US2U Consulting's Rachel Blackburn MBE Leads Open University Webinar on the Strategic Value of Leadership Education

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Published: Tuesday, 03 February 2026 13:09

Rachel Blackburn MBE, founder of US2U Consulting, recently hosted a compelling webinar in collaboration with The Open University Business School titled "Making the Case for Leadership Education." This session delved into the critical importance of investing in leadership development as a strategic asset for organisations navigating today's complex business environment.

Rachel graduated with her MBA from The Open University in 2004 so was pleased to collaborate with the university for this initiative.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar:

• Leadership drives resilience: Investing in leadership education helps organisations navigate disruption and sustain long-term performance.

• Immediate, practical impact: Speakers shared how postgraduate study strengthened strategic, financial, and operational decision-making in senior roles.

• Make the business case: Align leadership development with organisational goals, productivity, and retention to position it as a value-creating investment.

The webinar is now available to watch on demand. It offers valuable insights for organisations aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive growth through strategic education investments.

Visit The Open University website to watch the webinar recording

To learn how US2U Consulting can make positive difference to your organisation or leadership team, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Celebrating 20 Years of US2U Consulting in 2026

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Published: Thursday, 08 January 2026 08:58

2026 marks a very special milestone for US2U Consulting as we celebrate 20 years of working alongside organisations and individuals to help them succeed.

As we launch our 20th anniversary year since our founding in 2006, we want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to our clients, team members, associate consultants, partners and suppliers. Your trust, collaboration and support over the past two decades have made this journey possible, and we are immensely grateful to every person and organisation who has been part of the US2U story.

To mark this milestone, we are proud to unveil our 20th anniversary logo, which will be used throughout 2026 as a symbol of our journey so far - and our commitment to the future.

A vision that started in 2006

Reflecting on the origins of the business, Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, said:

“Back in 2006 I had a vision that I would work with some of the UK’s leading experts in their field so that we could provide a range of boutique management services that enable businesses and people to be more successful.

I am so proud that 20 years on we have a strong track record of doing this across all sectors, in the UK and internationally, and continue to do so.”

Since its founding, US2U Consulting has grown into a trusted consultancy delivering coaching, training and management support across a wide range of sectors, while remaining true to its boutique, people-centred approach.

Pictured above is US2U Consulting Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn MBE marking 20 years of the company.

Looking ahead: 20 things for 20 years

Celebrating the past is important - but so is looking forward.

Throughout 2026, we plan to deliver 20 activities aligned to our sustainability strategy. These initiatives will reflect our commitment to responsible business, positive impact and long-term value for people, organisations and communities.

Further details of these activities will be announced over the course of the year.

We would also love your ideas. If you have suggestions for initiatives we could include as part of our anniversary year, please get in touch with Rachel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Journeys shared from the very beginning

Chris Croft, Associate Consultant at US2U Consulting and a team member since the very beginning, shared his reflections on the journey:

“When Rachel first started at her previous consultancy, where I was working at the time, it was like a whirlwind had arrived. I knew within five minutes she would end up running the company and then run her own business - and that’s pretty much how it went.

I carried on just doing training, while she became a director and then started US2U, which has since grown to a serious operation, covering a range of coaching and training and consulting services.

Rachel’s energy and creativity amazes me. People often describe me as energetic, but next to her I feel almost exhausted! And it does take that kind of mental power to push the boulder up the mountain and create a successful business, as she has done.

So I watch with interest and admiration to see what she’ll do next - the story isn’t finished yet!”

Jan Baynham, Associate Consultant, who has also been on the team since day one, reflected:

"We have seen many changes over the last 20 years including the economy, technology, and the emphasis on sustainability. However, business needs are ongoing with respect to tailored employee development and robust assessment, and US2U Consulting has been consistent in its commitment to delivering the best for its clients throughout this period.

Congratulations to all at US2U Consulting who have made the last 20 years possible."

Meanwhile Mike Boniface, Managing Director of Boniface Engineering Ltd - who was US2U Consulting's first client back in 2006 - remarked:

"As a leading international supplier of quality tow trucks and recovery vehicles we were pleased to have been the first client for US2U Consulting back in 2006. During the last 20 years Rachel and her colleagues have supported us with many different projects which have contributed to our continued business success

It's great to celebrate their 20th anniversary as we continue to work together to make a positive difference."

Thank you for being part of our story

As we celebrate our 20th year, we do so with pride in what has been achieved - and excitement for what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of the US2U Consulting journey. We look forward to continuing to work with you throughout 2026 and beyond.

Do you have any particular favourite memories of working with US2U Consulting and the team that you'd like to share with us? We'd love to hear from you! Please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Throughout 2026 we will be sharing our favourite memories, client success stories and images from our photo archive over the last 20 years - so keep an eye out for these!

Export Champions US2U Meet with The British Embassy in Tokyo, Japan

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Published: Tuesday, 09 December 2025 15:03

As an Export Champion, CEO of US2U Consulting Rachel Blackburn recently visited the British Embassy in Tokyo, Japan to meet with James Carter, Deputy Head of Trade. James is part of the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade.

In addition to discussing a specific requirement for one of our clients who is looking to do more business in the Japanese market, Rachel and James discussed general advice for businesses planning to sell products or services into Japan:

1. The Department for Business and Trade in Tokyo is structured around the UK industrial strategy and has sector specialists who can have informal discussions with UK business planning to export into the Japanese market.

2. The sector specialists offer a triage-type service which may include conducting desk research to understand the market and key players. In some cases they may be able to arrange meetings with potential customers to enable British businesses to understand if there is a good fit for their products and services.

3. The overall message is that doing business with Japan is achievable and it may be that more British businesses should consider this a priority for exporting.

4. As with most international business development, it will take time to build and nurture relationships prior to agree to do business. In Japan this may take a two year commitment before seeing a direct return on investment so British businesses may take a realistic and pragmatic approach, planning budgets and resource accordingly.

5. If new to the Japanese market, the focus should be to get the first Japanese client, build credibility and trust; this should then inspire other Japanese clients to trust you and your brand. As with any international business development it is helpful to research current cultural differences to be aware of.

6. The Japanese market is quite price-sensitive so businesses will need to present a competitive offering.

7. Japanese business people tend to be quite loyal once the trust has been built.

8. Once the contract has been agreed Japanese businesses usually pay in line with the terms and significant late payments are not usually an issue.

9. Key sectors with opportunities at the moment appear to be automotive and international education. Currently a growing opportunity is to provide Chinese students a British-style education in Japan.

10. In addition to the IS-8 sectors (financial services, professional services, life sciences, technology, creative, defence, clean energy and advanced manufacturing) there are opportunities in the market in areas such as international education, food & drink and commercial & retail products.

Please contact Rachel to discuss your international business development strategies in more detail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Other Department for Business and Trade resources to help you explore whether Japan could be right for your business include Expand in Japan and the International Markets Form | DBT's Export Support Service.

UK Export Academy Webinar: Business Skills Coaching and Developing Your People for Business Growth - Delivered by Rachel Blackburn MBE

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Published: Monday, 08 December 2025 17:56

Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and Director of US2U Consulting, delivered a webinar for the UK Department for Business and Trade's UK Export Academy on the topic of 'Business Skills Coaching and Developing Your People for Business Growth' on 27 November 2025.

The session was well attended online and the content of the webinar was well-received by enthusiastic and ambitious attendees looking to develop their organisation's export capabilities.

Watch the recording of the webinar below, and explore Our Services or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about how US2U Consulting can help your business and its exporting goals.

Sustainability in Action - At Recent Charity Events

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Published: Monday, 08 December 2025 17:00

Part of the US2U Consulting Sustainability Policy is to make a positive difference by doing good while doing well, and having a positive impact on our community, those of our clients and the people within them. Therefore we are pleased that we have been able to support three good causes in the last couple of weeks.

Firstly, it has been our third year of attending the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This charity assists those who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry and are in need of help. (First image, Rachel Blackburn at the Royal Variety Performance after party with the cast of Kinky Boots who had performed earlier. Photo credit: Richard Jarmy Photography.)

Secondly, we have been sponsoring Horsford Cricket Club in Norfolk for the past five years and were pleased to attend the Cricket Club Dinner to raise funds for new equipment, where former English cricket Matthew Hoggard was attending as the keynote speaker. (Second image)

Thirdly, for the last four years we have supported the GEM Appeal which funds research into rare genetic disorders in children and this year the annual ball was in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. (Third image)

US2U Consulting Delivers “Rising Stars” Programme for Pharmaceuticals Company Mawdsleys

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Published: Thursday, 13 November 2025 22:56

US2U Consulting is pleased to celebrate the success of the latest cohort of Mawdsley's Rising Stars high-potential development programme. Mawdsley's is a UK-based global pharmaceutical wholesaler and leading partner to the healthcare sector and pharmaceutical industry, and is also marking its 200th anniversary in 2025.

Designed to support the growth of emerging talent across the organisation, the Rising Stars initiative guided participants through twelve learning modules alongside a series of interactive, in-person sessions delivered by US2U Consulting.

The programme concluded with each Rising Star presenting to peers and mentors, reflecting on their development journey, the impact of the programme on their role, and their aspirations for the future.

We extend our congratulations to all members of this year's cohort and look forward to seeing their continued contribution to Mawdsley's success.

Rachel Blackburn Attends First Norfolk Ambassadors Initiative Meeting in Banham

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Published: Wednesday, 15 October 2025 01:44

It was great for Rachel Blackburn to attend the first meeting of the Norfolk Ambassadors initiative at Applewood Hall in Banham. The aim was to learn more of the purpose of the Ambassador Programme and identify key messages to promote Norfolk as a great place to work, invest and live.

Rachel said, "As one of the Norfolk Ambassadors it was interesting to exchange views with others and see what we can do to raise the profile of Norfolk locally, nationally and internationally. I believe we all look forward to using our networks to do this and being a positive influence where we have opportunities."

If you are an organisation looking to expand to your presence and raise your profile, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how US2U Consulting make a positive difference.

US2U Consulting Sponsors UEA Disability Week 2025

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Published: Monday, 13 October 2025 16:33

We're proud to announce that US2U Consulting is a principal sponsor of UEA Disability Week 2025 - an initiative by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the UEA Student's Union (UEA SU). The week, running from 13-17 October 2025, celebrated inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment through a diverse line-up of talks, workshops and community activities.

Throughout the week, visitors could explore stalls from UEA departments, student societies, local charities, and businesses, all contributing to a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

As part of the programme, US2U Consulting's Rachel Blackburn MBE and Beverley Wiltshire-Payne (pictured below) delivered a talk on:

🎤 "Managing Conflict and Microaggressions Whilst Developing Resilience" on Tuesday 14 October 2025, 10-11am at the University of East Anglia.

This engaging session explored how to recognise and address microaggressions, manage conflict constructively, and build resilience - essential tools for thriving in both acadmeic and workplace settings.

💡Free resources for attendees:

To support your learning, we're offering three exclusive free US2U Consulting handout downloads available during and after the session:

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

Assertiveness - The Four Step Process

30 Tips for Developing Personal Resilience

Join us in promoting inclusion, respect, and resilience across UEA Disability Week 2025, of which we are very proud to sponsor. The support of this initiative links to one of our company values of Encouraging Diversity. The full line-up of events can be viewed below:

Learn more about how US2U Consulting can support your personal and career growth at us2uconsulting.com/our-services, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Building Global Connections: Rachel Blackburn’s Latest Visit to New York, September 2025

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Published: Wednesday, 01 October 2025 17:13

US2U Consulting Founder & CEO, Rachel Blackburn, recently returned from a dynamic week in New York City in September, strengthening transatlantic relationships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The trip was designed to combine high-level networking and thought leadership with US2U Consulting’s commitment to helping individuals and organisations achieve positive, lasting change. In addition to meeting with clients and existing connections, highlights included attending an AI Startup Networking Rooftop Event, where Rachel connected with entrepreneurs and innovators at the forefront of artificial intelligence.

Rachel also joined industry leaders and community partners at a Networking Reception hosted by New York City Football Club at the future site of their impressive new stadium at Etihad Park. This event provided a valuable platform for discussing sport, business, and community impact in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

The week concluded at the United Nations Headquarters with the GloCha Conference and Exhibit: Local Action for Global Challenges, held on Thursday 18th September 2025. This inspiring event focused on driving sustainable solutions through international cooperation, aligning closely with US2U Consulting’s ethos of innovation and social responsibility.

Rachel’s visit reflects our continued investment in building global connections to support our clients in achieving their goals, whether in the UK, US, or beyond.

👉 You can download our US2U Consulting U.S. Service Sheet to explore how our tailored services could support your career or organisation. To arrange an exploratory conversation, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - we would love to discuss how we can make a positive difference for you.

Below are some of the photo highlights from Rachel's latest visit:

US2U Work Experience Shadowing Reflections from an Aspiring Student

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Published: Tuesday, 02 September 2025 08:40

One of the pillars of US2U Consulting's Sustainability Policy is giving back to the community - and one way we have done this since being founded in 2006 is to offer internship and work experience opportunities to aspiring, early-career individuals with an interest in management consultancy.

In August 2025 we were pleased to offer a work shadowing experience to one such individual; Lily from Norfolk, where US2U Consulting is based. Having got in contact with us to explore potential work experience opportunities that would engage her curiosity in exploring management consultancy as a potential future career path, we were delighted to arrange for Lily to shadow CEO and Founder Rachel Blackburn on a strategy day, which included overseeing part of the induction of a new team member.

The aim was to give a flavour of the work of US2U Consulting and our unique, tailored approach to management consultancy. Lily has documented her experiences of the day, below:

"My name is Lily Wearing and I am a BA History student, about to enter my 2nd year at the University of Exeter. I have grown up in Norfolk, having gone to school in Norwich, and was eager to reach out to local consulting businesses to gain valuable experience. US2U Consulting was kind enough to offer me this opportunity, and I was particularly drawn to their strong client-focused approach and dedication to making a positive difference.

"My time at US2U Consulting was extremely insightful, giving me my first real exposure to the consulting industry and how the firm works. I was introduced to their unique Jigsaw model of services, which demonstrated how different aspects of consulting interlock to deliver effective solutions for clients. I also had the chance to learn about specific case studies, which enriched my understanding of the diverse challenges businesses face and the strategies and planning tools consultants use to help overcome them.

"Working with US2U Consulting was an invaluable experience that has boosted both my understanding of and interest in consulting. I now feel much more confident in exploring this as a future career path. This opportunity has also strengthened skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving, and professional communication, which will be invaluable in my future endeavours. 

"I am very grateful to the US2U team for welcoming me and investing their time in supporting my development. This experience has not only given me a clearer picture of what a career in consulting entails, but has also inspired me to pursue further opportunities in the industry with enthusiasm and determination."

We're glad to have been of such value, Lily, and wish you the best in your next career steps!

If you are an aspiring student or graduate keen to explore the management consultancy industry through work experience at US2U Consutling, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..