Join us for our upcoming online session on accessing help to export through UK Export Finance (UKEF). UKEF is a UK government ministerial department and the nation’s export credit agency (ECA). UKEF helps exporters access working capital and manage the risk of not getting paid by offering a government guarantee. It partners with private sector finance providers and other countries’ export credit agencies to grow UK exports and international trade.
When: Tuesday 16th September 11.00 – 12.00
UKEF supports companies of all sizes and multiple sectors across the UK.
It helps UK companies:
- Win export contracts by guaranteeing finance to buyers so they can source from the UK
- Fulfil more orders by unlocking working capital to take on new or higher value contracts
- Get paid for their products and services with insurance against buyer default
The UK's Trade Strategy, launched in June, set out plans for expanding UKEF’s capacity to £80 billion with up to £13 billion of direct lending used to help boost exports across key industrial sectors. It will also be able to reach more SMEs looking to grow overseas through the launch of a new Small Exports Builder.
Attendees will also hear from a Made in Britain member who has received support from UKEF on their experiences.
More details
In 2024-2025, UKEF issued £14.5 billion of financial support. This included providing support to nearly 500 SMEs, helping them to grow their business.
Made in Britain recognises the value of businesses talking with their peers, and this session will facilitate that for UK exporters wanting to hear real, practical examples, direct from companies that have previously benefited themselves.
As ever, Made in Britain aims to leave plenty of time for Q&A, so attendees can ask the exporters, UKEF, Made in Britain and other guests questions specific to their own interests.
The 60-minute online session will be opened by Made in Britain’s CEO, John Pearce, and facilitated by its Advisor, George Middleton. This is the latest in Made in Britain’s ongoing programme of export activity.
If there are any specific questions or discussion points that you would find helpful for the session to cover, or for more details, please email Made in Britain in advance at trade@madeinbritain.org.
Who is this session designed for?
The session is open to any UK company with an interest in receiving help to export from UKEF. As a Made in Britain session, it will however, be particularly valuable for UK manufacturing companies.
Speakers
Hitesh Patel | Export Finance Manager | UK Export Finance
Hitesh is an Export Finance Manager based in London. He helps UK Exporters find financing solutions to ensure no viable export fails due to a lack of finance or insurance. He works with UK businesses to improve their understanding of export finance requirements and, where possible, identify an appropriate solution to support export transactions. Hitesh has over 40 years of experience in Trade Finance, previously working at Lloyds and Barclays to help large corporates and MSBs in manufacturing, tech, and construction find trade finance solutions.
Facilitator
George Middleton | Advisor to Made in Britain and Director | MAP UK & International
George Middleton is an international trade and supply chains specialist. He has extensive professional experience in public, private and not-for-profit sectors, in the UK and internationally. He is the Director of MAP UK & International and an Advisor to Made in Britain. Since 2019, George has engaged privately with companies and governments across a range of sectors. Current appointments also include long-term roles with a UK plc and an executive agency of the UK government. George lived and worked overseas between 2011 and 2018, for the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and then Department for International Trade. Before that, he managed Community Relations and Regeneration projects for the London 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority (2008-11) and Tribal Group plc [later Capita] (2005-08).