Contributors
Join us for an insightful discussion on what the new UK–India Free Trade Agreement means for women-led businesses. This landmark agreement is the first UK trade deal with a major economy to include formal gender provisions - aiming to remove barriers, improve access to finance, and create more inclusive opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
This event offers a rare chance to hear directly from distinguished panellists including Kate Thornley, the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK–India FTA, on how these provisions can open new doors for women in trade. We will also hear from Vine Pemberton Joss, a historian of women’s suffrage, who will explore the legacy of Dr Edith Pechey - Yorkshire’s first female doctor and a pioneering figure who worked in India. Her story exemplifies the enduring historic links between West Yorkshire and India, and the importance of inclusive institutions in advancing women’s roles.
Places are limited for this exclusive event.
Full Agenda:
- 09.30 Arrival & Networking
- 10:00 Opening Remarks: Sharon Jandu OBE, NPH Ethnic Minority Business & Policy Forum
- 10.15 Keynote Guest Lecture: Vine Pemberton Joss, historian of women’s suffrage - A lecture on Dr Edith Pechey, Yorkshire’s first female doctor and a pioneering figure who worked in India. The talk will explore her legacy as a symbol of enduring West Yorkshire-India women's connections and the importance of inclusive institutions.
- 11.00 Panel Discussion (Chaired by Tania Arora, Partner at Baker McKenzie) & questions from the audience. Panellists
- Kate Thornley, Chief UK-India FTA Negotiator, Department for Business and Trade
- Claire Gammage, Professor of International Trade Law, University of Bristol
- Fiona Conor, Managing Director, Trust Electric Heating
- Anna Parker, Head of International Sales, Paxman Scalp Cooling
- Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic), Indian High Commission
- 12.00 Closing remarks by Rose Smalley-Gordon, Managing Associate at Womble Bond Dickinson
- 12.15 Lunch and Networking
- 13.00 Event close
Cost
: Free
Speakers
Kate Thornley
(Chief UK-India FTA Negotiator, Department for Business and Trade)
Kate Thornley is the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a landmark deal signed in July 2025. Under her leadership, the UK achieved a historic agreement that includes formal gender provisions, marking the first UK trade deal with a major economy to do so. Kate has been instrumental in advancing inclusive trade policies and fostering stronger economic ties between the UK and India.
Tania Arora
(Partner, Baker McKenzie)
Tania joined Baker McKenzie in 2007 and is a Partner in the firm’s Energy, Mining & Infrastructure Group. She has extensive experience in project development, infrastructure, and construction transactions across the UK, Asia, and the EMEA region, with a particular focus on power projects. She is recognised in directories including Chambers and Legal 500 as a key expert in her field. Tania has experience dealing with Asian jurisdictions and projects and Baker McKenzie has a large, active Global India Practice.
Sharon Jandu OBE
(Managing Director, Northern Powerhouse Ethnic Minority Business & Policy Forum)
Sharon Jandu is the Founder of the Northern Powerhouse Ethnic Minority & Business Policy Forum and the Yorkshire Asia Business Association. She also sits on the board of the Federation of Small Businesses. Sharon is passionate about facilitating improved trade opportunities between the UK's small businesses and the Indian sub-continent.
Rose Smalley-Gordon
(Managing Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson)
Rose Smalley-Gordon specialises in intellectual property – advising clients on protecting, enforcing and exploiting their rights. Her practice covers both contentious and transactional matters. She helps businesses that trade internationally by advising on protecting confidential information, implementing licensing arrangements (for manufacture, franchising and research and development), and assisting with seeking registered protection for rights in the UK and overseas.
Clair Gammage
(Professor of International Trade Law, University of Bristol)
Professor Gammage is an expert on linkages between trade and economy and issues such as gender, environment, and human rights. She advises the UK Government on sustainability chapters in trade agreements and is currently writing a book on Trade and Women which forms part of her research around ethics in trade law.
Fiona Conor
(Managing Director, Trust Electric Heating)
Fiona is the Managing Director and founder of Trust Electric Heating, a West Yorkshire-based company specialising in sustainable electric heating solutions. Fiona attended the 2025 WYCA trade mission to Mumbai and Bangalore, exploring opportunities in the India market.
Anna Parker
(Head of International Sales, Paxman Scalp Cooling)
Anna is Head of International Sales at Paxman Scalp Cooling, a West Yorkshire-based company specialising in cryotherapy technology to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Anna has been instrumental in expanding the company's global presence, including teams in India. Paxman Scalp Cooling is offered at Health Care Global (HCG) hospitals in Jaipur and Vadodara and the technology is accessible at facilities such as AIMS Dombivli in Maharashtra.
Nidhi Mani Tripathi
(Minister (Economic), Indian High Commission)
Nidhi Mani Tripathi is an Indian Administrative Service officer (2001 batch, Manipur cadre) currently serving as Minister (Economic) at the High Commission of India in London and India’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. A senior official in the Department of Commerce, she has led India’s negotiating team since the FTA’s launch in 2022, overseeing discussions on goods, services, investment, mobility, and regulatory cooperation. With a background in international politics and trade diplomacy, she has previously held senior positions in the Ministry of Commerce and continues to play a key role in shaping India’s external trade strategy with Europe and the UK. Nidhi played a major role in the inclusion of gender provisions in the UK-India FTA.
