Series: Archaeological Research and Consultancy at the University of Sheffield (ARCUS) unpublished report series

ARCUS is a university-based archaeological practice. We were founded in 1992, and operate as part of Sheffield University's Department of Archaeology. We offer a full range of commercial archaeological and heritage research services to public and private sector clients and operate throughout the UK, and beyond.As part of a world-class research and teaching institution we have access to an exceptional range of specialist knowledge, equipment, and resources. Our staff has expertise in a wide range of periods and sites types, and routinely undertake commercially-funded fieldwork in a diverse range of settings, from Palaeolithic cave sites to 20th century industrial buildings. Our staff contribute to teaching and research in the Department of Archaeology, and have helped to formulate period-based research agendas and professional standards in the UK. We are especially proud of our growing portfolio of work on the archaeology of brownfield re-development sites, which has helped to shape national frameworks for industrial archaeology, and has gained us international recognition for excellence in academic and commercially-funded research. We actively promote and support community involvement with archaeology, and are committed to disseminating the results of archaeological research to both public and academic audiences.

The University of Sheffield’s Department of Archaeology and Wessex Archaeology are pleased to announce the establishment of a partnership between the two organisations. Following the closure of ARCUS (Archaeological Research and Consultancy at University of Sheffield), the new partnership with Wessex Archaeology will ensure in the short term that disruption for former ARCUS clients is kept to a minimum.

In the longer term, the Department of Archaeology and Wessex Archaeology plan to work together across a wide range of areas building on the strengths of both organisations. Joint activities will include: graduate training, student work placements, topics for student dissertations, community projects, specialist analysis and joint research projects.

Wessex Archaeology has now opened an office in Sheffield and the team based there includes a number of ex-ARCUS staff thereby ensuring that crucial regional knowledge and expertise are retained. The two Senior Project Managers, Oliver Jessop and Richard O’Neill, are leading experts in historic buildings and landscapes, and excavation and publication respectively. Wessex has appointed Chris Moore as the Regional Manager based in Sheffield. Chris’s expertise lies in heritage management and especially environmental impact assessment work.