Businesswoman pitches up at Downing Street

The Yorkshire-based, multi-award-winning Sealstop joined more than 40 handpicked, export-ready UK small businesses in central London for Great British Pitch India, pitching directly to Indian buyers as part of a major initiative to boost UK exports and build on the momentum of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.

SealStop, the ground-breaking Yorkshire-made automatic shut-off valve designed to eliminate water waste, was invented by Yorkshire farmers Jason and Belle Richardson of Pocklington. Born out of simple frustration – forgotten hoses and flooded yards – Sealstop is now helping households, gardeners and smallholders across the UK to make every drop count.

Throughout the day guests were given curated buyer meeting slots to live pitch to a range of Indian businesses, with live mentoring and 121 help available throughout, including legal, regulatory and cultural workshops. All businesses will now receive post pitch and event support, further export training as well as additional matchmaking with relevant Indian businesses.

Belle Richardson commented: “What an amazing if somewhat surreal experience this was and such a privilege to pitch to influential Indian buyers. I was invited to pitch to Asterix Innovations and being selected felt like a huge achievement.

“As a small Yorkshire business, getting the chance to present our product to Indian buyers and meet other business owners, industry leaders and government representatives was something I'll never forget.

“What stood out most was being surrounded by so many ambitious people who are all working hard to grow their businesses and take British innovation to new markets. Days like this remind you to stop and appreciate how far you've come. SealStop started as a solution to a problem on our smallholding, and now we're exploring opportunities around the world.

“This pitch reinforced is just how much opportunity there is for SealStop beyond the UK. We're actively looking for international distribution partners, so opportunities like this are incredibly valuable in helping us make new connections and continue growing the business.”

Asterix Innovations (Asterix I) is a specialist cross-border trade, investment and technology advisory firm supporting governments, global companies and innovation organisations with market entry, investment and partnership strategies across India and South Asia.

Building on this foundation, Asterix I is expanding into the creative industries and premium consumer markets, helping align UK capabilities with India’s rapidly growing consumer and digital economy.

Following the event, businesses were taken to 11 Downing Street on a traditional red Routemaster bus for a reception hosted by the Chancellor. Here they heard from Indian High Commissioner Kumaran Periasamy, and HM Trade Commissioner Harjinder Kang as well as the Chancellor herself.

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, said: “The UK and India Free Trade deal offers huge potential for both economies, and we know that small businesses are an incredible engine for growth too. We are delighted to be the facilitators of business connections between our two nations, and to help small businesses in all kinds of sectors to unlock the potential of export and international trade.”