International Development

Rachel and Kerwin Blackburn recently visited the Far East to conduct market research and gain insights into business and cultural customs in some of the world's rapidly emerging economies.

Staying for four days in Beijing before spending a day each in Nagasaki, Japan and Busan and Seoul, South Korea, they undertook various different local activities, ranging from a Chinese tea ceremony to visiting the Great Wall and other historical sites.

These experiences provided valuable insights into some of the unique customs, traditions and etiquette in these countries.

Learning about the contrasting political histories of these three countries also proved beneficial in helping to understand attitudes towards conducting business in the region.

The trip was a great success and hugely productive in enhancing the company's knowledge of a part of the world that could soon become much more significant in the UK following the nation's exit from the EU.

"Being an international management consultancy it was a great opportunity to learn more about a fascinating part of the world and be able to picture how US2U Consulting's services could fit into the visions of China, Japan and South Korea for the future" said Rachel.

Kerwin reflected, "It has been good to learn more about these territories as we currently work with a significant number of clients who provide goods and services for people from these parts of the world."

As part of US2U Consulting's international development initiatives, Rachel Blackburn was pleased to support the University of East Anglia with their work with the Saudi Arabian Petroleum company Aramco. Rachel's brief was to work with over 50 talented individuals to develop team working and leadership behaviours.

Alex Cole, International Programmes manager for UEA said "The session was a great success, with participants commenting on the excellent delivery and the enhancement of their skills and knowledge in team working throughout the day, and we will be pleased to work together with US2U on similar projects."

Rachel Blackburn delivered a talk on Developing Your Influencing Skills in Dubai on Wednesday 25 November on behalf of the British Business Group.

Capturing the attention of an audience of around 30 business people at the Capital Club in the Dubai International Financial Centre, Rachel discussed the challenge of influencing others, covering concepts such as influencing styles and the Organisational Development Process.

The talk was well received, with one business account even live-tweeting coverage! @SMARTERtcm commented:

"How to deal with and influence 'challenging' or 'difficult' people. Great checklist from US2U Consulting to build relationships"

"Adopt a 'Zero Tolerance' to moaning in your organisation. Love this! #influencingpeople"

"4 Steps to Assertiveness from US2U Consulting. Simple as that!"

"The old adage "don't bring problems, bring solutions" is still a good way forward!"

Rachel Blackburn joined Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham for lunch as part of the US2U Consulting international development strategy. "Every business leader should be constantly researching, developing and skilling their company. That means both kit and people." said Digby.

Developing the Middle East Learning and Development theme, Rachel Blackburn delivered a Personal Development Planning and Leadership Coaching Project for a client in Media City, Dubai.

"It was great to share some of our expertise with our international clients and working on the 37th floor is in complete contrast to working in rural Norfolk in the UK!" said Rachel.

Rachel Blackburn attended the G8 UK 2013 The Deauville Partnership Conference at Lancaster House in London.

This was part of US2U Consulting's latest expansion into the Middle East and the theme was the role of women in relation to Arab countries in transition.

"It is recognised that the region is looking to benefit from advice, training and career development solutions; however it was emphasised that we have to understand their needs and history in order to be successful." said Rachel.

Pictured is: (left to right)

Quentin Primo III - CEO, Capri Capital

The Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan of Jordan

The Rt Hon Alistair Burt - UK Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa

Kerwin Blackburn attended a lecture organised by the University of Manchester's Global Development Institute and delivered by Professor Alan Winters on Friday 23 June in Manchester, titled Taking Interdependency Seriously: Brexit and the Rising Powers.

Asking what the future holds for the UK following the country's departure from the EU, the lecture gave an overview of the key strengths and opportunities concerning the UK's relationships with the 5 main emerging 'BRICS' - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - in what has been termed the UK's 'BRICSIT' movement.

The lecture provided interesting insights into what the UK needs to do to build greater working relationships with our counterparts in these emerging parts of the world.

This complements the Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication service that US2U Consulting offer to our clients to ensure they are best placed to overcome challenges and make the most of the UK's transition to a more interdependent future.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on how we can keep your organisation up to date with the latest cultural issues!

Supported by the UK Department of International Trade, we are pleased to announce that US2U Consulting is exploring opportunities to deliver Executive Coaching services in Saudi Arabia to support their Vision 2030.

"Saudi Arabia has ambitious change plans and US2U Consulting's services appear well-placed to support these changes" said Rachel Blackburn, who joins the Saudi British Joint Business Council for their Biannual Meeting in Jeddah on 28 November 2017.

Full details of the Executive Coaching Services can be found below:

US2U Consulting - Executive Coaching for Saudi Arabia

Rachel Blackburn visited Goodman Fielder, Australasia's leading listed food company, in Sydney as part of the international business development strategy. It was interesting to note the priorities and challenges facing a company that has been of part of daily life for a century and where generations of Australians and New Zealanders have grown up with their brands in their kitchens. Oliver Flint, Commercial Operations Director, said, "We have a great opportunity to develop the behaviours and culture as we pursue manufacturing efficiency, optimise the logistics platform and invest in brand support".

US2U Consulting's Rachel Blackburn went on a recent UK Trade and Investment Trade Mission, focussing on education and learning, to Qatar, Oman and Abu Dhabi. The aim of the trip was to develop the US2U Consulting business across the Middle East, with a view to taking its core competencies and assisting business across the region. The delegation comprised staff from universities as well as privately owned learning and development companies.

"We met many interesting people who appeared enthusiastic to develop business and partnerships during 2014", said Rachel Blackburn.