A government minister has praised Sunseeker International for its export performance after visiting the luxury motor yacht manufacturer in Poole.

Ranil Jayawardena, Minister for International Trade, toured the shipyard and talked to boat builders and new apprentices.

He also met senior Sunseeker International executives including Sales and Marketing Director, Sean Robertson and Finance Director, Dean Lawler.

During his tour the minister learned of Sunseeker’s dedicated Design & Technology Centre which vertically integrates every detail of the yacht from concept to completion.

Mr Jayawardena said: “It is fantastic to be down in Dorset to see Global Britain going around the world.

“The sheer number of yachts made in Britain for the export market is a sight to behold – Sunseeker export 95 per cent of their yachts – and this can be attributed to the substantial investment made in manufacturing here.

“Sunseeker’s commitment to generating new apprenticeship and graduate opportunities makes great business sense and is creating more jobs for local people, totalling over 1,700 staff today.

“Trade means jobs.

“As one of our largest leisure marine manufacturers, I’m delighted that nearly 70 per cent of all their materials are British, supporting a further 10,000 jobs in their supply chain.”

Sunseeker has a forward order book of more than £400m.

Sean Robertson said: “We are delighted that the Minister for International Trade has been able to visit us to highlight the significance of our facilities in Poole and Portland and see first-hand the highly skilled nature of our talented design, engineering and manufacturing teams.

“Every year we commit to hiring at least 40 new apprentices, and increasingly, graduate roles.

“We develop our early careers programmes to ensure we equip our people with skills for now and the future.”

Sunseeker has supported hundreds of apprentices with multiple learning pathways, including carpentry, composites, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and IT.

The vast majority of apprentices remain with the company and progress their careers.

Originally named Poole Power Boats, the company was founded by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite in 1969.

It changed its name to Sunseeker International in 1985 and has since become known worldwide for its luxury performance motor yachts.

In August 2013 a majority stake in the business was acquired by Wanda Group, the Beijing headquartered conglomerate.

From its manufacturing base in Poole, Sunseeker produces around 150 boats every year ranging from 38-161 feet.

In 2023, Sunseeker will launch its first production yacht with hybrid power.

Demand for the company’s larger models continues to grow year-on-year with more than 141 yachts over 100 feet in length already delivered since 2000.

The increase in demand for larger models has been the driving force behind the launch of the company’s Superyacht Division and plans to expand its manufacturing into the world of metal-built yachts.

It will see Sunseeker produce its largest superyacht ever, the 50M Ocean, launching in 2023.