HSBC takes the lead in helping UK SMEs seize international growth opportunities

Exporting plays a vital role in boosting the UK economy, contributing approximately 30% to the nation’s GDP¹. International trade also offers one of the most significant growth opportunities for UK businesses. Findings from our most recent ‘Going global for growth’ report revealed that 82% of UK businesses that trade overseas expect to grow over the next two years, while 62% say doing so has had a positive impact on their competitiveness².

As a result, SMEs in particular are looking to seize the opportunities of growing their export activities. Our research shows that 44% of SMEs aim to find new buyers and improve sales through exporting; 40% see their overseas ventures as a way to improve innovation; and 35% say international expansion will help improve product quality³.

With this in mind, HSBC UK and UKEF have committed to building on their successful General Export Facility (GEF) partnership, by launching the SME Export Initiative. It’s a multi-billion-pound commercial lending pledge to help UK SMEs access the finance and advice they need to seize international opportunities.

Through the initiative, HSBC UK pledges to take its total lending up to £3bn to support working capital financing for UK exporters, with UKEF guaranteeing up to 80% of eligible facilities.

In addition to supporting UK SMEs on their international expansion, HSBC UK’s latest pledge will also be available to mid-sized and larger businesses who are already exporting. Given the value of the bank’s international network and connectivity across global trade corridors, HSBC UK is ideally placed to assist business leaders as they focus on developing both new and existing export markets.

The bulk of the new finance is likely to be distributed via the GEF scheme, which requires UK businesses to show that at least 5% of their revenue has come from export activities in each of the three previous years – or 20% in any one of the previous three years. However, other schemes are also available, and details can be found at the UKEF website.

Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions, says the launch of the additional funding will help businesses expand overseas with confidence, and reap long-term benefits.

“Amid geopolitical volatility, UK businesses continue to reap the benefits of global trade,” she says.

“HSBC was named the World's Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025 and we are a leading bank in UKEF’s lending schemes, providing the funding that companies need to invest, innovate, and export with confidence.

“We already support companies across more than 50 markets and, with our network covering 90% of global trade and capital flows, we are in a strong position to provide businesses with the insights and connections needed to succeed, whichever markets they are exploring.

“We look forward to continuing this work, using our international connections to help leaders navigate the complexities to unlock sustainable growth overseas.”

UKEF is committed to ensuring no viable UK export fails due to lack of finance or insurance by providing loans, guarantees, and insurance to help British companies win contracts, fulfil orders, and get paid internationally. Operating as a government department aligned with the Department for Business and Trade, UKEF supports businesses of all sizes by working with private sector partners to complement private finance, boosting UK exports and trade.