SLR Consulting launches Midlands archaeological hub

Global sustainability and environmental consultancy SLR Consulting has expanded its footprint across the Midlands by establishing a regional archaeological hub with a senior appointment. 

The expansion is anchored by the appointment of Gareth Davies to lead the Midlands team as archaeology technical director. 

Davies is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA) and member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA). He brings three decades of commercial and academic experience to lead the newly integrated Midlands team split across Nottingham and Birmingham. 

Davies 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."

Davies has worked on developments such as the transformation of Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Express Transit (NET) Phase Two project and the Our City Our River (OCOR) campaign in Derby. Alongside his commercial experience, he is an active researcher, and completed a PhD at the University of Nottingham.

Following the Wardell Armstrong acquisition in 2024, SLR gained a full field of experts with a combined team of more than 70. This national network includes the team behind the 'Uncovering Roman Carlisle' project – an excavation that discovered a high-status imperial complex on Hadrian's Wall that featured on National Geographic. 

Rory Bates, built environment sector lead – Europe, said: "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."