Nicola graduated in mathematics from St Peter's College, Oxford in 1985 and then trained with Arthur Young in Leeds and Southampton, coming top in the region in her final exams. After qualifying she joined Fletcher & Partners in 1988 and subsequently passed the Chartered Institute of Taxation's examinations, becoming a partner in 1991. She went on to pass specialist investment exams and is the investment business compliance partner. She has developed links with local financial advisers to whom clients are referred where appropriate for financial services advice. Her clients include private clients, charities and trusts.

Her spare time is spent looking after her five children, music and gardening.