This event is convened by the Department for Business and Trade, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, working with the Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield (TCoE) and UKFT.

The UK–India Free Trade Agreement represents a major opportunity for the UK’s fashion and textile sector, opening up new routes to market, reducing barriers to trade, and strengthening long-term commercial ties with India.

This West Yorkshire-led roundtable, delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) and the Textile Centre of Excellence, will provide businesses with a practical, policy-to-practice overview of what the FTA means for the sector and how companies can take advantage of it.

The event will bring together senior UK and Indian trade officials including the FTAs Chief Negotiators, the Indian Consul General in Manchester, industry leaders and regional businesses to explore:

• Key outcomes of the UK–India FTA for fashion and textiles
• Practical guidance on tariffs, rules of origin and market access
• Insights into the Indian fashion and textile market, consumer trends and growth regions
• How West Yorkshire businesses can engage, export and invest with confidence

The session will combine expert presentations with interactive discussion and networking, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and peers.

Who should attend

• Fashion and textiles manufacturers
• Apparel brands and retailers
• Supply chain and materials specialists
• Export-ready SMEs and scale-ups
• Businesses considering trading with or investing in India

Agenda highlights

• Welcome and regional context
• Overview of the UK–India FTA and negotiated outcomes

• In-market intelligence from India
• Panel discussion and Q&A with policymakers and industry
• Closing remarks
• Networking with officials and businesses

  A full agenda will be shared with registered attendees