News of Rachel Blackburn's MBE, which she was presented with at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in March 2025, has been featured in Milton Keynes publication 'Business MK', in a spotlight article feature on education and learning in the workplace.
Milton Keynes is the home of the Open University - where Rachel graduated with her MBA degree in 2004. The Business MK article, published in association with the Open University, can be read here, with the feature on Rachel also below:
Working and learning: A real investment in your workforce
...Interestingly, one of the recommendations for businesses to unlock their productivity potential includes investing in reskilling and upskilling the workforce.
>> One of our graduates, Rachel Blackburn MBE, exemplifies the learning at work career model. Rachel left school at 16 to forge a very successful business career up to director level while juggling work and formal study, gaining two OU qualifications in management as well as a MBA which she achieved in 2004.
The hard-working high-flyer was delighted to receive a MBE for services to the business community and to exports, travelling to Buckingham Palace in March to be presented with her medal by Anne, The Princess Royal.
Rachel often credits her MBA as a crucial milestone in her journey to founding an international management consultancy business, Norwich-based US2U Consulting Ltd. As the chief executive, she works with businesses and organisations worldwide to provide services such as executive coaching, people development, mentoring and business strategy.
Rachel said: “I see the OU MBA as a critical part of my journey towards being awarded the MBE. It has opened doors to so many opportunities, not just through the competence gained but also via the confidence and credibility it has enabled in the UK and internationally.”
