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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 >>>

News & Events

US2U Consulting Launches Psychological and Psychosocial Safety Service

US2U Consulting is pleased to announce a new Psychological and Psychosocial Safety service, led by US2U Associate Consultant, Dr Danny Kett BSc (Hons), MSc.

With 18 years’ experience in hostage and crisis negotiation as a practitioner, trainer, team leader and tactical adviser, combined with an academic background in behavioural science, Danny brings extensive expertise in understanding human behaviour, communication and achieving lasting behavioural change.

Why Psychological Safety Matters

When organisations think about health and safety at work, the focus has traditionally been on visible physical hazards. However, factors such as excessive workload, unresolved conflict, poor workplace relationships and a culture where people are reluctant to speak up can also have a significant impact on employees and organisational performance.

Psychological safety is the shared belief that people can speak up, raise concerns, challenge assumptions, report mistakes and contribute ideas without fear of humiliation, punishment or damage to their professional standing.

For organisations, creating this environment is about much more than making people feel comfortable. When employees feel able to speak openly, potential problems and mistakes can be identified earlier, different perspectives can be heard and teams can learn and improve together.

Psychosocial safety considers the potential exposure of employees to work-related psychological hazards and the harm these can cause. Taking a proactive approach can help organisations promote wellbeing, reduce sickness absence and staff turnover, and create healthier, more productive working environments.

How Psychologically Safe is Your Workplace?

Consider your own teams:

 Do people contribute freely in meetings, rather than raising issues afterwards - or not at all?

 Do people speak up when they think something is wrong?

 Do team members feel able to raise tough issues or problems for discussion?

 Are sickness absence and staff turnover low across your teams, while productivity remains high?

If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, it could indicate areas where psychological or psychosocial safety needs greater attention. When people do not feel able to speak openly, mistakes can go unreported, problems can remain unidentified and standards may ultimately be compromised.

From Psychological Safety to High Performance

Recognising the signs of low psychological safety is important, but creating a psychologically safe workplace is not simply about making people feel comfortable. It is about developing an environment where people can speak openly, challenge constructively and learn from mistakes, while maintaining clear expectations and high standards.

High-performing teams combine high psychological safety with clear accountability and high standards. Where accountability is high but psychological safety is low, anxiety and fear can develop, creating the foundations for a toxic working environment. Conversely, psychological safety without clear standards can result in comfort without performance.

It is the combination of psychological safety, accountability and high standards that helps create an environment characterised by open dialogue, clear expectations, organisational learning and sustained excellence.

Practical Expertise to Support Lasting Change

Danny’s experience ranges from life-and-death negotiations to organisational leadership and change. He has also trained hostage and crisis negotiators from around the world, helping them achieve successful outcomes in some of the most challenging circumstances.

As part of US2U Consulting, Danny will translate this operational experience and behavioural science expertise into practical, evidence-informed strategies for clients. By identifying the factors that influence behaviour, the new service can support organisations facing challenges around culture, conflict, compliance, communication and organisational change.

US2U Consulting can work with your organisation to assess and strengthen psychological and psychosocial safety, helping you create an environment where people feel able to speak up while maintaining clear accountability and high standards.

If you would like to explore how psychological and psychosocial safety could improve staff wellbeing, organisational culture and performance within your organisation, please contact US2U Consulting at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange an initial conversation.

Reflecting on My Internship at US2U Consulting: Strengthening My Passion for HR

Over the last week of July, US2U Consulting was pleased to offer an internship opportunity to Sophie McKrell, a current BSc Psychology student at the University of Bath, to enable her to gain insight into the management consultancy industry and into how a boutique consultancy such as US2U Consulting operates.

Sophie has shared her reflections on her week with us, and what she has gained from the experience, below:

"This week, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at US2U Consulting, and it has been one of the most valuable learning experiences of my degree so far. As a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Bath with aspirations of building a career in HR, this experience allowed me to see first-hand how psychological principles underpin effective leadership, recruitment and organisational success.

"The week began with a comprehensive induction, where I gained an insight into the foundations of the business. From understanding the importance of confidentiality, GDPR and health and safety, to exploring US2U's values, sustainability strategy and client-focused approach, I saw how strong organisational culture is built intentionally. It also highlighted how every successful business relies on clear processes, effective communication and people-centred values.

"One of the highlights of the week was visiting a long-standing client to film promotional content. It was fascinating to see the strength of a trusted client relationship that had been built over many years and to observe the professionalism involved in representing a business. It reinforced the importance of teamwork, relationship management and creating positive workplace cultures.

"Throughout the week I was trusted with a variety of real projects, including writing articles published on the company website, drafting content for the company’s international e-newsletter, adapting client resources and communicating professionally via email and zoom meetings. Receiving constructive feedback and refining my work gave me valuable experience of professional writing and showed me how important continuous improvement is in the workplace.

"Perhaps the area I enjoyed most was gaining an insight into recruitment and assessment. I had the opportunity to compare candidates using psychometric assessments alongside verbal, numerical and critical reasoning tests, learning how evidence-based recruitment supports fair and effective hiring decisions. I was also fortunate to have a one-to-one conversation with US2U Consultant Jan Baynham, one of the first people in the UK to gain a degree in Occupational Psychology. Hearing about her career journey, her extensive experience using psychometric assessments, and her advice on building a career in this field provided a fascinating perspective on the profession. Experiencing occupational psychology applied in a real business environment strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in HR and reinforced the value of evidence-based decision making.

"As part of the internship, I also explored topics including project management, executive coaching, learning styles, change management, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and HR policies and procedures. These experiences demonstrated just how broad the HR profession is and how psychology underpins so many aspects of organisational success.

"One of my favourite pieces of work was writing a thought leadership article exploring why every management decision is ultimately a people decision. Bringing together concepts from my Psychology degree and applying them to a real business context reminded me why I chose this subject and reinforced how valuable psychological knowledge is within organisations.

"The week concluded with attending a Norfolk Chamber of Commerce networking event, where I had the opportunity to meet professionals from a range of industries and practise introducing myself through an elevator pitch. It was a fantastic confidence-building experience and highlighted the value of building professional relationships.

"Above all, I am incredibly grateful to Rachel Blackburn MBE for investing so much time in my development throughout the week. Rachel's willingness to share her knowledge, experience and leadership journey made this placement far more than work experience - it became genuine career development. It was inspiring to learn from someone whose career has taken her across the UK and internationally, working with organisations in countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the United States. As a Norfolk Ambassador and recipient of an MBE for services to business and exports, Rachel has achieved an incredible amount throughout her career, yet what stood out most was her genuine passion for developing people and building lasting relationships with clients. Observing the way she builds relationships, communicates with clients and leads with integrity demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional business leader and gave me a fantastic role model as I begin my own career. She has further reinforced my ambition to pursue a career in HR where I can make a positive difference to people and organisations alike.

"I leave the week with far more than new skills - I leave with greater confidence, valuable professional connections and a much clearer vision for my future career. This experience has reinforced my passion for HR and demonstrated how psychology can make a meaningful difference to both people and organisational performance. As I begin applying for HR placements, I will take forward the knowledge, experiences and inspiration I have gained throughout this week. I am incredibly grateful to everyone at US2U Consulting, and especially Rachel, for such an inspiring opportunity that I know will shape the next stage of my career."

We're glad you found your time at US2U Consulting helpful, Sophie!

If you are interested in gaining work experience at US2U Consulting, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a suggestion of what you have to offer and what you would be looking to get out of the experience.

Celebrating Diversity and Belonging: US2U Consulting’s Continued Support for Norwich Pride

US2U Consulting is delighted to share that our Director and CEO, Rachel Blackburn MBE (pictured below), attended Norwich Pride 2026, continuing her support for the LGBTQ+ community while representing Norfolk in her role as a Norfolk Ambassador.

Having attended Norwich Pride in 2025 and describing it as “an energising and inspiring experience,” Rachel returned this year to celebrate the progress that has been made towards creating a more inclusive city and county, while recognising the importance of continuing conversations around diversity and belonging.

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As both a business leader and Norfolk Ambassador, Rachel is passionate about celebrating the people and communities that make Norfolk a welcoming place to live, work, study and invest. For US2U Consulting, this aligns closely with one of the organisation’s core values: Encouraging Diversity.

Reflecting on why she attended Norwich Pride 2026, Rachel said: “Primarily as a Norfolk Ambassador as well as CEO of US2U Consulting, it is important that we are seen to celebrate the fact that the city and county are striving to be an all-inclusive place to live, work, study and invest. Clearly, like most places, we’re not saying it’s perfect - there is still more work to do - but it is about recognising and acknowledging how far things have come.”

Rachel believes that values must be demonstrated through action, rather than simply appearing as statements on a website. “If we have ‘Encouraging Diversity’ as one of our values, we shouldn’t just have it as something to put on the website as marketing material. Anything that we have as a value, we need to genuinely demonstrate.”

This commitment to inclusion has been part of US2U Consulting since its formation in 2006, influencing the way the business works with clients, supports organisations and builds relationships with a diverse range of people and communities.

Celebrating Progess

For Rachel, one of the most memorable moments from Norwich Pride 2026 came as the parade began outside City Hall:

“The most emotional part of tIMG 2624 webhe day for me was when the parade started outside City Hall with a few speeches. The Town Crier made a speech all about bringing the city together, and when you have thousands of people dressed in colourful clohes, feeling like it is a party atmosphere and coming together with inclusivity, it felt like we had really made some progress.”

Rachel described Pride as a celebration of how far society has come, while acknowledging the importance of continuing to move forward. She also noted that this year’s event appeared to place greater emphasis on transgender individuals, highlighting the ongoing importance of ensuring all communities feel represented and supported.

Why Inclusion Matters

At US2U Consulting, inclusion is central to the work the organisation delivers with clients. Sophie McKrell, an US2U 2026 summer intern and current BSc Psychology student at the University of Bath, agrees that creating inclusive workplaces is not only important for individuals, but also contributes to stronger organisations:

“We want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable, has psychological safety and feels like they can be the best version of themselves every day. We also know that research shows that the more inclusive and diverse a workplace is, the more it can lead to economic gain through greater productivity, creativity, teamwork and sharing of different skills and perspectives.”

Looking ahead, US2U Consulting will continue to support initiatives that promote inclusion, including Norwich Pride, Change the Race Ratio and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion - recognising that when people feel valued and included, individuals, organisations and communities can thrive. 

If you would like to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion within your organisation, or develop a more inclusive workplace culture where people can thrive, US2U Consulting can help.

Please contact Rachel Blackburn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more about our leadership, inclusion and organisational development services.

Rachel Blackburn MBE Shares International Growth Insights at Cambridge Forum

Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, was honoured to speak at the Global Power Women Forum Cambridge 2026, held at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge between 8-9 June 2026.

The international forum brought together leaders from across business, government and academia to explore how women's leadership can drive economic growth, inclusive leadership and sustainable development around the world. 

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Rachel delivered a keynote session on "Building for Global Markets: Export Readiness, International Partnership Development, and Long-Term Commercial Sustainability." Drawing on nearly two decades of experience leading an international consultancy, she shared practical insights into the difference between enterprise readiness and export readiness, highlighting the key factors that enable organisations to build successful international partnerships and achieve sustainable growth.

Following the event, the Centre for Economic & Leadership Development (CELD), organisers of the Forum, thanked Rachel for her contribution as both a speaker and award recipient, recognising the impact of her expertise and leadership in enriching discussions throughout the event.

Rachel said:

"It was a privilege to be invited to speak at the Global Power Women Forum at the University of Cambridge alongside so many inspiring international leaders. Sharing practical experience of developing international partnerships and supporting organisations to grow into global markets is something I am passionate about. It was encouraging to see such a strong focus on collaboration, sustainable growth and empowering future leaders."

The Forum has also opened discussions about future collaboration with the Global Power Women Network, creating exciting opportunities to continue supporting international leadership, business growth and knowledge sharing.

If your organisation is looking to expand into international markets, develop strategic partnerships, or build the leadership capability needed for sustainable long-term growth, US2U Consulting can help. Contact Rachel Blackburn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss how our international expertise can support your organisation's ambitions.

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Hit for Six! US2U Consulting Celebrates Sixth Year Supporting Horsford Cricket Club

US2U Consulting is delighted to continue its long-standing partnership with Horsford Cricket Club by sponsoring the club for a sixth consecutive year.

Supporting the local community is a key pillar of our Sustainability Strategy, and we are proud to continue backing one of Norfolk's leading cricket clubs as they provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in and enjoy the game. This ongoing partnership reflects our commitment to making a positive difference within the communities where we live and work.

This year's sponsorship also forms part of our 20 Things for the Community initiative, celebrating the 20th anniversary of US2U Consulting throughout 2026. Across the year, we are delivering a range of activities that give back to the local community while supporting our Sustainability Strategy.

Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, said:

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Horsford Cricket Club for a sixth year. Supporting local organisations that bring people together and encourage participation, teamwork and wellbeing is an important part of our Sustainability Strategy. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we're particularly pleased that this sponsorship is one of the 20 community initiatives we are delivering during 2026."

To find out more about our Sustainability Strategy and how we are committed to making a positive difference for our clients, communities and the environment, please visit our Sustainability Policy page.

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Rachel Blackburn MBE Inspires Norwich Business Women with Keynote on Resilience, Self-Belief and Navigating Change at Carrow Road

Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, recently delivered the keynote presentation at the Norwich Business Women Network (NBWN) event, held at Carrow Road, the prestigious home of Norwich City Football Club, on Wednesday 10 June.

Speaking to a full audience of around 80 delegates overlooking the famous football pitch, Rachel shared her personal journey of growing up in Norfolk, building a successful career, and establishing an international management consultancy. Her presentation explored the themes of resilience, self-belief and navigating change, demonstrating how these qualities have shaped both her personal and professional success.

The keynote was inspired by Rachel's recent feature in Norfolk Directors magazine and encouraged attendees to reflect on how they can build confidence, embrace opportunities and achieve their own ambitions.

During the session, Rachel highlighted six key lessons that have guided her journey:

 Play to your strengths

 Have clear goals

 Do not let others define your potential

 Keep learning and evolving

 Relationships and reputation matter

 Success is built over time, not overnight

Rachel said: "I was so pleased to be asked to speak at this event and take the opportunity to inspire and encourage people from my own experiences. The feedback online and in person has been amazing."

As part of the presentation, Rachel also highlighted US2U Consulting's 30 Tips for Developing Resilience podcast episode, which provides practical advice for individuals looking to strengthen their resilience in both their personal and professional lives.

If you would like a copy of Rachel's presentation slides, or would like to explore how US2U Consulting could deliver a resilience, leadership or personal development session for your management team or wider workforce, please contact Rachel Blackburn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation.

Supporting Mental Health in Our Community at Blake Summer Prom in Norfolk

As part of our 20 things for the community to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2026, US2U Consulting was pleased to attend the Blake Summer Prom Concert at Bracon Hall, Bracon Ash, Norfolk on Saturday 13th June.

This was an open-air classical concert run as a charity event to raise money for mental health and suicide prevention in Norfolk and is supported by the Norfolk Community Foundation. It was lovely to be able to enjoy a picnic in a unique location, meet up with some familiar and new faces whilst raising money for a good cause which links to our company value of Encouraging Diversity and Inclusion.

If you would like to develop your management team’s understanding of how to create and maintain a productive, diverse and inclusive work place then please get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We have been enabling our clients to do this including tackling sensitive issues around mental health for many years.

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Leadership and Growth at South Norfolk and Broadland Council Business Breakfast

Rachel Blackburn, Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting engaged with around 100 SME business people as the key note speaker at the South Norfolk and Broadland Council’s business breakfast at Barnham Broom Countryside Hotel, Spa and Golf Club in Norfolk. The subject of the day was to enable business people to refresh their current goals and explore how they may use their time differently/better to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Jane Bagley, Economic Development Officer, South Norfolk and Broadland Council (pictured third in from the left), said “There has been such a buzz after the breakfast. You were absolutely brilliant. Can’t thank you enough.”

Rachel said “It has been great to be invited to present some theories and lived experiences to local business people as part of our 20 things to support the community to celebrate our 20th anniversary of US2U Consulting in 2026. I am particularly pleased to receive direct feedback from a number of participants saying how useful they found the session to refocus, share key points during peer mentoring and reflect on some real insights into time planning and practical tools to get stuff done!”

“A huge thank you to our inspiring keynote speaker, Rachel Blackburn MBE, CEO of US2U Consulting for sharing her practical, no-nonsense insights on leadership, growth and building resilience in a fast-changing world” – South Norfolk and Broadland Council

To find out how US2U Consulting can help you achieve your personal or organisational goals, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or explore Our Services to find out more.

US2U Consulting pleased to be a sponsor at a Norfolk beer festival

As part of our 20 things to celebrate 20 years of US2U Consulting we’re pleased to have been a sponsor for local 2026 beer festival at Heathlands Social Club in Norfolk. It was a great opportunity to bring the community together and we note that our sponsored beer, Lazy Summer, a session IPA by Grain Brewery, was the first to sell out!

Miller Japan develops international trade relationships with Boniface Engineering

Following US2U Consulting facilitating discussions with our client, Thetford-based Boniface Engineering in the UK, along with Miller Japan and the UK Department for Business and Trade, both based in Tokyo, it was great to meet up with a Japanese delegation from the tow truck recovery industry at the Boniface Engineering site. The delegation was led by Naoya Hozumi from Miller Japan Co Ltd and included a dealers and end users. Brandon Glass from Miller Industries in Chattanooga in the US was also present.

Following their detailed factory tour Naoya said “It’s my first time to visit Boniface Engineering in the UK. There are lots of interesting parts and processes. It has been very good for the dealers and the end users to see the facility. We look forward to doing more business together in the future”.

US2U Consulting CEO, Rachel Blackburn MBE, pictured with the delegation and with Naoya said “Having been a UK Government Export Champion since 2020, I was hoping to have met up with Naoya in Tokyo back in October last year but he was travelling out of town. Therefore it was good to meet him in the UK and see the enthusiasm for the British engineering. The next stage is to see how the products can be adapted for the Japanese market.”

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