Actisense
Established in 1997 by Phil Whitehurst, Active Research Ltd was conceived to address critical connectivity challenges within the marine electronics sector. The introduction of their acclaimed Actisense brand in 2001 marked a significant milestone, propelling the company to international acclaim. Today, their products enjoy a global presence, serving clients across more than 50 countries and partnering with some of the marine industry’s leading entities.
Specialising in NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) technology, Actisense facilitates the integration of newer electronics with older legacy systems, while also providing intelligent sensors, gateways, and connecting infrastructure products to manage vessel data effectively. Their solutions portfolio revolves around three primary domains: Convert – aiding communication between devices on differing protocols; Digitise – enhancing the value of analog signals through digitisation; and Share – ensuring data accessibility across wired and wireless networks. Additionally, Actisense collaborates with OEMs and other businesses seeking to embed NMEA functionality into their offerings.
Recognised as a high-growth prospect, the company has expanded its workforce to 37 individuals, all based at their headquarters in Poole. The entirety of the business operations, including engineering, manufacturing, support, sales, and marketing, are consolidated in Dorset. Actisense prioritises employee growth, encouraging internal promotions and offering comprehensive training and development initiatives. The strategic location in Dorset provides proximity to both water resources and a network of specialised suppliers and advisors, all of which contribute to the company’s success and continued growth trajectory.