Prime Minster Theresa May visited bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) (www.alexander-dennis.com) at the end of last month to announce an order from Mexico City for 90 low-emission double-deck buses.

The UK Export Finance agency made a £44 million finance deal available to ADL, as part of a wider £1.7 billion programme of support for UK companies in international markets.

ADL chief executive Colin Robertson said: “We are privileged to have the Prime Minister here to announce Government support for exporting businesses like ADL.

“Our ability to offer finance from UK Export Finance in Mexican pesos was a significant benefit to our buyer, helping us to win this major contract.”

The modern, comfortable and high-capacity Enviro500 buses will ease road congestion and — thanks to their low-emission engines meeting the most stringent emission standards — improve street-level air quality on the Paseo de la Reforma boulevard in Mexico City.

Mr Robertson said: “Any contract of this size is important. It allows us to continue to invest in people, processes and products, which will help us secure the jobs of our 2,100 team members in the UK and many more in the supply chain.”

The Alexander Dennis factory in Falkirk will construct the bodies of the 90 buses, while the chassis will be made at the firm’s base in Guildford, Surrey.

UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the department is “putting export finance at the heart of trade promotion.

The £1.7 billion in financial support since last summer has helped 137 companies secure deals around the world in 40 local currencies, including the Mexican peso. This has made buying from the UK and Scotland more attractive than ever.

“There is global appetite for British goods and expertise, and Scottish firms such as Alexander Dennis are taking advantage of the opportunities in fast-growing markets like Mexico, securing deals that will boost the UK’s exports and safeguard jobs back home.”