SLR Consulting expands Midlands team

Global sustainability and environmental consultancy SLR Consulting has strengthened its Midlands archaeology team with three key appointments as it expands its regional presence.

Gareth Davies has joined as archaeology technical director and will lead the newly integrated team across Nottingham and Birmingham. 

A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, he brings 30 years of commercial and academic experience to the role.

Gareth said: “I have joined SLR at an exciting time for the business as it continues to grow its archaeological offering both across the Midlands and nationally.

“What attracted me was the opportunity to take a broader perspective on archaeology’s role within sustainability, placemaking and climate-related challenges, while helping to grow a commercial service within a multidisciplinary consultancy. 

“SLR’s collaborative approach gives clients access to a wide range of expertise beyond archaeology alone, allowing us to deliver more integrated solutions across development projects. 

“Commercial archaeology shouldn't just be a compliance box to tick; we are demonstrating how archaeological data can actively inform design, environmental improvements and habitat data. 

“As the Midlands team continues to expand, we’re focused on maintaining the quality and character of our service, while demonstrating how archaeology can contribute positively to areas such as social value, heritage engagement and sustainable development.” 

Supporting the growing team are Ben Turner, who joins as associate archaeologist, and Jessica Stevens, who has been appointed senior archaeologist to oversee regional fieldwork operations.

The appointments follow SLR’s acquisition of Wardell Armstrong in 2024 and form part of the firm's strategy to strengthen its archaeology offering across the Midlands. 

With a national network of more than 70 specialists, SLR continues to invest in expertise to support infrastructure, heritage and development projects across the UK.

Rory Bates, built environment sector lead – Europe at SLR Consulting, added: “Expanding our archaeology team in the Midlands is a pragmatic step to meet growing regional developer demand. 

“Our clients navigate complex planning and risk environments, and having a dedicated team that provides both consultancy and fieldwork locally is a major advantage. 

“By combining this hands-on heritage expertise with our broader built environment disciplines – like GIS and environmental advisory – we can help de-risk projects early on, ensuring commercial developments progress smoothly while still delivering real social value and community benefit.” 

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