Some of the US2U Consulting team attended the second night of Take That's Wonderland Live tour dates at Norwich City's Carrow Road on Friday 16 June.

Aside from a brilliant gig there was another point of interest for us, which came after most people had already headed for the exits...

We stayed behind to catch a glimpse of some of the backstage team - which included 30 lorries and over 270 people - to watch their well-drilled packing up routine.

This was a great example of teamwork and precision, with each individual working under intense time pressure and knowing their exact role, along with distinct teams of people working effectively alongside each other to ensure the gear could soon hit the road for Take That's night date. Watch a clip of what we saw below!

— US2U Consulting (@US2UConsulting) June 19, 2017

US2U Consulting attended the Norfolk Chamber's Chamber Session talk on Behavioural Economics on Thursday 15 June, delivered by Richard Ross.

Introducing an up-and-coming topic that is gaining increasing importance as we enter a new information era, the talk covered some of the fundamental theories and principles that are said to be key to unearthing insights about the subconscious motivations that drive consumer behaviour.

The topic is gaining importance as its application allows organisations to more efficiently target their consumers and help them make better decisions.

A key principle underlying behavioural economics, as opposed to classical economics, is the assumption that we as consumers are largely irrational, unpredictable and somewhat lazy!

We are intrigued to learn more about the ways in which US2U Consulting can apply behavioural economics to provide greater insights and a positive difference to our clients. Watch this space...

Rachel and Kerwin Blackburn of US2U Consulting visited the University of Oxford on Saturday 20 May to attend the Oxford-GCC Business Conference 2017, which covered a range of topics concerning the development of the Gulf region. The conference was held at St. Anthony's College and was hosted by OxGAPS, the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce and Said Business School.

Welcoming delegates from across the world, the conference focused on three key areas of the Gulf economy; the private sector, the creative economy and the evolving role of women in the region.

The conference also featured an exclusive list of interesting keynote speakers from prominent public and private sector organisations both in the UK and the Gulf, with an objective of the conference to promote and foster a greater UK-Gulf trading relationship.

Among the speakers on the subject of the arts and the creative economy in the Gulf was Princess Alia Al-Senussi, Chair of Tate Young Patrons and a descendant of Libyan royalty, pictured with Rachel Blackburn.

There was also an unique presentation on the specific characteristics and challenges of growing family-oriented businesses; a topic that is particularly prominent in Saudi Arabia - 75% of businesses have a family dynamic - and of course relevant to US2U Consulting too!

US2U Consulting attended The Business Show 2017 on 17 and 18 May at ExCeL London to gain insights into the latest hot topics among the UK business community.

As the nation's largest free business trade show, The Business Show welcomed over 25,000 businesses across the two days and included more than 350 exhibitors as well as hundreds of interactive masterclass sessions and seminars across its 5 business zones.

Among the highlights for the team were the engaging life stories by 2014 Apprentice Winner Mark Wright, Caprice and Myprotein Founder Oliver Cookson, along with a lively debate about contract and employment law with controversial Pimlico Plumbers CEO Charlie Mullins (pictured with Rachel Blackburn). They also heard about key opportunities in Africa and the ASEAN nations, as well as the story of how Cornwall-based Tregothnan Trading became the official brand of tea for the Government's GREAT campaign.

Rachel Blackburn was also spotted at one seminar by an audience member who recognised her from the Open University's Business Fundamentals: Effective Networking online course that she is featured in!

The Business Show 2017 adds to the environmental scanning that the company has been undertaking recently as it seeks to stay ahead of the curve in these rapidly changing times for businesses and society.

Rachel and Kerwin Blackburn of US2U Consulting visited the University of East Anglia's Enterprise Centre on Friday 5 May to attend 'Pitch Perfect: Ready to Pitch?'.

This Dragons' Den-style event gave the pair the chance to hear UEA startups and entrepreneurs pitch their companies and ideas as part of a panel of potential investors, offering feedback and other business advice as part of the process.

The diverse range of products and startups featured provided interesting insights into some of the outlooks and challenges facing entrepreneurial students at the UK's 12th-ranked university.

Companies pitching included hyperSlate, Assemble, Grabbit, Future Max Careers and Cooknst.