Government launches UK’s largest export directory to boost international trade

The largest ever export directory to increase access to UK business exports worldwide has just been launched by the Department for International Trade.

Following the result of the EU referendum, this is a strategic move by government to ensure that UK exports, for both goods and services, continue to bring a significant contribution to the economy. 

The initiative has the support of the UK’s five major high street banks - Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander. The banks will help reach out to potential UK businesses eligible for inclusion and have pledged to step up outreach efforts to facilitate UK investments.

With the directory platform online, UK businesses can be accessed for their expertise or quality products from anywhere in the world. This follows the trend of wider government plans for increased levels of digital service to aid individual businesses, no matter their size, as well as grow the overall economic figures.

The project is at its first stage of gaining UK support, and registering companies to participate. Currently the directory is planned to go live, for use in locating export opportunities, this November. 

Announcing the launch, Liam Fox, secretary of state for international trade said: “The first of its kind, this directory will deliver a unique and new route to global markets, promoting British goods and services on an unprecedented scale. With this kind of creativity and collaborative working between government and industry, I’m confident that we can make the whole of the UK a beacon for open trade around the world.”

After its November launch, support for the maintenance and growth of the directory will be accomplished through international marketing activities geared towards building demand for UK goods and services.

To find out more or to register for inclusion, visit directory.exportingisgreat.gov.uk.