Innovation

It was July 2005 that Rachel Blackburn first started working on Leadership Development Projects at Lincolnshire-based Worldwide Fruit Ltd. Established in 2000, Worldwide Fruit is an award-winning international fruit marketing and distribution company. It sources products globally from over 1000 growers worldwide, ensuring continuity of supply 365 days of the year to the UK's leading supermarkets.

15 years later the professional working relationship continues and Rachel, along with other colleagues at US2U Consulting, have delivered a wide range of solutions to assist Lincolnshire-based Worldwide Fruit to continue to drive positive change in their business.

"It has been great to work with Worldwide Fruit for so many years; to get to know the people, the culture and the product ranges. The business never stands still. There is always more to do to develop people and processes in line with the Worldwide Fruit values of 'Passion, Quality, Innovation, Together'" said Rachel Blackburn.

Trish McCarron, HR Director at Worldwide Fruit (pictured), said, "During the last 15 years our business has doubled in size and been really successful. Rachel and the team at US2U Consulting have played an integral part in helping to develop our people; they have been like an extension of the HR Team."

We look forward to continuing to make a Positive Difference to Worldwide Fruit in the coming years.

The Norwich Entrepreneurs' Breakfast Club invited US2U Consulting's managing director Rachel Blackburn to deliver a presentation at their recent event.

The Entrepreneurs' Club, which is joint-sponsored by The FD Centre, PwC, HSBC and Birketts, endeavours to unite likeminded business people to discuss and share best practice over a cup of coffee and a bacon roll.

Rachel presented on the issues around motivation and staff engagement including the importance of maintaining a strong sense of teamwork, keeping communications open, embracing innovation, optimism and inspiring through leadership consistent with company values.

The morning was really positive and Rachel was delighted to be given the opportunity to share her ideas.

As a supplier, Rachel Blackburn was proud to attend the presentation on behalf of the US2U Consulting Team, when the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire presented The Queen’s Award for International Trade to William Averdieck, MD of PCME, based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

It is the second Queen’s Award presented to the company; the previous award was in the Innovation category.

Commenting on the award William said “I am delighted that PCME’s record in working with major industrial companies in the metals, minerals, chemicals and combustion sectors have been recognised with this prestigious award. Winning a Queen’s Award for a second time is a great honour and a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our team at PCME and PCME’s long standing distribution partners around the world. PCME is proud to be recognised for innovation and growth in the field of particulate emission monitoring.”

Pictured (from left to right):

Mrs Deborah Reynolds, Councillor Kevin Reynolds: Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, The Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mr William Averdieck: Managing Director of PCME Ltd, Mr John Gallucci: Sales Director of PCME Ltd, Mr Mark Llloyd: Clerk to the Lieutenancy & Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire County Council and Councillor Nick Dibben: Town Mayor of St Ives.