Since one of the objectives of this blog is to aid firms thinking about India as a place to setup an LPO shop, I compiled a list of factors - pros and cons - for some of the Indian cities that may be considered for setting up an office. Please note that this list is a quick job, and is limited by my awareness. Any amendments, suggestions to/about this list will be most gladly accepted and acknowleged.
Mumbai
(+) Well connected
(+) Availability of local talent, especially law graduates
(+) Some presence of competition, good news for an HR manager
(+) Presence of a lot of law firms, if that matters
(-) High costs, for the corporate and outside hires
(-) Infrastructure breaks down in certain parts hampering connectivity (2005 floods just brought the city down)
(-) Commuting distances are typically large due to geography
(-) Some presence of competition, bad news for an HR manager
Bangalore
(+) Tech capital of the country
(+) Ample availability of tech talent
(+) Local presence of tech companies, beneficial for aiding in local liaison
(+) Home to one of the nation’s best law school, availability of local law talent
(+) High costs
(-) Infrastructure going from bad to worse
Delhi National Capital Region (includes Delhi, and smaller adjoining towns of Gurgaon - the call center capital of India - and Noida)
(+) Infrastructure - good and improving (thank the Commonwealth Games 2010)
(+) Very well connected - National Capital
(+) Lower costs
(+) Availability of local talent, legal and technical
(+) Some presence of competition, good news for an HR manager
(+) Presence of a lot of law firms, if that matters
(-) Minor - Politically more sensitive
(-) Some presence of competition, bad news for an HR manager
Hyderabad and Chennai
(+) Well connected
(+) Lower costs
(-) Lack of local talent
(-) Not a favorite among those who need to relocate
In addition, I analysed the existing players in the market and compiled the table below. Clearly, Delhi NCR seems to be the choice among the fraternity.
