Our June 2025 e-newsletter has been published, featuring our latest news as we reach summer.

We have recently introduced a new service providing Financial Training for 'Non-Financial' Managers and Team Leaders, allowing organisations to make better commercial decisions across their teams.

Our team have also been in attendance at a number of events and conferences, ranging from the Norwich Disability Conference to the Modern Slavery Intelligence Network conference in London, and the Department for Business and Trade's Empowering Women event - where US2U Consulting Founder & CEO Rachel Blackburn was speaking on the panel.

With US2U Consulting being an Export Champion, Rachel has also been strengthening UK-Belgium relationships, and has also attended The Growth Summit for Agency Leaders in London. We are also pleased to continue our sponsorship of Horsford Cricket Club!

Read all of this and more here: US2U Consulting E-news June 2025

Package: Up to £24k dependent on qualifications, plus bonus and benefits        

Location: Great Yarmouth

Are you curious about how metals behave under extreme conditions? Do you want to work at the cutting edge of materials science? With a reputation for delivering amazing customer service, our client is offering an exciting Metallurgy Technician Apprenticeship – your launch pad into a high-tech, high impact career. The business carries out a range of metal testing, consultancy and investigative services for a wide range of clients in the oil, gas and renewables industries.

Join the experienced metallurgy team and gain hands-on experience while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

As an Apprentice Metallurgist, you’ll learn to:

• Carry out and coordinate mechanical testing

• Prepare and examine metallographic samples

• Liaise with clients to agree testing schedules

This is a fantastic opportunity to combine real-world training and academic learning through to degree level taking a distance learning approach.

You will have minimum GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above); a passion for STEM subjects, particularly materials, chemistry or physics; strong attention to detail; good communication skills; willingness to learn and work as part of a professional team.  Candidates with relevant A-levels may be able to go straight onto the degree-level programme rather than start with a Level 3 Apprenticeship.

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

View the vacancy as a PDF here

Package: £30k+ dependent on experience, plus bonus, benefits and relocation package       

Location: Great Yarmouth

With a reputation for delivering amazing customer service, our client is looking for a Metallurgical Technician to carry out a range of metals testing, consultancy and investigative services for a wide range of clients in the oil, gas and renewables industries. A full structured training programme will be provided so the ability to learn new things quickly is essential. 

Working with a team of professionals the role involves:

• Carrying out and coordinating mechanical testing

• Preparing and examining metallographic samples

• Liaising with clients to agree testing schedules

Full training will be given to enable the successful candidate, in future, to carry out failure investigations and deliver consultancy for clients on metals, welding and corrosion.

This role requires A levels or equivalent ideally including maths and a science subject. A qualification in Metallurgy, Materials Science or similar is desirable but not essential. Customer service experience, ideally in a technical environment, is essential.

 If you are passionate about metal, have excellent analytical, interpersonal and priority management skills with great attention to detail then please apply for this opportunity to develop personally and technically.

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

View the vacancy as a PDF here

News of Rachel Blackburn's MBE, which she was presented with at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in March 2025, has been featured in Milton Keynes publication 'Business MK', in a spotlight article feature on education and learning in the workplace.

Milton Keynes is the home of the Open University - where Rachel graduated with her MBA degree in 2004. The Business MK article, published in association with the Open University, can be read here, with the feature on Rachel also below:

Working and learning: A real investment in your workforce

...Interestingly, one of the recommendations for businesses to unlock their productivity potential includes investing in reskilling and upskilling the workforce.

>> One of our graduates, Rachel Blackburn MBE, exemplifies the learning at work career model. Rachel left school at 16 to forge a very successful business career up to director level while juggling work and formal study, gaining two OU qualifications in management as well as a MBA which she achieved in 2004.

The hard-working high-flyer was delighted to receive a MBE for services to the business community and to exports, travelling to Buckingham Palace in March to be presented with her medal by Anne, The Princess Royal.

Rachel often credits her MBA as a crucial milestone in her journey to founding an international management consultancy business, Norwich-based US2U Consulting Ltd. As the chief executive, she works with businesses and organisations worldwide to provide services such as executive coaching, people development, mentoring and business strategy.

Rachel said: “I see the OU MBA as a critical part of my journey towards being awarded the MBE. It has opened doors to so many opportunities, not just through the competence gained but also via the confidence and credibility it has enabled in the UK and internationally.”

News of Rachel Blackburn's MBE investiture at Buckingham Palace has been featured in the April 2025 Open University Business School newsletter. Rachel obtained her MBA degree from the Open University, graduating in 2004. View the Open University Business School April newsletter here and scroll down for Rachel's story.

The newsletter feature reads:

Rachel Blackburn receives MBE at Buckingham Palace

MBA alumna Rachel Blackburn was thrilled to receive her MBE at Buckingham Palace on Friday 28 March.

Rachel, the CEO of Norwich-based US2U Consulting Ltd who works with businesses around the world, was awarded the accolade in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to the Business Community and to Exports. Graduating in 2004, she credits the MBA as a crucial milestone in the journey to founding her international management consultancy business.

She enjoyed the customary two-minute conversation with Anne, The Princess Royal, when presented with her medal, alongside her husband, son and sister as the three invited guests. Rachel said: "I was humbled and honoured to be in receipt of this MBE award from The Princess Royal, and being able to celebrate at Buckingham Palace with family and friends.