UK Export Finance directly supported only 199 customers in total in 2019–20, failing to meet its own target of 500. UKEF attributes failing to meet its customer target to a lack of awareness among smaller businesses of what UKEF offers, a potential decline in demand, a lack of appetite from banks and issues with its application process. UKEF is introducing more flexible products which are expected to be more attractive to smaller businesses in a wider range of markets and help increase custom...

UK Export Finance directly supported only 199 customers in total in 2019–20, failing to meet its own target of 500. UKEF attributes failing to meet its customer target to a lack of awareness among smaller businesses of what UKEF offers, a potential decline in demand, a lack of appetite from banks and issues with its application process. UKEF is introducing more flexible products which are expected to be more attractive to smaller businesses in a wider range of markets and help increase customer numbers. These include the General Export Facility which will support businesses’ overall export working capital requirements, rather than linking thi Type: conclusion | Number: 5 | Response status: not_addressed