Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander will encourage business customers to join a new directory of exporters, linking UK companies with contacts around the world. 

Liam Fox, secretary of state for international trade, said: “We want to help UK businesses scale up and take advantage of the global appetite for British goods and services, as well as to demonstrate that there has never been a better time for international companies to partner with UK suppliers.

“The first of its kind, this directory will deliver a unique and new route to global markets, promoting British goods and services on an unprecedented scale.

“With this kind of creativity and collaborative working between government and industry, I’m confident that we can make the whole of the UK a beacon for open trade around the world.”

Set for launch in November 2016, the new directory will allow potential customers and buyers from global markets to search for UK companies offering relevant products, services and skills. 

Businesses will also be offered support to become more competitive and receive live export opportunities direct to their inboxes. 

Lord Price, minister for international trade, added: “This is a great new initiative which I believe will fundamentally change the way businesses export. 

“The directory of exporters will create a truly modern trading relationship between UK businesses and the rest of the world, providing a real boost to our exports.”

The Department of International Trade was created by the new Prime Minister Theresa May to promote UK trade and stimulate demand and supply of exports around the world.

Thresea May has also stressed the importance of reducing the housing deficit as well as replacing the housing minister. 

Further details of the directory will be revealed later this year.