US2U Consulting Support McKinna Charity Ball 2022

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Published: Thursday, 20 October 2022 10:10

US2U Consulting were pleased to support and sponsor a table at the McKinna Charity Ball 2022 which was held at Sprowston Manor in Norwich on Saturday 15th October.

This was a great night for some good causes. The event raised almost £9500 - and counting - which will be split between three chosen charities. These are the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Medical Detection Dogs and Aylsham First Responders.

We were pleased to be a part of this successful evening!

US2U Consulting duo deliver business advice to Norwich School 'Young Chamber' students - Sponsorship Update

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Published: Friday, 30 September 2022 17:40

US2U Consulting Director Rachel Blackburn and her son, US2U team member Kerwin Blackburn visited Norwich School on Wednesday, 28th September to speak to around 50 sixth form business students enrolled on Norwich School's Young Chamber programme for 2022-23 - the entrepreneurial initiative that we are sponsoring for this academic year.

Norwich School's Young Chamber programme is the year-long scheme that allows students to set up their own businesses and gain valuable real-world entrepreneurial experience alongside their school studies. The programme has been established by Norwich School alongside the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce. We are pleased to be the primary sponsors of the programme for the year, and to support the development of the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.

With the session aimed at providing the students with advice for starting their businesses as they kick off the initiative for the year, Rachel spoke about the importance and practicalities of developing a solid business plan.

Kerwin then spoke about his own entrepreneurial experience of growing his e-commerce art business, By Kerwin (www.bykerwin.com), sharing with the students the key tips that he has learnt.

Norwich School Development Director, Jonathan Pearson, reflected, "It was a pleasure hearing you share with our young people your extensive experience and top tips. Your enthusiasm came through so clearly and through such 'gold dust' advice. The kids do not know how lucky they are to have received such a masterclass. They would do well to take such counsel with them into Young Chamber but also into the real world beyond Norwich School."

We look forward to seeing the progress of these student-run businesses in the coming months! Read Norwich School's write-up of this event on their website here.

Pictured is Rachel Blackburn alongside Tom White, Norwich School's Head of Economics & Business Enterprise, and Young Chamber Coordinator.

NSPCC Childline Ball 2022

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Published: Tuesday, 27 September 2022 16:33

We were pleased to support the NSPCC Childline 'Glamour of Manchester' Ball 2022, held at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, for the fourth time on Saturday 24th September.

The Childline service gives children and young people a voice when no one else is listening. Whatever problems or dangers they face, it gives them somewhere to turn to for support when they need it.

It was a great evening and around £90k was raised to support this charity.

You may spot that Rachel (pictured) is wearing the same dress as when we sponsored the Norfolk Recruitment Awards in 2009 - so we link this event to two pillars of our Sustainability Policy 2021.

Ryan Vickers Interview Part 3 With Boniface Engineering

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Published: Tuesday, 13 September 2022 08:12

The third and final part of our interview series featuring British Superbike racer Ryan Vickers - a project we have been producing for Boniface Engineering's 40th anniversary in 2022 - is out now.

Both Boniface Engineering and Ryan are from Thetford, and Boniface have been sponsoring Ryan in the Bennetts British Superbikes Championship for a number of years. Just before their season got underway we sat down with Ryan to find out more about the challenges, successes and key points in his motorbike racing career so far. Ryan also made his first appearance in the World Superbike Championship earlier in 2022.

Boniface Engineering was US2U Consulting's first client back in 2006, so we are delighted to have been tasked with scripting, filming and producing this interview series. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with us to find out how engaging video content can help elevate your organisation's message.

Watch 'Part 3: Speeding Into The Future' below - click here to revisit Part 1 and Part 2 here.

The current Bennetts British Superbike Championship will be running over the next few months and airs on Eurosport on race weekends - featuring the Boniface Engineering 40th anniversary logo that we designed, which Ryan proudly wears on his helmet during races.

This interview episode was released at the weekend to coincide with the Snetterton meetup on the British Superbikes circuit - Ryan's local track. Unfortunately Ryan suffered a concussion in Race 1 on Saturday 10th September so was forced to miss Races 2 and 3 on Sunday - much to the disappointment of many local fans who were looking forward to seeing him in action. Nevertheless we look forward to continuing to watch him on Eurosport over the rest of this season and seeing him at Snetterton in future seasons!

Change the Race Ratio Update 1st September 2022

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Published: Monday, 05 September 2022 17:54

Back in February 2021 we announced that US2U Consulting was one of 75 UK businesses to sign up to the Change the Race Ratio initiative. The idea of Lord Bilimoria, pictured with Rachel Blackburn, was to grasp the moment to create real and lasting change to improve the racial and ethnic diversity across company boards and senior leadership positions in UK businesses.

There are currently 100 signatories for the initiative and all were invited to a Reception on the Thames at Tower Bridge Quay, London, hosted by the British Television Presenter June Sarpong OBE. Key points from the various speakers who presented during the evening included:

• Only 20% of FTSE 100 companies have signed up to the Change the Race Ratio

• There are still no FTSE 100 companies with a black Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer

• When recruiting, to make a statement along the lines of "We embrace diversity but won't compromise on merit" can be seen as patronising and an inappropriate comment - as it's assumed that the best candidate will not be from an ethnic minority

• Black people who are capable to do key roles may feel like an "imposter" and may benefit from a mentor or sponsor to help them navigate the career ladder

Lord Bilimoria said "It's a dream come true to have this evening; it's proven that to have more diverse senior leadership makes good business sense as more diversity leads to more innovation."

To find out how we can help your organisation develop its Diversity and Inclusion strategies, please contact Rachel Blackburn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an exploratory conversation.

Going Full Circle with Worldwide Fruit 360 Degree Feedback

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Published: Saturday, 09 July 2022 03:56

For 10 years we have been making a positive difference with our client Worldwide Fruit Ltd using 360 Degree Feedback.

The aim of the 360 Degree Feedback Programme is to enable the employees to receive feedback from their line manager, direct reports and nominated peers against a framework which reflects the key Management Principles that Worldwide Fruit strives to encourage to drive the company culture.

Once the feedback is received, US2U Consulting create a report, debrief the participant and then make a Personal Development Plan which can be actioned and reviewed during performance management sessions.

Worldwide Fruit Ltd are in the fresh produce industry with a main focus on fruit. They supply fruit to many well-known companies such as M&S and Waitrose, and we have enjoyed working with them for 17 years now - with the first project back in 2005!

"As a business we aim to grow our own talent. 360 Degree Feedback is a part of self-awareness and self-development. It is an opportunity for leaders to develop key skills, and we get increased value from people who are self-aware and that is why we invest in it." Said Anna Pike (pictured, left, with Rachel Blackburn), Head of HR at Worldwide Fruit.

US2U Consulting tailors its programme to the needs of its clients and have been creating successful 360 Degree Feedback programmes for Worldwide Fruit for 10 years. It has been a pleasure to work with Worldwide Fruit during this time and we look forward to our future work together.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how US2U's Executive Coaching services can benefit your organisation.

US2U Consulting Podcast - Managing Generation Z

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Published: Monday, 27 June 2022 20:46

In the latest edition of the US2U Consulting Podcast, Founder & Director Rachel Blackburn sits down with our current Summer Intern Charlotte Knight to discuss the topic of Managing Generation Z.

Generation Z is the demographic cohort after Millennials and before Generation Alpha. Anyone born between 1997-2012 are in Generation Z, also known as 'Gen Z' or even 'Zoomers'.

Gen Z are a technology-centred generation but also like in-person interaction - they enjoy both online and in-person working environments. For Gen Z is it very important that a job provides value, good pay, development for them and is fun. Watch the podcast discussion below and let us know what your thoughts are!

It has been a good experience for us to have a member of Generation Z on our team doing work experience as our Marketing Services Intern. Charlotte has also put together a guide for managing Generation Z employees, including her top 10 tips for getting the best out of this generation of staff:

1. Communicate regularly online and in person 2. Give regular feedback 3. Provide a career development plan 4. Give them responsibility 5. Create a fun and enriching work environment 6. Provide job security and reasonable pay 7. Ask for their opinion 8. Provide mental health support 9. Provide professional support 10. Create an inclusive team

This guide also explains how to create a fun work environment, the benefits of recruiting Gen Z and motivational theories to help manage them. Download for free here: US2U Consulting's Guide to Managing Generation Z

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about how US2U Consulting can help you get the best out of your staff.

Ryan Vickers Interview Part 2 with Boniface Engineering

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Published: Monday, 20 June 2022 14:06

The second part of our interview series featuring British Superbike racer Ryan Vickers - a project we have been working on with and producing for Boniface Engineering - is out now.

Both Boniface Engineering and Ryan are from Thetford, and the US2U Consulting-produced interview series comes as part of Boniface's 40th anniversary celebrations this year. They have been sponsoring Bennetts British Superbikes contender Ryan for a number of years, so just before their season got underway we sat down with Ryan to find out more about the challenges, successes and key points in his motorbike racing career so far.

Boniface Engineering was US2U Consulting's first client back in 2006, so we are delighted to have been tasked with scripting, filming and producing this interview series. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with us to find out how engaging video content can help elevate your organisation's message.

Watch 'Part 2: Tipped for Success' below - click here to revisit Part 1.

The current Bennetts British Superbike Championship will be running over the next few months and airs on Eurosport on race weekends - featuring the Boniface Engineering 40th anniversary logo that we designed, which Ryan proudly wears on his helmet during races.

Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee in NYC

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Published: Monday, 13 June 2022 10:37

Two of the US2U Consulting team were in New York City during the recent seventieth anniversary and were delighted to be invited to a reception in celebration of The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This was hosted by Emma Wade-Smith OBE, pictured above with Rachel Blackburn, who is Her Majesty's Consul General to New York and HM Trade Commissioner for North America. It was held at the Lincoln Center's Hearst Plaza in Manhattan and was followed by a silent disco featuring legendary DJ Mark Ronson.

Emma said, "Thank you to all who have made New York's Platinum Jubilee celebrations a roaring success."

"As we hold the British Department for International Trade Export Champion status for the third year it was great to be able to participate in this extraordinary event and meet so many interesting people" said Rachel.

We also met Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland in New York, pictured with Rachel Blackburn below. We have completed several projects for clients in Ireland over the years and look forward to developing these relationships further.

US2U Consulting Welcomes First Female Intern

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Published: Friday, 10 June 2022 13:20

We have recently welcomed a new intern to our team - Charlotte Knight is our new Marketing and Client Services Coordinator. Charlotte is currently a student at Nottingham Trent University studying Business Management and Marketing.

She attended Norwich High School for Girls and has expressed a keen interest in business over the past few years - enjoying Business A-Level, her first year of a business degree and now onto gaining real life experience in business!

Charlotte will be working with us for a month; gaining valuable experience at a busy Management Consulting firm. She will assist on client projects and produce marketing materials.

Bringing a fresh perspective from 'Gen Z' to our team, we look forward to helping our clients successfully reach out to this generation. It is also great to be able to offer practical, in-person work experience to someone from a generation who risked missing out on this important stage of career development during the pandemic.

"I look forward to gaining insight into the Management Consulting industry. This is a huge part of my career development and I am grateful to have been given this opportunity by US2U Consulting. I am excited to gain new knowledge and skills here." said Charlotte.