Bangalore: The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), the apex industry body representing the Indian software and service companies, on September 18 announced the opening of its UK Chapter.

This is the first formal presence of the IT industry association, internationally, NASSCOM said in a statement.

It will be based at Hill & Knowlton Office, the international public relations and public affairs company in London.

NASSCOM president Kiran Karnik said with the globalisation of the Indian software and service industry, there was an increased realisation to have a NASSCOM presence in the UK, adding the Chapter aims to serve as the voice of NASSCOM in the UK and adjoining region, raise awareness about Indian IT industry advantages and its high-quality image.

The Chapter will represent its members in the UK and the adjoining regions and strengthen the relationship with the other industry representative bodies and government organisations, the statement said.

The Chapter, it said, will be one-point contact for UK companies planning to outsource their software and services requirements to an offshore location. It will also act as a catalyst for Indian companies looking to set up offices in the UK.

NASSCOM said the UK is an important destination for the Indian IT industry with 14 per cent of the Indian software and service exports coming from the region. It also serves as a gateway to other European countries.

PTI