The value of fostering UK-India partnerships

India is transforming every year into a more attractive place to do business – a market that offers huge commercial opportunities for UK businesses as well as the potential to help solve some of the country’s environmental and social challenges.

Mott MacDonald Group have seized these opportunities early and are flourishing in India, having been in the market for over 50 years. They have been applying world-class practices in urban planning, sustainable transport, manufacturing design, clean energy and renewables, skills development and public health.

They differentiate their offering by demonstrating digital innovation, high standards, a commitment to social outcomes and specialist services, such as decarbonisation and climate resilience.

There is a lot that can be learnt from their approach in navigating the market to come out as a key business of choice in India when it comes to infrastructure.

India’s politicians have a bold plan for urban renewal, energy transition, greater industrial self-reliance and more inclusive growth. But, like all countries, there are areas to improve. If UK businesses partner selectively and play to their strengths, then they can benefit from innovation and growth in one of the world’s largest and most promising economies.

Mott MacDonald Group share some of their key insights on how they take a local approach to navigate the market and adapt to international standards:

1. Adapting international standards can help to meet the Indian market needs

UK businesses have huge potential to add value and solve problems for Indian clients by drawing on international best practice and lessons learned in other markets.

However, the spirit of partnership is key. A great starting point is to connect with public and private sector partners in India on their needs then determine how to adapt international practices to fit the local context.

2. Using the IPA Routemap enables targeted training of officials

This consultation approach worked well when Mott MacDonald adapted the IPA Routemap, a tool developed by the UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), to help assess the capacity and readiness of local administrations to manage large urban development plans.

Adapting the Routemap tool for the Indian market, made it possible to assess the feasibility of project plans and the readiness of officials to achieve their goals. We were then able to provide targeted training and guidance to officials on how to determine the whole-life costs of projects and create a stronger economic and investment case.

3. Making use of digital tools can improve infrastructure performance

Through a combination of consultation, workshops, and training with government officials, we have shown how digital tools can improve the lifetime performance of infrastructure assets. We have also shown how our Moata Smart Water solution can improve the management of water resources. The tool can predict floods, blockages and overflows within stormwater and wastewater systems using real-time data from sensors and machine learning. This can be used to optimise the efficiency and sustainability of water infrastructure.

4. Continuing Public/Private sector engagements can create a network of adopters

By continuing to engage with public and private sector decision-makers on issues of sustainability, we have been able to influence the way future projects are developed in India – and create a network of adopters who understand the environmental and social benefits that a particular standard or product can bring.