This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+44 (0)1603 716852

tailor-made solutions...inspirational...integrity...responsive customer service...strong relationships...encouraging diversity...understanding client needs

Proud to be an Export Champion

East of England Export Champion 2020 4Col thumbnail2US2U Consulting have been awarded the prestigious title of 2020 Export Champion by the UK Department for International Trade.

This is in recognition of the international work we have done over the last few years, with international projects and trade visits to the likes of Belgium, Ireland, Canada, USA and across the Middle East - along with the insights our teams can share with other businesses looking to export their goods and services. Read more >>>

News & Events

US2U Consulting Lands in Auckland: Tea, Talks & Taking Business to the Next Level!

As part of early 2025 Antipodean travels, CEO of US2U Consulting, Rachel Blackburn, visited the British Consulate office in Auckland, New Zealand with Sharron Drew, Director Trade and Investment New Zealand - Trade.

As a proud Kiwi with an extensive international commercial and government work background, Sharron was pleased to discuss her advice for businesses planning to sell to the New Zealand market:

1. As with most business development, taking time to invest in building proper, genuine business relationships is important. It can take time to build up trust so that potential customers feel they can trust you, your good and services.

2. When building relationships, it is important emphasise the shared values that you have in common. Prospective exporters should reference their organisation’s values; why these are important; and find common ground with their potential new customer.

3. Generally speaking, people in New Zealand genuinely care about their environment - the beautiful countryside, preserving it and keeping it clean. Therefore it is helpful to emphasise environmentally-friendly values and deliverables when building relationships.

4. Rather than focusing on British expertise, it can be more helpful to focus on relevant global experience of supplying goods and services; use these key messages verbally and on marketing assets to explain the proposition and differentia in the market place.

5. Always emphasise the value that your capability can bring; often there are opportunities for British businesses to be more direct and clearer about the added value their business can bring to New Zealand.

6. Fintech, Agritech and renewable energy solutions are all priority areas for New Zealand.

7. It is often helpful to recruit a local partner to help with the tendering process for key projects. The local Trade and Investment Team can assist with finding suitable connections.

8. Being aware of New Zealand cultural and market differences from the UK (and even Australia) will be very well received. Visit the market and invest time in getting to know the unique dynamics.

9. Be aware of localisation within New Zealand; for instance, the needs in Christchurch on the South Island may be very different from those in Auckland on the North Island.

10. Generally speaking, people are very helpful and friendly and will take time out to have a coffee, listen to your proposition and try and help you with your business development ideas.

Rachel said, "As an Export Champion I have learnt so much about New Zealand in the last couple of weeks travelling through the Sounds and visiting destinations on both islands including Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Picton and Tauranga on Waitangi Day. Prior to the trip I didn't realise that documents, business cards, signs and announcements are made in Māori as well as English - this is a key consideration for businesses planning to export to the region."

Thank you to Kate Pinkerton, International Trade Advisor, Department for Business and Trade for Southern England, for arranging the meeting.

For businesses considering exporting their products or services for the first time, the UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, is a great starting place. Finding a local international trade advisor can also be an effective way to begin your exporting journey.

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

Auckland image0

US2U Down Under: Rachel Blackburn MBE Meets With UK Government in Sydney

As an Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn met with Ceri Morgan, Director - Investment, Energy and Infrastructure at the Department for Business & Trade in the British Consulate office in Sydney, Australia this week. This meeting was arranged by Kate Pinkerton, International Trade Advisor, DBT for Southern England.

The aim was to discuss top tips for UK businesses planning to export products and/or services to Australia during 2025.

Ceri, pictured with Rachel, offered the following advice:

1. Australia is generally pleased to learn how to adapt and adopt technologies from overseas if they will strengthen their services, capabilities and infrastructure.

2. As with many other territories, priority areas for collaboration appear to be around energy transition, fintech and lawtech.

3. When developing relationships and understanding of the market opportunities, it is best to take a state-by-state approach. For example, the needs in Queensland could be different from those in Western Australia. Also, it is best to travel to various states to meet with key people rather than assume everyone will meet in Sydney.

4. Remember to take a collaborative approach rather than assume that you will have something obviously brilliant that Australian buyers will automatically wish to buy.

5. Be mindful of potential political changes as Australia has a federal election coming up over the next few months.

6. When referencing the Department for Business and Trade, it tends to be known as the UK Government in Australia to develop a clear brand and avoid confusion.

Rachel said, "It's great to be back in Sydney to discuss with Ceri and other business people how warmly new business ideas are welcomed in Australia so long as the right approach is taken."

Ceri also highlighted the UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, as a great starting place for companies considering exporting for the first time, or expanding into new markets. Finding a local international trade advisor can also be an effective way to begin your exporting journey.

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

image1  IMG 0788

Lift-Off for Change: US2U Consulting's Helicopter Adventure to Support The Feed

Norwich-based US2U Consulting recently completed a helicopter ride over Norwich courtesy of Saxon Air, as part of a fundraising event to support The Feed.

The Feed is an organisation that uses the power of food to empower communities in Norwich, ensuring that each and every person has the support to eat well, live well and feel connected. By providing safe spaces at the heart of the community and a holistic programme of projects and 1:1 support, they can reduce inequalities, raise aspirations and create a shared culture of strength and kindness.

From its base at Norwich International Airport, Saxon Air provides integrated aviation services, flying clients worldwide with its versatile fleet of helicopters and business jets.

CEO of US2U Consulting, Rachel Blackburn MBE (pictured) said, "It was fantastic to see Norwich and the surrounding area from the comfort of one of Saxon Air's helicopters. With the clear skies we could see as far as Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn. A great opportunity to have an overview of the very flat Nelson's County whilst supporting a good cause which links to our company value of encouraging diversity."

IMG 9763 IMG 9768 IMG 9770

Rachel Blackburn Awarded MBE in King's New Year Honours for Outstanding Contributions to the Business Community and to Exports

Rachel Blackburn MBA, CEO of Norwich-based US2U Consulting Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious MBE in the King's New Year's Honours List for her exceptional contributions and services to the Business Community and to Exports.

This recognition highlights Rachel's tireless dedication to advancing local, national and international business success whilst supporting a range of community organisations. She has also supported the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda in business and the community.

In response to the announcement Rachel stated, "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King. This award is a reflection of the incredible support I have received from my team, my family, clients, suppliers, my friends and the broader community. Together we've made significant strides and this honour will inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and making a positive difference".

Rachel's contributions include:

• Working with local, national and international businesses in various parts of the world over many years to support their growth strategies.

• Developing opportunities for exporting for US2U Consulting and for clients.

• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion via client and community projects with a view to encouraging more opportunities, particularly for those requiring specific support.

"We are very pleased that Rachel's determined efforts, working for the common good of our business community have been so deservedly acknowledged in this way." - Leszek Wysocki, recently retired International Trade Advisor, Department of Business and Trade.

An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is a UK honour awarded for significant achievement or outstanding service to the community, typically in fields such as the arts, sciences, charity, public service or industry.

For more information, interviews or media enquiries please contact:

Rachel Blackburn

US2U Consulting Ltd

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+44 (0) 7786 263610

Attending The GEM Appeal Charity Ball in Manchester

Rachel Blackburn and Kerwin Blackburn from US2U Consulting were pleased to attend the GEM Appeal Ball in Manchester for the third consecutive year. This year it had an ABBA 'Thank You For The Music' theme.

Now 30 years old having been set up in 1994, The GEM Appeal is a charity that fundraises for genetic diseases, raising money for research for the Willink Unit based at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. The charity was established by Karen Johnson with the aim to fund research into the disorder that her two sons were suffering and later died from. Several millions of pounds have been raised by The GEM Appeal since.

Rachel Blackburn said, "It was great to catch up with some of the people who support the charity, including some of those from the entertainment world, whilst raising funds for further research which could benefit so many people."

Supporting the NSPCC at their Manchester Gala Christmas Lunch

Kerwin Blackburn from US2U Consulting was pleased to donate a piece of his art for the NSPCC at their Gala Christmas Lunch in Manchester on Friday 29 November. A framed print of his hand-drawn and hand-painted pop art portrait of Elvis Presley raised funds in the auction to enable 100 phonecalls to the Childline charity.

The event was hosted by TV presenter Danielle Nicholls. Kerwin said "It's great to be able to support the NSPCC again and raise money for a good cause, especially at an important time of year which a lot of children find particularly stressful and need the support of the Childline services."

The original painted is available available for sale on Kerwin's website here.

nspcc manchester  Nspcc Rachel

US2U Consulting CEO Rachel Blackburn also attended the event and is pictured with Danielle.

US2U Attends The Royal Variety Performance 2024

US2U Consulting are pleased to again be able to support the Royal Variety Performance, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of our Sustainability strategy.

The Royal Variety Performance is a televised variety show held annually in the United Kingdom to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity (of which King Charles III is life-patron). It is attended by senior members of the British Royal Family and this year was attended by King Charles. It is a mix of family entertainment and includes comedy, music, dance and magic.

The Royal Variety Charity is dedicated to giving support to those who have professionally served the entertainment industry and find themselves sick, impoverished or elderly.

Rachel Blackburn, CEO of US2U Consulting, said "It was a spectacular evening and it was great to see acts perform in advance of the televised screening in December, whilst raising money for a well-respected charity at the same time. It was good to catch up with one of our clients who has now retired - Trish McCarron, former HR Director of Worldwide Fruit."

Rachel and Trish are pictured at the after party at the Natural History Museum with television presenter Lorraine Kelly CBE (right) and professional dancer Amy Dowden MBE (left), best know for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing.

Kicking off UK International Trade Week 2024

US2U Consulting Founder and CEO, Rachel Blackburn, attended the International Trade Week 2024 launch event in London, sponsored by Santander. It was an opportunity to meet Minister Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports and to hear him speak about the drive for business growth via the new UK industrial strategy "Invest 2035".

Rachel, pictured with Minister Thomas, said "As an Export Champion it is good to hear that the new government says it wants to support the export of services to boost SME exports and tear down any barriers to growth".

To discuss your business growth plans for 2025, please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Exploring Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the Leaders Summit in London

US2U Consulting's Rachel Blackburn was pleased to attend the ED&I Leaders Summit 2024 on 11 November in London. The amazing view of Tower Bridge set the scene for the inspirational afternoon of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies from a range of speakers representing successful businesses including EY and BT. The event was chaired by Race Equity Campaigner Richard DeNetto and featured Columnist and TV presenter Sir Trevor Phillips.

Sir Trevor Phillips highlighted the importance of making the business case for ED&I rather than doing it because it's a shield against risk or a flag to wave to make your business look good. An example given was the casting of the popular Netflix series Bridgerton; whilst the cast was diverse, ultimately it was about making a drama series a commercial success.

Other topics included the importance of mentoring people from disadvantaged groups so that your demographic does not become your destiny and creating psychological safety so people can believe that they will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.

Rachel Blackburn, CEO and Founder of US2U Consulting said "ED&I runs as a theme through all our client projects whether explicit or implicit, so it was great to work with like-minded people and discuss some challenges and opportunities for 2025."

We would love to discuss your Equality, Diversity and Inclusion challenges - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation.

Strengthening the US-UK Relationship: US2U Consulting's Latest New York Visit

As part of the US2U Consulting United States business development strategy, Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn and Consultant Kerwin Blackburn (pictured, main photo) recently spent a week in New York City. "It was great to see existing clients and contacts as well as meet new people to learn more about their businesses and explore opportunities together in the future" said Rachel.

Whilst Rachel and Kerwin were based in Manhattan, the trip included a visit to The Bronx. The New York visit was supported by BritishAmerican Business and included attending a UK Department of Business event for Women in Tech, a FinTech investor event, a cyber security event at the Hard Rock Hotel and an AI conference at Microsoft Head Office in Times Square.

It was interesting to learn about the great game of baseball from the legends Joe Torre and Carlos Pena at the Dell Technologies Forum (pictured below). There was also opportunity for a fun evening at the St. George's Society of New York pub quiz, appropriately held at The Churchill Tavern.

Kerwin Blackburn said "New York has always been a symbol of innovation, commerce and creativity, so it was great to be back on the ground there, connecting with familiar and new faces and understanding key trends and ambitions within the city and United States as we approach 2025."

Please take a look at our two-minute video which explains our Executive Coaching services for the U.S. market, below.

You can view & download our service sheet for the U.S. market here.

For more details about how we can assist your business success on either side of the pond, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation. Remember - we guarantee to make a positive difference.

Dell Tech

photo output 104