Introduction: The Rise of UK Global Capability Centres in India

India’s reputation as a global hub for talent and innovation has seen a remarkable boost, with over 130 UK Global Capability Centres (GCCs) now operating in the country. According to a recent report by AP7AM, these UK GCCs collectively generate an impressive $6.5 billion annually and employ over 200,000 professionals. This surge highlights India’s strategic importance for UK-based professional services and technology organizations seeking to leverage global talent, drive innovation, and optimize operational costs.

What Are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)?

Global Capability Centres (GCCs), also known as Global In-house Centres (GICs), are offshore units established by multinational companies to deliver a wide range of services, including IT, finance, analytics, legal, and R&D. For UK firms, GCCs in India serve as strategic extensions, providing access to skilled talent, cost efficiencies, and a platform for digital transformation.

Key Highlights from the AP7AM Report

• Over 130 UK GCCs: The UK now has more than 130 GCCs operating in India, a number that has grown steadily over the past decade.
• $6.5 Billion Annual Revenue: Collectively, these centres generate $6.5 billion every year, underlining their economic significance.
• Employment of 2 Lakh Professionals: UK GCCs in India employ over 200,000 skilled professionals, contributing to India’s knowledge economy and providing high-value jobs.
• Growth Sectors: The primary sectors driving this growth include banking and financial services, insurance, legal, consulting, and technology.

These figures underscore the increasing reliance of UK professional services firms on India’s talent pool and operational ecosystem.

Why India Remains the Preferred Destination for UK GCCs

India’s dominance as a GCC destination is rooted in several strategic advantages:

• Vast Talent Pool: India produces over 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, alongside a growing base of finance, legal, and analytics professionals.
• Cost Efficiency: Operational costs in India are 40-60% lower compared to the UK, enabling organizations to maximize value.
• Innovation Ecosystem: India’s startup and digital innovation landscape fosters a culture of agility and technological advancement.
• Government Support: Proactive government policies, such as the Make in India initiative, have streamlined the process of setting up and scaling GCCs.
• Time Zone Advantage: India’s time zone enables round-the-clock operations for UK-based companies.

Recent Research: GCC Growth Trends and Future Outlook (2024-2025)

Recent research from global consulting firms such as Deloitte, NASSCOM, and EY (2023-2024) corroborates the AP7AM report’s findings and projects continued growth for GCCs in India:

• GCCs in India to Reach 2,400 by 2025: According to NASSCOM’s 2023 GCC Trends Report, the total number of GCCs in India is expected to reach 2,400 by 2025, with significant contributions from UK and European firms.
• Digital-First Transformation: Over 70% of new GCCs are focusing on digital, analytics, AI, and cybersecurity capabilities, reflecting the shift towards high-value, knowledge-based services.
• Leadership and Talent Challenges: The Deloitte GCC Pulse Survey 2024 highlights the growing need for senior leadership talent and specialized skills in areas such as cloud, data engineering, and regulatory compliance.
• ESG and Diversity: GCCs are increasingly aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership hiring.

These trends indicate a robust outlook for UK GCCs in India, especially for professional services companies seeking to establish or expand their offshore presence in 2025 and beyond.

Opportunities for Professional Services Companies: Why Establish a GCC in India?

For professional services companies—spanning consulting, legal, finance, and technology—the Indian GCC model offers several strategic benefits:

• Access to Specialized Talent: India’s deep talent pool in areas like risk, compliance, legal process outsourcing, and digital transformation is unmatched globally.
• Scalability and Agility: GCCs enable rapid scaling of operations, flexible resourcing, and agility in responding to market demands.
• Cost Optimization: Significant cost savings can be reinvested in innovation and client service delivery.
• Innovation and R&D: GCCs serve as innovation hubs, driving digital transformation, process automation, and product development.
• Client Proximity and 24/7 Operations: The time zone advantage supports seamless collaboration with UK headquarters and global clients.

With the right talent strategy and leadership, professional services companies can unlock significant value from their Indian GCCs.

Han Digital: Your Strategic Partner for GCC Talent and Leadership in India

Establishing and scaling a successful GCC in India requires more than just infrastructure—it demands a nuanced understanding of the talent market, leadership hiring, and organizational culture. This is where Han Digital stands out as a trusted partner for UK and global professional services firms.

Han Digital’s Unique Value Proposition

• Deep Talent Market Intelligence: Han Digital leverages proprietary research and analytics to map the talent landscape across India’s major GCC hubs—Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurgaon.
• Senior Leadership Connections: With established relationships with CXOs, VPs, and functional heads across sectors, Han Digital facilitates strategic leadership hiring and succession planning.
• Custom Talent Solutions: From niche skill hiring (AI, data science, legal, risk) to bulk recruitment, Han Digital tailors solutions to each client’s unique GCC journey.
• Employer Branding and Diversity: Han Digital supports organizations in building strong employer brands and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion agendas within their GCCs.
• End-to-End GCC Setup Support: From market entry advisory to talent strategy and ongoing workforce planning, Han Digital is a one-stop solution for professional services companies entering India.

Han Digital’s insights and connections are especially valuable as the competition for senior leadership and specialized talent intensifies in 2025.

Case Study: How Han Digital Enabled a Leading UK Consulting Firm’s GCC Success

In 2023, a top-tier UK consulting firm partnered with Han Digital to establish its first GCC in Bangalore. Han Digital provided:

• Comprehensive talent market mapping across consulting, legal, and technology domains
• Facilitation of senior leadership hiring, including a GCC Head and functional directors
• Employer branding strategy to attract top-tier talent from competitors
• Ongoing talent pipeline management for niche digital and analytics roles

Within 12 months, the GCC scaled to over 500 employees, delivering high-value consulting and digital services to global clients. The firm reported a 40% reduction in operational costs and accelerated time-to-market for new service offerings.

Challenges and Solutions: Navigating the GCC Talent Landscape in 2025

While the opportunities are immense, UK professional services firms must address key challenges in the Indian