The Great.gov.uk platform is designed to support businesses secure preferential deals through DIT to help them start exporting, and will provide a new searchable export directory to match businesses according to the worldwide demand for different UK goods and services.

DIT says the site will act as a single digital destination for trade and investment, bringing together and connecting UK businesses, international buyers and international investors.

Whether businesses are new, occasional or frequent exporters, they will be able to take advantage of the new suite of tools and exclusive deals on fees or commissions with some of world’s leading online marketplaces.

At the launch four pages for priority markets – India, China, Germany and the US, the world’s largest markets – have been added with dedicated translated/transliterated content to showcase UK investment opportunities. DIT says from 2017 the site will host searchable opportunities from every region.

Dr Liam Fox, international trade secretary, said: ‘We have always been at the forefront of the free trade-supporting countries in the EU, but despite this only around 11% of registered British businesses currently export beyond our borders.

‘Some businesses have told us they don’t know where to start or how to make the next step onto the global marketplace. That’s why we want to support UK businesses large and small as they grow, and help them connect with global demand to fulfil our greatest economic ambitions.’

The new digital trade hub is part of a push to help a further 100,000 more UK businesses export by 2020.

Businesses will be able to access the advice and financial support through the online platform from government, from public and private sector business champions, and from Great partners.

DIT has announced agreements with the five major banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS and Santander – and the four big consultancies – EY, KPMG, Deloitte, and PWC – to be Great partners.

The Great platform is here.