For Indian brands, business thrives in London

Owing to its prime location in the European Union, its native language being the language of international business, low taxes for foreign investors, good infrastructure and location in the central time zone; London is undoubtedly the destination for Indian brands to expand their business empire.

As per a publication on www.gov.uk by Deputy Prime Minister's Office, UK Trade & Investment, The Rt Hon Nick Clegg and Department for Business, Innovation & Skills- August, 2014, the UK-India relationship is a genuinely two-way relationship of vital importance to both countries. The UK invested $3.2 billion in India last year. Aggregating all investment over the last 14 years, the UK still ranks first among the G20 and accounts for around 10% of all investment into India over this period. India is the seventh largest investor in the UK and invests more in the UK than it invests in the rest of the European Union combined.

DTDC Express Limited, one of the strongest logistics companies of the world has a wide base in UK and sees London as a great city for the growth of the business. Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Limited, one of the leading salon chains operating across India is contemplating to foray into London. The brand sees a great opportunity in London market to expand its business, entirely via franchise network and by opening additional own unit salons.

Being Human Clothing by Mandhana Industries is also looking forward to foraying in the UK. The brand sees immense scope in London for increasing the export of readymade garments to various markets. A renowned name in the domain of natural beauty and anti-aging treatments, Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies is keen to strengthen the brand’s presence in London and Europe. It is seeking expansion in terms of franchising and distribution of products and services.

Opportunities galore in London

A bulk of Indian population resides in London. Also all the latest trends and vogue emerge from this city. Jawed Habib, Chairman, Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Ltd says, “Owing to its large Indian and Pakistan population, London people have similar taste and preferences as those of the Indian subcontinent. Thus it is an ideal location for hair care market and plentiful opportunities lie in store to take an Indian brand there.”

Shahnaz Husain, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies says, “There is a huge demand for organic ayurvedic beauty care. We have established a niche market for our products through our customers. In order to further enhance the enterprise in the UK and Europe, we have set up a Liaison Office in London and have also appointed distributors.”

Sharing his views about the London market, Kunal Mehta, Vice President- Marketing and Business Development, Being Human Clothing says, “London is one of the leading fashion capitals of the world. People of London are very fashion conscious and many of the top designers are based in London who have created a niche for their clothing collections.”

DTDC sees London as an international gateway for delivering all the logistics and supply chain solutions. Suresh Bansal, Director, DTDC Express Limited, says, “Around five million Indians reside in the UK. Over 10 million people hail from SAARC countries. We provide an international gateway for the companies in UK to connect with our home country.” Corporate companies, manufacturing concerns, e-commerce companies are some of the segments that constitute as customers for the brand.

• Around five million Indians reside in the UK. Over 10 million people hail from SAARC countries.

• The UK invested $3.2 billion in India last year. Aggregating all investment over the last 14 years, the UK still ranks first among the G20 and accounts for around 10% of all investment into India over this period.

• India is the seventh largest investor in the UK and invests more in the UK than it invests in the rest of the European Union combined

Bridging London and India

DTDC Express Limited has 21 franchisees spread all over UK. The main office for the brand is in Heathrow, London. It has a presence in Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, Wembley and East Ham. The international presence of Shahnaz Husain Group of Companies gained momentum when the brand extended its base in the UK by opening the Shahnaz Ayurveda Aesthetic Clinic in London operating on the franchise system along with seven other franchise salons in the UK. Being Human shall make a presence in London, Birmingham, Manchester Exchange Square and Manchester Trafford. Explaining about the requirements for prospective franchisees for Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Ltd, the celebrity stylist states, “The area should be around 600 square feet with an investment ranging between Rs 20,000 – 25,000 pounds. The expected cash breakeven should be approximately 6 months.” It can be anticipated that in times to come London will find a topmost position in the expansion plan of virtually every Indian brand.