Crawley-based Rainbo secures £4 million contract with EKDMC backed by UK Export Finance

UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency, has played a crucial role in enabling Crawley-based Rainbo Supplies & Services to secure a £4 million contract with EKDMC, a transportation and logistics company in Côte d’Ivoire. By providing a loan guarantee to London Forfaiting Company (LFC), UKEF has facilitated flexible financing solutions that allow EKDMC to purchase UK-manufactured heavy-duty trailers and services, supporting both UK exporters and the expanding African market.

“This deal shows how UKEF support for SMEs goes beyond a single transaction. After a successful deal in Uganda last year, we’re proud to continue to enable Rainbo to grow its portfolio in Africa while putting UK suppliers at the heart of its work,” said Lisa Maddison-Brown, UKEF’s Export Finance Manager for Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex.

Contract details and UK supply chain support

The agreement involves the supply of heavy-duty trailers designed for construction, mining, and agriculture, with 20 trailers manufactured in the United Kingdom. This deal strengthens Rainbo’s presence in one of Africa’s largest economies and also supports the UK supply chain by involving domestic manufacturers in the provision of key equipment.

This contract is Rainbo’s second partnership with UKEF and LFC within 6 months, following a previous successful deal with a Ugandan construction firm. The company’s expanding export portfolio is central to its growth strategy, with plans to increase recruitment in 2026 to support ongoing business development.

Steve Quigley, Managing Director at Rainbo, said, “Securing yet another UKEF-backed deal in less than a year is a tremendous achievement for our team and a testament to the strong, long-term relationships we have built with our clients, suppliers, and partners. “Through close collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, we continue to deliver best-in-class support and services across Africa. This contract with EKDMC opens up exciting new opportunities in the region and reinforces our confidence in continued sustainable growth.”

“LFC has been providing UK companies with financing solutions to support export sales since 1984.  LFC is delighted to close this second deal with Rainbo, which supports both the UK exporter and the overseas buyer in a developing market. This deal is a further demonstration of the value of LFC’s ongoing partnership with UKEF, enabling buyers to access the flexible finance they need to purchase UK goods and services,” quoted Paul Wright, Head of UK Marketing at London Forfaiting Company. 

He further added that “There are significant opportunities for UK companies where UKEF, UK exporters and LFC collaborate and structure financings with the issuance of a UKEF guarantee through its Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee product.”

Economic impact and government initiatives

The partnership between UKEF, LFC, and UK exporters like Rainbo shows the UK government’s Plan for Change, which aims to provide flexible financing to help British businesses compete globally. In the last financial year, UKEF provided a record £14.5 billion in new financing, supporting over 667 UK companies and safeguarding up to 70,000 jobs.

These partnerships help UK exporters by providing flexible financing and improving supply chain connections. This support promotes sustainable growth and strengthens the UK’s role in global trade.