Unlocking export growth with confidence
A practical guide for London exporters on reducing risk, reaching new buyers and growing overseas with the support of UK Export Finance
The risk behind the opportunity
For many London businesses, exporting is central to growth. Firms across the capital are selling specialist products and services into overseas markets, but international demand often comes with a key challenge: how do you win new business abroad without taking on too much payment risk?
This matters especially for smaller businesses. A new overseas buyer may want credit terms, but the exporter may have limited information about that customer’ s finances or payment history. That can leave firms choosing between stricter terms that may lose the deal, or more competitive terms that feel too risky.
Backing exporters to say yes
This is where UK Export Finance( UKEF) can help. As the UK’ s export credit agency, it exists to ensure no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance. Its Export Insurance Policy can cover up to 95 % of potential losses if an exporter is not paid under an export contract or cannot recover costs because specified events prevent completion. That gives businesses more confidence to pursue opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
The policy is aimed at UK exporters with an established business base, where at least 20 % of the export contract value comes from UK goods or services, and where private sector insurance is not available. It can protect against risks such as buyer insolvency, failure to pay, and certain political or economic events outside the UK.
Particularly relevant for smaller exporters is the Small Export Builder, an enhancement within the Export Insurance Policy. It helps businesses start trading with a new overseas buyer even when detailed financial information is limited. Eligible exporters can begin with an initial credit limit of up to £ 25,000 and, if invoices are paid on time, build that limit in stages up to £ 100,000. With cover available for up to 95 % of invoice value, it offers a practical way to test new markets and grow buyer relationships more safely.
For London companies, this is important because many export opportunities begin with modest first orders rather than major contracts. Whether a food producer is testing demand in Asia, a manufacturer is entering the Gulf, or a premium brand is approached by an importer in a new market, the opportunity may be genuine, but the payment risk can still slow decision-making.
How Digital Pixel broke into Saudi Arabia
Digital Pixel, a Brighton-based life sciences business specialising in advanced microscopy systems, used the Small Export Builder when it secured an opportunity in Saudi Arabia, a market where it had no existing trading relationship. With UKEF support, the business was able to move forward with greater confidence and establish a foothold in a new region.
“ As a small business, taking on a new buyer in an unfamiliar market involved risks we simply couldn’ t manage alone. UKEF’ s Small Export Builder has given us the confidence to expand our trading relationships and take on orders from clients in
markets that are new to us.” Dr Leslie Patrick Vanderpant, Coowner of Digital Pixel
That experience will resonate with many London exporters. Often, what businesses need is not a dramatic intervention, but a practical mechanism that helps them say yes to a good opportunity without taking on disproportionate risk.
Why it pays to know your local UK Export Finance contact
For London Chamber members with international ambition, that makes UKEF worth knowing. Whether your business is taking its first steps into exporting or entering new markets, the right support can help you protect cashflow, offer competitive terms and build overseas relationships with greater assurance.
To find out how UKEF could support your business, speak to your local Export Finance Manager for a free and impartial consultation. Contact details are available here on our website or through our Customer Services team at customer. service @ ukexportfinance. gov. uk.
Hitesh Patel, Export Finance Manager for Central and West
Keisha Silvera, Export Finance Manager for North East and South West
Colin Hawes, Export Finance Manager for City, East and South East