Engineering

The engineer.

From flood risk and drainage to forensic investigations and resilience, my work centres on understanding complex problems before considering solutions.

Lead specialism

Forensic engineering

If there is a common theme running through my engineering work, it is curiosity.

My greatest interest is understanding why something happened. In flooding, that often means sites where the obvious explanation does not quite fit the evidence. Why did the drainage not behave as designed? Why did a property flood when the mapping suggested otherwise? What changed?

Engineering is often thought of as design, but a significant part of my work involves investigation. Understanding root causes, testing assumptions and following evidence wherever it leads.

That approach has led to appointments ranging from individual homeowners through to insurers, developers, local authorities and organisations managing large property portfolios.

Innovation and technology

Engineering is constantly evolving, and I have always been interested in how new technologies can improve the way we work.

Over the years I have explored everything from flood resilience products and monitoring systems to AI, automation, data analysis and digital workflows. Some ideas succeed, some do not, but the process of testing, learning and improving is part of what keeps engineering interesting.

That curiosity has taken me well beyond traditional engineering circles. It has taken me to conferences, technology events and innovation communities around the world, including the Forbes Under 30 Summit in Arizona, where entrepreneurs, engineers and business leaders share ideas on what comes next.

Whether the goal is improving safety, enhancing quality, reducing risk or simply finding a better way of doing something, I believe progress comes from remaining open to new ideas.

Simon Crowther at a technology and innovation event

Flood risk

Flood risk is rarely about a report. It is about understanding the risks, the options, and the consequences.

A family deciding whether to buy a house. A developer assessing viability. An insurer understanding exposure. A local authority considering future growth.

Having experienced flooding first-hand, I understand the practical, financial and emotional impacts that can sit behind these decisions. My advice remains grounded in evidence, engineering and professional judgement.

Drainage, SuDS and placemaking

Water is not something to be fought against. Good developments work with it.

I have always been interested in how drainage can move beyond compliance and become part of placemaking. Well-designed SuDS can improve resilience, biodiversity and the quality of a place, while still solving practical engineering challenges.

Qualifications, chartership and fellowship

I hold a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Nottingham, am a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager and a Fellow of CIWEM.

Fellowship (FCIWEM) is the highest grade of membership awarded by CIWEM and recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the water and environmental profession.

Qualifications matter for one reason: they demonstrate that an independent professional body has assessed my competence and holds me to recognised standards.

The letters themselves are less important than what sits behind them.

Recognition and media

Over the years, my work has been recognised through industry awards, media coverage and professional appointments.

In 2016, I was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, recognising the growth of Flood Protection Solutions and the journey from a student business to a national company.

In 2018, I was included in the Forbes Europe 30 Under 30 list. In 2021, I was recognised as one of Attitude 101's LGBTQ+ Trailblazers in STEM, highlighting both my engineering work and my commitment to improving visibility and diversity within the profession.

My work has since been featured across national and regional media, covering topics ranging from flooding and resilience to engineering, entrepreneurship and public policy. Along the way I have shared personal experiences, including how flooding shaped my career and the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and graduates.

Recognition is never the objective. What matters most is using engineering, business and communication to make a positive difference and helping others see the opportunities that can come from following an unconventional path.

Selected features and articles

Work with Simon

Discuss a project or challenge.

Flood risk, drainage, forensic investigation or resilience. If you have a project you would like to explore, I would be pleased to discuss how I can help.

Contact Simon