A business coach has been making connections in Saudi Arabia as she aims to help train the leaders of the kingdom's future.

Eastern Daily Press: US2U Consulting director Rachel Blackburn with Chris Innes-Hopkins, UK executive director of Saudi British Joint Business Council. Picture:US2U ConsultingUS2U Consulting director Rachel Blackburn with Chris Innes-Hopkins, UK executive director of Saudi British Joint Business Council. Picture:US2U Consulting (Image: US2U Consulting)

The Middle Eastern country is going through a period of modernisation, encouraged by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, and US2U Consulting director Rachel Blackburn is hoping to be part of that process.

She visited the country with support funding from the Department for Trade and spent time with the Saudi British Joint Business Council.

She said: 'The people I met have all been really friendly and positive about the need for executive coaching and I am looking forward to returning early in 2018 to develop some specific projects.

'At first it was strange to wear an abaya; however I did feel listened to as a business woman. Things are changing very fast in Saudi Arabia and my team and I are pleased to be able to support positive changes.'