UKEF supports college as it offers female education in Saudi Arabia

Burton and South Derbyshire College is a local college in Staffordshire with a global outlook. A programme of international partnerships has allowed it to build a global footprint with a presence in 15 markets. It now generates about 9% of its turnover as exports.

The organisation turned to UKEF when it wanted to expand into Saudi Arabia. The college wanted to make sure it was protected against the risk of non-payment. Unable to find cover in the private sector, the organisation approached one of UKEF’s regional export finance managers, who found a policy fit for its needs.

Secure in the knowledge that their exports would be covered, the college set up the first international female college in Saudi Arabia, “Highbury Burton Saudi Arabia”.

Chief Executive and Principal, Highbury Burton Saudi Arabia, Sunaina Mann OBE, said:

The world-leading support provided by UKEF gave us the confidence and security we needed to expand into an exciting market and to dramatically improve the employment prospects of young Saudi women. Successfully fulfilling this order is allowing us to continue our growth across the Middle East.