Poole: Hundreds Of Jobs Could Go At Luxury Yacht-Maker

17 October 2014, 16:09 | Updated: 17 October 2014, 16:21

Around 300 jobs could go at luxury yacht-maker Sunseeker, which is based in Poole.

The firm has announced a two-month review of the business with possible cuts focused mostly on managerial and administrative roles.

But they say planned changes are likely to have a ''minimal impact'' on its direct boat-building activities.

They describe the changes as part of "a strategic review to help position the company for future growth."

Sunseeker International is a manufacturer of luxury performance motor yachts between 40'-155'.

Sunny Thakrar, Group Executive Director for Sunseeker International, said:

"The focus of the plans we are announcing today is to ensure the continued growth and success of a sustainable business, based on the UK’s South Coast. It is clear to us that customer demand and the industry as a whole is changing and we need to respond to those changes to retain our position at the forefront of an ever-competitive market.

"I can confirm that today we have informed Sunseeker International staff of the outcome of a strategic review aimed at increasing efficiency, simplifying our operating model and positioning the business for its long term future.

"As part of these plans we are looking to rebalance the workforce by removing non-core activities as well as where we see cross-over and duplication. Around 300 roles could potentially be affected as part of the review and we shall go through a formal consultation process. In order to minimise the impact on individuals, the company will provide support during this period. Our skilled craftsmen on the shop floor will remain key to the business and this review is likely to have minimal impact on our direct boat-building activities.

"We want to reassure our staff and suppliers that Sunseeker International is 100% committed to maintaining our current UK manufacturing capabilities, and we have no plans to move our brand or production elsewhere.

"We have seen a series of successful new product launches throughout this year to date and have received very strong demand for our new products at recent boat shows. We have solid financial backing and an exciting pipeline of new products, all of which gives us confidence that the changes we are proposing will help create a stronger and flexible business, enabling us to continue to build upon our already world-renowned design, engineering and production capabilities."