Exporting

Since 2009, US2U Consulting has been supported in our International Export work by Leszek Wysocki, International Trade Advisor, Department for Business and Trade.

This support included inviting us to join the UK Trade and Investment Mission to Qatar, Oman and Abu Dhabi in December 2013. This was part of the company's Gateway to Global Growth programme and followed successful projects in Canada, North America, Belgium, France and Bahrain. Leszek attended the Trade Mission with US2U Consulting Founder Rachel Blackburn.

Subsequent to this, US2U Consulting has delivered successful international projects in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, India and the US.

Leszek was also instrumental with our award of Export Champion status from 2020 onwards.

US2U Consulting has also introduced Leszek to some of our clients to support their exporting strategies. One of these is UK-based international recovery truck company Boniface Engineering, part of US-based Miller Industries.

After 22 years in the role, Leszek has decided to retire.

Rachel Blackburn, pictured with Mike Boniface (left) and Leszek (right), said "It has been great to work with Leszek for so long. He will definitely be missed for his knowledge, enthusiasm, commitment and contacts. We wish him all the best for the next chapter in his life."

Mike Boniface presented Leszek with a glass paperweight model truck and said, "We would like to thank Leszek for all the support that he has given Boniface Engineering over the years as we have continued with our European export activities. We have enjoyed great success."

US2U Consulting Founder & CEO, Rachel Blackburn, recently returned from a dynamic week in New York City in September, strengthening transatlantic relationships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The trip was designed to combine high-level networking and thought leadership with US2U Consulting’s commitment to helping individuals and organisations achieve positive, lasting change. In addition to meeting with clients and existing connections, highlights included attending an AI Startup Networking Rooftop Event, where Rachel connected with entrepreneurs and innovators at the forefront of artificial intelligence.

Rachel also joined industry leaders and community partners at a Networking Reception hosted by New York City Football Club at the future site of their impressive new stadium at Etihad Park. This event provided a valuable platform for discussing sport, business, and community impact in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

The week concluded at the United Nations Headquarters with the GloCha Conference and Exhibit: Local Action for Global Challenges, held on Thursday 18th September 2025. This inspiring event focused on driving sustainable solutions through international cooperation, aligning closely with US2U Consulting’s ethos of innovation and social responsibility.

Rachel’s visit reflects our continued investment in building global connections to support our clients in achieving their goals, whether in the UK, US, or beyond.

👉 You can download our US2U Consulting U.S. Service Sheet to explore how our tailored services could support your career or organisation. To arrange an exploratory conversation, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - we would love to discuss how we can make a positive difference for you.

Below are some of the photo highlights from Rachel's latest visit:

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.

As management consultants we are passionate about working with clients to improve efficiency and effectiveness whilst developing a respectful culture where all can thrive.

Therefore it was a great opportunity for two of our team to visit key places in Japan recently including Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Hakodate to experience some Japanese efficiency and culture. It was fascinating to experience the bullet train from Kobe to Kyoto - but surprisingly our train appeared to be a few minutes late!

Always keen to promote any British trade opportunities, Rachel Blackburn, pictured in Osaka, proudly wore her Export Champion badge and developed a few interesting contacts to be followed up.

Please get in touch to learn more about how we can support your plans to improve efficiency in your business and/or develop international trade plans by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We are thrilled to have been re-appointed as an Export Champion by the Department for Business & Trade for 2023/24. The Department for Business & Trade is the UK Government department for economic growth. It supports businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities around the country.

Our role as Export Champions is to inspire other businesses to grow through exporting, drawing on our experience of entering various international markets in the last 12 years.

As a UK-based business, US2U Consulting recognises that exporting is fundamental to getting our economy back on track. Our goal is to make a positive difference across various international markets by exporting our leadership development services.

In particular, our Executive Coaching, Transformational Change and Teambuilding Services have made a significant impact in businesses in various territories from Canada through to Ireland and Dubai. We also work with UK-based businesses on specific projects to support development of their scaling up and overseas business development strategies.

Andrew Mitchell CMG, Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports, Department for Business and Trade, said "Export Champions play an integral role in the Government's Export Strategy - a partnership with business to encourage trade with every market in the world and realise our ambition to reach £1 trillion in exports in goods and services by 2030."

Rachel Blackburn, Founder and Director of US2U Consulting (pictured) said "We are excited to be part of this inspiring initiative; we can all play our part whether directly, or as part of the supply chain, to make an impact on this ambitious target for 2030."

Feel free to drop Rachel a line if you'd like some advice! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CEO of US2U Consulting and Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn MBE was asked to speak on the Inspirational Women's Panel at the Department for Business and Trade's Empowering Women in Global Trade event in London on 1st April 2025.

Attended by around 100 business people, the aim was to encourage female business leaders to consider exporting as part of their growth strategy.

Rachel was on the panel with some other successful female exporters: Julianne Ponon MBE, CEO of Creative Nature, Nagma Ebanks Beni MBE, Co-CEO of Prima Cheese and Dr Grace Olugbodi, CEO of BeGenio.

Each person shared an overview of their international business story and focused on advice for other people planning to export their products or services.

There was also an opportunity for attendees to have 1:1 meetings with panel members during or after the event to gain specific business advice.

The DBT events team said "Your insights were invaluable and it was good to see the impact of the presentations on the attendees. We really appreciate your time and your contribution reallty helped to make this event a success."

Rachel is pictured with one of the attendess; Selena Morris, Founder of alt*ego.

The UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, is a great starting place for UK companies considering exporting for the first time, or expanding into new markets. Finding a local international trade advisor can also be an effective way to begin your exporting journey.

If you would like to be inspired to start or continue your exporting journey then please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As an Export Champion, CEO of US2U Consulting Rachel Blackburn recently visited the British Embassy in Tokyo, Japan to meet with James Carter, Deputy Head of Trade. James is part of the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade.

In addition to discussing a specific requirement for one of our clients who is looking to do more business in the Japanese market, Rachel and James discussed general advice for businesses planning to sell products or services into Japan:

1. The Department for Business and Trade in Tokyo is structured around the UK industrial strategy and has sector specialists who can have informal discussions with UK business planning to export into the Japanese market.

2. The sector specialists offer a triage-type service which may include conducting desk research to understand the market and key players. In some cases they may be able to arrange meetings with potential customers to enable British businesses to understand if there is a good fit for their products and services.

3. The overall message is that doing business with Japan is achievable and it may be that more British businesses should consider this a priority for exporting.

4. As with most international business development, it will take time to build and nurture relationships prior to agree to do business. In Japan this may take a two year commitment before seeing a direct return on investment so British businesses may take a realistic and pragmatic approach, planning budgets and resource accordingly.

5. If new to the Japanese market, the focus should be to get the first Japanese client, build credibility and trust; this should then inspire other Japanese clients to trust you and your brand. As with any international business development it is helpful to research current cultural differences to be aware of.

6. The Japanese market is quite price-sensitive so businesses will need to present a competitive offering.

7. Japanese business people tend to be quite loyal once the trust has been built.

8. Once the contract has been agreed Japanese businesses usually pay in line with the terms and significant late payments are not usually an issue.

9. Key sectors with opportunities at the moment appear to be automotive and international education. Currently a growing opportunity is to provide Chinese students a British-style education in Japan.

10. In addition to the IS-8 sectors (financial services, professional services, life sciences, technology, creative, defence, clean energy and advanced manufacturing) there are opportunities in the market in areas such as international education, food & drink and commercial & retail products.

Please contact Rachel to discuss your international business development strategies in more detail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Other Department for Business and Trade resources to help you explore whether Japan could be right for your business include Expand in Japan and the International Markets Form | DBT's Export Support Service.

Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay was one of the speakers at the International Debt Collection Network, TCM Group event in London on Friday 9th May.

Liz, pictured with US2U Consulting CEO Rachel Blackburn, has been passionate about improving the late payment situation for businesses for a number of years and whilst the situation appears to be improving, she cited big company lack of awareness of the importance of prompt payment and inefficent payment processes as two of the causes.

Other speakers outlined late payment situations in France, Sweden and China. It was interesting to see the difference in approaches based on local legislation and also cultural mindset regarding what is seen to be acceptable.

To discuss your international business strategy, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, Rachel Blackburn, was pleased to attend The Growth Summit for Agency Leaders in London on Wednesday 7th May 2025.

"A massive thank you for joining us at GYDA Summit 2025... what an awesome day it was! From sales to strategy, AI to communications, our speakers covered topics that certainly had the breaks buzzing with conversations" said Robert Craven, Founder of GYDA who is pictured with Rachel Blackburn.

Robert has supported US2U Consulting with our international marketing strategies via the Exporting Programme at Cranfield University and is also one of our Associate Consultants, so please get in touch to learn how he could support you with your business development strategies.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.

Rachel Blackburn was pleased to be able to join the New York Jets wine tasting event at the Jets Pub by London Bridge on Wednesday October 2 as part of the British AmericanBusiness Group, to continue to promote opportunities for transatlantic trade.

The New York Jets played against the Minnesota Vikings on the following Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As US2U Consulting is a business that delivers Executive Coaching Projects for clients, it was interesting to talk to some of the New York Jets people about business coaching and relating that to the sports coaching approach.

In both cases it's about enabling people to reach their full potential for the benefit of the team.

The first picture is Rachel with one of the New York Jets legends, Wayne Chrebet, who also signed a Jets hat explaining the significance of his number 80.

The second picture is of Rachel with Mike Nuciforo, Director, Corporate Partnerships and Business Development, New York Jets.

US2U Consulting Founder and CEO, Rachel Blackburn, attended the International Trade Week 2024 launch event in London, sponsored by Santander. It was an opportunity to meet Minister Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports and to hear him speak about the drive for business growth via the new UK industrial strategy "Invest 2035".

Rachel, pictured with Minister Thomas, said "As an Export Champion it is good to hear that the new government says it wants to support the export of services to boost SME exports and tear down any barriers to growth".

To discuss your business growth plans for 2025, please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As an Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn, Founder and Director of US2U Consulting was pleased to attend the launch event of International Trade Week 2023 in London on Monday 6 November. This included various workshops to enable businesses to "Boost Your Global Success", and also a keynote address by The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade.

The evening reception celebrated the Export Champion initiative's 10th anniversary and was hosted by Lord Offord of Garvel, Minister for Exports, pictured with Rachel.

Rachel said "It was a high energy event with a broad range of UK businesses determined to play our part in achieving the UK target of  £1trillion in exports by 2030."

This event was also great timing for US2U Consulting, as we have recently secured our first Executive Coaching client in New York - a key part of our current exporting strategy.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how US2U Consulting can assist your organisation's international strategy.

On 6th June 2024, BritishAmerican Business, in partnership with HSBC UK and Delta Air Lines & Virgin Atlantic, were delighted to welcome guests to the annual Transatlantic Growth Awards event in London to celebrate the organisations and growth stories that underpin the most successful bi-lateral trade and investment relationship globally.

US2U Consulting Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn was pleased to be in attendance and it was a poignant place to be as we discussed the special relationship between the two nations on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

We had the pleasure of hearing remarks from Laurie Farris, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of the United States of America, London, alongside TAG sponsors Cora McLaren, Managing Director - International Subsidiary Banking, UK, HSBC UK; Nadia Clinton, Regional Sales Manager UK and Ireland, Delta Air Lines; and Tom Maynard, Head of UK and Europe Sales, Virgin Atlantic.

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US2U Consulting Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn attended a fabulous BritishAmerican Business event held at Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge in London on 27 June 2024.

Rachel was pleased to visit the Director's Lounge at Stamford Bridge for the first time and meet former international football/soccer player Carly Telford, who is now Commercial Manager at Chelsea FC Women, who discussed her career in football.

"As always it is fascinating to be in a unique place meeting so many diverse people with so many interesting personal and business stories to tell" said Rachel.

Rachel Blackburn MBA, CEO of Norwich-based US2U Consulting Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious MBE in the King's New Year's Honours List for her exceptional contributions and services to the Business Community and to Exports.

This recognition highlights Rachel's tireless dedication to advancing local, national and international business success whilst supporting a range of community organisations. She has also supported the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda in business and the community.

In response to the announcement Rachel stated, "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King. This award is a reflection of the incredible support I have received from my team, my family, clients, suppliers, my friends and the broader community. Together we've made significant strides and this honour will inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and making a positive difference".

Rachel's contributions include:

• Working with local, national and international businesses in various parts of the world over many years to support their growth strategies.

• Developing opportunities for exporting for US2U Consulting and for clients.

• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion via client and community projects with a view to encouraging more opportunities, particularly for those requiring specific support.

"We are very pleased that Rachel's determined efforts, working for the common good of our business community have been so deservedly acknowledged in this way." - Leszek Wysocki, recently retired International Trade Advisor, Department of Business and Trade.

An MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) is a UK honour awarded for significant achievement or outstanding service to the community, typically in fields such as the arts, sciences, charity, public service or industry.

For more information, interviews or media enquiries please contact:

Rachel Blackburn

US2U Consulting Ltd

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+44 (0) 7786 263610

It was a special day celebrating the MBE Investiture of US2U Consulting Founder & CEO, Rachel Blackburn, at Buckingham Palace on Friday 28th March 2025.

It was a fantastic day for Rachel, walking through the gates of the Palace and being presented with her MBE medal from Anne, The Princess Royal, alongside her husband, son & sister as the three invited guests recipients can bring along with them to the ceremony.

During the customary two-minute conversation that recipients have with the member of The Royal Family presenting the award, Rachel spoke with Her Royal Highness about establishing her business, US2U Consulting, in 2006; the hard work that has followed over the last nineteen years - with Princess Anne often renowned as the hardest-working Royal; and Rachel's ambitions of continuing to put Norfolk on the international map from a business and exporting point of view.

Rachel was awarded her MBE in the New Year Honours List 2025 for services to Business & to Exports (read the full announcement story here).

The day was topped off by perfect spring weather for photos in the courtyard and outside Buckingham Palace, before heading to Claridge's for a celebratory lunch. It was great for Rachel to be joined by other family and friends who had come down to London to celebrate too.

Congratulations Rachel, from the US2U Consulting team!

Thank you for the celebratory messages we have received on Rachel's behalf. Watch the videos below for a glimpse into the morning spent at Buckingham Palace.

"I am 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. It's an amazing way to end March 2025!" said Rachel after the ceremony.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how she and US2U Consulting team can make a positive difference to your business, or assist with your own exporting journey.

As part of the US2U Consulting United States business development strategy, Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn and Consultant Kerwin Blackburn (pictured, main photo) recently spent a week in New York City. "It was great to see existing clients and contacts as well as meet new people to learn more about their businesses and explore opportunities together in the future" said Rachel.

Whilst Rachel and Kerwin were based in Manhattan, the trip included a visit to The Bronx. The New York visit was supported by BritishAmerican Business and included attending a UK Department of Business event for Women in Tech, a FinTech investor event, a cyber security event at the Hard Rock Hotel and an AI conference at Microsoft Head Office in Times Square.

It was interesting to learn about the great game of baseball from the legends Joe Torre and Carlos Pena at the Dell Technologies Forum (pictured below). There was also opportunity for a fun evening at the St. George's Society of New York pub quiz, appropriately held at The Churchill Tavern.

Kerwin Blackburn said "New York has always been a symbol of innovation, commerce and creativity, so it was great to be back on the ground there, connecting with familiar and new faces and understanding key trends and ambitions within the city and United States as we approach 2025."

Please take a look at our two-minute video which explains our Executive Coaching services for the U.S. market, below.

You can view & download our service sheet for the U.S. market here.

For more details about how we can assist your business success on either side of the pond, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for an exploratory conversation. Remember - we guarantee to make a positive difference.

As an Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn, CEO US2U Consulting, attended the Belgium event "Walloon CleanTech Innovators greet British Actors" in London on Monday 28th April 2025, discussing how we can collaborate internationally to develop technology to support the construction and energy sectors around the Net Zero agenda.

This was followed by a networking evening hosted at the Belgium Ambassador's Residence in Belgrave Square. We have started to strengthen UK/Belgium trade relationships since the event.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact Rachel This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rachel is pictured with HE Jeroen Cooreman, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United Kingdom.

Rachel Blackburn MBE, Founder and Director of US2U Consulting, delivered a webinar for the UK Department for Business and Trade's UK Export Academy on the topic of 'Business Skills Coaching and Developing Your People for Business Growth' on 27 November 2025.

The session was well attended online and the content of the webinar was well-received by enthusiastic and ambitious attendees looking to develop their organisation's export capabilities.

Watch the recording of the webinar below, and explore Our Services or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about how US2U Consulting can help your business and its exporting goals.

We are pleased to announce that for the fourth consecutive year Rachel Blackburn, Founder and CEO of US2U Consulting, is the named person within our business to be an Export Champion. Rachel said "I am proud to be a Department for Business and Trade Export Champion since 2020."

Export Champions are a community of selected volunteers who have been appointed based on their experience and success in exporting. They encourage and inspire more UK businesses to trade internationally, largely via their own social media channels and by speaking at events. By sharing their own story and experiences, Export Champions help other companies realise there is a global demand for their products or services and if necessary help them navigate the challenges ahead and signpost to DBT support services.

It also adds to credibility when meeting potential new clients in the UK and overseas. US2U Consulting has exported its services to over ten countries around the world as it works with clients to create world class solutions for world class businesses.

Pictured is Rachel Blackburn bumping into another Export Champion, Gareth Lewis, Co-CEO of Delio based in Wales, at a recent St George's Society event in New York.

If you wish to discuss your exporting strategy with us, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As part of early 2025 Antipodean travels, CEO of US2U Consulting, Rachel Blackburn, visited the British Consulate office in Auckland, New Zealand with Sharron Drew, Director Trade and Investment New Zealand - Trade.

As a proud Kiwi with an extensive international commercial and government work background, Sharron was pleased to discuss her advice for businesses planning to sell to the New Zealand market:

1. As with most business development, taking time to invest in building proper, genuine business relationships is important. It can take time to build up trust so that potential customers feel they can trust you, your good and services.

2. When building relationships, it is important emphasise the shared values that you have in common. Prospective exporters should reference their organisation’s values; why these are important; and find common ground with their potential new customer.

3. Generally speaking, people in New Zealand genuinely care about their environment - the beautiful countryside, preserving it and keeping it clean. Therefore it is helpful to emphasise environmentally-friendly values and deliverables when building relationships.

4. Rather than focusing on British expertise, it can be more helpful to focus on relevant global experience of supplying goods and services; use these key messages verbally and on marketing assets to explain the proposition and differentia in the market place.

5. Always emphasise the value that your capability can bring; often there are opportunities for British businesses to be more direct and clearer about the added value their business can bring to New Zealand.

6. Fintech, Agritech and renewable energy solutions are all priority areas for New Zealand.

7. It is often helpful to recruit a local partner to help with the tendering process for key projects. The local Trade and Investment Team can assist with finding suitable connections.

8. Being aware of New Zealand cultural and market differences from the UK (and even Australia) will be very well received. Visit the market and invest time in getting to know the unique dynamics.

9. Be aware of localisation within New Zealand; for instance, the needs in Christchurch on the South Island may be very different from those in Auckland on the North Island.

10. Generally speaking, people are very helpful and friendly and will take time out to have a coffee, listen to your proposition and try and help you with your business development ideas.

Rachel said, "As an Export Champion I have learnt so much about New Zealand in the last couple of weeks travelling through the Sounds and visiting destinations on both islands including Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Picton and Tauranga on Waitangi Day. Prior to the trip I didn't realise that documents, business cards, signs and announcements are made in Māori as well as English - this is a key consideration for businesses planning to export to the region."

Thank you to Kate Pinkerton, International Trade Advisor, Department for Business and Trade for Southern England, for arranging the meeting.

For businesses considering exporting their products or services for the first time, the UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, is a great starting place. Finding a local international trade advisor can also be an effective way to begin your exporting journey.

Please contact Rachel to discuss your international busines development strategies in more detail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

In this role US2U Consulting will provide peer-to-peer support, offering advice and inspiring others to export; raise awareness of UK DIT's services; and act as a sounding board for what exporters want, to help create a supportive exporting ecosystem.

Please get in touch to find out more about how we can assist with your export strategy.

US2U Consulting Director, Rachel Blackburn, flew to India on the 6 February 2023 for three days to attend the CBI's Trade Delegation to discuss and gain exclusive insights into India's market and the new and exciting opportunities it can bring to UK businesses. As Rachel is on the East of England CBI (Confederation of British Industry), it was important that she attended this trip to get the most out of her role as a member, as well as to enjoy the opportunities that come with the position.

The trip, to business hubs in Delhi and Mumbai, consisted of learning about India's market trends, attending sessions assessing the key trade opportunities and challenges India can bring, as well as networking with Indian and UK businesses. It was also a good opportunity to promote US2U Consulting and how we can make a positive difference to an array of clients across various sectors overseas.

When interviewed about her trip to India, Rachel expressed how great it was that the delegation was female-led, with the individuals involved being from a number of different ethnicities and religions including Hindu, Muslim and Christian. It was amazing to see such a diverse team work so well together. One of US2U Consulting's core values is encouraging diversity, so it was great to have that as one of the main features of the trip.

Rachel (pictured at the CBI delegation in India) proclaimed her favourite aspect of the trip was learning from lots of interesting people and understanding how India has managed its economy to create so many successful businesses.

Thanks to the information and knowledge gained from this successful trip, this trade delegation will add to US2U's current knowledge base and skillset when advising clients within different markets and territories, and across different cultural boundaries.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out how US2U Consulting can support your organisation's international strategy.

As an Export Champion, Rachel Blackburn met with Ceri Morgan, Director - Investment, Energy and Infrastructure at the Department for Business & Trade in the British Consulate office in Sydney, Australia this week. This meeting was arranged by Kate Pinkerton, International Trade Advisor, DBT for Southern England.

The aim was to discuss top tips for UK businesses planning to export products and/or services to Australia during 2025.

Ceri, pictured with Rachel, offered the following advice:

1. Australia is generally pleased to learn how to adapt and adopt technologies from overseas if they will strengthen their services, capabilities and infrastructure.

2. As with many other territories, priority areas for collaboration appear to be around energy transition, fintech and lawtech.

3. When developing relationships and understanding of the market opportunities, it is best to take a state-by-state approach. For example, the needs in Queensland could be different from those in Western Australia. Also, it is best to travel to various states to meet with key people rather than assume everyone will meet in Sydney.

4. Remember to take a collaborative approach rather than assume that you will have something obviously brilliant that Australian buyers will automatically wish to buy.

5. Be mindful of potential political changes as Australia has a federal election coming up over the next few months.

6. When referencing the Department for Business and Trade, it tends to be known as the UK Government in Australia to develop a clear brand and avoid confusion.

Rachel said, "It's great to be back in Sydney to discuss with Ceri and other business people how warmly new business ideas are welcomed in Australia so long as the right approach is taken."

Ceri also highlighted the UK government's Export Support Service, available at www.great.gov.uk, as a great starting place for companies considering exporting for the first time, or expanding into new markets. Finding a local international trade advisor can also be an effective way to begin your exporting journey.

Please contact Rachel to discuss your international business development strategies in more detail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

US2U Consulting Founder and CEO Rachel Blackburn was pleased to attend the Australian Consulate General's annual diplomatic networking event in Times Square, New York recently. It was an informal event to get to know colleagues and make new connections within the New York consular, public diplomacy and trade community.

"It was so interesting to meet consular and trade people from around the world in such an iconic setting" said Rachel.