UK Export Finance (UKEF) has announced support for a £20 million investment in market-leading aviation professionals.
Based in Leatherhead, 3TOP Aviation acquires mid- to terminal aircraft and engines for previous transactions, leases and renovations.
As part of the operations, aviation experts helped to dismantle the aircraft and rebuild related components for sale to clients, making the aerospace industry more sustainable.
Export Minister Gareth Thomas said: “This investment shows how to unlock innovative possibilities, unlock UK export possibilities, and bring employment, growth and investment back to a local economy like Leatherhead.
“Through trade strategies, three groundbreaking trade deals and small business strategies, the Plan for Change is helping to expand businesses like 3TOP Aviation overseas.”
Expanding aerospace workers
The company, which employs 18 staff and 16 non-UK staff in Surrey, aims to expand into new global markets and product lines, including new generations of aircraft.
As a result of UKEF-backed funding, 3TOP Aviation plans to expand its UK aviation professional workforce by 20% and move parts of its French and US warehouses to a larger site on Leatherhead, bringing further benefits to the local economy.
Funding is secured with support from UKEF issued under general export facilities. With this guarantee, HSBC UK has provided trade finance facilities of up to £20 million and supported 3TOP Aviation’s export growth.
Nina Stenning, Director of Relations at HSBC UK, explained: “3TOP Aviation has been a long-standing corporate client at HSBC. We have moved from strength to strength since Covid, and are pleased to further support businesses implementing facilities that contribute significantly to international growth plans.”
“The 3TOP Aviation story shows how UK businesses can grow their footprint internationally while creating prosperity in their homes.
“The impressive growth in sales from £3 million to £700 million in just four years shows great potential for UK companies by entering the global market.”
He added: “That’s where UKEF comes. We are here to ensure that a financial shortage will never prevent businesses from achieving their true export potential.”
The role of Ukef in accelerating growth in the UK industry
The announcement forms part of the government’s plan for change. It aims to raise living standards across the UK by starting economic growth and helping businesses export and grow.
The news follows the recent publication of UKEF’s annual report and accounts on 2024/25.
In last fiscal year, UKEF provided a record £14.5 billion in new funding, helping over 667 UK companies export, growing and supporting up to 70,000 jobs.
Chris Emechete, Managing Director of 3TOP Aviation, concluded: “We are pleased to secure a significant amount of funds from UKEF, which has strengthened our position as a major UK exporter of commercial aircraft aftermarket services, allowing us to further leverage new opportunities around the world.
“We are so active in the aviation market all over the world that capital from Ukev, the leading credit export institution with impeccable pedigree and reputation, is perfectly in line with our growth plans and aspirations.”
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