Great British Pitch India launches to boost UK small business exports and deepen UK-India Trade ties
Following the success of last year’s Great British Pitch, a flagship event to help the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses unlock export opportunities and showcase British innovation on a global stage, the event will return this year with a renewed focus on international growth.
The Great British Pitch 2026 series will begin with a special UK-India event on 16 June, followed by a reception at Downing Street hosted by the chancellor. The event is dedicated to strengthening UK-India trading opportunities and will bring together British entrepreneurs, senior representatives from the UK and Indian governments, trade bodies and leading corporates.
Following the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and prime minister Keir Starmer’s historic international trade delegation to Mumbai last year, the event will build on growing momentum to increase bilateral trade and support more UK small businesses in accessing opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Small businesses account for 99% of all UK businesses and around half of private sector turnover, yet government data released in September 2025 showed that just 17% of small businesses currently export their goods or services. The data also found that of those UK small businesses trading internationally, only 12% currently export to India.
The event is led by Small Business Britain and Michelle Ovens, CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain and adviser to the UK government’s Board of Trade, with support from the Department of Business and Trade.
Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves said:“Britain is open for business, and our landmark trade deal with India is unlocking new opportunities in every corner of the country – from retail and consumer goods companies in the South West to whisky distilleries in Scotland.
“British small businesses sit at the heart of our growth mission, and backing them to export and grow is how we are building a more dynamic, more resilient economy.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, said: “As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India offers significant potential for the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses looking to grow internationally. As trade ties continue to strengthen, it’s more important than ever that we support UK entrepreneurs in exploring new markets, building valuable partnerships and expanding overseas. I’m excited to see the success stories that will come out of Great British Pitch India.”
Chris Bryant, minister of state for trade policy, said: “Knowing an opportunity exists and seizing it are two different things – that’s exactly why the Great British Pitch India is about making sure our businesses have the platform to take advantage of our landmark deal.
“From cosmetics to whisky, the potential for UK small businesses is enormous and we will work tirelessly to help them succeed.”
Taking place in central London, Great British Pitch India will bring together more than 40 handpicked, export-ready businesses from sectors including food & drink, retail and consumer goods. Entrepreneurs will receive tailored training and coaching before pitching via livestream to an audience of Indian buyers.
Great British Pitch India forms part of the wider Great British Pitch series, helping small businesses unlock international growth opportunities through direct access to overseas buyers, trade experts and investors. Later this year, businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch to the US market through Great British Pitch USA in September, before the flagship Great British Pitch event takes place during International Trade Week, connecting businesses with international buyers, trade experts, and investors in markets across the world.
Small business owner Hepsie Goddin, co-founder of gift and homeware business Martha and Hepsie Ltd., with sites in Sheffield and Devon, who took part in last year’s Great British Pitch, said: “The Great British Pitch was an incredible experience for us. Spending time with such wise and generous business minds and politicians reminded us just how powerful ambition can be and that the world is full of opportunity if you’re brave enough to reach for it.”