The 'accidental economist' loves the responsibility of helping to shape council budgets

Economics gets a bad press. It is known as 'The Dismal Science,' a label first hung on it in the 19th century by Thomas Carlyle, albeit specifically in relation to Thomas Malthus's somewhat downbeat assertion that population growth was destined, sooner or later, to outstrip food supply, leading to mass starvation.

When Natalie Henderson was preparing to study for her A Levels, she was one of the many who had never given the subject too much thought.

Not that she considered it boring, particularly - she just hadn't really thought about it at all.

"I decided to do A Levels in Maths, ICT and Geography," Natalie recalls. "I was casting about for one other subject and my fiancé, Ma, said to me: 'Why not try economics?'

"I had never really thought about it until then. But I went for it - and found it really interesting. In my first year I did just okay, but then really got going. I achieved straight 'A's in my modules the following year and it just grew from there."

It has grown rapidly. Natalie, still only 23, is now Warwickshire County Council's economist.

Having gained a first class economics degree in Manchester, she added a Masters, back in her hometown from the University of Leeds. The 'accidental economist' transpired to be very capable indeed.

Based in the Economy & Skills group in Barrack Street, Natalie has a wide-ranging role. She provides specialist analytical support to her team, other departments within the council and external partners including other local authorities. Her areas of focus include business and skills/employment studies, forecast model analysis, spatial economic cases and project delivery impact assessments.

It is complex and detailed and certainly not light reading, but what it is, undeniably, is important: Shaping the strategy of council departments and the deployment of council tax-payers' money.

And that is a responsibility which Natalie enjoys.

"I really enjoy my role," she said. "After I took my first degree I was unsure whether to pursue a career in finance or policy, but while doing my Masters I decided policy was the direction for me. I felt that I would like to apply economic principals to the real world - that is the biggest difference between policy and finance.

"That is the satisfaction of the job and why I wanted to work in local government.

"I think when people think of economics they either love it or hate it. I love it!

“It is never boring. The work is extremely varied because every project has different elements and different requirements.”.

"It is all about applying data to the real economy and interpreting what that data means for the future and how it can help achieve target growth. I collate the data, study it and present conclusions. I like that responsibility."

Natalie works closely with the county council's policy and funding manager Matthew Epps under economy and skills group manager Dave Ayton-Hill and also deals with the county's borough and district councils. She does attend some committee meetings but seldom deals directly with councillors - her role is, of course, entirely non-political.

While much of her work deals with specifics, Natalie likes looking at the big picture - the whole into which the crucial smaller details must fit.

"I like to look at macro-economic policy," she said. "There are so many different elements to economics and that's one of the reasons I love working at Warwickshire County Council. I have learned a lot since I started and am learning more all the time.

“Since the recession in 2008 there has been an even greater demand for economists as both central and local government need to save money and find ways to improve efficiency. Those challenges are there and I really enjoy trying to help meet Warwickshire’s growth potential, helping to shape departmental budgets. Perhaps one day I will be helping shape the council budgets!"