Ambitious UK businesses encouraged to ‘Go for Gold’
The event, named Going for Gold, is being held at the bank’s Birmingham HQ during the much-anticipated 2022 Commonwealth Games, which are taking place in the City.
Aimed at UK exporters looking to grow, as well as those new to international trade, the interactive event will bring together senior representatives from the public and private sectors, including specialists from DIT, UKEF and HSBC UK, as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat and High Commissioners from Commonwealth countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Malawi, Namibia and Antigua and Barbuda, promoting the export opportunities in their respective markets.
Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from Ian Stuart, HSBC UK CEO, Paul McComb, DIT’s Director for UK Exports, Tim Reid, Director of Business Group at UKEF and Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK.
A panel of successful businesses will also discuss their exporting journey during the day.
Cora McLaren, Managing Director of International Subsidiary Banking at HSBC UK said:
“Trade is at the heart of what we do at HSBC. Opportunities to grow exist both at home and abroad, and we’re proud to work with ambitious UK businesses - whether they’re just starting out in the world of international trade or are experienced exporters delivering to markets all over the world.
“We deeply value our strong partnerships with DIT and UKEF, which enhance our unparalleled expertise in connecting businesses internationally, particularly through our ‘on-the ground’ network and sources of support.”
Minister for Exports Andrew Griffith said:
“Exports are vital to growing our economy, so I’m delighted that DIT, UKEF and the GREAT campaign are working in partnership with HSBC on this event during such an exciting time for the West Midlands region and the Commonwealth. It will demonstrate the exciting opportunities to trade and export across these markets and beyond.
“As set out in the Government’s export strategy, working in partnership with business is critical to our success. This event is a good example of us doing just that. The advice shared today, along with the discussions had and networking will help attending UK companies on their export journey.”
Tim Reid, Director for Business Group at UK Export Finance said:
“Companies that export are more productive and grow faster than those that don’t. Through UK Export Finance, the government can give businesses the financial backing they need to reach their export potential.
“HSBC UK has a strong proposition for businesses looking to export, working in partnership with UKEF and our local network of export finance managers to provide financial support and help UK businesses win, fulfil and get paid for exports.”
DIT provides businesses with free export support, online resources and one-to-one advice at great.gov.uk.
HSBC remains the single largest user of UKEF’s classic short-term schemes by volume of transactions since their introduction in 2011, offering a great example of what the private and public sector can achieve when they work together.
UKEF also has huge financial capacity to support UK exports to Commonwealth countries and has provided £2.8 billion of support for trade to the region in the last 5 years.
In addition, HSBC UK recently launched its new £15 billion SME Fund, which includes a £2bn ring-fenced pot specifically for SMEs to trade internationally, highlighting how the bank is committed to financing customers’ international ambitions, no matter their size.
Media enquiries to:
Mina Sharma, Media Relations Manager for HSBC UK
Telephone: + 44 (0)7387 244371
Email: UKPressOffice@hsbc.co.uk
Notes to editors:
About HSBC UK
HSBC UK serves over 14.75 million customers across the UK, supported by 24,000 colleagues. HSBC UK offers a complete range of retail banking and wealth management to personal and private banking customers, as well as commercial banking for small to medium businesses and large corporates.
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 63 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,985bn at 30 June 2022, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.
About the Department for International Trade
The UK Government's Department for International Trade (DIT) champions open and fair global trading that drives growth, creates better jobs and higher wages, and improves living standards in this country and around the world.
The Made in the UK, Sold to the World marketing campaign is the face of DIT's export promotion activity. It aims to encourage UK SMEs to start exporting or expand their existing international sales, providing them with the tools, support and opportunities to succeed through global trade.
For free export support from the UK Government, businesses should visit great.gov.uk.
About UKEF
UK Export Finance is the UK's export credit agency and a government department, working along-side the Department for International Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.
Established in 1919, its mission is to advance prosperity by ensuring no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, doing that sustainably and at no net cost to the taxpayer.
About the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign (GREAT)
The GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland campaign (GREAT) is the UK's international promotional campaign. It works closely with businesses, not-for-profit organisations and high-profile figures to promote the very best of the UK, encouraging the world to visit, study, live and do business with us.