L – P : Archaeology joins MOLA
We are excited to announce that leading UK archaeological practice, L – P : Archaeology, is joining MOLA. As part of this move we are delighted to welcome 93 new staff to our organisation, as well as incorporating former L – P offices in Stansted, Chester, and Bristol into our portfolio. Consequently, we have now grown to an extraordinary 450 staff covering numerous specialisms, who will be working out of 6 offices across England.
The joining of L – P will not only enable us to deliver expert services across wider swathes the country, but will also bring new talent, skills and approaches to our teams. This includes broadening our services in areas such as creative and immersive media, and digital recording techniques, as well as deepening current specialisms. Our CEO, Steve Parry, says:
“Throughout our discussions it has been remarkable how much we share a vision and determination to be at the forefront of archaeological practice. This acquisition will enable us to share expertise and draw upon the best of both organisations, which will enhance our ability to deliver leading archaeological work and research – both for our clients and public audiences.”
We have worked constructively with L - P since c.2006 on a number of post-excavation projects, which most recently included supporting L - P on the osteological and coffin furniture assessment of the HS2 Stoke Mandeville excavations. L – P archaeologists also worked alongside our field team at HS2 Blackgrounds, a now internationally renowned Iron-Age and Roman site. This move therefore represents a continuation and progression of our shared ethos and practice. L – P Founding Partner, Guy Hunt, adds:
“I'm really excited by the possibilities this new chapter will bring. We're bringing together two organisations that have got a lot in common in terms of shared values and professional ethics, but that are also quite different and complementary in terms of geography, skills, experience and approach.”
Ultimately bringing L – P : Archaeology into MOLA will ensure we are able to continue delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost effective work on both major infrastructure projects and local developments - despite a current sector-wide shortage of trained archaeologists. This includes taking on L – P’s exciting programme of current and future work. We are also pleased to report that L – P : Archaeology’s partners will be joining our Leadership Team, bringing with them a depth of knowledge and skills acquired from many years of successful operations.
