Norwich School's Young Chamber Initiative: Supporting the Next Generation

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Published: Monday, 17 January 2022 15:19

Developing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs is important to us. As part of our sustainability strategy, US2U Consulting has become the main sponsor of the Norwich School Young Chamber initiative for 2022/23. Developed by Norwich School with the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, the initiative sees students establish and operate their own commercial business ventures in small teams - providing them with valuable experience and learning opportunities at this early stage in their careers.

In addition to providing some funding for senior school pupils to start their own small businesses, we also plan to assist with developing an entrepreneurial toolkit that the pupils can use to develop their skills. 

"We're very grateful for your support in terms of enthusiasm and in this case, financial support" said Tom White, Head of Economics and Business Enterprise and Young Chamber Coordinator, Norwich School.

As a former Norwich School student that has gone on to establish his own business venture - online art shop By Kerwin, there are also plans for US2U Consulting team member Kerwin Blackburn to provide entrepreneurial advice to those participating in the initiative - particularly around the topics of e-commerce and the start-up business journey.

We look forward to getting started and learning more about the companies being set up at Norwich School, based in Norwich's Cathedral Close.

Change the Race Ratio Reaches 100 Signatories

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Published: Tuesday, 11 January 2022 06:50

Change the Race Ratio - the initiative to drive greater Diversity and Inclusion among British businesses, established by the Confederation of British Industry - has reached its initial target and milestone of 100 signatories. We're proud to be part of the 100 signatories and look forward to the next 100, alonside making continued progress on these issues.

Read our story about committing to the campaign in early 2021 here.

For more information about how to increase Diversity and Inclusion in your workplace contact US2U Consulting, or find out more about Change the Race Ratio here.

The East of England CBI Dinner 30 November 2021

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Published: Tuesday, 07 December 2021 14:28

As an elected member of the East of England Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Rachel Blackburn attended the quarterly regional meeting followed by the annual dinner at The Graduate Hotel in Cambridge. Lord Bilimoria, pictured with Rachel, attended the dinner and made the keynote speech. Karan Faridoon Bilimoria, Baron Bilimoria, CBE, DL, FCA is a British Indian entrepreneur, life peer in the UK House of Lords, and a university chancellor.

He founded the global beer brand Cobra Beer and currently operates as the company's chairman. In addition to his business activity, Bilimoria is a politically active crossbench member of the House of Lords, currently serves as Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and is President of the Confederation of British Industry.

One of the themes for the meeting was the fact that CBI research shows that only one in five businesses currently invests in developing their leaders and managers to support their business goals. We support the CBI's recommendations to boost labour productivity in these challenging times when all sectors appear to be facing recruitment and retention issues. These include:

• Adopting leadership, management and people practices that retain, engage and develop all staff, unlocking a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce by:

• Establishing and communicating a strong company purpose that encourages motivation

• Embedding effective performance management that keeps staff engaged and accountable in goals that are important and contribute to organisational success, while not being onerous

• Setting people management objectives for leaders and managers and put them on a par with commercial targets

• Ensuring leaders and managers regularly communicate clear expectations around organisational priorities, while also asking staff about their workload and wellbeing

• Regularly recognising and rewarding staff to appreciate what the team does

• Keeping track of employees' engagement levels and establishing ways staff can provide feedback and ask questions which are acted upon

Please get in touch with US2U Consulting to explore how we can help you manage these challenges.

Net Zero Update

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Published: Friday, 29 October 2021 15:10

Following our commitment to Net Zero, signing up to the SME Climate Hub and updating our sustainability policy back in March 2021, it's great to provide an update.

Some people will remember that it was back in January 2013 that we worked with ABC Taxis in Norwich to help them get funding for and launch their first two environmentally-friendly cars - see the story here. Since then we have worked with many businesses to help them become more sustainable. In the last few months we have been pleased to be working with two early stage businesses where their whole focus is developing world-leading solutions which are using ground-breaking science and engineering to change the way that we consume energy and materials. These are ETA Green Power based at the Hethel Innovation Centre in Norfolk and Xampla based at the Cambridge Science Park.

ETA Green Power has developed a game-changing high density Electric Drive System to enable the Off Highway sector accelerate electrification and support emission reductions - they deliver a direct substitution for existing hydro-carbon fuel based solutions, all without additional costs or power compromise.

Xampla created the world's first plant protein material for commercial use. It's great to be working with such cutting edge businesses and passionate people. Please see what both companies say about working with us on our Testimonials page.

What Next?

US2U Consulting Director Rachel Blackburn said "We will continue to work with clients following the sustainability agenda so that we continue to make a positive difference in many different ways. Recently our office has moved into an eco-friendly building (pictured) with very high energy efficiency which demonstrates our commitment to this agenda. The next stage is for us to switch our vehicle fleet to electric vehicles and install a charging point.

Read our 2021 Sustainability Policy here and contact us to find out how you can take steps to make your orgnisation more eco-friendly.

Creative Swiping Update

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Published: Thursday, 28 October 2021 12:05

For many years we have been arranging for leaders and managers to visit other businesses to learn from different approaches and "Creatively Swipe" ideas to bring back to their workplace to drive continuous improvement. This experiential type of learning is often complementary to workplace and classroom-based learning so helps to be all-inclusive.

Recently we have gone one step further and have taken the Creative Swiping ideas to a company during an interactive workshop so that the whole workforce could discuss ideas and implement the most suitable. Dr Nick Johnson (pictured), Founder and Former CTO of telecoms firm ip.access shared his career story and learning points during a most engaging afternoon in September. We structured the session so that leaders and staff have been able to record the learning points in a way they can be implemented and progress reviewed to check things are on track.

Please get in touch to learn more about how Creative Swiping can help your business.

US2U Consulting Podcast - 30 Tips for Developing Resilience

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Published: Monday, 13 September 2021 18:29

Welcome to the latest episode of the US2U Consulting Podcast. In this edition, US2U Consulting Director & Founder Rachel Blackburn discusses her list of 30 top tips to help anyone develop resilience - whether facing professional or personal challenges. She also looks at what exactly we mean by 'resilience' - and it is something that is more important than ever as the UK reopens following the pandemic period, and many of us still face unique work and lifestyle changes.

Watch or listen to the podcast below and let us know which tips you found most insightful. The list of 30 tips is underneath:

1. 4 Step Assertiveness 2. Relaxation Techniques 3. Healthy Lifestyle 4. Role Models 5. Sleep 6. Avoid Getting Defensive 7. Positive Affirmations 8. Ask for Support 9. Emotional Control 10. Identify Triggers 11. Manage Negative Self-Talk 12. Reframe Mindset 13. Set SMART Goals 14. Focus on the Controllables 15. Don't Victimise Yourself 16. Optimism 17. Compartmentalise Feedback 18. Positive Outlook 19. Empathy 20. Acceptance 21. Take Responsibility 22. Maintain Perspective 23. Focus on the Positives 24. Support Network 25. Be Flexible 26. Lifelong Learning 27. Don't Panic 28. Systematic Problem Solving 29. Anticipate Things Going Wrong 30. Gratitude

Which are you favourite tips from the podcast? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Contact us to find out how we can help you or your organisation become more resilient.

Marketing and Branding with US2U: Are We Your Missing Piece?

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Published: Wednesday, 21 July 2021 11:36

One of US2U Consulting's key strengths is the diversity of the services we offer and the expertise we have on hand to make a positive difference to any organisation. Our experienced and flexible team of specialist consultants allows us to build long-lasting relationships with our clients; providing the necessary advice and services to them as they grow and face ever changing challenges. 

Among these are our Marketing and Branding services - through which our team can make your company and your offering stand out from the crowd and boost your audience and sales.

We have recently been working with long-standing client, Great Yarmouth based metals testing business ASAMS Ltd, on their new company brochure (front cover pictured) - working with them to scope, design and write the brochure, as well as producing the artwork and both printed and digital versions. Their brochure provides clear, concise messaging around ASAMS' services, featuring engaging written content and high-impact artwork that is effective when seen in printed form or when viewed online. We are really pleased with the result and it will be a great asset for them as the country opens up again. Click below to view the full online version.

ASAMS Ltd Brochure 2021 - produced by US2U Consulting

We can also work with any client to develop their holistic marketing strategy - whether it requires revamping a logo, creating a new company slogan, or producing an integrated digital marketing campaign - with regular e-newsletters, social media content, bespoke commercial videos or even a series of podcasts.

Learn more about Our Services, and Contact Us to discuss further.

US2U Consulting Bowled Over with New Sponsorship Board

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Published: Saturday, 29 May 2021 10:44

We were excited to get out and about to see our new sponsorship board revealed at local Norfolk cricket club Horsford CC, just outside Norwich, ahead of what should be a great English summer with crowds returning to local cricket and sports grounds.

It is the first time we have had a sponsorship board at a sports ground - we are breaking new boundaries - having sponsored the safety curtain at the Theatre Royal in Norwich a few years ago. After we heard the cricket club were appealing for new sponsors, we were all over it.

Horsford Cricket Club is also the home ground of Norfolk CCC who play teams from across the UK to crowds of several hundred spectators. We hope to catch people's eye with our new signage this summer!

If you want to swing by to see our new sponsorship board this summer, the address is Horsford Cricket Club, Manor Park, Holt Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR10 3AQ. The club's website is www.horsfordcricketclub.co.uk, for a list of the their upcoming fixtures. Give it a spin!

The Psychology of Buying Decisions - US2U Consulting Webinar

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Published: Tuesday, 27 April 2021 11:32

US2U Consulting Sales Performance Consultant Steve Thurlow delivered a webinar, hosted by the Cambridge Network, on the topic of 'The Psychology of Buying Decisions' on Wednesday 14th April 2021.

The webinar provided many valuable takeaways for improving sales conversions in 2021 as we re-emerge from lockdown. Listen out for the engaging Q&A session as well. Watch or listen below:

Contact us to find out how we can help you improve your sales!

US2U Consulting Podcast - Outplacement & Career Transition

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Published: Monday, 12 April 2021 13:53

As the UK economy begins to reopen and businesses are able to plan for future with more optimism, changes to workforces and job roles will continue to impact companies and individuals. Such changes - such as redundancy, career changes and workforce restructurings - can be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, prompting many questions about the outplacement and career change process.

In our latest podcast episode, Rachel Blackburn and US2U Consulting team members Jan Baynham and Mark Fuller discuss these topics, reducing these complex issues into simple and insightful takeaways, and practical top tips.

This interesting discussion provides a snapshot of our Outplacement and Career Transition service, which can be tailored to meet the needs of any organisation or individual.

Watch the discussion below on YouTube or listen on Soundcloud - we would love to get your thoughts on this topic.

Contact us to find out how we can make a positive difference to your situation, or visit our services to see how else we can help you achieve your business goals as we look forward to lockdown reopening.

If you like our series of podcasts that we have produced and think these would be a good addition to your company's marketing, then we can work with you to produce your own company podcasts. Please get in touch to find out more!