IT flow towards the UK  

Around eight years ago, Indian software companies as well as software engineers were all rushing to America for better opportunities and business development. But now we can see a change in this trend. Over the last three years, Indian software companies have realised the business expansion possibilities in the United Kingdom. The process which began as a trickle is now turning into flood.

"Opportunities in the UK are plenty. It is up to us to exploit the opportunities that are available. Today, after many years, Indian software companies are trying to exploit the European market base, " says Altaf Gharda, NRI, who has settled in the UK. According to Rajesh Nair, software engineer, Rolta Net, "All the aspiring students as well as the professionals are a little apprehensive about going to the UK. The high cost of living is the prime obstacle. However, people are now realising that the overall cost of living turns out to be the same, in both the UK as well as States. The UK government is putting forward a proposal to allure the software talents in India. I think it is a good deal."

The main business opportunities in the UK are in e-commerce, web hosting and upgrading software applications. Indian companies are helping the UK in upgrading these IT enabled platforms. Though we are witnessing a downturn in the Business to Consumer (B2C) sites, few British companies are still working in that sector and doing pretty well. So the Indians do have a chance in this sphere also.

According to experts, setting up a site in the UK varies from 350 pounds for a no-frill non-commerce site, to between 3000 - 10,000 pounds for a full e-commerce site, which is quite reasonable. By setting up a base in the UK, Indian companies also grab the opportunity to exploit the European market, for which the investment required is quite reasonable.

"Here Indians companies, at times, start in a very small way, with very little investment, and earn good returns. Nowadays the British Government is liberal enough to allow new entrants into the field," said Dr. Niloy Bose, Director, International Office, Loughborough University.

The main point which draws software companies to set up shop in the UK is the easy procedure, which could be very lengthy in other parts of Europe. The British government has made efforts to see that Britain is not left behind in the IT revolution. Britain has relaxed immigration legalities to attract skilled labour. A programmer can now get his work permit in 14 days and can set up an office in just seven days.

By : Sharmistha Chakraborty
Photos; Uma kadam

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