adminA leading set of barristers in the Midlands is at the forefront of providing businesses across the UK with an inside track into establishing profitable links with India.
Birmingham based No5 Chambers and the International Legal and Business Forum (ILBF) are staging the first show-case conference of its kind in New Delhi next month, which has attracted more than 200 delegates from the UK, the USA, Canada and India.
There has been considerable interest in The India – Gateway to the Future Conference which reflects the opportunities for capitalising on the liberalisation of India’s legal market and its impact on the property, construction, financial, education, manufacturing, IT and support services industries. The programme of events from 28 – 30 October address the national and international agenda, providing wide-scale appeal to all UK based law firms and businesses as a whole.
Mr Ekwall Tiwana, chairman of the ILBF and a leading barrister with No5 Chambers, confirmed that many of India’s most eminent lawyers and influential business leaders had already secured places and that the UK was well represented by delegates from Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and London. A Scottish contingent also reflected the presence of Lord Davidson, Advocate General for Scotland as a keynote speaker at the conference.
Commenting Mr Tiwana said: “The global interest underlines the high calibre of speakers and contributors which include a host of Indian government ministers and politicians, the Chief Justice of India, top law firms in India and QC’s and judges from the UK. This is a unique opportunity to forge exceptional business links and has been endorsed by The Law Society, The British High Commission, The British Council and the UK Business Council India.”
Topics are wide ranging over the three days and the programme focuses on capitalising on India’s exceptional economic growth and reforms. UK Trade and Investment is extensively involved and has linked a special grant-aided trade mission to the conference.
The conference has attracted the backing of Birmingham City Council, Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham Law Society, Birmingham Forward and Locate Birmingham for a special ‘Birmingham Day’, which is also being supported by University of Birmingham, The College of Law, Eversheds, Grant Thornton, Gleeds and ADP Architects.
Alison Hook, Head of the International Division of the Law Society said: “UK firms will significantly benefit from closer working with their Indian counterparts, as the Indian economy provides many opportunities for UK companies. However, it is a two-way street and the visiting Indian firms may find new opportunities to bring to their clients’ attention as a result of networking more closely with their UK counterparts.
“The overarching aim of the conference is to promote greater legal and business co-operation between the UK and India, and the Law Society has been working to encourage the Indian government, the Indian Bar and Indian lawyers to see the multiple benefits that can arise from a two way street. The new Congress government looks set to accelerate its economic reform efforts, which will encourage more overseas interest in India and the opportunity to work together.”
