Rachel Blackburn delivers Department for Business and Trade webinar on leadership and business growth

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Published: Friday, 24 April 2026 16:54

US2U Consulting Founder Rachel Blackburn MBE recently delivered a national webinar for the UK Department for Business and Trade, sharing practical insights on coaching and developing people to support business growth.

The session, focusing on ‘coaching and developing your people for business growth’ and hosted through the UK Export Academy, brought together business leaders and professionals from across the UK to explore how investing in people and leadership capability can drive stronger performance and long-term success. As a recognised Export Champion since 2020, US2U Consulting continues to play an active role in supporting UK businesses to grow internationally and build sustainable, high-performing organisations.

During the webinar, Rachel focused on the strategic importance of developing people within
organisations, highlighting how effective coaching and leadership development can improve engagement, strengthen teams and enable businesses to scale more successfully. The session combined practical frameworks with real-world insights, equipping attendees with approaches they can apply directly within their own organisations.

This webinar forms part of US2U Consulting’s 20th anniversary programme of activities in 2026, celebrating two decades of supporting organisations to grow, adapt and succeed both in the UK and internationally.

To find out more about how US2U Consulting can make a positive difference to your organisation, visit Our Services or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Visiting Our First Ever Client, Boniface Engineering, to Celebrate Our 20th Anniversary

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Published: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 16:57

As the 20th anniversary celebrations of US2U Consulting continue throughout 2026, our Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn is pictured with Mike Boniface, Managing Director of Boniface Engineering in Thetford, Norfolk. Boniface Engineering, part of US based Miller Industries, is a leading international supplier of quality tow trucks and recovery vehicles, and was our first client back in April 2006.

Mike said, “Congratulations to Rachel and her colleagues who have supported us with so many different projects over the last 20 years. These have contributed to our continued business success.”

Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation regarding how we can support your business success. You can learn more about our range of services here.

Rachel Blackburn delivers business planning workshop at Broadland Food Innovation Centre

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Published: Thursday, 09 April 2026 14:23

US2U Consulting founder Rachel Blackburn MBE delivered a two-hour interactive workshop at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre on Wednesday 8 April, supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs in the food and drink sector to build more resilient, effective business plans.

The session formed part of US2U Consulting’s 20th anniversary programme of activities in 2026, with a focus on giving back to the local business community. Aimed at early-stage founders and business owners, the workshop provided practical guidance on developing strong foundations for growth, alongside tools and frameworks that can be applied immediately.

During the session, Rachel explored key elements of building a robust business plan, including defining a clear value proposition, articulating vision and values, and crafting a compelling elevator pitch. Attendees were also introduced to practical strategic frameworks such as the Five Ps and STEEP analysis, helping them to think more holistically about their business environment and long-term direction.

The workshop was delivered in an interactive format, encouraging discussion, reflection and the sharing of ideas. The focus throughout was on practical application – supporting participants to leave with greater clarity, confidence and a stronger roadmap for developing their business.

Hosted at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre, the event also highlighted the strength of the food and drink sector within Norfolk. With a strong regional heritage and reputation in food production and innovation, initiatives like this play an important role in fostering collaboration, supporting new ventures and strengthening the local business ecosystem.

This session marks one of a number of initiatives planned throughout the year as US2U Consulting celebrates 20 years of supporting organisations to grow, adapt and succeed.

Pictured are two of the session's attendees with Rachel - Kami Robinson, Founder of Bold Creatures, a video-first marketing and creative studio based in Norwich (middle) and Kerry Worrall, Co-Founder of non-alcoholic sparkling drinks brand Eufloria (right).

To find out how US2U Consulting can support your organisation to develop its business planning and achieve its objectives, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or learn more about our services.

US2U Consulting Celebrates Its 20 Year Anniversary: Two Decades of Making a Positive Difference

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Published: Wednesday, 01 April 2026 18:32

1 April 2026 marks a significant milestone for US2U Consulting as the business celebrates its 20th anniversary, having been founded in 2006 by Rachel Blackburn MBE.

Over the past two decades, US2U Consulting has worked with organisations across the UK and internationally, supporting leaders and teams to strengthen performance, make better strategic decisions and achieve sustainable growth. Built on a commitment to delivering practical, tailored consultancy, the business has developed long-standing relationships with clients across a wide range of sectors.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Rachel Blackburn highlighted the importance of the people and partnerships that have shaped the journey so far. She noted that the success of US2U Consulting has been built on collaboration - with clients, partners, suppliers and colleagues all playing a vital role in helping the business grow and evolve over the past 20 years.

To mark the occasion, Rachel met with members of the Broadland and South Norfolk Council Economic Development Team (pictured with Rachel below), recognising the strong local connections that have supported the business since its early days. US2U Consulting has always been based in the Broadland area of Norfolk, and the relationship with the local economic development team has played an important role in supporting both the company and its clients.

Jane Bagley from the Economic Development Team commented: “It was great to be able to celebrate US2U Consulting’s 20th anniversary and to discuss an exciting future of collaboration.”

Rachel added: “The Economic Development Team at Broadland and South Norfolk Council have supported our business and some of our clients over several years, providing access to relevant grants that have enabled our growth and resilience.”

The anniversary was also marked with a celebratory cake featuring US2U Consulting’s signature jigsaw pieces - reflecting the company’s long-standing belief that it can be the missing piece for organisations seeking to unlock growth, overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

As we celebrate this milestone, US2U Consulting would like to thank everyone who has been involved with or supported our journey over the last twenty years. We look forward to continuing to making a positive difference for organisations.

Building Resilience For Start-ups and Entrepreneurs: Free Norfolk Training Session by US2U Consulting, 8 April 2026

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Published: Tuesday, 17 March 2026 13:14

Rachel Blackburn will be leading an exclusive in-person session this April, focusing on helping start-ups and entrepreneurs across East Anglia build stronger, more resilient businesses. This session is one of our 20 initiatives we are marking our 20th anniversary as a company with throughout 2026.

Hosted at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre, this high-impact session will introduce a practical strategic framework for developing robust, scalable business plans. Attendees will gain valuable commercial insights for sustainable growth, alongside real-world tools and approaches that can be applied immediately.

Designed for early‑stage ventures across the region, this free workshop will equip you with actionable tools, commercial insight and real‑world strategies you can put into practice straight away. If you're serious about turning your idea into a scalable business, this is a session you won’t want to miss. The session will support clearer thinking, stronger planning and more confident decision-making for your business.

Wednesday 8 April 2026, 10:00 – 12:00 | Location: Broadland Food Innovation Centre, NR9 5FX

Sign up to this in-person event on Eventbrite

Rachel Blackburn attends Change the Race Ratio event at Mansion House, London

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Published: Wednesday, 11 March 2026 18:33

Rachel Blackburn recently attended the latest Change the Race Ratio gathering at Mansion House in London on Tuesday 10 March, where business leaders and signatories came together to review the latest findings from the 2026 Parker Review and discuss ongoing progress in improving racial and ethnic diversity within UK business leadership.

Change the Race Ratio is a UK business-led campaign that encourages organisations to increase ethnic minority representation on boards and within senior leadership teams. Working alongside the Parker Review, the initiative seeks to drive measurable and lasting change across the UK corporate landscape.

This year’s Parker Review shows strong engagement from major UK companies. All FTSE 100 companies submitted diversity data, along with 92% of FTSE 250 organisations, demonstrating continued commitment to monitoring and improving representation.

The report also highlights progress at board level. 303 companies in the FTSE 350 now have at least one ethnic minority director, with 482 ethnic minority board directors overall, representing 17.3% of board positions, rising to 20% within the FTSE 100.

However, the Review also identified areas where further progress is needed. Black representation among FTSE 350 board directors has slightly declined, and Black leaders remain significantly underrepresented in senior management, with representation currently at 1.3%. Events such as this provide an opportunity for business leaders to review progress, share insights and strengthen commitments to building more diverse and inclusive leadership across UK organisations.

Pictured is: David Tyler, retiring Chairman of The Parker Review (top left), Rachel Blackburn with Lord Karan Bilimoria (top right), and Rachel with former Dragon Den's dragon Piers Linney (bottom right).

To find out how we can help your organisation develop its Diversity and Inclusion strategies, please contact Rachel Blackburn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation.

Celebrating International Women’s Day: Recognising Women in Business and Trade

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Published: Sunday, 08 March 2026 14:44

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, US2U Consulting is proud to support an initiative led by the UK Department for Business and Trade that celebrates the achievements of women recognised through the UK Honours system.

The campaign highlights inspiring women whose work has made a meaningful impact in their industries and communities, helping to raise awareness of the Honours system and encourage nominations for outstanding individuals across the UK.

Among those recognised is Rachel Blackburn MBE, who was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025 for her support to the business community and for her contribution to exports.

Reflecting on the recognition, Rachel said: “I am humbled and honoured to have received an MBE for support to the business community and to exports in the King’s New Years Honours List 2025. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of US2U Consulting, the international management consultancy business that I launched in 2006. One of the company values is to be Inspirational. I hope that I am using the recognition that I have received to inspire others to take themselves out of their comfort zone to achieve their personal and professional goals.”

Rachel’s recognition highlights the important role women play in strengthening international business relationships and supporting UK exports. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, stories like Rachel’s serve as a reminder of the value of recognising and championing the achievements of women across business, trade and wider society.

Reflections from US2U Consulting’s latest work experience student

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Published: Thursday, 19 February 2026 14:52

US2U Consulting is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to supporting young people by offering meaningful work experience opportunities, as part of our sustainability strategy. Since our launch in 2006, we have welcomed students from local schools, as well as university-level students from across the region, providing them with valuable insight into the world of consulting while helping them develop skills that will support their future careers.

We are delighted to have recently hosted Elizabeth Mumbure, a fourteen year old student from Ormiston Victory Academy in Norwich, and we invite you to read about her experience and the impact this opportunity has had on her personal and professional growth, below.

"My name is Elizabeth Mumbure and I am a year ten student at Ormiston Victory Academy. I was eager to reach out to local consulting businesses to gain valuable experience. US2U was kind enough to offer the opportunity to do my work experience. I felt welcomed, supported and valued.

"My time at US2U Consulting was meaningful and inspiring and helped me to grow both professionally and personally. What I found most inspiring was the culture of continuous learning and mentorship. Which not only enhanced my professional abilities but also fuelled my passion for making a tangible impact.

"Working with US2U was an invaluable experience the boosted my understanding and both interest in consulting. I also had the chance to learn about Brand Values and Equality Act 2010 which enriched my understanding of the diverse of six principle areas in business. This opportunity has also strengthened skills such as critical thinking, team work, problem solving and professional communication which will be invaluable in my future.

"I am genuinely grateful for the skills that l gained at US2U Consulting. It has significantly shaped my career goals and I am excited to apply them as l move forward. Thank you for a truly rewarding experience l wish you and your company all the best."

If you are interested in gaining work experience at US2U Consulting, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a suggestion of what you have to offer and what you would be looking to get out of the experience.

Marking 20 Years with a Wapscallions Norfolk Party Night

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Published: Thursday, 12 February 2026 18:00

US2U Consulting is pleased to celebrate its 20 year anniversary in 2026, and we are marking this milestone with a number of celebrations and community initiatives throughout 2026.

The first of these events saw us sponsor a party night for the local community at Heathlands Social Club in Norfolk, England where the company is based, on Saturday 7 February, featuring one of Norfolk's best covers band, Wapscallions.

This event also acted as a fundraiser for Heathlands, with entry tickets and the raffle raising over £500 for the venue. It was a great night and the perfect way to kick off our 2026 20th anniversary celebrations.

"The bar at the Wapscallions gig was very successful and the income generated will make a significant contribution to the running costs of Heathlands" said Paul Grainger, Chairman of Heathlands Social Club.

Stay tuned to see what else we have planned this year. This initiative was in line with our sustainability strategy, as part of our pillar of supporting the community.

Find out more about how US2U Consulting guarantee to make a positive difference to enable organisations and individuals to become more successful and achieve their goals.

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.