GMP Manufacturing secures government-backed export finance from White Oak UK
What's the deal? GMP Manufacturing Ltd (GMPM), a Hull-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, has secured funding from White Oak UKDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, backed by UK Export FinanceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (UKEF), to accelerate its international growth. The financing was supported through UKEF's General Export Facility (GEF) — a guarantee designed to boost export capabilities for SMEs.
Established in 2018 on the former Seven SeasDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → site in east Hull, GMPM manufactures medical products for clients in the UK, Europe, and Australia. It also develops and supplies items under its own brand, including Aseptic, an alcohol-free sanitiser effective against influenza and Covid-19.
Why now? GMPM has grown its workforce by more than 40% in eight years and now plans to expand into African markets, increasing headcount by a further 20%. The company is also investing in new manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing platforms for personalised medicines.
Chris Bryant, minister for trade, said: "We are a pro-business Government and will continue to back businesses to scale-up, helping innovative firms like GMPM to export their products across the globe."
What could go wrong? Expanding into African markets introduces new regulatory, logistical, and currency risks. Scaling a workforce by 20% while simultaneously investing in advanced technologies like 3D-printed medicines could strain a growing SME's resources.
The signal: GMPM's story reflects a broader UK government push to support domestic manufacturers with export-focused finance. UKEF's GEF programme is designed specifically to help SMEs punch above their weight internationally — a priority as Britain seeks post-Brexit trade diversification.
Manuel Fantin, export finance manager at UKEF, said GMPM's trajectory "should inspire many SMEs, who need the motivation to take the next step in their business." The company revitalised a plant that had closed after 80 years, growing from 30 employees to more than double that in under a decade.
Giby George, GMPM's chief executive, said: "We are proud to be investing in advanced manufacturing capacity in Hull, creating high-quality jobs and career opportunities at every level."
Read more: Insider Media
