LONDON, July 3 /PRNewswire/ --     The Indo-British Partnership Network (IBPN) is pleased to announce the
appointment of Sharon Bamford as its new and first Chief Executive.

Ms Bamford, who is currently CEO of the Scottish Institute for Enterprise
(SIE), will assume her new role in August 2007.

The appointment of a new Chief Executive comes at an important phase in
the development of the IBPN and follows the announcement earlier this year by
the then Chancellor, Gordon Brown, of a commitment to significantly increased
funding from the UK Government of GBP1 million per annum.

The increased funding confirms the Government's recognition of the IBPN's
position as the UK's lead body in promoting and developing Indo-British trade
relations. It is intended that the increase in funding will be matched by
private sector sponsorship, membership fees and the provision of charged
services.

As Chief Executive, Ms Bamford will be responsible for developing the
IBPN, as was recommended in a House of Commons Trade and Industry Committee
report on India, as 'the de facto Indo-British Chamber of Commerce'. To that
end, Ms Bamford will liaise and work closely with the UK and Indian
governments, alongside UK Trade & Investment and the Indian High Commission
in London.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBE DL, Chairman of IBPN, commented:

"Our significantly increased funding - from GBP75,000 to GBP1 million -
has given us the opportunity to explore and develop a host of new initiatives
including the appointment of our first ever Chief Executive. I know how much
the IBPN board is looking forward to working with Sharon in our mission to
bilaterally increase trade, business and investment between Britain and
India. Sharon has a very impressive background in enterprise and education
and these are two areas where there are so many opportunities for Britain and
India to collaborate and work together. We couldn't wish for a better
addition to the team than Sharon."

Ms Bamford commented:

'I am delighted to be joining IBPN at this very exciting time for the
organisation. With outstanding leadership from the Indo British Partnership
Co-Chairmen, and the involvement of senior business leaders, the IBPN is set
for a major boost to the leading role it is already playing. The IBPN will
play its full part in supporting the governments of India and the UK in their
endeavours to enhance trade and investment. This is a unique and opportune
time for the development of Anglo-Indian relations and I am honoured to be a
part of it.'

IBPN - The India Britain Business Organisation

The UK-based Indo British Partnership Network (IBPN) was established in
2005 to implement the Indo British Partnership (IBP) initiative, created in
1993 by the then Prime Ministers of the UK and India. Since then, the IBPN
has quickly risen to become the standard bearer for fostering Indo-British
trade relations, with a mandate to increase bilateral trade, business and
investment between the two countries. The IBPN is supported by UK Trade and
Investment (UKTI), with the secretariat provided by Asia House. Current
Co-Chairmen of the IBP are Mr Phiroz Vandrevala (Executive Vice President,
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd) and the Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea (founder and
Chief Executive of Cobra Beer), representing Indian and UK industry
respectively. Lord Bilimoria additionally serves as Chairman of the IBPN.

For further information please contact:

    Mark Garraway, College Hill
    Tel: +44-(0)20-7457-2020, Email: mark.garraway@collegehill.com

    Stefan Kosciuszko, Asia House,
    Tel: +44-(0)20-7307-5454, Email: Stefan.kosciuszko@asiahouse.co.uk

    Saeqah Kabir, IBPN
    Tel: +44-(0)20-7307-5454 Email: saeqah.kabir@asiahouse.co.uk
    Website: www.ibpn.co.uk