Our last e-newsletter of 2025 has been published - featuring a roundup of our news from the last quarter of the year.

This edition includes US2U's visit to the British Embassy in Tokyo; Rachel Blackburn's recent UK Export Academy Webinar; her lead interview feature in Norfolk Director Magazine and our sponsorship of UEA's Disability Week 2025.

We also recently delivered a Rising Stars employee growth programme for a pharmaceuticals client; attended several charity events; and Rachel Blackburn participated in the first meeting of the new Norfolk Ambassadors initiative.

Read all this below:

US2U Consulting E-news December 2025

US2U Consulting Founder and CEO, Rachel Blackburn MBE, is the lead interview feature in the Winter | Spring 2026 edition of Norfolk Director Magazine.

This edition of the prestigious publication, part of UK Director Business Magazines, is built around the theme of 'TRUST'. Rachel's interview features her discussing her entire career: spanning her early years, what shaped her towards a career in management consultancy, her founding US2U Consulting in 2006, and her awarding of an MBE in the King's New Year Honours List 2025.

Read Rachel's lead interview in Norfolk Director Magazine here

Our October e-newsletter has been published - explore this to find out about our latest news and highlights from the summer.

This edition includes Rachel Blackburn's latest visit to New York in September, the launch of the Norfolk Ambassador's Programme at The Royal Norfolk Show, a work experience opportunity we recently offered an aspiring consultant, plus how US2U Consulting have supported Norwich Pride and one of our client's 200 year celebration.

US2U Consulting Founder & CEO Rachel Blackburn MBE was also featured in the October 2025 Norfolk Magazine. Explore our e-news below:

US2U Consulting E-news October 2025

Package: c£60k plus performance related bonus, benefits and relocation package

Location: South Norfolk

With a reputation for manufacturing high quality products and delivering excellent customer service in an exciting industry, our international client is looking for a Financial Controller who loves numbers and working with MRP systems. This role also has leadership responsibility for a small Finance Team so the successful candidate must be great at leading, motivating and developing people too.

We seek someone with ambition who can grow this role in a highly respected company that specialises in the manufacture of vehicle recovery equipment for customers worldwide.  

Working with colleagues you must be able to demonstrate your ability to: 

• Build strong, professional relationships with colleagues in the UK and in the US

• Work with colleagues to produce timely and accurate management accounts and cashflows

• Manage debtors, VAT, financial risks and exceptions efficiently

• Review costs and selling prices to enable competitive advantage

• Lead, manage, motivate and coach the Finance Team members to achieve high standards

This role requires a strong accounting background and confidence managing financial information in a manufacturing environment, ideally engineering -related. A finance or management qualification is desirable along with great commercial awareness, communication and organisational skills. You will probably be a strong character who can work well with colleagues to influence positive change if it’s “best for the business”, sometimes in a challenging environment.

If you are calm under pressure, passionate about giving great customer service, have excellent numerical, accuracy and analytical problem-solving skills then please apply.

Please send your CV to: rachelb@us2uconsulting.com or telephone 01603 716852  

View the vacancy as a PDF here

US2U Consulting Founder & CEO Rachel Blackburn has been featured in the October edition of Norfolk Magazine, in the 'Why I Love Norfolk' series, in which she shares some of her favourite aspects of living and growing up in the county. Read the Norfolk Magazine feature below:

Norfolk Magazine Interview, October 2025

WHY I LOVE NORFOLK

Rachel Blackburn

This month we meet the founder of international management consultancy USU Consulting, who earlier this year was made an MBE for services to the business community and to export in the King's New Year Honours List.

PLEASE TELL US YOUR FAVOURITE NORFOLK... 

Memory

"As a young child I lived in Old Buckenham with my grandparents. A fond memory is foraging for blackberries grandmother. I loved the experience of finding and gathering the experience of glossy, juicy berries and returning home to help bake a blackberry and apple pie."

Landmark

"Norwich Cathedral. It is such a timeless and majestic building; it feels alive with history. I visit the cathedral and The Close frequently and they always bring a sense of calm in what can be a fast-paced, stressful world. It has also been a big part of my life as my son, Kerwin Blackburn, attended Norwich School and we continue to support it with a number of projects."

Beach

"Cromer. It is usually easy to park there and then it's a short walk to a beautiful wide beach. There are lots of cafés and, of course, the famous Cromer Pier with its Pavilion Theatre. which hosts an eclectic mix of shows all year round."

Town/city/village

"Having started work in Norwich back in September 1982 at Norwich Union, now Aviva, I have always loved the atmosphere of the city. Reflecting on how it has changed over the years, I am pleased that it is now seen as a more diverse and inclusive city. The universities and the hospital have helped to achieve this by attracting more diverse populations of students and staff."

Place to eat

"The Ivy in Norwich. Having visited the original Ivy in London in the days when I would often have to book several weeks in advance, I love that we now have a similar menu in Norwich. The staff are particularly good at providing some special extras when the meal is a celebration and, as a mother of someone with a severe peanut allergy, they always show a great understanding as to how to manage allergies."

Pub

"Our village does not have a pub. Instead we have Heathlands Social Club as our local, in Blofield Heath. It provides a wide range of activities including music, bingo and two beer festivals a year. It's a members' organisation and it has taster memberships for those wishing to try the experience. Like a lot of rural communities, it can take a while for people to get to know you, however there is always a warm welcome from the staff and the committee members."

Attraction or day out

"A favourite day out in the summer is taking a day boat trip on the Norfolk Broads from Wroxham. Travelling down the River Bure, a favourite stop off point is Salhouse Broad. A trip on the Broads is usually tranquil, timeless and good for the soul - unless you arrive in the middle of a sailing race, which has occasionally happened!"

Shop

"It has to be Jarrolds in Norwich. It's a great go-to place for make-up, gifts and clothes, not forgetting the wine bar and the fabulous seafood restaurant, The Bay, which is always a good spot to meet friends and catch up."

Walk

"My current favourite walk is around where I live in Hemblington. Whether it's a working from home lunchtime walk or a quick sunset stroll later in the day, there is nothing better than putting on my wellington boots and striding off. As a mental health first-aider I think it's important to focus on the benefits of getting out into nature as a practical tonic to help manage the stresses, strains and challenges of everyday life."

Export

"As a Department of Business and Trade export champion, I have two favourites. I have travelled a lot and am always so proud to spot a jar of Colman's mustard in shops and restaurants around the world. I am also proud of the international work that my business, US2U Consulting, has delivered for clients in various parts of the world including the US, Dubai, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Dublin."