Andel celebrates 25 years with tenfold increase in turnover and employees

Yorkshire’s leading leak detection and environmental protection systems provider, Andel, is celebrating 25 years in business by increasing its turnover and employees tenfold. In June 1992, the late Ian Pogson started the business from his garden shed creating a leak detection system like no other on the market. In the early days, Pogson employed just a handful of staff to support the development and manufacturing of his new Floodline system. However, since 2001, the company increased tenfold in turnover and employees and is now the biggest employer in Marsden with more than 60 employees and expects turnover to rise above £4 million by the end of the year. Highlights of the past 25 years include winning the Queen’s Award for Innovation and becoming one of the success stories of the 2012 London Olympics – installing and commissioning several leak detection systems in the main stadium, the white water canoe course and the Olympic village. Last year Andel installed its Floodline system in prestigious London buildings including the Shard, the Houses of Parliament, the O2, the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building and Canary Wharf. The company also recently won a £75,000 contract to install water leak detection systems on each floor of Tower 1 and Tower 2 in Marina Bay Financial Centre in Singapore. Pogson’s first employee, Julie Greenwood, is now Managing Director (MD). She said: ‘Taking up the reins from Ian was an emotional experience. Being with Ian from the start and helping him to grow and expand the business was challenging, demanding and fun. We worked through the highs and lows, like any other SME during the rollercoaster of the economic climate. Andel has always had and will continue to have a “can do, will do” mentality. It has been important to continue with Ian’s legacy, but at the same time ensure a stable platform to grow the business. We are currently investing in R&D to develop our award winning products which will allow future expansion not only in the UK but also our export markets. I am looking forward to celebrating such a milestone in Andel’s history.’ Commercial Director, Mark Harris, said: ‘Following the demise of the woollen industry in the area, Pogson was an entrepreneur and when dissatisfied with existing flood detection products on the market, saw an opportunity to create something new. He created a local success story as the company has grown remarkably over the past 25 years and we expect that to continue. Over the next five, we anticipate reaching £12million in turnover which means we can continue to recruit and be of benefit to the local economy.’ The business is celebrating the anniversary with a lunchtime buffet for past and present employees.