Government support is available to businesses of all sizes looking to export sustainable goods, says Tim Reid, Chief Executive Officer, UK Export Finance.
Global attention is often focused on climate action and the UK has a real opportunity to take the lead. Not just through innovation, but by exporting sustainable products and services around the globe.
For example, climate change has climbed into the top three issues facing global C-suite leaders, according to a recent report, with 83% increasing sustainability investments this past year.
We’re already seeing this play out through strategic partnerships and a wave of forward-thinking British businesses proving that it’s possible to scale, export and grow, without losing sight of their sustainability goals.
Across the UK, there’s a growing number of companies putting sustainability at the heart of what they do, whether that’s in clean energy, ethical fashion, or low-carbon tech.
These businesses are making a real difference at home. Looking across the pond, these businesses are also looking to expand their impact and tap into the benefits of exporting abroad.
To support the net-zero transition and position UK exporters at the forefront of the global low-carbon shift, UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, has committed to providing £10 billion in clean growth finance by 2029.
Leading by example, UKEF has issued £2.3 billion in financial support for clean growth projects between 2024 and 2025.
From solar panels in Turkey to offshore wind farms in Taiwan, UKEF’s backing is enabling UK expertise to make an impact worldwide while creating opportunities across the UK supply chain.
So, how do we make sure that growth and sustainability go hand in hand?
Why sustainable exports matter
Exporting brings clear benefits. It allows businesses to tap into larger markets, diversify income streams and create jobs.
For sustainable businesses, there’s also a chance to lead by example, setting high standards around environmental impact and responsible sourcing in industries that are often global in scope.
Yet for many green SMEs, moving into international markets isn’t always straightforward. For example, sustainability-focused SMEs face challenges in exporting due to limited access to finance, low awareness of export finance products, time and resource constraints, difficulties navigating international sustainability standards and limited awareness of available support, to name but a few.
Who is making the change?
One company that has successfully navigated these challenges is OOSC Clothing, a skiwear brand based in Worcester, committed to ethical manufacturing and recycled materials.
Starting out with a unique idea – colourful, retro-inspired snow gear with a sustainable twist – they have grown to sell in over 110 countries and have partnered with major retailers.
Their export journey was supported by UKEF’s General Export Facility to reduce risk and ease access to working capital.
This kind of support can be especially valuable when fulfilling large overseas orders or working with retailers that operate on long payment terms. In OOSC’s case, it helped them scale without compromising on sustainability.
The role of export support
It’s important to recognise that exporting isn’t one-size-fits-all, and different businesses need different kinds of support.
Some need help navigating customs and compliance. Others need introductions to overseas buyers or access to finance to manage cash flow. Government agencies and trade bodies play a role here, providing guidance, financial backing and networks to open up new markets.
As the UK’s official export credit agency, UKEF provides a comprehensive suite of products, financial instruments, and advisory services designed to help UK-based businesses manage the risks and navigate the complexities inherent in international trade.
UKEF’s support is available to businesses across all sectors and regions of the country but excludes fossil fuels related projects. As part of our business plan, we’re keen to support SMEs than ever before.
Over the last year we continued to increase our support for SMEs, backing 496 businesses across various sectors, with a goal to support 1,000 SMEs annually by the end of the decade.
Not only that but we have a whole sustainability strategy dedicated to getting more supporting more green businesses across the UK.
Built green, built to last
One key challenge businesses face is that exporting can put pressure on a company’s sustainability values. There’s a risk that rapid growth leads to shortcuts in materials, production, or distribution.
For sustainable businesses, keeping supply chains transparent and ethical as they scale internationally is critical.
That’s why it’s essential to build a globally connected team that is fully committed to addressing these challenges, not only managing the financial aspects but also upholding sustainability standards and ensuring responsible logistics throughout the process.
Some markets now actively prioritise green imports, and being able to demonstrate sustainability credentials can be a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting new customers and clients.
But it takes planning, strong communication and investment to get there.
Green horizons
If the UK wants to build a resilient, future-ready economy, supporting sustainable businesses to export is the way to go.
In doing so, we will not only reduce our trade deficit but create green jobs and spread the UK’s environmental innovation around the world. But to unlock this potential, we need to continue educating and easing the challenges of exporting, especially for smaller, value driven firms.
Examples like OOSC show what’s possible. But they also highlight the need for strong partnerships, where business ambition, government support, and environmental responsibility work hand in hand.
The opportunity is clear. The challenge now is to make exporting a realistic and rewarding path for more of the UK’s sustainable businesses and in doing so, help shape a greener, global economy.
For further information please visit ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
