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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 >>>

Executive Coaching

Executive Coaching

  • Bite-Size Online Project Management Training

    US2U Consulting are pleased to launch a new bite-size version of our trusted and world-renowned Project Management services. Learn about this below, and view our service sheet at the end of this article for more details.

    You are probably already familiar with the five main benefits for businesses to invest in project management training for their staff:

    1. Improved Project Success Rates

    Proper project management training equips staff with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan, execute and monitor projects. This leads to improved project success rates as teams are better equipped to meet deadlines, manage resources efficiently, and deliver high-quality results.

    2. Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

    Project management training teaches employees how to streamline processes, prioritise tasks, and allocate resources effectively. This results in increased productivity and efficiency within the organisation as teams are better equipped to manage their time and workloads efficiently. Overall, the result should be to have increased capacity to deliver more projects.

    3. Cost Savings

    Investing in project management training can ultimately lead to cost savings for companies. By ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, organisations can avoid costly delays, rework, and resource wastage. Additionally, trained project managers are better equipped to identify and mitigate risks, minimising potential financial losses.

    4. Better Stakeholder Communication and Collaboration

    Effective project management training emphasises the importance of clear communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders. By improving communication skills and fostering collaboration, teams can align their efforts more effectively, leading to smoother project execution and greater stakeholder satisfaction.

    5. Career Development; Employee Wellbeing and Retention

    Providing project management training opportunities demonstrates to employees that the company is invested in their professional development and growth. This can increase employee satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty; ultimately leading to higher retention rates.

    Additionally, trained project managers are more equipped to take on leadership roles within the organisation, contributing to succession planning and talent development initiatives. Regarding wellbeing and stress, proper project management training can enable projects to be delivered to time, specification and budget without putting an unrealistic amount of stress on the workforce.

     

    For the last 18 years, US2U Consulting have been delivered project management training sessions face-to-face. Whilst this option is still available, we have developed a Bite-Size Online Project Management Training Programme where the training is delivered via Zoom or similiar over 4 one-hour sessions. These sessions are still interactive but enable a cost-effective option for clients, particularly if people are based over multiple sites and/or countries.

    These world-class sessions are delivered by one of our expert Consultants, Chris Croft MBA, CEng (pictured below), and can be tailored in line with specific requirements and delivered at the best time of day. An outline of the four sessions is given in our service sheet below. A recording of your sessions can be provided on request.

    View here: US2U Consulting Bite-Size Project Management Online Training Programme - Service Sheet

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    Chris Croft 2024 photo websiteChris Croft 2024 photo 2

  • Developed in the UK, Sold to the World

    We are thrilled to have been re-appointed as an Export Champion by the Department for Business & Trade for 2023/24. The Department for Business & Trade is the UK Government department for economic growth. It supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities around the country.

    Our role as Export Champions is to inspire other businesses to grow through exporting, drawing on our experience of entering various international markets in the last 12 years.

    As a UK-based business, US2U Consulting recognises that exporting is fundamental to getting our economy back on track. Our goal is to make a positive difference across various international markets by exporting our leadership development services.

    In particular, our Executive Coaching, Transformational Change and Teambuilding Services have made a significant impact in businesses in various territories from Canada through to Ireland and Dubai. We also work with UK-based businesses on specific projects to support development of their scaling up and overseas business development strategies.

    Andrew Mitchell CMG, Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports, Department for Business and Trade, said "Export Champions play an integral role in the Government's Export Strategy - a partnership with business to encourage trade with every market in the world and realise our ambition to reach £1 trillion in exports in goods and services by 2030."

    Rachel Blackburn, Founder and Director of US2U Consulting (pictured) said "We are excited to be part of this inspiring initiative; we can all play our part whether directly, or as part of the supply chain, to make an impact on this ambitious target for 2030."

    Feel free to drop Rachel a line if you'd like some advice! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Exciting Developments in Saudi Arabia

    Rachel Blackburn's latest trip to Saudi Arabia has been another success, with plenty of positive meetings.

    Staying in Jeddah, within sight of the world's tallest flagpole and water fountain, King Fahd's Fountain (pictured), Rachel promoted our two key services - The Empowering Women Programme and our Executive Coaching.

    There were plenty of opportunities to network as Rachel developed lots of new contacts, and even watched England's World Cup semi-final at the British Consulate!

    Rachel will be returning to Saudi Arabia in the near future to continue developing new and existing business and said of her latest trip, "It was exciting to be working back in Saudi Arabia and making lots of progress in our contribution to the Crown Prince's vision of the future for Saudi Arabia and its people".

  • Going Full Circle with Worldwide Fruit 360 Degree Feedback

    For 10 years we have been making a positive difference with our client Worldwide Fruit Ltd using 360 Degree Feedback.

    The aim of the 360 Degree Feedback Programme is to enable the employees to receive feedback from their line manager, direct reports and nominated peers against a framework which reflects the key Management Principles that Worldwide Fruit strives to encourage to drive the company culture.

    Once the feedback is received, US2U Consulting create a report, debrief the participant and then make a Personal Development Plan which can be actioned and reviewed during performance management sessions.

    Worldwide Fruit Ltd are in the fresh produce industry with a main focus on fruit. They supply fruit to many well-known companies such as M&S and Waitrose, and we have enjoyed working with them for 17 years now - with the first project back in 2005!apple photo small

    "As a business we aim to grow our own talent. 360 Degree Feedback is a part of self-awareness and self-development. It is an opportunity for leaders to develop key skills, and we get increased value from people who are self-aware and that is why we invest in it." Said Anna Pike (pictured, left, with Rachel Blackburn), Head of HR at Worldwide Fruit.

    US2U Consulting tailors its programme to the needs of its clients and have been creating successful 360 Degree Feedback programmes for Worldwide Fruit for 10 years. It has been a pleasure to work with Worldwide Fruit during this time and we look forward to our future work together.

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how US2U's Executive Coaching services can benefit your organisation.

  • Next Phase of US2U Expansion in the U.S.

    Thank you to BritishAmerican Business for supporting our week-long business to New York last week, 17-22 March 2024. It was great to meet so many people and discuss how our Executive Coaching services can help them and their businesses achieve their ambitious growth plans.

    Please see details of Executive Coaching Services for more information, along with our 2 minute overview video here.

    Now to plan the next visit!

    Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how we can make a positive difference to your organisation.

  • Saudi Arabia Executive Coaching

    Supported by the UK Department of International Trade, we are pleased to announce that US2U Consulting is exploring opportunities to deliver Executive Coaching services in Saudi Arabia to support their Vision 2030.

    "Saudi Arabia has ambitious change plans and US2U Consulting's services appear well-placed to support these changes" said Rachel Blackburn, who joins the Saudi British Joint Business Council for their Biannual Meeting in Jeddah on 28 November 2017.

    Full details of the Executive Coaching Services can be found below:

    US2U Consulting - Executive Coaching for Saudi Arabia

  • Sizewell C Supply Chain - Engage : Update : Inform

    Sizewell C is a planned nuclear power station based in the East of England which will supply low-carbon energy to 6 million homes for 60 years. The construction and maintenance should support 70,000 jobs and the aim is to leave a legacy of social value to benefit the local region and wider UK.

    US2U Consulting Founder and CEO, Rachel Blackburn (pictured), recently attended the 'Sizewell C Supply Chain - Engage : Update : Inform' meeting in rural Essex along with hundreds of other businesses that are keen to bring their key competencies to play an active role in the supply chain.

    Rachel's conclusion from the session is that it appears there are three key areas where we can specifically support businesses as part of the SZC supply chain:

    1. Creating a Diverse Workforce

    This is a key plank of the SZC strategy and legacy; indeed this is something which businesses will need to demonstrate they have evidence of when competing to win a contract. The industry at the moment is not very diverse at all and it appears that this has not been a priority for a lot of businesses in the sector until now.

    US2U Consulting has a strong track record of working with clients to improve their Diversity and Inclusion strategies, understanding, recruitment and behaviours.

    2. Project Management Training

    Whilst there are significant budgets for the whole project, the emphasis is that businesses need to be competitive with their pricing when pitching to win contracts. This puts the emphaiss on them to ensure that all Project Managers and Project Team members are well trained in world class techniques to lead and execute projects, ensuring that projects are delivered right first time to project specification and still enable the business to make a reasonable margin for their shareholders.

    US2U Consulting have expert Consultants who can deliver Project Management Training in person and/or in bite-size online chunks if required. See more details of our Project Management services here.

    3. Leadership Skills Development and business coaching

    It is apparant that to deliver the technical skills required, a significant number of people will be leading teams and/or teams of size for the first time. Enabling these people to do this competently and confidently will be a critical part of the success or failure of the project, staff engagement and retention.

    US2U Consulting has spent the last 18 years working with businesses across all sectors to enable them to have highly skilled talent able to demonstrate resilience and leadership in challenging environments.

     

    Rachel said, "We are keen to play our part in collaborating to make this project successful. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a confidential conversation about how we can enable you to have that competitive egde when competing for contracts."

  • Special Saudi British Joint Business Council Meeting on the Occasion of the Saudi Crown Prince's UK Visit

    Rachel Blackburn was pleased to attend this meeting on 7 March 2018 at the Mayfair Hotel in London on the historic occasion of the Saudi Crown Prince visiting the UK.

    This is the first Saudi British Joint Business Council meeting that Rachel has attended since US2U Consulting formally joined the Council last month. It falls in advance of her second trip to Jeddah to develop Executive Coaching business to support the Crown Prince's Vision 2030.

    The meeting was attended by Dr Majed Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Minister of Economy and Planning, and Ibrahim Al Omar, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority.

  • Supporting Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia

    Rachel Blackburn has recently returned from her second visit to Jeddah to develop specific business projects to support the Saudi Crown Prince's Vision 2030.

    Specialising in Executive Coaching which complements the knowledge transfer and Saudisation elements of the strategy, Rachel met with several companies from the pharmaceutical, education, finance, food and real estate sectors as well as the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is developing specific project proposals, supported by the UK Department of International Trade.

  • US2U Consulting Continue Saudi Arabia Expansion

    Saudi British flags

    As Rachel Blackburn makes her third business trip to Saudi Arabia we are pleased to announce that we are members of two key organisations - the Saudi British Joint Business Council and the Saudi British Society. This is part of our international strategy to support the Saudi Vision 2030.

    Specifically we have two key services we are offering - our Executive Coaching Services and our Empowering Women Programme. Please see below for more information on each, or get in touch with Rachel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how US2U Consulting's services can benefit you.

    US2U Consulting Executive Coaching Services

    Vision 2030: Empowering Women Programme 2018

  • US2U Consulting Expands its Reach to the United States, Bringing Expertise and Innovation to American Businesses

    Leading UK-based Consultancy Firm Sets Its Sights on American Market, Offering Comprehensive Solutions for Business Growth

    September 2023

    In an exciting development, US2U Consulting, a renowned consultancy firm with a strong track record of success in the United Kingdom, is making its way across the Atlantic to expand its operations into the United States. This strategic move promises to bring a wealth of expertise, innovation, and business acumen to American enterprises seeking to thrive in today's competitive market.

    US2U Consulting, known for its dynamic and client-focused approach, has consistently delivered results for a diverse range of businesses in the UK, spanning various industries. With this expansion, they aim to replicate their success and help American companies unlock their potential.

    "Our decision to expand into the United States is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class consultancy services to businesses worldwide," said Rachel Blackburn, the CEO of US2U Consulting. "We believe that our proven strategies and customised solutions will empower American businesses to overcome challenges, drive growth, and excel in an ever-evolving business landscape. I am excited to be meeting potential clients in New York during the week commencing 17 September - Climate Week."

    US2U Consulting brings a comprehensive suite of services to the American market, including strategic planning, leadership development, organisational optimisation, and market expansion strategies. Their team of seasoned consultants is well-versed in navigating the complexities of both domestic and international markets, offering valuable insights and actionable plans tailored to each client's unique needs.

    Why work with US2U Consulting?

    One of the key strengths of US2U Consulting is its adaptability. The company has a history of assisting businesses in diverse industries, from healthcare and technology to finance and manufacturing. This versatility, combined with a deep understanding of market dynamics, positions US2U Consulting as an invaluable resource for American enterprises seeking to achieve sustainable growth.

    As US2U Consulting sets its sights on the United States, it aims to forge strong partnerships with local businesses and contribute to the country's economic prosperity. Clients in the United States can now look forward to experiencing the same high-level consultancy services that have made US2U Consulting a trusted name in the industry.

    For American companies eager to enhance their competitiveness, boost profitability, and navigate the complexities of today's business environment, US2U Consulting's expansion represents a significant opportunity for growth and success. The consultancy firm's arrival in the United States is a milestone that holds promise for businesses seeking innovative solutions and expert guidance.

    For an exploratory conversation, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Learn more about what we offer by downloading our US2U Consulting: United States 2023 Service Sheet

  • US2U Consulting in New York January 2024 - Rachel Video Diary

    US2U Consulting Founder & Director Rachel Blackburn visited New York City in January 2024, in the latest visit to expand our Management Consultancy, Executive Coaching & People Development services into the United States.

    Rachel filmed a video diary during her trip, detailing a few of her various visits during the trade mission. Have a listen below to what she got up to in NYC!

    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how US2U Consulting can make a positive difference to your organisation - no matter what challenges you are facing.