International Trade for West London has Plenty to Celebrate in 2026

By Alan Rides, Chief Executive Officer, West London Chambers of Commerce

London has been named the top business meeting city for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This achievement comes at a time when British manufacturers are showing remarkable resilience and ambition.

Optimism in Manufacturing

Recent surveys highlight a positive shift in the sector. Despite ongoing cost pressures and economic uncertainty, 65% of UK manufacturers believe that opportunities now outweigh the risks. This optimism is backed by action, as 68% of manufacturers are increasing their investment in new product development and 63% believe the new Industrial Strategy will further boost investment.

This year’s data shows that manufacturers are doubling down on innovation. They are investing in new products, embedding new technology, and exploring fresh sectors. The Industrial Strategy is providing a vital springboard for investment and a genuine opportunity to improve UK competitiveness on the global stage. Furthermore, 82% of companies surveyed by HSBC replied that strong growth is forecast in exports for the coming year.

Enhanced Support from UK Export Finance

Peter Kyle MP, Minister for Business and Trade, recently announced significant expansion from UK Export Finance (UKEF). By mid-2025, capacity was raised to £80 billion to boost UK exports. Key highlights of this increased support include:

Increased Capacity: Total capacity for UKEF lending and guarantees has been raised to drive international growth.
Support for SMEs: New measures, including simplified online portals and "Small Export Builder" insurance, aim to support over 1,000 SMEs annually by 2029.
Export Insurance: Exporters can increase their permitted credit limits by 50% through demonstrated timely payments from buyers.
Strategic Growth: Enhanced insurance products are now available for SMEs, alongside bolstered support for trade defence.
Market-Specific Cover: UKEF has increased capacity to cover specific markets, such as Ukraine and Iraq, to support UK suppliers in key regions.

This expansion is designed to ensure that no viable UK export fails due to a lack of finance or insurance.

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