BExA launches 13th UKEF Benchmarking Report – ‘Improving delivery of the 9 out of 10’
The British Exporters Association has today launched its latest UK Export Finance (UKEF) Benchmarking Report. The report, now in its 13th year, provides an analysis of UKEF’s activities and reflects upon the range and quality of its support to UK exporters over the previous year. Where research and feedback suggest more focus is required, BExA proposes recommendations to UKEF for the year ahead. It also offers comparisons between UKEF and other countries’ export credit agencies (ECAs).
The cornerstone of BExA’s benchmarking work is the mark that it allocates for UKEF product availability. Since 2014, BExA has scored UKEF an excellent 9 out of 10 for its product range, with just Tender to Contract foreign exchange rate cover still missing from the ECA’s portfolio. UKEF retains this score in the new report.
“UKEF is rightly proud of its broad product range and the support it provides to UK exporters. Similarly, we are pleased to work with UKEF to ensure that the broad portfolio of products they offer works in the best possible way for our members and the whole UK export community,” says Marcus Dolman, BExA Vice-President and report co-author.
To this end and for the first time in its benchmarking history, BExA now also provides a ‘useability’ metric in its report. This is a subjective view based on BExA member opinions of how each UKEF product is performing, and considers ease of access, speed of turnaround and fitness for purpose. BExA’s report delves into the detail of the issues and offers constructive feedback on where improvements can be made. “The useability metric is intended to inspire UKEF to build upon its good work in achieving the 9 out of 10 product score and truly deliver a world-class product suite,” says Dolman. “We look forward to continuing our journey with UKEF to ensure UK exporters have the support they need to ensure that no viable export fails for lack of finance or insurance.”
Newly-appointed Chief Executive of UKEF, Tim Reid, comments on the launch of the report: “We welcome the publication of the British Exporters Association’s annual benchmarking survey and are delighted to have achieved a 9/10 rating for our product suite for the 9th year running. “We are pleased that BExA have recognised our support for businesses to help them export to challenging international markets, and the valuable role of our products in complementing the UK’s ambitious trade agenda. We understand the challenges facing UK businesses today, with rising costs, supply chain issues, and a turbulent global economic market. We will continue to engage with BExA, industry, and our customers to ensure UKEF’s support and the usability of our products meets the needs of the UK’s exporting community.”
A copy of the report can be downloaded here.
Posted 3 April 2023