UK Export Finance (UKEF) has launched an online portal for credit insurance applications. This means that UK businesses can apply for government export insurance without being required to complete a PDF form, a feature intended to shorten the application process significantly. UKEF notes that this is particularly valuable for SMEs, which may face challenges securing private-sector finance. Kate Dixon, Managing Director of Yarwood Leather (one of the first businesses to use the new portal), commented: “The support from UKEF has opened up new markets for us in territories which are not covered by our usual credit insurer.” UKEF is aiming to support over 1,000 SMEs a year by 2029. To read UKEF’s announcement, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/export-insurance-applications-made-simpler-for-businesses-with-new-online-portal.