ENA Global 2025-10-21 18:18:07 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Oct 21 (KNN)</strong> UK businesses are accelerating their entry into India following the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to a report by Grant Thornton. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The firms International Business Report (IBR) reveals a sharp rise in interest, with 72% of UK companies identifying India as a priority market for growth &mdash; up from 61% in the previous year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Although only 28% of respondents currently have operations in India, nearly three-fourths (73%) of those without a presence plan to enter the Indian market soon, with 13% aiming to do so within the next 12 months.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed during British Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks visit to India in July, is being hailed as a potential game-changer for trade. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Once ratified, the agreement is expected to deepen the Euro 44.1 billion bilateral trade relationship and ease entry barriers for British firms.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Businesses cite Indias large consumer base, skilled workforce, and robust economic growth as key attractions. About 65% of respondents highlighted Indias fast-expanding economy, while 60% pointed to its vast market potential. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Furthermore, 79% of companies agreed that trade pacts such as the FTA encourage investment and growth through lower operational costs and smoother talent mobility.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">However, the report also notes some caution among investors. Around 63% of firms cited complex regulations and foreign exchange controls as hurdles, while 38% mentioned infrastructure gaps and market fragmentation as challenges.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Overall, the study suggests UK businesses are shifting their focus from Why India? to How soon can we be in India?, reflecting a strong appetite for deeper engagement and investment in one of the worlds fastest-growing economies.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 43837 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/global/uk-firms-fast-track-india-expansion-plans-after-free-trade-deal-report 2025-10-21 18:18:07 knnindia.co.in