Credit where due

YOU make reference (your report, 10 February) to the fact that trade credit insurance "all but dried up" during the recession, leaving exporters with more onerous export terms.

As a global trade credit insurer we take issue with this. In 2008 trade credit insurers covered more than 302 billion of UK trade.

In 2009 we paid record claims to thousands of British businesses, keeping them afloat when faced with their buyers going bust, and now, in 2010, we are once again increasing our exposure to support as many businesses as possible – indeed Atradius has opened up extra cover to around 30,000 UK businesses since November 2009.

SHAUN PURRINGTON

Regional director, Atradius UK and Ireland

Cardiff