Dave relishing his complex but rewarding role

Dave Ayton-Hill was working for the Environment Agency when he came to a crossroads.

The job - Sustainable Development Officer - was not without interest, travelling the country training advisors about the European Social Fund. But was it what he wanted?

It wasn't exactly hands-on: not really helping people in most need. Was it the best use of his expertises in economics and the environment?

"I had a dilemma," recalls Dave. "I had to decide whether I wanted to work in the private sector as a consultant or in the public sector."

He chose the latter path, which would lead him to Warwickshire County Council, first as Economic Strategy Advisor then to his current position, Group Manager for Economy and Skills

Dave has no regrets. He chose the public sector to exploit his abilities in a constructive way: to help people. And in these shifting, challenging times for local government, he is very much in a position to do that.

"The incentive was to try to make a difference," said Dave, who leads a 25-strong team committed to plotting economic growth for the county. "The work is very varied and challenging but I like that.

"You put together ideas and strategies and sometimes they come together. As a consultant in the private sector you put ideas forward then have no idea whether they are put into practice. That is very unsatisfying.

"Soon after I arrived at the county council, the austerity agenda was just starting to unfold.  There was talk of reducing or even getting rid of the economic development team, but then the penny dropped that actually economic development is the way forward. Now our team is growing, as is the impact we have. And we are looking to grow more."

Dave's job, like the economy itself, is complex and challenging. Just the way he likes it.

"Local government funding is changing forever," he said. "A growing economy is absolutely fundamental to the future of Warwickshire County Council. My team has made real progress but it's only a start. There is so much more we want to do in terms of business support, using our business centres as a proactive tool for growth, and addressing skill needs within the economy.

"Let's be honest, Warwickshire is a pretty good place to live. Of course, there are things still to address like areas of deprivation and too many NEETS (young people not in education, employment or training).

"And we need to support stronger growth in our small and micro businesses. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and while Warwickshire is good at generating new business start-ups, we don’t see as many as we should grow in size. A key objective is to support businesses which start with one or two people so they grow to employ ten people, then 20 or 30.

"If you look around at the small business community in Warwickshire there are some great stories. Talented people making their businesses prosper and, in some cases, succeeding on a global scale. If Warwickshire County Council can help with a grant or by providing a base or helping them tap into the right network, then great."

Dave's road to Warwickshire was winding but along it he harvested loads of experience pertinent to his current position. Aylesbury-born, he grew up in Shropshire from age ten before studying at Keele University where he gained a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics then added a Masters in Environmental Law with Politics.

He worked at Shropshire Council and the Birmingham-based Government Office for the West Midlands before joining the Environment Agency - and confronting that dilemma.

He later worked at at Coventry City Council in economic development, focusing on how to bring prosperity to the city and specifically get individuals into private enterprise.

That was more like it. Of direct benefit to people who really need support.

"People in areas of deprivation are amongst the most entrepreneurial of all because they need to find ways to survive," Dave said. "Our brief was to give them advice and support so they could start a private enterprise which was sustainable.

"It did make a difference. There was a rise in the start-up rate though I think with a more innovative approach we could have achieved a lot more."

Dave looked elsewhere. He joined Warwickshire County Council and settled into the department which he now heads up: Making a difference.