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..

Norwich Disability Conference: Understanding & Addressing the Needs of Millions

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Published: Monday, 14 April 2025 14:08

Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting Rachel Blackburn attended a Disability Confident Coffee and Connect event in Norwich to learn more about what employers can do to enable a more inclusive workplace.

Hosted by the Department of Work and Pensions, the session included case studies of what employers, including financial services business Aviva, are doing to include people with physical and mental health disabilities to stay well at work.

Discussion topics included:

• What businesses are doing to employ people with health conditions or disabilities

• Managing the challenges and misconceptions

• Celebrating successes of enabling more all-inclusive workplaces

Following attendance, US2U Consulting have registered to join the government's Disability Confident scheme which is open to employers of all sizes that wish to:

• Challenge attitudes towards disability

• Increase understanding of disability

• Explore removing barriers to people with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions

• Ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations

"I am pleased that we are able to learn from the DWP and other employers regarding practical steps that can be taken to enable workplaces to be all inclusive. This applies to our work environment at US2U Consulting as well as advice we give to our clients regarding recruitment, leadership and development of their people. It all fits within our company value of Encouraging Diversity." said Rachel.

We're pleased to be #DisabilityConfident

Please contact Rachel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how we can work with you to make your workplace more inclusive, managing all of the protected characteristics effectively.

Rachel Blackburn Receives MBE Medal from Anne, The Princess Royal at Investiture Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, 28th March 2025

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Published: Wednesday, 02 April 2025 08:09

It was a special day celebrating the MBE Investiture of US2U Consulting Founder & CEO, Rachel Blackburn, at Buckingham Palace on Friday 28th March 2025.

It was a fantastic day for Rachel, walking through the gates of the Palace and being presented with her MBE medal from Anne, The Princess Royal, alongside her husband, son & sister as the three invited guests recipients can bring along with them to the ceremony.

During the customary two-minute conversation that recipients have with the member of The Royal Family presenting the award, Rachel spoke with Her Royal Highness about establishing her business, US2U Consulting, in 2006; the hard work that has followed over the last nineteen years - with Princess Anne often renowned as the hardest-working Royal; and Rachel's ambitions of continuing to put Norfolk on the international map from a business and exporting point of view.

Rachel was awarded her MBE in the New Year Honours List 2025 for services to Business & to Exports (read the full announcement story here).

The day was topped off by perfect spring weather for photos in the courtyard and outside Buckingham Palace, before heading to Claridge's for a celebratory lunch. It was great for Rachel to be joined by other family and friends who had come down to London to celebrate too.

Congratulations Rachel, from the US2U Consulting team!

Thank you for the celebratory messages we have received on Rachel's behalf. Watch the videos below for a glimpse into the morning spent at Buckingham Palace.

"I am humbled and honoured to be in receipt of this MBE award from The Princess Royal, and being able to celebrate at Buckingham Palace with family and friends. It's an amazing way to end March 2025!" said Rachel after the ceremony.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how she and US2U Consulting team can make a positive difference to your business, or assist with your own exporting journey.

US2U Consulting Celebrates 19th Birthday: Achieving Success Together

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Published: Tuesday, 01 April 2025 12:21

US2U Consulting celebrated its 19th birthday on 1st April 2025, having started trading on this date in 2006.

This also makes for a double celebration this year, as this date comes just four days after Rachel received her MBE for services to Business & Exports at Buckingham Palace from Anne, The Princess Royal, in recognition for the achievement and contributions made through her journey with US2U Consulting. Read the full story of Rachel's MBE investiture ceremony here.

A big thank you to all of our clients, suppliers, team members, and everyone else who has been a part of our journey during the last nineteen years.

Achieving Success Together

We have only achieved 19 years in business and Rachel's MBE recognition with the support of our great team who are all passionate about what they do, our clients and our suppliers. In fact, US2U Consulting's first company strapline was 'Achieving Success Together', recognising this ethos which remains at the heart of all we do.

We are pleased to share a couple of examples of this from our UK-based exporting clients below.

Boniface Engineering was US2U Consulting's first ever client, and Rachel visited their premises in Thetford, Norfolk this week with her MBE medal to reflect on many years of working together.

Mike Boniface, Managing Director of Boniface Engineering, said, "Congratulations to US2U Consulting on their 19th anniversary and to Rachel for being awarded an MBE. As a leading recovery vehicle manufacturer and part of US-based Miller Industries, we were US2U Consulting's first client back in 2006 and they continue to support our business with a variety of services. Exporting is a critical part of our business growth plans. Our key export markets include Germany and Scandinavian countries. Exporting has enabled us to expand our business, increase turnover, create more good jobs and increase our profitability."

Rachel then visited ETA Green Power in Hethel, Norfolk, who US2U Consulting have supported on their growth plans over a number of years.

ETA was founded to fill the gap in the market for high-performance electric drive systems, breaking away from standard "off-the-shelf" products that often compromise on performance; leading market transformation, and delivering unmatched eco-efficiency and cost advantages with their patented technology.

David Morgan, CEO of ETA Green Power, said "Congratulations to US2U Consulting and to Rachel on receiving the MBE. US2U Consulting have been assisting our Management Team to advance their effective leadership skills to support our commercial objectives. We have developed a game-changing high density Electric Drive System to support the Off Highway sector in accelerating electrification and support emission reductions. The US2U team have understood our needs and responded well to our priorities."

David and Rachel attended the CBI trade mission to India in 2023 to explore market opportunities, visiting Delhi and Mumbai.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find our how US2U Consulting can make a positive difference to your organisation and help you achieve success in 2025 and beyond.

Abseiling Down to Bring Smiles Back Up with Nelson's Journey

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Published: Saturday, 15 March 2025 15:21

Rachel Blackburn, US2U Consulting Founder and CEO, donned the lycra, hard hat and harness to take part in the Nelson's Journey abseil at The Forum in Norwich on Saturday 15 March 2025.

Since 1997 Nelson's Journey has been supporting children and young people in Norfolk with their bereavement needs, helping them to understand and cope with their feelings. US2U Consulting has supported the charity for many years but this was the first time they had organised an abseil to raise funds.

Rachel said, "It was a very chilly start to the day, especially waiting to descend on top of The Forum building. Thank you to all our family, friends, clients & suppliers who have donated money via my Just Giving page for this great cause."

Artistic Support for the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation

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Published: Friday, 14 March 2025 16:24

Back in 2016 Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, tragically died on a plane from an allergic reaction to eating sesame seeds that were baked into the dough of a baguette. The label on the packaging didn't include this ingredient on the packaging and they were invisible to the naked eye.

Subsequent to this, her family campaigned for better food labelling across the UK via Natasha's Law which came into effect in October 2021. The vision of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is to make allergy history. They want to prevent and eradicate allergic disease, starting with food allergy, and create a world that is safe for all individuals.

US2U Consulting Consultant and Artist, Kerwin Blackburn, has a severe peanut allergy and therefore we were pleased to have the opportunity to support the Foundation's work by donating a framed piece of Kerwin's artwork - a canvas print of Kerwin's original pop art painting - to the auction at the Broadland District Council Civic Reception in Norwich on Friday 14 March.

It was a lovely evening and the event raised £3800 for the Foundation.

"We really love our new piece of Beatles art" said Danny Snelling of Cloud Communications and IT provider, MT Comms.

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

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Published: Wednesday, 19 February 2025 15:51

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.

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

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Published: Friday, 31 January 2025 18:48

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.

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

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Published: Wednesday, 15 January 2025 15:14

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."