ENGLAND’S cricketers aren’t the only ones enjoying Indian success at the moment as a Hampshire firm secures its own Indian achievement.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing test match at the Ageas Bowl, Griffon Hoverwork has completed a £32m contact on the sub-continent.

The Southampton-based firm’s success has led local business leaders encouraging Hampshire firms to take a keener interest in India as a potential market.

The deal for 12 hovercraft, which will be used by the Indian Coastguard, will see the number of craft supplied to the organisation rise to 18.

The firm currently sells around £300,000 in spare parts for the craft to the Indian Coastguard each year, and that is expected to rise to £1m following the new deal.

The firm is also working on two large contracts, worth more than £90m, for the Indian Army.

Over the past four years, the Woolston-based company has done 30 per cent of its business with India, and managing director Adrian Went says it has become an even more attractive place to do business with after the election of new Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said: “India is a fantastic market for us, as our partners there value the quality of the products we provide.

“While it can be a challenging and complex market for UK businesses to understand and successfully operate in generally, there is a wealth of support for UK companies looking to trade in and with India.

“We have been doing business with India for many years now but are hoping that, with Narendra Modi’s pro-business government, it will become easier, with fewer constraints in place.”

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s Asian Network is actively encouraging county firms to look to the sub-continent in the wake of Griffon’s success.

Jojar Singh, chairman of the chamber’s Asian Network, said: “Hampshire Chamber Asian Network is there for its members to network, forge alliances and find advice and knowledge from businesses already trading in, and with, India.

“Providing this network allows members to consider India as a viable export market, and makes them aware of services the Chamber can offer to help achieve this.”