Our co-founder, Helen Tonks, was honoured to represent Hydraulics Online Ltd at Chequers for the historic signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. This milestone deal promises lower tariffs, deeper collaboration, and fresh opportunities across borders – especially for values-led exporters like us.
Hydraulics Online Ltd has never simply followed the news – we’ve helped shape it. And on a landmark day at Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s official country residence, our co-founder, Helen Tonks, stood among a handful of invited guests as history was made: the signing of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Helen was honoured to attend on behalf of Hydraulics Online and in her capacity as a Department for Business and Trade Export Champion, following her recent recognition with an MBE for Services to Business and Exports. It was a moment that marked not just diplomatic progress but a bold new chapter for high-integrity UK exporters.
“To be part of this milestone – a defining moment for UK-India relations – was a genuine privilege. The potential ahead is immense,” said Helen.
UK-India Trade that Fuels Transformation
This Free Trade Agreement is projected to:
- Increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040, a 39% uplift
- Contribute £4.8 billion per year to UK GDP and raise real wages by £2.2 billion
- Position India as the third-largest importer worldwide by 2050, with an expected import appetite of £2.8 trillion
India: From Traffic Source to Strategic Ally
India already ranks as our third-largest source of website traffic, a reflection of how our values-led approach and technical precision resonate across borders. With tariff reductions of up to 18% to zero on engineering goods – including hydraulic components, pumps, and motors – the agreement directly aligns with our core offering.
Moreover, the deal includes bespoke support for SMEs: simplified customs procedures, dedicated contact points, and digital trade provisions. For a company like ours, known for cutting through complexity with service and technical clarity, this environment is tailor-made.
Presence with Purpose
Helen also met Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade. While the occasion didn’t lend itself to in-depth discussions, the opportunity to connect in person was a proud reflection of Hydraulics Online’s presence within the UK’s forward-facing export community. She also spent time with fellow exporters whose stories and energy reaffirmed the broader spirit of enterprise. From moments of lightness to shared reflections on resilience, the experience underscored our place in a dynamic and values-driven network shaping the future of global trade.
Ready to Build on Progress
The UK-India Free Trade Agreement isn’t merely policy – it’s real progress creating opportunities that business must now seize. And Hydraulics Online is poised to do just that. With deep technical expertise, trusted global relationships, and a philosophy rooted in integrity, we view this agreement as more than a new framework – it’s affirmation of how we do business.
