Sole representative? Business visitor? Work permit/PBS?

[Kitty]

Situation is:

Overseas business that owns a yacht docked in the UK. Re-fit of the yacht is contracted to various UK companies (electricians, furnishings, marine architects etc.). Overseas company employs its own engineer whose responsiblity it is to supervise the re-fit, contracts etc. He has been coming to the UK for the past 2 years as a "business vsitior", but last 2 attempts to renew the visa have been refused.

What is the true reflection of his situation as far as UKBA is concerned? The visa refusals were on the grounds that he had spent most of the last 2 years actually living in the UK (which is true) and they therefore suspected he would take employment here.

The overseas company is not really intending to set up a base here but could "sole representative" visa be the way to go for a project that is likely to last less than 2 more years?

Could it be more realistic for him to try for Tier 1 PBS if he can get the points?

Nothing sems to fit the situation properly.