R&D as the Backbone of Advanced Flood Defence

As climate patterns shift and flood risks intensify, the demands placed on flood defence systems are becoming increasingly complex. At Andel, research and development is fundamental to ensuring that our solutions not only meet current requirements but also anticipate future challenges.

Effective flood protection depends on a combination of structural integrity, early warning, rapid deployment, and system reliability under stress. Through continuous R&D, we optimise designs and validate performance under real-world conditions, enabling us to deliver robust, reliable, and cost-effective solutions that can be deployed and scaled globally.

Our award-winning FloodAlert system originated as a pilot project with Kirklees Council, initially developed to assess the viability of LoRaWAN technology for flood monitoring. Through multiple development iterations—carried out in collaboration with partners including the Universities of Hull and Chester, local flood groups, councils, and technology providers—the system has evolved into a robust, plug-and-play early warning solution. It now incorporates a range of integrated extensions, including gully monitoring sensors, street-level alert signage, and the upcoming addition of a water quality sensor, further strengthening its role in proactive flood risk management.

For the development of another key product, FloodWall, we secured UKRI Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funding for a collaborative project with the University of Leeds. This partnership has enabled us to combine cutting-edge academic research with practical engineering expertise, accelerating innovation within the product. A key outcome has been the development of a science-based, user-friendly calculation tool, enhancing the technical performance of FloodWall while improving design accuracy and usability. This has further strengthened our ability to respond to evolving market demands with agility and confidence.

In developing our FloodPump range, we built on the proven performance of our existing Andel BungGuard technology. By refining functionality based on real-world feedback and operational requirements, we have enhanced efficiency, reliability, and ease of use—resulting in a practical and effective solution tailored to market needs.

We believe that R&D plays a vital role in advancing the flood defence industry, ensuring that customers benefit from increasingly sophisticated and reliable technologies. Across the sector, sustained investment in R&D is no longer optional—it is essential. Advances in materials, hydraulic modelling, and smart technologies are reshaping how flood risks are managed globally.

At Andel, our commitment to R&D positions us to lead this evolution, delivering integrated solutions that protect people, infrastructure, and economic activity with greater certainty.