Articles: News

Port of Dover appoints 8020 Communications to strategic comms brief

80:20 Communications - 3rd October 2022
Port of Dover

Travel, aviation and mobility PR specialist 8020 Communications has been appointed by the Port of Dover, together with its three ferry operators, to advise on and implement a communications strategy to promote the strengths, successes and vital role of the Port’s ferry operation and the wider system.

Aimed at government, logistics and travel industry decision makers, alongside UK holidaymakers and Dover’s local community, the communications strategy will highlight the Port’s pivotal role in UK trade and international tourism. It will also build awareness of the Port’s high operational efficiency and robust operations and promote Dover’s bold vision for a modernisation of onsite and inland infrastructure to optimise Dover for post-Brexit Britain.

The Port of Dover is the busiest international ferry port in the UK, with two million cars and 11 million passengers passing through every year. Dover also processes 2.4 million trucks per year, more than all other UK ports combined. In total, the Port of Dover deals with £144 billion of trade in goods each year and 33% of the UK’s trade with the EU, supporting businesses across the nation.

Marc Cornelius, Founder and CEO, 8020 Communications, says: “The Port of Dover is a linchpin in the UK’s trade and travel with Europe. It has risen to the challenges and opportunities for the UK outside of the EU with far greater success than is widely recognised. We will shine a spotlight on the remarkable work and people who keep Dover running so successfully and will raise awareness of the huge benefits offered to travellers, industry and the UK economy that will be further enhanced through the Port’s ambitious modernisation agenda.”

8020 will report to the Port of Dover’s head of policy and communications, Richard Christian, and chief commercial officer, Christian Pryce. Richard Christian says: “We wanted to promote the huge contribution the Port of Dover, including its ferry operators, makes to the UK, alongside its success at embracing new opportunities and overcoming challenges post-Brexit. We therefore needed to appoint an appropriate and reputable specialist in this space. I’m delighted to be working with 8020 and we look forward to seeing the strategy successfully implemented.”

8020 Communications is a PR and digital marketing agency. This year, 8020 was a Finalist in the 2022 PRCA Dare Awards and also the 2022 PRmoment Awards.

Take a look at some of 8020’s recent projects.

Trudi Beggs