The UK’s official export credit agency is already making waves for SMEs looking to sell their goods overseas and secure international contracts. Some of the most recent success stories include two Cheshire-based businesses, which also happens to be the home of White Oak UK’s HQ! In May 2026, it was revealed that Packaging One Ltd had obtained a £4 million contract with one of the largest global technology companies thanks to a £700,000 loan backed by a General Export Facility. Earlier in the year, Promatic International, a leading manufacturer of clay pigeon shooting equipment based in Hooton, secured a £1 million trade credit facility to support the growth of export volumes. They have since fulfilled orders across the globe. In 2025, UKEF provided a record £14.5 billion in new financing, helping over 667 UK companies to export and grow and supported up to 70,000 jobs.
One thing is clear – UKEF works. However, it is evident that knowledge of UKEF among smaller businesses is poor, meaning many SMEs may be struggling to access the funding they need, simply because they’re not even aware that it exists. At White Oak UK, we’re on a mission to spread the word about UKEF, and get British businesses the support they need.
“As the UK focuses on resilience and growth, access to flexible financing solutions is more important than ever. By partnering with UK Export Finance and through the General Export Facility, White Oak UK can help more SMEs take advantage of international opportunities and contribute to the strength of British business.”
- Jean-Marc Torre, CEO, White Oak UK
What is UKEF?
UKEF stands for United Kingdom Export Finance, and it is the UK government’s export credit agency. Their main role is to help UK businesses secure and fulfil international export contracts, therefore boosting their bottom line and strengthening the UK economy as a whole.
UKEF partners with over 100 private lenders (like White Oak UK) to provide government-backed funding products such as guarantees, working capital, and insurance so businesses can trade overseas with confidence. These funding products are known as a GEF – General Export Facility.
Is my business eligible for UKEF support?
To qualify, your business must meet export thresholds:
- At least 20% export turnover in one of the last three years, OR
- At least 5% export turnover in each of the last three years
You must also:
- Be UK-based
- Employ staff in the UK
- Pay UK taxes
- Deliver goods or services from the UK
Find out more about your eligibility criteria without affecting your credit score by using our online application portal.
What is a GEF?
GEF stands for General Export Facility, and it is a form of funding designed to help British SMEs succeed in their export efforts. A GEF provides flexible short-term financing solutions of up to £25 million. White Oak UK seeks to enhance UKEF’s capacity to serve SMEs who require smaller-value finance to meet demand for new orders or increase export volumes. However, if you’re looking for something in surplus of £25 million, you should contact your local Export Finance Manager, as they can help find something suited to you.
Since its launch in 2020, the GEF has grown to be UKEF’s most popular product – offering government-backed guarantees on loans provided by financial partners to UK exporters. Over £771 million worth of loans have now been issued to UK exporters via the GEF scheme, mostly for SMEs.
How can I use my GEF?
A UK exporter can use GEF funding mainly for working capital and trade-finance support tied to exporting activity, including cash facilities, bonds, and letters of credit. It is also commonly used for trade loans, invoice financing, and other support that helps a business fulfil orders and scale export operations.
What the GEF can cover
- Cash facilities, such as trade loans.
- Contingent obligation facilities, such as bonding and letter of credit lines.
- Bonds and guarantees.
- Invoice financing.
- Capital expenditure (where offered by your chosen lender within the scheme)
How a GEF is used
GEF is designed to free up cash flow, help a business fulfil multiple export contracts, and ease short-term funding pressure. It is not tied to one specific export contract, so the facility can support broader exporting activity rather than a single order.
I want to apply for export finance. Where do I start?
We can help you secure the funding you need to branch out into bigger markets. Get in touch with our UKEF team by calling 0203 868 4000 or emailing export@whiteoakuk.com.
Alternatively, take a look at our guide to UKEF and business loans for exporters here.
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