Wessex Archaeology feels economic upturn in Sheffield

6th August 2014

Wessex Archaeology's Sheffield Office is benefitting from the strong economic upturn within Yorkshire and beyond.

Wessex Archaeology opened an office in Heeley in November2009, at the start of the recession, and has seen turnover triple since 2011. The original team of 16 has developed into an office of over 40 staff, 14 of who were recruited locally within the last year, and with a new fleet of five vehicles business is booming. Archaeology and heritage work are closely linked to housing and infrastructure developments, and there is good reason for optimism across Yorkshire. Recent projects include work ahead of new roads and associated development near Rossington, mixed retail and housing developments around Sheffield and Doncaster, and community projects such as that at Tinsley School carried out with Heeley City Farm, and current work with Elsecar Heritage Centre. The geophysics, desk-based and built heritage research, and excavation work has led to a wide range of local archaeological discoveries ranging from Iron Age and Roman farmsteads, a medieval manor and 20th century back-to-back housing. Andrew Norton, the Sheffield office Regional Manager, said 'it's fantastic to see the end of the recession, and to be able to create jobs for local people, so that they and the public can understand more about their local history, is a real boon. We've also taken on three paid interns through the University of Sheffield, Santander and the City Council and hope to provide more training opportunities for local people next year.' With ever increasing development opportunities it's a good time to live in Yorkshire.