The unveiling of an £85 million investment in traffic management at a Kent port kicked off a roadshow trying to encourage businesses to export their goods and services.

The Exporting is GREAT campaign visited Dover to inspire UK companies to grow overseas.

The show is part of a week-long campaign across the country by UK Trade & Investment, the government department tasked with growing British exports.

The roadshow truck parked at the Port of Dover to coincide with the unveiling a new yraffic management improvement scheme – part of an £85 million capital investment programme to help companies export.

The freight holding facility is capable of accommodating 220 HGVs and removing 4km of queuing traffic from Kent’s highways.

Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: “The Port of Dover is a crucial link of national and international importance, a conveyor belt carrying goods and supplies between industry and consumers.

“We handle up to £119 billion of trade annually and last year saw record freight volumes of 2.53 million unitsheading through Dover – up nearly 5% on the previous year’s all-time high.

“However, we are never complacent and are constantly looking at ways to improve our service to UK plc.

"That’s why we’ve invested millions in removing old buildings and installing new traffic management technology and infrastructure to create even more freight holding capacity.

"And that’s why we are wholeheartedly supporting the Government’s drive to boost British exports.”

Trade minister Lord Price said: “The UK is a great trading nation and the Port of Dover’s new facility will provide even more opportunity for British businesses to sell their goods overseas.

“Nearly 20 per cent of the UK’s trade passes through the port, as UK companies explore new markets in Europe. It’s great to see partners like this working with the government – through the Exporting is GREAT campaign – to support our businesses and boost exports.”

Lewis Scott, UKTI South East regional director, said: “The Exporting is GREAT campaign provides new and experienced exporters with an invaluable opportunity to receive tailored and expert advice first hand from our international trade advisers.

“At no cost and with no obligation, the only thing companies can lose is the opportunity to grow their businesses and to be even more successful.

“Exporting helps companies to grow, and taking those initial steps to find out more can prove invaluable.

“UKTI and our partners in the Kent and the South East are determined to help local companies succeed in the global race. We’re already working with thousands of companies across the region to do just that – we want to help a great many more.”