HM Treasury announced that five leading UK banks have agreed a combined £11 billion lending package to support small and mid-sized enterprises, aimed at helping firms invest, hire and expand into international markets. The commitment comes from NatWest, HSBC UK, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander and will be drawn from the banks’ own balance sheets. UK Export Finance will guarantee up to 80% of eligible loans issued by each bank, with banks able to apply the guarantee automatically for working capital loans of up to £10 million. The package also includes advisory support via banks’ relationship managers and UKEF’s regional Export Finance Managers, and the agreement was finalised at a Westminster roundtable convened by Business Secretary Peter Kyle with UKEF Chief Executive Tim Reid.
HM Treasury 2026-02-02
UK's HM Treasury secures £11 billion SME lending commitment from five banks backed by UK Export Finance guarantees
HM Treasury announced a £11 billion lending package from five UK banks to support small and mid-sized enterprises in investment and international expansion. NatWest, HSBC UK, Barclays, Lloyds, and Santander will provide the funds, with UK Export Finance guaranteeing up to 80% of eligible loans. The package includes advisory support from banks' relationship managers and UKEF's regional Export Finance Managers.