Our Indian Tradeaway

Jun 22 2008

Business Leaders Reveal Potential Of Commercial Links

TRADE PROMOTER

SHARON BAMFORD

SHARON reckons Scots and Indians share the same drive and pioneering spirit.

The campaigner, of Montrose, Angus, rubs shoulders with tycoons such as Richard Branson and Indianborn billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, fifth richest man in the world.

The job: I am CEO of the UK and India Business Council and work to promote trade between the two countries.

How I did it: Since 1983 I have founded and managed five start-up businesses in sectors ranging from education to drilling.

The Scots and the Indians are both incredibly pioneering and have the same drive and spirit. When you don't have a lot, you are always looking at ways to be innovative.

We are seeing huge bilateral agreements between the two countries. There is genuine warmth and it is a partnership.

There are Indian firms with their call centres based in the UK and we are always placing British students with Indian firms for internships.

We offer a full business service to anyone wishing to set up trade at our offices in Mumbai and Delhi.

India is a complex landscape. it can be alien and a challenge, particularly to small businesses. Our role is to ease that. Earlier this year, I organised an entrepreneurial summit that got business leaders from India and the UK under one roof. It is terrifying being sandwiched between people like Richard Branson, Peter Jones and Vijay Malaya but they are great supporters of what we do.

Being nominated for the CBI First Women Awards was a nice surprise.

Scotland is a village but to be recognised at UK level within eight months was very flattering.

Perks: Last week I had dinner at the home of Lakshmi Mittal, a great supporter of the UK-India agenda.

Five-year plan: I am an opportunist and never really planned my career but the ties between India and the UK are only going to get stronger.

Tips: In the 21st century, people are not going to have seven different jobs but seven careers - and five of them have not been developed yet.

IT SERVICE BOSS

DEREK KEMP

DEREK spent 27 years working abroad and has witnessed India's emergence as an economic superpower first hand.

Derek, 48, spends a third of his working life managing 3000 staff in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

The job: I am senior vice president responsible for communications, media and entertainment for IT service provider Patni.

We employ 15,000 staff around the world, turn over £350million a year and clients include Vodafone and Carphone Warehouse.

How I did it: India was a significant player in the market and I wanted to work for a firm with a big footprint in the country.

I spend up to a week at a time in our bases in Mumbai and Hyderabad. You can't comprehend how many people work in the IT industry in India. The work ethic is strong and there is a will to win.

Outsourcing gets negative press but as long as it provides an opportunity to improve quality and reduce costs it will always be attractive. That said, there will always be a need for services close to customers with increased langauage capability.

Perks: Travel and working with people from different cultures.

Five-year plan: I hope the business is much bigger and we are one of the first names that trips off the tongue when a big company is looking for IT service provision.

Tips: IT services still offers great career opportunities for people with energy, drive and intellect.

CALL CENTRES BOSS

DAVID EWING

ONCE David was stuck in a call centre phoning the world. Now as a board member of one of the UK's industry leaders, he travels the world.

The 48-year-old, of Edinburgh, is boss of HeroTSC which became the fourth largest independent outsourcer in the UK after a merger with Indian firm Hero in 2007.

The job: I am chief operating officer at HeroTSC, which provides outsourced contact centre solutions to UK and international businesses.

I have board responsibility for overall delivery and growth of the business in the UK, US and India.

How I did it: I began my career on the phones, moving to a range of managerial positions in the UK, Europe and Africa.

I joined TSC in 2004 as chief operating officer.

We have more than 3500 customer contact specialists and 2000 seats based in nine centres across the UK and one in India.

It was a huge compliment to the Scottish business that such a large organisation identified it as the star performer in the UK and entrusted the UK management team with the global running of the business.

Perks: Having the chance to work in a vast continent with such a strong work ethic. And it's such a chore to have to eat genuine Indian food.

Five-year plan: To continue to grow the business organically in the UK and India, make acquisitions in Europe and the US, and continue to pass on skills and knowledge to Indian colleagues.

Tips: By demonstrating enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, you can forge a highly successful career in this industry.