UK Export Finance (UKEF) Funding: Government‑Backed Support for UK Exporters

Expanding into international markets is a major opportunity for UK businesses, but securing the right UK export finance can be challenging. From managing cash flow to fulfilling overseas orders, exporters often need fast, flexible funding to stay competitive.
White Oak UK is now an accredited provider of UK Export Finance (UKEF) under the General Export Facility (GEF), providing more UK businesses with access to government-backed export loans designed to support growth both at home and abroad.

What Is UK Export Finance (UKEF)?

UK Export Finance is the UK government’s export credit agency and the world’s oldest trade finance institution. Its mission is to help UK companies:
• win international contracts
• fulfil export orders
• get paid securely
UKEF provides guarantees, insurance and direct lending that reduce risk for lenders, enabling them to support more UK exporters. UKEF can guarantee up to 80% of the risk on eligible export loans.
Learn more at the official UKEF website: 

In 2024/25, UKEF delivered £14.5 billion in new financing and supported 667 UK businesses across manufacturing, tech, engineering, and professional services.

White Oak UK: A UKEF General Export Facility Provider

White Oak UK is one of just 13 accredited UKEF financial partners and the only non‑bank lender currently offering the General Export Facility.
The GEF is UKEF’s flagship short‑term export finance product, providing fast access to:
• working capital
• cash for new orders
• investment funding
• operational expenditure
Loans can be used for almost any business purpose, whether directly linked to exports or supporting wider business growth.

Who Can Apply for UKEF Export Finance?

The General Export Facility is designed to support UK businesses that trade goods or services overseas. Eligible businesses include:

• manufacturers exporting physical goods
• service providers working with international clients
• suppliers selling into export‑focused supply chains

White Oak UK supports exporters across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, professional services, and technology.
Eligible uses of funding include:
• working capital
• business development
• VAT
• Asset finance and refinance
• Covering Tax Bill

UKEF Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for UKEF‑backed finance, your business must meet one of the following:
• 20% of turnover from export sales in any of the last 3 years, or
• 5% of turnover from export sales in each of the last 3 years
Your business must also be UK‑registered and trading.
As a non‑bank lender, White Oak UK offers a more flexible, relationship‑driven approach to assessing eligibility.

Which Countries Are Covered?

UKEF supports trade with over 180 countries, including:
• Europe
• North America
• Middle East
• Asia
• Africa
• South America

Whether you export machinery to Kenya or software to Singapore, UKEF‑backed finance helps you trade with confidence.

How to Apply for UKEF Export Finance?

Applying through White Oak UK is fast and straightforward:
1. Make an enquiry – Tell us about your export activity and funding needs.
2. Eligibility review – We confirm whether you meet UKEF criteria.
3. Tailored offer – Your Relationship Manager builds a flexible finance solution.
4. Fast decision – Our streamlined process avoids long bank delays.
5. Funding released – Use the funds to fulfil orders or strengthen cash flow.

Why Choose White Oak UK?

With over 40 years of experience supporting UK businesses, White Oak UK offers:
• personal, relationship‑driven service
• no call centres
• fast decisions
• a wide range of finance products
• 5‑star Feefo‑rated customer service

As a UKEF‑accredited provider, we bring government‑backed export finance directly to UK businesses ready to grow internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is UK export finance?
UK export finance refers to government‑backed funding that helps UK businesses trade internationally by providing guarantees, loans, and insurance.

How does UKEF work?
UKEF shares risk with lenders by guaranteeing up to 80% of eligible export loans, making it easier for businesses to access finance.

Who qualifies for UKEF funding?
Businesses with at least 5–20% export turnover over the last three years may qualify.

Can small businesses apply?
Yes — SMEs are a major focus of the UKEF General Export Facility.

What can UKEF funding be used for?
Working capital, new orders, tax funding, asset purchases, and general business growth.

Need help securing export finance?
Our UKEF team is ready to assist — call 0203 868 4000 or email Export@whiteoakuk.com

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If you are looking to find the right finance for your business, contact us today.

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