US2U 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 >>>
In line with the company's December theme of charitable giving, US2U Consulting were pleased to make a donation to Norwich Lowriders Wheelchair Basketball Club, a sports team we intially supported back in 2008 when the club was first getting established.
It was great to catch up with some of the people involved with the club and to hear about the progress they have made since their early days, which has seen them grow from playing locally to competing in regional and national competitions.
Rachel Blackburn is pictured with Tina Connor-Saunders and Sara Trower, who are responsible for the management and organisation of the club.
US2U Consulting were pleased to make a donation to the British Red Cross to enable them to purchase two new wheelchairs for their Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk mobility services.
The wheelchairs will be provided, alongside various other forms of mobility aids, to those in need across the East of England, with the goal of getting people more active.
"Thank you so much to US2U Consulting for donating the money towards the wheelchairs. This money will be incredibly helpful in allowing us to continue providing great service to people across the East of England. We provide various mobility aids to over 50 people each week in Norfolk alone and it is great to see businesses in the region supporting us in our goal of getting people in need more mobile and active." Said Paul Fleet, Senior Community Fundraiser (pictured alongside Rachel and Kerwin Blackburn).
Rachel Blackburn commented, "we are really happy and excited to be supporting the work of the British Red Cross in Norfolk. They are one of the world's most renowned and recognised charities and we are sure the wheelchairs we have bought for them will help as many people as possible."
US2U Consulting have recently enjoyed working with ASAMS Ltd to develop their business strategy and produce the ASAMS Promotional Video.
ASAMS Ltd are a Metals Testing Laboratory based in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and work with clients from multiple industries with a main focus on oil and gas and renewables.
The purpose of the video is to enable existing and potential new companies to engage with ASAMS and to understand more about the ASAMS service, culture and unique features and benefits.
While the video ultimately aims to help them increase their market share, it has already has the effect of motivating and energising the ASAMS team - all of whom feature in the video!
As well as giving their staff a chance to showcase that ASAMS is a successful, forward-thinking business, the video will also enhance their website by allowing visitors to engage with it in a new, more dynamic dimension. The video will also form the basis of an integrated marketing campaign.
In addition to producing their promotional video US2U Consulting also assisted ASAMS in developing their company values which promote ASAMS as providing:
ASAMS Managing Director Andrew Page (pictured, left, alongside Senior Metallurgist Thomas Whiskin and Rachel Blackburn) commented, "It has been easy working with US2U Consulting as we develop our business planning, marketing strategy and HR strategy. We look forward to our ongoing relationship as we continue to raise our profile and achieve our ambitious business goals."
Watch the video below!
If you would like US2U Consulting to produce your organisation's promotional video or assist with your business planning, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What does it involve for societies, communities or individuals from different countries to live and work together towards common objectives? How do we share cultures? What does it mean to be culturally aware? And why does it matter?
Enhance your organisation's understanding of these issues and strengthen your business results with our Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication workshop.
The programme will be delivered by our Associate Consultant, world class leading expert Dr Lorella Viola PhD, who undertakes research in Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Intercultural Communication, has worked as a legal and court translator and currently teaches in the field of Intercultural Communication.
Cultural awareness is a major element of cultural competence and the foundation of intercultural communication. We will reflect on the importance of cross-cultural communication in everyday life and the workplace.
In this interactive workshop you will learn how to:
- Acknowledge how culture shapes our own perceptions
- Be more responsive to culturally diverse colleagues and clients
- Be more sensitive and accessible as a global citizen
- Be alert to cultural differences and similarities that will present opportunities and challenges to working in a multicultural environment
To find our more about how this service can improve your productivity and give your organisation a competitive edge contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Having assisted in the development and October launch of City College Norwich School of Higher Education's Mentoring Programme, Rachel Blackburn kicked off her role as Mentor to two business students in an Executive box at Carrow Road, home of Norwich City Football Club.
The Mentees, Laura Key and Kasia Mydlik (pictured left and right, respectively), were eager to be mentored by Rachel after learning of her own story and experiences in business, including founding US2U Consulting.
Rachel plans to meet the Mentees several times over the next year to provide guidance and advice in line with the agreed targets and objectives for the Programme.
Laura commented on the first meeting, "It was really motivating and energizing. I will be putting your communication advice into practice immediately!"
"I am so appreciative of not only the way you have taken us under your wing but also of your generosity with your time and resources" said Kasia.
Thank you to Norwich City FC for their contribution to the City College Norwich Mentoring Programme.
Rachel Blackburn attended the City College Norwich Graduation Ceremony 2016 at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 22 October.
For the second year running Rachel was invited to the ceremony as a distinguished guest after working closely with City College Norwich Higher Education to develop and launch their Mentoring Programme. Click here to read about the programme's launch.
This year City College Norwich is also celebrating its 125th Anniversary since being founded in 1891, during which time it has grown to become one of the region's integral educational institutions.
"It was inspirational to see so many people celebrating the results of their hard work!" said Rachel.
US2U Consulting attended the Norfolk Institute of Directors 2016 Annual Dinner on Friday 14 October, held at Carrow Road, home of Norwich City Football Club.
The event brought together business leaders from across the region, providing valuable networking opportunities and a great atmosphere.
The evening was also headlined by Lord Paddy Ashdown (pictured with Rachel Blackburn), who delivered a fantastic after-dinner speech - and thankfully, no hats were on the menu!
We look forward to seeing how business across Norfolk and beyond responds to opportunities in the near future.
US2U Consulting are pleased to support City College Norwich School of Higher Education's Business Management Mentoring Programme, and attended the launch at St Andrews House on 17 October.
The programme aims to support students in pursuit of business degrees, matching individuals with mentors from specific fields or sectors of interest. It also focuses on fostering greater links between organisations and individuals within the community.
Rachel Blackburn, who was heralded as instrumental in working with City College Norwich to develop the programme, spoke at the launch of her own personal mentoring experiences and of the three key benefits of the programme for both parties.
For mentees these typically include getting inspired, being able to identify and learn from a professional role model and finding a source of advice in problem-solving.
Mentors themselves can also benefit greatly from the experience, with the process reinforcing what best practice means in their line of work, challenging their assumptions of 'what is normal?' and also providing a sense of personal satisfaction. Mentoring may also lead to extra responsibilities and therefore have benefits for career progression.
Rachel was excited to meet and scope meetings with her mentee and looks forward to lending her advice over the next year!
Marketing Coordinator Kerwin Blackburn has produced a Jackson Pollock-styled painting for Norwich social enterprise Your Own Place CIC.
Titled "Illumination" to reflect the organisation's theme of highlighting and providing training of key skills related to independent living, with the goal of tackling youth homelessness, the painting is in their company colours of orange and green.
"People are totally wowed by it!" said founder Rebecca White. Good luck to Your Own Place CIC with their official launch on 27 September!
US2U Consulting's IT Consultant and Microsoft expert Michael Holness once again spoke at Norfolk Chamber's Chamber Sessions on Tuesday 20 September, on how to 'Be Better at Excel for Business'.
Both Michael and his content were regarded as very good or excellent by all attendees, as he offered insights into how to get more out of Excel to maximise your organisation's productivity and make a positive difference to your company's bottom line.
• "The shortcuts handout was extremely helpful."
• "It was great to brush up on formulas and macros."
• "I learnt some valuable Excel tips. The session was very 'punchy' and delivered everything in a short time frame."
• "It was great to learn about the advanced uses for Excel - I will go back to the office and investigate further!"
• "Being so new to Excel I really benefitted from this session."
For more information on how Michael and US2U Consulting can help your organisation reach its IT potential, click here.
Also, take advantage of our 'Back to School' promotion by securing an Excel group session for up to 5 people (to be delivered by the end of January 2017) for the discounted price of £675.00 when you book by the end of November!
