HSBC is to launch a £4bn fund that will lend to small and medium-sized businesses that trade internationally.

The aim is to capture the benefit of increasing global trade conducted by British SMEs with a turnover of up to £25m.

Companies in the UK that are looking to expand their business into a new market overseas could benefit from the funding that is becoming available.

This is good news for companies who are considering launching into a new market overseas as it could provide the stimulus to make them actually take that action this year.

Research by HSBC found that businesses which trade internationally are forecast to recover quicker and earlier than previously expected.