In a world of colour, clarity stands out in black and white.
If you’re making the case for transformative change, clarity is everything. It sharpens your argument. It unravels complexity. It makes it easy for decision-makers to say “yes”.
At Human Economics, we bring clarity to your plans. We help you understand problems, identify opportunities, demonstrate your value and make a difference in the world.
As a values-led, public sector consultancy firm, we were founded on the belief that clear, well-structured analysis really does make a difference. Clarity doesn’t just sharpen your argument; it makes your whole project better.
What we do
We work across the full lifecyle of your projects: from early research and analysis to business case development, business strategy, and evaluation.
We help you develop your ideas from big-picture thinking to tangible delivery, combining robust analysis and strategic clarity with practical support and a human, empathetic approach.
Through upfront research and analysis we lay the groundwork for effective action and investment.
We work with you at the early policy and project planning stages to help you understand the landscape and identify opportunities to make a difference.
We ask difficult questions and dig deeper to understand your ambitions. We challenge your assumptions and build on your good ideas, whilst being candid about any gaps that need further exploration. We provide you with the analysis you need to make the decisions you need to make.
Examples of our work
Economics is all about value. We help you identify and quantify the value you create, so you can secure the support and investment you need.
We specialise in Green Book value-for-money appraisals of complex projects and programmes, particularly in hard-to-measure sectors like R&D and arts and culture. We understand how to identify, monetise and clearly explain different sources of economic and social value in layperson terms that can be understood by all.
Through clear presentation and accessible language, we cut through the complexity to give you the evidence you need to make the arguments you need to make.
Related case studies
A good business case doesn’t just unlock investment; it makes your whole project better.
We’re specialists in developing clear, compelling Green Book business cases for complex, high-profile projects and programmes. Since our formation in 2019, we’ve written over 70 Green Book business cases, and every one submitted has been approved.
Our collaborative approach emphasises that a business case is a process, not just a product. We help you cut through the jargon, understand what’s really required, and avoid common pitfalls. Our goal is not just to secure funding for your plans, but to make those plans as good as they can be.
Related case study
We help you plan and deliver change with confidence.
Defining what you do, why you do it, and how you’ll deliver it isn’t easy. But doing this well is essential for building consensus, generating momentum, and creating the conditions for real-world success.
We work with you to articulate your vision and your role in shaping it. From there, we develop strategies and implementation plans supported by robust financial models and clear, measurable goals. We help you focus on what’s important, enabling you to deliver the change you want to see.
Related case study
We help you understand what’s working, what isn’t, and why – so you can learn as you go and make stronger decisions.
Through process, impact, and value-for-money evaluations, we dig deeper to help you get to the heart of what your project is really achieving.
We design and deliver evaluations that do more than tick boxes. By learning from what has happened and understanding what made the difference, we provide the evidence you need to adapt, respond, and plan your next project with clarity and confidence.
Related case study:
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We work with you, not for you
We see our clients as long-term partners, not one-off projects. We listen and empathise. We work alongside you to solve your problems, celebrating your successes.
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We take time to understand your needs
We don’t charge in with pre-conceived ideas or off-the-shelf solutions. We understand that every project is different and know we can only provide the advice, support and insight you need when we understand your unique requirements.
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We do what’s right for you, not what’s easiest for us
We believe in honesty and transparency. We tell you what you need to hear – not what you want to hear. We give you what’s required to be successful, even if it means rethinking a project completely.
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We train as we go, building confidence
We don’t guard our secrets. We help you understand what we’re doing and why, giving you the confidence to act.
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We use clear, accessible language
We believe our work is only useful if it can be understood by all and immediately actioned. We communicate in plain English, not jargon; rigorous analysis presented in accessible ways.
How we work - Five ways we’re different
Who we work with
We work in complex, fast-moving sectors including research, development and innovation; science and technology; the space sector; the creative industries; arts and culture; and education.
We’re trusted by both major programme funders and potential funding recipients, acting as long-term, flexible partners, supporting ideas through research and strategy to investment, delivery, and impact.
Our projects
Research & Policy Analysis
Framing the benefits of a national digital collection for the Arts and Humanities Research Council
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Revealing the RICHeS in UK heritage science
Business Case Development
Making the case for digitising the UK’s natural science collections
Economic Analysis
Digging deeper to demonstrate the value of the National Geological Repository
Business Strategy & Implementation
Helping Birmingham Museums Trust navigate their way to a brighter future
Research & Policy Analysis
From hidden collections to discovery research: mapping an ecosystem for Wellcome
Our team
Antony Hawkerr
Leads our business strategy and implementation work. Strategy and change management specialist, former McKinsey management consultant and not-for-profit sector leader. Loves a good PowerPoint slide.
Sabrina Etherington
Project manager and Chief of Staff. Ex-Deloitte consultant with experience creating clarity in complex programmes. Focused on building an inclusive, sustainable workplace. Keeps the wheels turning and the humans sane.
Alex Campbell-Moffat
Researcher and communications specialist. Helps turn complex evidence and strategy into clear, engaging stories for our clients and their stakeholders. Known for sharp questions, tidy drafts and staying calm under pressure.
And you?
Think you could bring something special to our team? We’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch
Tom Callahan
Founder and CEO. Responsible for the work we do and the way we do it. Public value economist and business case expert, leading our economic analysis, business case development and evaluation work. A stickler for clarity.
Dr. Chris Michaels
Lead for our research and analysis work. Subject matter expert on emerging technology, digitisation and the cultural sector. Writer, journalist and former Acting Chair of English Heritage. Has a way with words.
Deji Ajijedidun
Economist and accredited business case practitioner. Project manages our economic analysis and business case development projects, drawing on experience across the public and private sectors. Keeps complex projects moving.
What our clients say
“All their business cases passed with flying colours and became the exemplar for UKRI. If you want to write a good business case, you read these two – they set a whole new bar.”
Associate Director, AHRC
“I’d describe them as the human face of consultancy. Human Economics isn’t the typical Big Four style consultancy and please, let’s keep it that way.”
Chief Operating Officer and Divisional Registrar, Humanities Division, University of Oxford
“I keep going back to them because of their track record and experience in research infrastructure and heritage… They’re competent, reliable and deliver what they say they will.”
TaNC / N-RICH Programme Director
Human Economics always comes prepared, and I never felt I needed to worry, I could just let them get on with it.”
Chief of Staff, UK Space Agency
