The United Kingdom stands as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and engineering – a nation where innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability converge to drive progress. From automation and advanced materials to connected supply chains and the transition to net zero, the UK continues to pioneer cutting-edge advancements that reinforce its position as a hub for high-value manufacturing.
Meanwhile, India’s manufacturing industry is experiencing remarkable growth. Often described as the “world’s factory floor,” India ranks as the fifth-largest manufacturing country globally, contributing approximately 17% of the nation’s GDP with a Gross Value Added of £288 billion (FY 2023–24). The sector is projected to expand at an annual rate of over 8%, making it one of the most dynamic manufacturing markets worldwide.
A Partnership for the Future
The synergy between the UK and India in manufacturing is both natural and strategic. India benefits from the UK’s deep expertise in R&D, automation, and digital manufacturing, while the UK leverages India’s large-scale manufacturing capability, cost competitiveness, and growing market demand. Together, these strengths create fertile ground for innovation, investment, and industrial transformation.
Institutions such as the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult and India’s Centres of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing are already paving the way for collaboration in Industry 4.0, sustainable manufacturing, and circular economy initiatives.
The recently agreed UK–India trade deal represents a major milestone in this partnership. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade – worth £42.6 billion in 2024 – by an additional £25.5 billion, increase UK GDP by £4.8 billion, and raise wages by £2.2 billion each year in the long run. Beyond the numbers, it marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between two of the world’s most innovative economies.
Advanced Manufacturing Delegation: India to the UK
Against this backdrop, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) – in collaboration with key UK industry bodies, research institutions, and trade associations – is organising an Advanced Manufacturing Delegation from India to the UK, running 27th-31st October 2025.
This five-day programme will bring senior leaders and innovators from India’s engineering and manufacturing sectors to the UK to explore:
Delegates will visit Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, with a major highlight being attendance at Advanced Engineering 2025 at the NEC Birmingham (29–30 October). The event will provide delegates with direct access to the UK’s engineering and manufacturing ecosystem, including networking, B2B meetings, factory tours, and knowledge-sharing sessions with leading organisations.
Opportunities for UK Businesses
For UK companies, this delegation presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with India’s rapidly growing manufacturing ecosystem. Key benefits include:
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to deliver tangible results for both nations, including:
Technology Partnerships – Joint ventures and technology licensing in advanced materials and Industry 4.0 solutions.
Export Wins for UK Companies – New supply and service opportunities in sustainable manufacturing and digital production.
Research Collaborations – Partnerships between UK universities, innovation hubs, and Indian institutions.
Increased Bilateral Trade & Investment – Strengthening engagement across priority subsectors.
Supplier Base Development – Building stronger supply chain links between UK and Indian firms.
Establishing a UK Presence – Supporting Indian manufacturers in setting up UK operations.
Looking Ahead
As the UK and India continue to deepen their collaboration in advanced manufacturing, initiatives like this delegation will play a vital role in unlocking innovation, strengthening trade, and driving sustainable growth.
Advanced Engineering 2025 is proud to host this landmark delegation and contribute to shaping the future of international manufacturing partnerships.
As part of this year’s Advanced Engineering Seminar Programme, a key highlight will be the panel discussion titled “UK–India Partnerships for Modern Manufacturing: Accelerating Innovation and Trade,” taking place on 30th October (15:00–15:40 hrs) on the Main Stage at the NEC Birmingham. This session will explore new avenues for collaboration between the UK and India within the advanced manufacturing ecosystem, focusing on how cross-border partnerships can drive innovation, trade, and sustainable industrial growth.
Moderated by Mr. Sujith Thomas, Head of Engineering & Manufacturing Sector, Department for Business and Trade, India, the panel will feature leading voices from both nations, including Mr. Chris Barrett (Wickman Coventry Ltd., UK), Mr. Krishan Sharma (Crest Speciality Resins Pvt Ltd., India), Dr. Anupriya Balikai (Spookfish Innovations Pvt Ltd., India), Mr. Ryan Smith (Beyond Steel, UK), and Mr. Himanshu Jadhav (Jendamark India). Together, they will discuss partnership opportunities, collaborative models, and strategies to accelerate innovation and trade between two of the world’s most dynamic manufacturing economies.
Register here for free entry to Advanced Engineering, 29-30 October 2025, and connect with international manufacturing leaders from across the globe.
On October 29 and 30, 2025, over 9000 engineering and manufacturing professionals gathered to the NEC, Birmingham, to attend the 16th edition of Advanced Engineering, the UK’s annual gathering for the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Across the two days, visitors witnessed the very latest that the industry had to offer, with over 400 exhibitors showcasing their innovations.
The United Kingdom stands as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and engineering – a nation where innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability converge to drive progress. From automation and advanced materials to connected supply chains and the transition to net zero, the UK continues to pioneer cutting-edge advancements that reinforce its position as a hub for high-value manufacturing.
Rhino Workplace Innovation are delighted to be an exhibitor at the forthcoming Advanced Engineering event at the NEC from October 29th to 30th. This important show is a showcase for a wide range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, composites, construction, defence & security, energy, marine, medical, rail, space, sports & leisure.
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