Britain’s leading banks have pledged a combined £11 billion in new lending to support British companies seeking to invest and grow in overseas markets, as part of a government-endorsed initiative to strengthen export activity and international expansion.

The commitment, announced on Monday, involves five major lenders making finance available directly from their own balance sheets to help businesses pursue cross-border opportunities and scale globally.

The participating banks — NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group and Santander UK — will provide an integrated suite of loans aimed at supporting firms’ working capital and investment needs as they enter or expand in international markets.

The initiative is designed to give UK companies greater access to long-term financing at a time when global economic uncertainty and trade dynamics present both opportunities and challenges for exporters.

To underpin the package and encourage banks to lend more freely, the government’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance, will offer guarantees covering up to 80 per cent of eligible loans.

This guarantee structure is intended to reduce risk for lenders and incentivise them to extend credit that might otherwise be constrained by commercial considerations.

Officials said the programme reflects a broader strategy to position the United Kingdom as a trade-focused economy and to help domestic firms compete abroad.

By linking finance with export and investment support, policymakers aim to unlock new markets for UK goods and services, from manufacturing to professional and creative industries.

Business groups welcomed the announcement as a timely boost for companies navigating an evolving global trade landscape, stressing that access to competitively priced finance is critical for international growth.

The lending package is expected to complement existing support measures and export finance facilities, offering firms a clearer pathway to expand their footprint beyond the UK.