UKEF is the UK’s export credit agency, strategically and operationally aligned with the Department for International Trade. Established in 1919 to promote exports after the end of the First World War, 2019 is its centenary year. UKEF’s mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance from the private sector. UKEF compliments and does not compete with commercial banks and insurers, providing support where the private sector cannot. Over the past decade UKEF has provided over £30 billion-worth of support helping over 600 UK exporters to grow their business in overseas markets. 79% of business supported by UKEF in 2017/18 were SMEs.