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.. 

Celebrating Earth Day and 200 years of our client Mawdsleys ????????

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Published: Thursday, 07 August 2025 15:20

US2U Consulting are proud to be supporting our client, UK based pharmaceutical wholesaler and leading partner to the healthcare sector and pharmaceutical industry, Mawdsleys, in their initiative to mark 200 years of their business in 2025.

???? As part of their social and well-being agenda, they are supporting Earth Day by working to improve green spaces - and we were pleased to plant and watch some of their wildflower seeds grow, as the video below shows.

???? They are planting wildflower seeds which are wildlife-friendly to help invigorate local habitats. They are also planting 200 trees to mark 200 years!

This initiative also echoes our own Sustainability Policy.

To learn how US2U Consulting can help your organisation achieve its goals, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

US2U Consulting Supports Norwich Pride 2025 - Celebrating Diversity in Action

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Published: Monday, 28 July 2025 15:37

We are proud to share that our Director, Rachel Blackburn MBE, attended Norwich Pride 2025 on Saturday 27 July, showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community and reinforcing US2U Consulting's long-standing commitment to encouraging diversity in all its forms.

Norwich Pride is a vibrant celebration of love, equality and inclusion - values that sit at the heart of everything we do. As a consultancy dedicated to helping organisations thrive through people, we understand that diverse, inclusive workplaces are more innovative, more engaged, and more succesful.

Rachel's presence at the event reflects our belief that diversity isn't just something to talk about - it's something to live out, both inside and outside the boardroom or work environment. From delivering tailored diversity and inclusion training, to supporting clients in building equitable workplace cultures, we are passionate about creating spaces where everyone can be themselves and succeed.

"Attending Norwich Pride was an energising and inspiring experience" said Rachel. "It's so important to stand in solidarity with all communities and actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion. At US2U Consulting, we work with our clients to make sure these values are embedded in their everday practices."

We look forward to continuing our support of events and initiatives that promote equality and inclusion - because diversity drives progress, and progress benefits us all.

US2U Support the Norfolk Ambassadors Programme Launch at The Royal Norfolk Show, with Chauffeuring by Silverline Limousines

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Published: Friday, 27 June 2025 11:35

The Norfolk Business Board was proud to officially launch its Norfolk Ambassadors Programme at The Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday 25 June 2025 and Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and CEO of international management consultancy, US2U Consulting Ltd, is pleased to be one of the Ambassadors.

The Programme's mission is simple but powerful: to amplify the voices of businesses in our region so that Norfolk gets the national and international recognition and opportunities that it deserves.

Rachel said "Having always lived in Norfolk but having a local, national and international focus I am keen to work with the other Ambassadors to identify how we can influence positive business change for the county. It will be interesting to see how our diverse backgrounds and skill sets come together to create an exotic recipe to make a positive difference.

On the day we were also pleased to connect with another proud Norfolk business - Silverline Limousines, who provided chauffeuring for US2U Consulting colleagues to and from the Show.

"As a long-established Norfolk Business that is passionate about delivering high-quality chauffeuring services for our clients, we are delighted that we could support the launch of the Norfolk Ambassadors Programme by taking some of the US2U Consulting Team to and from The Royal Norfolk Show. We are keen to support the Programme with any of the chauffeuring requirements around continuing to put Norfolk on the map as a great place to do business" said the Managing Director of Silverline Limousines.

Watch this space for details of the Norfolk Ambassadors Programme progress.

We were also pleased to be joined by a client to support the Programme launch, Thomas Whiskin, Managing Direcitor of Great Yarmouth-based ASAMS Limited (pictured below with Rachel).

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how US2U Consulting could help your business, in Norfolk or elsewhere, to become more successful.

US2U Consulting Celebrates Fifth Year Sponsoring Horsford Cricket Club

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Published: Thursday, 12 June 2025 15:56

US2U Consulting is proud to mark its fifth consecutive year sponsoring Horsford Cricket Club, continuing a partnership rooted in shared values and local community support.

First established in 2021, this sponsorship reflect's US2U's ongoing commitment to its Sustainability Policy - specifically, its focus on supporting the community. Over the years, this has included club sponsorship, player sponsorship and support, and helping to support the other local initiatives and events that Horsford Cricket Club promote throughout the season.

"This partnership is about more than just getting the US2U Consulting name out there - it's about giving back to our local community, supporting opportunities for people to thrive and enabling Horsford Cricket Club to maintain their first-class standards and facilities at their home ground of Manor Park in Norwich" said Rachel Blackburn, US2U Consulting Founder & CEO.

As the 2025 season begins, we look forward to hearing about Horsford CC's continued success on and off the pitch!

GYDA - The Growth Summit for Agency Leaders in London

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Published: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 11:52

Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, Rachel Blackburn, was pleased to attend The Growth Summit for Agency Leaders in London on Wednesday 7th May 2025.

"A massive thank you for joining us at GYDA Summit 2025... what an awesome day it was! From sales to strategy, AI to communications, our speakers covered topics that certainly had the breaks buzzing with conversations" said Robert Craven, Founder of GYDA who is pictured with Rachel Blackburn.

Robert has supported US2U Consulting with our international marketing strategies via the Exporting Programme at Cranfield University and is also one of our Associate Consultants, so please get in touch to learn how he could support you with your business development strategies.

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

Strengthening UK and Belgium Relationships

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Published: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:46

As an Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn, CEO US2U Consulting, attended the Belgium event "Walloon CleanTech Innovators greet British Actors" in London on Monday 28th April 2025, discussing how we can collaborate internationally to develop technology to support the construction and energy sectors around the Net Zero agenda.

This was followed by a networking evening hosted at the Belgium Ambassador's Residence in Belgrave Square. We have started to strengthen UK/Belgium trade relationships since the event.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Rachel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rachel is pictured with HE Jeroen Cooreman, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United Kingdom.

Focus on International Debt Collection

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Published: Friday, 09 May 2025 13:32

Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay was one of the speakers at the International Debt Collection Network, TCM Group event in London on Friday 9th May.

Liz, pictured with US2U Consulting CEO Rachel Blackburn, has been passionate about improving the late payment situation for businesses for a number of years and whilst the situation appears to be improving, she cited big company lack of awareness of the importance of prompt payment and inefficent payment processes as two of the causes.

Other speakers outlined late payment situations in France, Sweden and China. It was interesting to see the difference in approaches based on local legislation and also cultural mindset regarding what is seen to be acceptable.

To discuss your international business strategy, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Empowering Women in Global Trade: Connect, Grow, Succeed

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Published: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 14:54

CEO of US2U Consulting and Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn MBE was asked to speak on the Inspirational Women's Panel at the Department for Business and Trade's Empowering Women in Global Trade event in London on 1st April 2025.

Attended by around 100 business people, the aim was to encourage female business leaders to consider exporting as part of their growth strategy.

Rachel was on the panel with some other successful female exporters: Julianne Ponon MBE, CEO of Creative Nature, Nagma Ebanks Beni MBE, Co-CEO of Prima Cheese and Dr Grace Olugbodi, CEO of BeGenio.

Each person shared an overview of their international business story and focused on advice for other people planning to export their products or services.

There was also an opportunity for attendees to have 1:1 meetings with panel members during or after the event to gain specific business advice.

The DBT events team said "Your insights were invaluable and it was good to see the impact of the presentations on the attendees. We really appreciate your time and your contribution reallty helped to make this event a success."

Rachel is pictured with one of the attendess; Selena Morris, Founder of alt*ego.

The UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, is a great starting place for UK 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.

If you would like to be inspired to start or continue your exporting journey then please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Modern Slavery Legislation – 10 years on… 26th March 2025

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Published: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 14:25

US2U Consulting Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn participated in the Modern Slavery Intelligence Network conference at Tesco's Head Office in Welwyn Garden City on 26th March 2025.

Introduced by Claire Donovan, CEO MSIN and supported largely by the UK food industry, the aims of the conference were to drive awareness and membership of the MSIN, intelligence sharing and the power of disruption.

Key messages included:

• We need to continue to be proactive to eliminate modern slavery from our supply chains; there are still too many cases of vulnerable people being taken advantage of in the UK and overseas. New statutory guidance is available on the UK government website.

• People using foodbanks, homeless shelters and volunteering at charity shops can be targeted by people keen to exploit them, for example by offering work at less than the minimum wage requirements.

• People who have been modern slaves wish to have empathy rather than sympathy; they wish to be described as survivors rather than victims and do not wish to be described as slaves. There is a need to focus on dignity and respect.

• It is still viewed that people in the UK generally have a narrow view of modern slavery, eg an image of someone chained up, as slavery may have looked like this in the past; ignoring other forms such as coercive control, or being made to made to make payments to guarantee more work.

Rachel, pictured with Claire with whom she has worked over several years, said, "It's great to see the awareness being raised across the food supply chains, although we know that other sectors including construction and even technology can be opportunities for bad practice to creep in."

To explore more about making your people more aware of modern slavery and avoid cases being exposed against your brand and/or across your supply chain, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..