A crash barrier supplier boosted turnover for the fourth time in five years amid a surge in foreign demand.

Highway Care Group, based in Detling, recorded a 45% jump in revenues to £27.4 million in 2016 thanks largely to its range of portable steel guards, which have become an international success.

Exports rocketed 270% to £17.6m helping it to a pre-tax profit of £6m, up 31%, its latest accounts show.

This is despite a 31% fall in UK sales to £9.8m.

Director Pete Ranson said the company’s portable Barrier Guard 800 range is “the best performing portable steel barrier in the world and continues to be in high demand in all markets”.

The company, which employs about 80 people, launched an Australian subsidiary in January 2016, which helped drive the rapid international sales growth.

He said: “From a strategic standpoint, the quality of the products developed as a result of research and development in recent years has opened up exciting opportunities to supply purchase orders around the world.”