MARINE electronics manufacturer Active Research is marking its growing global success on its 21st birthday.

The Poole-based firm is the creator of the award-winning Actisense brand, and the landmark date marks a coming of age of sorts as it has grown over the past two decades from humble beginnings into a market-leading manufacturer of 'intelligent' marine electronic products.

Serving both the leisure and commercial marine markets, Actisense grew by over 25 percent in 2017 alone.

The firm has expanded its international network into new markets including China, India and South America, and now works with more than 70 distributors in 42 countries, from Norway to New Zealand, Canada to Korea and all of mainland Europe.

CEO Phil Whitehurst said: "Celebrating our 21st birthday, we can look back over exceptional growth, multiple award wins and new product developments.

"I would like to thank the team for making all these achievements possible.

"Focusing on increasing our presence in new markets we will encourage future growth and ensure our success for many more decades to come."

Working from a small room in his house, Mr Whitehurst founded Active Research in January 1997.

It began largely as a consultancy, but Mr Whitehurst soon noticed a niche in the worldwide marine electronics market and decided to seize the opportunity.

He developed his first Actisense-branded products in 2001.

Building a reputation for quality features and reliability, the company has since expanded its extensive international network across the globe.

Recognition has included being awarded the National Marine Electronics Association Product of Excellence Award for three consecutive years.

Last year, Actisense, based on the Nuffield Industrial Estate, was presented with the British Chamber Awards, Regional Export Business of the Year Award by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Continuing this trend, the firm is currently a finalist in three Blackmore Business Award categories, including the Company of the Year Award, Exporter of the Year Award and Business Person of the Year Award.

For more information visit actisense.com