A Made in Britain member has hailed the UK Government’s first major trade mission to India as an “incredible export opportunity” for British manufacturers, underlining the growing potential for UK-made products in one of the world’s fastest-expanding economies.

Dulas, an engineering firm which specialises in creating fridges and cold chain systems for safely storing vaccines and blood, is a part of the growing Made in Britain collective using the international trademark to maximise its appeal to overseas buyers and improve the appeal of its goods and services in global export markets.

The international exporter, which is the only UK-based manufacturer producing World Health Organisation-accredited vaccine cabinets, joined a 125-strong delegation of business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs travelling with Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month.

The visit marked the first major trade mission to South Asia under the current administration, aimed at strengthening export ties, creating jobs at home and forging new partnerships abroad.




L-R Made in Britain CEO John Pearce with Ruth Chapman at the 2025 Made in Britain Impact Awards

Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director at Dulas, said: “Dulas is no stranger to international trade missions, but this visit to India was the most practical and impactful mission we’ve ever been involved in. We weren’t bogged down by theory or ‘what ifs’; there was a clear agenda, meaningful engagement and a real appetite from India’s manufacturing and energy sectors to work with British firms.

“India is especially eager and very willing to work with British manufacturers, so my advice to other Made in Britain members is to start forging those connections now. The trade deal represents an incredible export opportunity that will give UK manufacturers a real competitive edge in an enormous emerging market.

“I’d urge British manufacturers who want to take advantage of this unfolding opportunity to put in the legwork now and to start speaking with Indian trade partners as soon as possible to forge a close working relationship before the trade agreement is ratified in spring or summer 2026 – as we’ll no doubt with a surge of companies following suit and fierce competition.”

Representing Made in Britain on the flight to India, Dulas joined leaders from British Airways, BT, Rolls-Royce and Monzo among others, engaging directly with senior ministers including Harjinder Kang, UK Trade Commissioner for South Asia.

The British Government confirmed that the trip has already unlocked around 10,600 new jobs for UK citizens, supported by £1.3 billion in Indian investment.

John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said: “British products have a reputation for quality, social value and sustainability that’s recognised around the world. We’re excited by the opportunities that are being created as Britain and India open their economies to international trade, which could benefit a huge range of manufacturers in our country.

“A core element of the Made in Britain mission is to help British manufacturers thrive both at home and overseas, and this trade mission shows what’s possible when government and industry collaborate to unlock real-world export potential.

“We’re proud that a member like Dulas, a pioneer in renewable energy technology, is leading the way in strengthening Britain’s reputation abroad and proving that the Made in Britain mark truly opens doors in competitive global markets.”

Dulas exports its renewable-energy powered vaccine cabinets to more than 40 countries and, critically, the company says the Made in Britain accreditation plays a crucial role in building trust with international partners.

Ruth Chapman, Executive Managing Director at Dulas, added: “People’s perception of British-made products is that they’re of high quality and high performance. The Made in Britain stamp gives us credibility straight away in that it carries real weight and reassures international buyers that they’re investing in something dependable and expertly made.”

As the UK-India trade deal progresses towards ratification in early 2026, Dulas and Made in Britain are encouraging manufacturers across the UK to explore new partnerships in India’s fast-growing renewable, healthcare and infrastructure sectors.

In line with this, Made in Britain recently hosted an online roundtable with the Department for Business and Trade during International Trade Week, giving members practical guidance on navigating the export opportunities unlocked by the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. The session, led by advisor George Middleton, offered insights on routes to market and government support, strengthening the organisation’s ongoing commitment to helping manufacturers grow internationally.

To learn more about Dulas, visit www.dulas.org.uk.

To learn more about Made in Britain and its growing community of British manufacturers, visit www.madeinbritain.org.

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