Global environmental protection specialist partners with Leeds University for “revolutionary” flood barrier project

A global environmental protection specialist has joined University of Leeds’ innovation hub, Nexus, as it embarks on a major project to develop “revolutionary” flood barriers from recycled plastic.

Andel has nearly 30 years’ experience in flood defence and water, oil, and gas leak detection and its current customer base includes the Houses of Parliament, The Pentagon, Hong Kong International Airport, and Google.

The company joins the Nexus community following its recent growth and recruitment of 30 new employees.

Andel commercial director Mark Harris commented: “Nexus was an ideal fit for us, because of the wealth of specialist academic expertise at the University of Leeds.

“We plan to recruit a PhD electronic and software engineering student from the University for research and development support and we’ll be working with specialists as part of the Water@Leeds research group on a major project to optimise the delivery model for a revolutionary flood barrier made from recycled plastic.

“The Nexus community also gives us vital access to wider networks and platforms, including the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics, which will provide even more invaluable resource for shared innovation and best practice.”

Dr Martin Stow, Nexus director, added: “Andel is recognised in the UK and across the world as a leading developer of specialised leak detection and environmental protection systems.

“We’re delighted they have chosen Nexus to further develop that global expertise and, in turn, help us to grow our community’s specialism in this crucial sector. Nexus is attracting a growing number of member businesses which are developing innovative products and services which benefit the environment and society.”