Hampshire high-end yachting company receives visit from MP

Sir Desmond Swayne, who has represented New Forest West since 1997, toured the headquarters of A+T Instruments at Ampress Park.

He was shown around the manufacturing facility and met people working in a wide variety of roles across the A+T team.

Founded eight years ago the company produces expertly engineered instruments for superyachts and racing boats.

Desmond Swayne meets manufacturing manager Mark Lovell during his tour of A T Instruments (Image: A+T Instruments)

Sir Desmond, 66, was accompanied by A+T’s directors, Richard Tinley and Hugh Agnew, and the chief operating officer, Nils Jolliffe.

Mr Tinley, who comes from a sailing background, has been repairing and servicing marine electronics for 30 years.

Regarded as a highly talented designer, he has made custom displays for America's Cup and many other projects.

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Mr Agnew is a Cambridge mathematician who has spent his whole career designing navigation systems for customers in the oil & gas, military and yachting sectors.

Mr Jolliffe has worked in electronics and sensor businesses for more than 20 years, having started his career as a naval architect. He joined A+T in 2022.

Sir Desmond Swayne meets Hugh Agnew during his tour of A T Instruments (Image: A+T Instruments)

A company spokesperson said: "A+T are proud to manufacture a full instrument range which Sir Desmond was able to see during his visit.

"Mr Agnew took the opportunity to explain how A+T’s commitment to deliver the highest quality performance instruments to over 500 of the world’s largest and fastest yachts has resulted in a shift in the expectation in the market and supported the company’s continuing 40% year on year growth."

Mr Agnew said Sir Desmond was able to recognise the global position the small company had achieved since it was founded in 2015.

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Lymington is a major yachting centre with three marinas and has often been described as a sailing mecca.

The town is the former home of Sir Ben Ainslie, the most successful sailor in the history of the Olympics.

The 101-year-old Royal Lymington Yacht Club stands at the mouth of the Lymington River and has often been visited by the Princess Royal. She and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, are both keen sailors.

Nearby buildings include the Lymington Town Sailing Club, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Club of the Year 2023.

The area also boasts three other sailing clubs - Hurst, Keyhaven, and Salterns. Lymington Sailability provides people with disabilities with the opportunity to access the sport.