lord Bilimoria revealed both Mr Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman, India's finance minister, talked up the likelihood of an agreement when he met them last month. According to reports, India has now accepted the UK will only offer minor changes to visa rules as part of a trade agreement 'Both of them told me very, very clearly that we are very close to concluding this free trade agreement,' Lord Bilimoria told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The peer, who is the UK chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce and a former president of the Confederation of British Industry, added: 'It's three years that these negotiations have been going on. 'And we're now, I think, very, very close to concluding it. We need to do this because India has already overtaken the UK and is now the fifth-largest economy in the world. 'Very soon it will be the third-largest economy in the world, by 2030. I say it will be the largest economy in the world by 2060. 'It's the fastest-growing major economy in the world with a 6 per cent plus growth rate. And, yet, India is only the 12th-largest trading partner of the UK with about $50billion of trade. 'We need to be doing much more with India and this free trade agreement, I think, will turbocharge and be a catalyst for growing trade, business and investment bilaterally both ways between our countries. 'I think we could double that $50billion to $100billion within five years.' According to Politico, the mobility chapter of the UK-India trade deal has been finalised in recent weeks. The new rules will lead to around 100 new visas for Indian workers each year, a UK official told the website. India had originally proposed larger quotas for professionals, particularly in sectors like IT and healthcare. Mr Goyal is expected to push the UK Government for carve-outs for Indian firms on carbon taxes on his trip to London this week. New Delhi is also hoping for concessions from Britain on Indian firms being able to claw back payments to the UK's state pension pot for those on short-stay visas. A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: 'This Government is committed to doing the right deal with India which will improve access for UK businesses, cut tariffs, and make trade cheaper and easier.' 'Talks have been ongoing since they were re-launched in February, and we will only sign a deal that is in the best interests of the British people and drives growth across the UK.'
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
E2E Female 100 list for 2025 revealed
The E2E Female 100 track is a definitive index recognising the outstanding achievements of the 100 fastest-growing female-led or founded businesses in the United Kingdom, based on their remarkable success over the past few years. For more information and to see the full E2E Female 100 2025 track, click here. E2E, Creditsafe and Experian gathered the data underpinning this prestigious recognition, ensuring a rigorous selection process that acknowledges businesses solely for their measurable impact on the commercial landscape. Spanning a multitude of sectors, these league tables serve as a testament to the remarkable achievements led by women across the UK. To celebrate such achievements, E2E is hosting an E2E 100 gala reception scheduled for July 2025, hosted by Shalini Khemka CBE and chaired by Lord Bilimoria CBE DL. Women featured in this year's track, with their companies demonstrating extraordinary growth, are Dr Angie Ma, Co-founder at Faculty Science Ltd; Natalie Campbell and Charlotte Harrington, Co-CEOs at Belu Water; Trinny Woodall, Founder at Trinny London; and Darina Garland, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Ooni. The E2E 100 is a visionary initiative spanning six league tables, paired with online panel discussions and in-person gala receptions. This initiative stands as a tribute to the exceptional talent of UK entrepreneurs, showcasing their unwavering commitment to excellence, consistent growth, and groundbreaking business strategies that resonate not only within their respective sectors but nationwide, and in some instances, globally. Highlighting talent from every corner of the UK, the E2E Female 100 track showcases the rich diversity of businesses founded by women and the monumental successes they have achieved while navigating the challenges of an uncertain economic landscape. Speaking about the track, Shalini Khemka CBE, founder of E2E says: 'The E2E Female 100 recognises the phenomenal accomplishments of women within the business community. It highlights their expertise, determination, and perseverance in an often challenging landscape. 'We're still in a crucial phase where increased visibility for women is essential to achieving balance in our economy — whether that's through acknowledgement, fair pay, or equal access to opportunities. I believe this track plays a vital role in driving that change. 'By bringing attention to the impressive achievements of women entrepreneurs, the E2E Female 100 not only honours their success but also champions their rightful place in the business world.' Andy Morley, Chief Revenue Officer from The Independent, said: 'We're delighted to celebrate this impressive group of women, each of whom has made significant progress within their industries over the past three years. The partnership between E2E and The Independent on the E2E Female 100 offers a unique opportunity to showcase outstanding female talent throughout the UK. It's a powerful statement that not only motivates the next generation of women in business but also highlights E2E's unwavering support for female leadership and entrepreneurship.' Lord Bilimoria CBE, DLsaid: 'As a founding board member of E2E, I've had the privilege of seeing it flourish under Shalini Khemka CBE's leadership, evolving into a key network for founders, executives, and investors. 'The Female 100 demonstrates E2E's ongoing dedication to recognising the most rapidly growing female-led businesses across the country. It's an outstanding initiative that applauds the success of these inspiring women while encouraging future entrepreneurs. 'E2E's commitment to promoting diversity and empowering women in leadership roles is a significant contribution to the entrepreneurial sector, helping create a future with limitless opportunities.' The data for the tracks is independently gathered by Creditsafe, E2E and Experian according to specific criteria and official data. Each track is supported by our partner Universal Partners.
