About Us

Who We Are

RAA was established in 1996 to deliver innovative solutions for the complex needs of customers of the urban drainage industry. As Consulting Engineers, we maintain a traditional family based approach to business, putting client needs first and resolving flooding problems in the urban environment using the latest analytical techniques.

History

• 1996 - Richard Allitt Associates Ltd founded
• 2002 - Due to expansion Richard Allitt Associates Ltd move to larger offices in Haywards Heath
• 2006 - 10th Anniversary year of Richard Allitt Associates Ltd
• 2007 - Due to further expansion Richard Allitt Associates Ltd move to larger offices in Staplefield
• 2009 - Richard Allitt Associates Ltd involved in several key projects following recommendations in The Pitt Review
• 2010 - Richard Allitt Associates Ltd wins 2010 Water Industry Achievement Award, in the SUDS & Flood Management initiative of the year category for their Urban Creep R&D Study.
• 2011 - Expansion of staff requires renting of second office at Staplefield. Working towards external accreditation of Quality Management and Environmental Management Systems

Our Team

Our people are friendly, skilled and hard working and are committed to delivering excellent service. They have a depth of knowledge and produce exceptional results for our clients. Our key personnel include:

Richard Allitt - Managing Director

Richard has more than 34 years' experience working with some of the largest UK water companies and local authorities. With a background in Civil Engineering, project management and Urban Drainage, Richard has developed particular expertise in Hydraulic Modelling of Sewerage Systems and Rivers and 2D Modelling of Urban Flooding. Richard regularly presents at industry conferences and is recognised as one of the leading thinkers in the urban drainage industry. His contribution to the development of 2D Modelling and Integrated Urban Drainage are among his most notable achievements.

Martin Allitt - Team Manager and IT Manager

Martin has over 10 years' experience in civil engineering having worked as an Engineer and Modeller for Richard Allitt Associates Ltd. His particular responsibilities are project management including technical development and maintaining the IT infrastructure within the company. Martin regularly presents at various industry conferences and is well-known for his progressive thinking for hydraulic engineering and urban drainage.

Phil Gelder - Consultant

Phil has 37 years experience in the Sewerage and Drainage industry having spent the last 21 years working for Severn Trent Water Ltd where he held a number of roles including Sewerage Asset Manager and Sewer Flooding Manager. Phil has particular expertise in dealing with sewer flooding problems for which he received a national award in 2004. Phil was also Severn Trent’s lead wastewater focus on dealing with the Gloucester flooding in 2007. More recently Phil helped Severn Trent prepare for the successful transfer of private drains and sewers. Phil has delivered presentations at numerous conferences and forums and has regularly being involved in developing and delivering R & D Projects. Phil has also sat on a number of national groups representing the interest of the Water Industry.

Jamie Finney - GIS Specialist and QMS Coordinator

Jamie is our GIS specialist based at Haywards Heath and is a member of a team involved in sewerage modelling projects, Reservoir Inundation Mapping and preparation of Sewerage Management Plans. Jamie is also the company's QMS Coordinator.

Edward Hartwell - Hydraulic Modeller and Environmental Coordinator

Edward is a Geographer with hydraulic modelling skills in rivers and sewerage systems. He is experienced in flood surveying techniques and climate change science. Edward is also the company's Environmental Coordinator.

Jack Pickering - Hydraulic Modeller and Knowledge Transfer and R&D Coordinator

Jack is a fluvial geomorphologist with hydraulic modelling skills in rivers and sewerage systems. He is experienced in field techniques in geomorphology and surveying in large river basins and urban watercourses. Jack is also the company's Knowledge Transfer and Research & Development Coordinator.

Our Approach

We will discuss your requirements and tailor our work to your needs. We have a robust service model but can provide the flexibility to meet your objectives and regularly update our working methods to incorporate changing techniques and emerging trends.

Our Mission

Our mission is to resolve flooding problems in the urban environment using the latest analytical techniques and hydraulic designs.