WIREDGOV

The London Development Agency (LDA) is helping the capital’s small and medium sized businesses compete more effectively in the international market place.

As part of its commitment to supporting businesses through the economic downturn the LDA, in partnership with UK Trade & Investment, is offering scholarships for company managers to develop stronger trading links with India through effective marketing.

The intensive courses will ensure London’s businesses are able to capitalise on the opportunities that exist in one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said of the scholarship scheme:

"No doubt we face a tough journey through the downturn but this is just the time for businesses to be preparing their marketing strategies for when the upturn arrives. It is therefore crucial that London businesses that are looking to trade with India develop their knowledge of this important business centre."

The scholarships give companies who have already identified opportunities or those that are currently trading in India the chance to learn about the Indian business culture and listen to advice from top business experts in the country.

The support from the LDA and UK Trade & Investment ensures they can take advantage of the business potential despite the challenging financial climate.

The new programme builds on a successful scheme that started in the United States and encouraged expansion into North American markets.

LDA Director of International Promotion and Visitor Economy Carolyn Smith said:

“The London Development Agency is focused on supporting small and medium sized businesses through the current economic downturn and this opportunity will help businesses gain a competitive edge. If business owners identify new markets now and understand how to strengthen those links they will increase their chances of prospering.”

The India Marketing Scholarship Programme is part of the LDA’s drive to help keep London working. The LDA announced an additional £23 million package of public sector support for small businesses in December in line with the Mayor of London's Economic Recovery Action Plan.

A series of programmes will be held in the coming months to help businesses manage their cash flow, evaluate risk and increase their competitive advantage.


For further information contact the LDA Media Team: Brooke Baldwin 020 7593 8474. LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enquiries: 020 7593 9000.

Notes for editors

• India is the UK’s 18th largest export market and its second largest export market in the developing world after China.
• In 2007, the UK exported £4.55b of goods and services to India.
• The India Marketing Scholarship Programme is a pilot scheme aimed at helping ten London SMEs enhance their understanding of how to market in India. The cost of the course tuition and accommodation is covered as part of the programme. It builds on a successful scheme supporting links with the US. The total investment by the LDA in the new programme is £16,000.
• The offer is open to small and businesses sized businesses based in London that meet selection criteria including the ability to demonstrate an active interest in the Indian market. The scholarship courses will run from 30 March to 3 April at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. Application forms are available by contacting UKTI London on 020 7593 8058, e-mail johnstasi@uktilondon.org.uk or by visiting www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/london 
• The closing date for applications is 17 February.
• The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.
• UK Trade & Investment is the government organisation that provides integrated support services for UK companies engaged in overseas trade and foreign businesses focused on the UK as an inward investment location. It brings together the work of British embassies and FCO posts overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, international trade support is co-ordinated by nine International Trade Directors working in partnership with each Regional Development Agency. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services.