Big banks throw their weight behind international trade drive
THE UK’s five major high street banks have signed up to work with the new Department for International Trade to revolutionise the way businesses access international markets.
Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander are getting behind the Government’s drive to populate a new and unique Directory of Exporters.
The directory will link UK companies with contacts from around the world. Potential customers and buyers from global markets will be able to search for companies from across the whole of the UK which are ready to supply the products, services and skills they need.
The directory is part of wider Government plans for a more digital service that will provide a world-leading platform for British businesses.
Announcing the partnership, Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, said: “The new Department for International Trade is perfectly placed to bring together the whole of government, industry and our extensive overseas network to help UK businesses win lucrative deals.
“We want to help UK businesses scale up and take advantage of the global appetite for British goods and services, as well as to demonstrate that there has never been a better time for international companies to partner with UK suppliers.”
UKTI regional director for the North West, Clive Drinkwater, also welcomed the agreement, saying: “This is a great new initiative which I believe will fundamentally change the way North West businesses export. The Directory of Exporters will create a truly modern trading relationship between UK businesses and the rest of the world, providing a real boost to our exports.
“It will provide a fantastic opportunity for North West businesses to promote their world leading capability to millions of buyers all around the globe.”
