A MAJOR employer with a multi-million-pound global business has secured its future in its home town of Poole.

Two years ago luxury yacht builder Sunseeker International's boss was talking about quitting the country after 30 years because of lack of DTI grants and subsidies.

Now the company, which employs 1,500 people, has got the green light to expand its operation along the quayside at the port and invest in its £150 million turnover business.

"We are delighted to have been able to secure a further site alongside our existing shipyard," said Rob Braithwaite, MD of Sunseeker International.

"This will enable us to build larger craft with our existing skilled team, as well as create the possibility of increasing the current workforce.

"We strongly believe that this agreement can now only further enhance the marine businesses based here in Poole," he said.

Sunseeker, which exports 99 per cent of its luxury and sports motor yachts, will vacate its West Quay Road premises as part of a complicated deal which includes dedicating land for the preferred southern alignment of the new Twin Sails bridge.

"It frees that site up for redevelopment as part of the regeneration," said Bernie Topham, Borough of Poole policy director.

A shuffle of businesses on the council-owned port quayside will see Poole Harbour Commissioners leave Yard Quay and move to Ballast Quay, aggregate company Cemex (formerly RMC) move from Wessex Wharf to Yard Quay and Sunseeker expand into Wessex Wharf.

The South West Regional Development Agency has contributed £1.4 million to a total project cost of more than £3 million, to help the moves and safeguard more than 200 jobs.

Mr Topham said the council had issued new leases. "All negotiations have been conducted on a commercial basis," she said.

"The reason we have put so much effort into it is because of the benefits to the town in terms of jobs and the economy," she added.

A right of way, fought over in court by anglers will be diverted, and a new one provided with steps at Yard Quay.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: "We are particularly grateful to the RDA for their contribution which will help provide new workshops within the port and will also preserve jobs within the Poole maritime sector."

Gordon Aitken of Cemex said: "The new plant and facilities will enable us to continue to play our part in providing building materials for the ambitious Full Sail Ahead regeneration project."

Cllr Ron Parker, cabinet portfolio holder for local economy, said: "It was incredibly complex and took a tremendous amount of work to actually achieve our object.

"This is one of those rare occasions where it's a good news story all around," he said. "Everyone benefits."

First published: April 5