UK Business IQ

Geoff Nicholson
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Series

UK Business IQ is the premier platform for British businesses to share their story. Hosted and produced by Geoff Nicholson, we provide the professional vehicle for business owners to get their marketing message out to the world. We interview the UK's most exciting businesses, giving them the stage to showcase their expertise, build authority, and connect with a wider audience. This is the voice of UK business excellence.

  1. Episode 1

    Simon Washbrook on CRM for Small Business, Simpler Systems and Smarter Growth

    In this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with Simon Washbrook, founder and Managing Director of Popcorn CRM, about why so many small businesses struggle with lead management, fragmented systems and software that is more complicated than it needs to be. Simon shares his journey from fashion and marketing into software, and explains how working with small businesses led him to build a simpler CRM designed around the real needs of growing companies. The conversation explores why spreadsheets eventually break down, why many businesses buy for future problems rather than current ones, and how the right systems can reduce overwhelm and support better sales follow-up. This episode explores Simon Washbrook’s perspective on CRM, software adoption and small business growth based on his experience building and working in the sector. The conversation is intended to help business owners think more clearly about systems, simplicity and fit. The ideas shared are based on professional experience and opinion, and the best tools and systems will vary depending on your business model, team structure and stage of growth. About Simon WashbrookSimon Washbrook is the founder and Managing Director of Popcorn CRM, a platform designed to help small businesses manage leads, simplify sales processes and avoid the complexity that often comes with larger CRM systems. His background includes marketing, corporate CRM integration and software development for growing businesses. In this episodeSimon shares how his background in fashion, marketing and corporate CRM shaped his business journey.He explains why many small businesses stay with spreadsheets for too long.He discusses the risk of moving too early into software that is too complex for the stage of the business.He outlines why features are often a distraction from real business needs.He explains how pre-sales, finance and post-sales systems can work together without becoming one giant platform.He shares why habits and simple daily use matter more than complexity.He talks about why in-person conversations still matter in a saturated market.He reflects on delivery, simplicity and the importance of progress over perfection. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest lessons in this episode is that businesses do not need to solve every future systems problem today. They need tools that fit their current stage, help them follow up consistently and reduce friction rather than creating it. Simon’s advice to focus on business necessity rather than feature lists is especially useful for small business owners who feel overwhelmed by software decisions. The episode also carries a broader entrepreneurial message. Progress matters more than perfection, systems should support behaviour rather than complicate it, and real human conversations still cut through in a crowded market. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Simon’s background02:00 – From fashion and marketing to CRM05:00 – Why Popcorn CRM was created07:00 – The biggest CRM myth for small businesses10:00 – Why all-in-one software can become a trap15:00 – The cracks that appear as businesses grow18:00 – Building better CRM habits20:00 – How Simon wins business in a crowded market24:00 – Neurodiversity, overwhelm and simplicity27:00 – The biggest lesson Simon wishes he had known earlier LinksConnect on Linkedin with Simon Washbrook Popcorn CRM: Downloadable Guide: UK Business IQDo you feel like you are one of the best-kept secrets in your industry? UK Business IQ exists to help experienced business owners, professionals and experts share the insight, experience and thinking that often goes unseen. If you have a meaningful story, valuable expertise, or a perspective that could help other business leaders think differently, you can apply to be considered as a featured guest on the show. Visit www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured to find out more and submit your application. Final thoughtThis is a useful conversation for any business owner who knows their systems need to improve but does not want to create more complexity in the process. The message is simple: choose what fits now, build good habits, and let your systems grow with your business.

    32 min

  2. Episode 2

    Find Your Version: Pascal Fintoni on Video Marketing and Business Visibility

    In this archive episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson revisits a conversation originally recorded for the Success IQ Podcast with digital marketing expert, trainer and video producer Pascal Fintoni. Pascal shares his journey into business, the personal experiences that shaped his passion for storytelling, and why video can be such a powerful tool for building trust, credibility and visibility. He also explains why many business owners overcomplicate content creation, and why a more practical starting point is often to begin with video curation before moving into video creation. Pascal also reflects on business focus, the risks of poorly aligned partnerships, and the importance of finding your own version rather than copying somebody else’s formula. This episode is part of the Success IQ Podcast archive and is being republished because its core business insights remain relevant. Some examples and references reflect the context of the original recording, but the wider lessons around visibility, communication and business growth still apply today. The ideas shared in this conversation are based on personal experience and professional opinion at the time of recording. Listeners should apply their own judgement and seek specialist advice where appropriate for their own business circumstances. About Pascal FintoniPascal Fintoni is a professional trainer, speaker and video producer with more than 22 years of practical experience in digital marketing. He helps people use storytelling, video and clear communication to build stronger online reputations and connect more effectively with their audience. In this episodePascal shares how his journey from France to the North East of England shaped his career and business pathhe explains how a deeply personal early life experience influenced his connection to film and storytellinghe discusses why business owners should stop waiting for the perfect momenthe explores the difference between creating content and distributing it effectivelyhe outlines why video curation can be a strong first step into visibilityhe explains the value of appearing as a guest before creating your own video contenthe reflects on the business cost of the wrong partnershipshe shares why entrepreneurs need to find their version rather than simply following someone else’s approach Key takeawaysOne of the strongest ideas in this conversation is that business owners do not need to begin with polished production or complicated systems. Pascal argues that a more realistic path is to build confidence step by step: start by curating useful video content, add your own perspective, become visible through thoughtful contribution, and then grow into creating your own material. The episode also goes beyond marketing. It touches on resilience, business identity, focus and the importance of staying aligned with your own direction. Pascal’s reflections on “the illusion of partnership” and the need to “find your version” make this especially relevant for experienced professionals who want to grow without losing what makes them distinctive. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to this archive episode 01:00 – Pascal’s background and route into business 07:00 – Personal story, resilience and the role of film 11:00 – Why video should be done your way 13:00 – The real challenge of video marketing 15:00 – Why video curation comes before creation 17:00 – The value of being a guest on other people’s content 24:00 – Waiting for the perfect moment and the illusion of partnership 30:00 – Why entrepreneurs need to find their version LinksPascal Fintoni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascalfintoni Website: http://www.pascalfintoni.com Final thoughtIf you have ever felt hesitant about showing up more visibly in your business, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical place to start. It is not about trying to look like everybody else. It is about communicating with more clarity, more confidence and more honesty, in a way that feels true to you.

    34 min

  3. Episode 3

    Robin Waite on Business Growth, Clear Goals and Escaping the Time-for-Money Trap

    Archive episode: This conversation was originally recorded on the Success IQ Podcast and has been specially re-edited for UK Business IQ. I wanted to bring it to this audience because the lessons and insight are still highly relevant today. In this archive episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson revisits a conversation originally recorded for the Success IQ Podcast with business coach, speaker and author Robin Waite. Robin shares his journey from running a successful creative agency into business coaching, and explains how burnout, self-development and a changing market led him to rethink how service-based businesses grow. The conversation explores the value of setting clear goals, focusing on the right activities, building resilience and moving away from time-for-money work towards more sustainable and productised offers. This episode is part of the Success IQ Podcast archive and is being republished because its core business insights remain relevant. Some examples and references reflect the context of the original recording, but the wider lessons around focus, growth and business development still apply today. The ideas shared in this conversation are based on personal experience and professional opinion at the time of recording. Listeners should apply their own judgement and seek specialist advice where appropriate for their own business circumstances. About Robin WaiteRobin Waite is a business coach, speaker and author who helps service-based business owners grow more effectively by clarifying their goals, productising what they do and building businesses that are more sustainable and profitable. He previously ran a creative agency before transitioning into coaching. In this episodeRobin shares how his background in agency life shaped the work he does todayhe explains why many service businesses get trapped in time-for-money modelshe outlines the three elements he believes drive business success: clear goals, the right activities and strong desirehe discusses why the internet has created more business noise and competitionhe reflects on resilience, focus and the realities of entrepreneurshiphe explains why productising a service can improve value and reduce frictionhe shares why building assets matters more than chasing quick winshe talks about balancing meaningful work with family life Key takeawaysOne of the strongest lessons in this episode is that many business owners are not short on effort they are short on clarity. Robin argues that without one clear goal, a realistic activity plan and a strong enough reason to keep going, it is easy to stay busy without building real momentum. The episode also offers a broader long-term message. Sustainable growth comes from building assets, developing offers that are easier to sell and deliver, and staying focused on what genuinely moves the business forwards rather than getting distracted by noise. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Robin’s background 02:00 – From agency owner to business coach 07:00 – Productising services and escaping design-agency “ping pong” 09:00 – The three things that drive business success 14:00 – Why the internet has made business noisier 18:00 – The reality of entrepreneurship and modern business pressure 23:00 – Work-life harmony and structuring a better business 25:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs and building assets LinksRobin Waite Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinmwaite/ Website: www.robinwaite.com Robins Books: https://www.robinwaite.com/books Final thoughtThis is a useful conversation for any business owner who feels busy but not fully clear. The message is simple but powerful: get specific about the goal, focus on the activities that matter, and build something that is sustainable rather than reactive.

    29 min

  4. Episode 4

    Gavin Belton-Rose on Sales and Marketing Alignment, Business Growth and Staying Visible

    In this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with Gavin Belton-Rose about why sales and marketing should never operate apart, and why businesses often struggle when those two parts of the business are not aligned properly. With around 25 years of experience across hospitality, estate agency, sales and marketing, Gavin shares practical insight on commercial growth, leadership, visibility, networking and why authenticity still matters in an increasingly AI-driven business world. The conversation also explores what many business owners misunderstand about lead generation, growth strategy and follow-up. This episode explores Gavin Belton-Rose’s perspective on sales, marketing, growth and commercial performance based on his professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help business owners think more clearly about alignment, visibility and results, but the right approach will vary depending on the business model, team structure and stage of growth. About Gavin Belton-RoseGavin Belton-Rose is a commercially minded growth specialist with a background spanning hospitality, estate agency, sales and marketing. He helps businesses improve commercial performance by aligning sales and marketing more effectively and building clearer growth strategies. In this episodeGavin shares how his background across sales, hospitality and business ownership shaped his commercial thinking.He explains why sales and marketing must work together.He discusses why leadership often becomes the bottleneck in growing businesses.He talks about networking, visibility and why people still buy from people.He shares his view on AI, authenticity and the risk of losing your real voice.He explains why growth needs strategy, not just activity.He highlights the importance of numbers, CRM discipline and consistent follow-up. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest lessons in this episode is that many businesses are active without being commercially aligned. Gavin’s message is that growth becomes more effective when sales, marketing and leadership are working together around one clear commercial strategy. The episode also makes a strong case for staying visible and staying human. AI can improve efficiency, but it should not replace trust, authenticity or the voice of the business. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Gavin’s background03:00 – Why sales and marketing must stick together05:00 – Why marketing often gets cut first07:00 – Leadership, communication and growth10:00 – What happens when sales and marketing align12:00 – AI, authenticity and business voice15:00 – Marketing, lead generation and growth strategy18:00 – Margins, KPIs and commercial performance19:00 – Why networking still matters27:00 – Final advice on numbers, CRM and follow-up LinksGavin Belton-Rose LinkedIn Profile Website / book link UK Business IQDo you feel like you are one of the best-kept secrets in your industry? UK Business IQ exists to help experienced business owners, professionals and experts share the insight, experience and thinking that often goes unseen. If you have a meaningful story, valuable expertise, or a perspective that could help other business leaders think differently, you can apply to be considered as a featured guest on the show. Visit www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured to find out more and submit your application. Final thoughtThis is a practical conversation for business owners who want stronger growth, better visibility and clearer alignment between sales and marketing. The message is simple: be visible, stay authentic, follow up properly and make sure your commercial strategy works as one joined-up system. This episode explores Gavin Belton-Rose’s perspective on sales, marketing, business growth and commercial performance based on his experience across multiple sectors. The ideas shared are intended to help business owners think more clearly about visibility, follow-up and growth, but the right approach will vary depending on the business model, market and stage of growth. If your interested in highlighting your UK Business on the podcast please visit our website to learn what packages we offer and the next steps.

    30 min

  5. Episode 5

    Steven J Innes on Networking, Visibility and Building Business Through Real Connection

    In this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with Steven J Innes, host, MC, connector and business community builder, about the power of real conversations, authentic networking and why visibility still matters in business. Recorded live on location in Belfast straight after a business show at the Clayton Hotel, this conversation explores Steven’s journey into hosting and MCing, his work in networking and smart groups, the value of consistency and why showing up as yourself is still one of the most effective ways to grow. This episode explores Steven J Innes’s perspective on networking, connection and business growth based on his own professional and personal experience. The ideas shared are intended to help listeners think more clearly about visibility, relationships and growth, but the right path will vary depending on the person, business and stage they are at. About Steven J InnesSteven J Innes is an MC, host, connector and business networker known for bringing energy, authenticity and connection into live business rooms. His work spans events, smart working groups, networking communities and Synergy, with a strong focus on helping people build relationships that lead to real opportunities. In this episodeSteven shares how he got into speechmaking, hosting and MCing.He reflects on confidence, bullying and finding his place.He explains why networking is really just conversation.He talks about building trust, connection and visibility in business.He shares his experience of community-led business growth through Hashtag and smart groups.He explains why being visible and consistent matters more than trying to be perfect.He reflects on failure, resilience and trusting the process. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest messages in this episode is that networking becomes far less intimidating when you stop treating it as performance and start treating it as conversation. Steven’s view is that growth often comes through trust, familiarity and consistency rather than forcing outcomes. The episode also highlights that confidence, visibility and connection can all be built over time. You do not need to become someone else in order to grow a business well. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Belfast event context01:00 – Steven’s background and finding purpose02:00 – Speechmaking, MCing and confidence05:00 – Synergy, setbacks and starting again09:00 – Why conversation matters in business14:00 – Hashtag, smart groups and networking models20:00 – Helping people network naturally24:00 – Purpose, impact and making a difference27:00 – Failure, resilience and learning31:00 – Where to connect with Steven LinksSteven J Innes - Linkedin Website UK Business IQ Do you feel like you are one of the best-kept secrets in your industry? UK Business IQ exists to help experienced business owners, professionals and experts share the insight, experience and thinking that often goes unseen. If you have a meaningful story, valuable expertise, or a perspective that could help other business leaders think differently, you can apply to be considered as a featured guest on the show. Visit www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured to find out more and submit your application. Final thoughtThis is a warm, practical conversation about connection, confidence and building business through consistency and real relationships. A strong episode for anyone who wants to grow without losing who they are. Note: This episode explores Steven J Innes’s perspective on networking, visibility, business growth and authentic connection based on his professional and personal experience. The ideas shared are intended to help listeners think more clearly about building relationships and business momentum, but the right approach will vary depending on the person, industry and stage of growth.

    32 min

  6. Episode 6

    David Algeo on Stress, Wellbeing and Turning Cabbages into Sprouts

    In this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with David Algeo, a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people and organisations better understand stress and develop healthier ways to cope with it. Drawing on his background in policing and his now well-known cabbages-and-sprouts metaphor, David shares a practical, memorable and very human approach to stress, wellbeing and performance. The conversation explores coping strategies, leadership, workplace pressure, the hidden strain on HR teams and why success should be built with wellbeing, not at the expense of it. This episode explores David Algeo’s perspective on stress, coping and wellbeing based on his personal and professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help listeners and organisations think more clearly about healthier coping and workplace support, but they are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support where that is needed. About David AlgeoDavid Algeo is a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people and organisations understand stress more clearly and cope with it more positively. With a background in policing, he brings a practical, grounded approach and is known for his memorable cabbages-and-sprouts metaphor. In this episodeDavid shares how his policing background shaped his understanding of stress and coping.He explains the cabbages-and-sprouts metaphor and why it works so well.He discusses the tension organisations face between performance and wellbeing.He talks about the pressure placed on HR, L&D and wellbeing leaders.He outlines how leaders and managers can have better wellbeing conversations.He shares practical tactics for noticing stress and responding earlier.He explains why success with wellbeing matters more than success at the expense of it. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest lessons in this episode is that stress becomes more manageable when it is made visible, named clearly and broken into smaller actions. David’s framework is memorable because it gives people something practical to do rather than just something to agree with. The episode also makes a strong case for how organisations can think differently about wellbeing, culture and support. Performance and wellbeing do not need to be in conflict. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and David’s background01:00 – Policing, coping and where the work began02:00 – The cabbages-and-sprouts metaphor04:00 – Ideal clients and organisational relevance06:00 – Leadership, culture and talking about stress09:00 – Success with wellbeing11:00 – Where organisations start with wellbeing13:00 – HR pressure and the new network idea20:00 – Permission to be human and practical stress tactics26:00 – How to connect with David LinksDavid Algeo website - you can contact him and signup to his daily sprout series you can also find him on linkedin UK Business IQ Do you feel like you are one of the best-kept secrets in your industry? UK Business IQ exists to help experienced business owners, professionals and experts share the insight, experience and thinking that often goes unseen. If you have a meaningful story, valuable expertise, or a perspective that could help other business leaders think differently, you can apply to be considered as a featured guest on the show. Visit www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured to find out more and submit your application. Final thoughtThis is a practical, memorable conversation about stress, support and healthier ways to cope, both as individuals and within organisations. A strong episode for anyone trying to perform well without being crushed by the cabbages. This episode explores David Algeo’s perspective on stress, coping and workplace wellbeing based on his personal and professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help listeners and organisations think more clearly about stress and healthier coping strategies, but they are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support where that is needed.

    28 min

  7. Episode 7

    Nevil Tynemouth on Sales Confidence, Follow-Up and Turning Relationships into Opportunities

    Nevil Tynemouth on Sales Confidence, Follow-Up and Turning Relationships into OpportunitiesIn this archive episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson revisits a conversation with Nevil Tynemouth, sales expert, speaker and author of Sales Success on LinkedIn, about why so many business owners still feel uncomfortable with sales and what effective selling actually looks like. Nevil brings a practical and human approach to sales, focusing not on scripts or pressure tactics, but on trust, behaviour, confidence and meaningful customer conversations. The episode explores professional follow-up, resilience, cashflow, visibility and why the people already in your network may be far more valuable than you realise. This episode explores Nevil Tynemouth’s perspective on sales, visibility and business growth based on his experience across sales leadership, coaching and entrepreneurship. The ideas shared are intended to help business owners think more clearly about selling and follow-up, but the right approach will vary depending on the business, audience and stage of growth. About Nevil TynemouthNevil Tynemouth is a sales expert, speaker and author who helps business owners, leaders and sales teams improve confidence, follow-up and customer conversations. His background spans sales, account management, coaching and leadership in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. In this episodeNevil shares how he became interested in enterprise and sales.He reflects on moving from the corporate world into his own business.He explains why so many business owners still feel awkward about selling.He talks about trusted-advisor selling and the importance of useful conversations.He shares practical advice on professional persistence and follow-up.He highlights the value of using your existing network more effectively.He reflects on cashflow, resilience and what entrepreneurs need to learn early. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest lessons in this episode is that sales often feels harder than it needs to be because people avoid it, overcomplicate it or attach the wrong meaning to it. Nevil’s message is that selling becomes much more effective when it is rooted in trust, persistence and useful conversations. The episode also makes a strong case for speaking to the people you already know. For many business owners, the next opportunity is closer than they think. Timestamps00:00 – Archive intro and why this conversation still matters02:00 – Nevil’s background in enterprise and sales05:00 – Leaving corporate life and starting his business09:00 – Why people feel uncomfortable with sales12:00 – Trust, selling and customer conversations14:00 – Rejection, resilience and follow-up16:00 – Asking the customer how to follow up18:00 – Cashflow and business discipline20:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs starting out23:00 – Where to connect with Nevil LinksNevil Tynemouth LinkedinWebsite UK Business IQ Do you feel like you are one of the best-kept secrets in your industry? UK Business IQ exists to help experienced business owners, professionals and experts share the insight, experience and thinking that often goes unseen. If you have a meaningful story, valuable expertise, or a perspective that could help other business leaders think differently, you can apply to be considered as a featured guest on the show. Visit www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured to find out more and submit your application. Final thoughtThis is a practical archive conversation for business owners who know they need to become more visible, have better conversations and follow up more confidently. The message is simple: selling works better when it feels more human. This episode explores Nevil Tynemouth’s perspective on sales, visibility, follow-up and business growth based on his professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help business owners think more confidently about sales and customer conversations, but the right approach will vary depending on the business model, market and stage of growth.

    25 min

  8. Episode 8

    Simon Raybould on Better Presentations, Audience Psychology and Why Structure Matters Most

    Simon Raybould on Better Presentations, Audience Psychology and Why Structure Matters MostIn this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with Simon Raybould, presentation trainer, researcher and author, about why so many presentations fail and what actually makes them work. Simon explains that it is not delivery that makes or breaks a presentation. It is structure. Drawing on research into audience learning, retention and communication, he shares a practical and often surprising perspective on what presenters get wrong and how to fix it. The conversation explores presentation nerves, rehearsal, audience attention, story use and why most experts overload their listeners without even realising they are doing it. This is a valuable episode for anyone who presents, teaches, pitches or shares expertise as part of their work. This episode explores Simon Raybould’s perspective on presentations, audience learning and communication based on his research and professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help listeners communicate more clearly and effectively, but the best approach will vary depending on the audience, context and objective. About Simon RaybouldSimon Raybould is a presentation trainer, researcher and author who helps people improve both their presentations and their ability to communicate ideas clearly. His work focuses on the science behind what makes presentations more understandable, memorable and useful. In this episodeSimon shares how he moved from research science into presentation training.He explains why structure matters more than delivery.He talks about the curse of the expert and how audiences get overloaded.He discusses presentation nerves and how to reduce them.He explains the difference between rehearsal and deliberate practice.He shares why stories work best when they are tactical and relevant.He explores how better communication leads to better impact. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest lessons in this episode is that the quality of a presentation depends far more on what happens before the speaker starts than most people realise. Better structure, clearer chapters and more thoughtful design make a huge difference to what audiences actually remember and do. The episode also reframes presentation confidence in a helpful way. If you stop treating a presentation as performance and start treating it as teaching, the pressure shifts and the communication usually improves. Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 Simon’s background and how he got into this work03:00 Why structure matters more than delivery05:00 The curse of the expert08:00 Presentation nerves and pressure11:00 What audiences actually remember13:00 Practical ways to rehearse better20:00 Images, abstraction and audience understanding22:00 Tactical storytelling33:00 Simon’s latest book and where to connect LinksConnect with Simon on LinkedIn Book StoryMaking - How to use Stories and not just tell themPresentation Genius UK Business IQ Do you feel like you are one of the best-kept secrets in your industry? UK Business IQ exists to help experienced business owners, professionals and experts share the insight, experience and thinking that often goes unseen. If you have a meaningful story, valuable expertise, or a perspective that could help other business leaders think differently, you can apply to be considered as a featured guest on the show. Visit www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured to find out more and submit your application. Final thoughtThis is a practical, research-led conversation for anyone who wants their presentations to become clearer, more memorable and more useful. A strong reminder that better communication starts long before you step on stage. This episode explores Simon Raybould’s perspective on presentations, learning and communication based on his research and professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help listeners think more clearly about presentation design and audience understanding, but the best approach will vary depending on context, audience and objective.

    42 min

  9. Episode 9

    Laura Armstrong on Tech Recruitment, Hiring Better and Winning Talent in a Competitive Market

    In this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with Laura Armstrong, founder of Armstrong Talent Partners, a specialist IT recruitment company based in Glasgow. With around 16 years of experience in tech recruitment, Laura brings a practical and grounded view of what businesses are getting right and wrong when it comes to hiring. The conversation explores the realities of the Scottish tech market, where strong candidates remain in demand and businesses often face real challenges around speed, flexibility, salary expectations and process. Laura shares why she decided to launch her own company, what drives her work, and why good recruitment is about far more than matching CVs to job descriptions. This episode explores Laura Armstrong’s perspective on hiring, tech recruitment and candidate experience based on her professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help businesses think more clearly about hiring decisions, but the right approach will vary depending on the company, role and market conditions. About Laura ArmstrongLaura Armstrong is the founder of Armstrong Talent Partners, a specialist tech recruitment business based in Glasgow. She works with SMEs, startups and larger companies to help them recruit strong technology talent, with a particular focus on the Scottish market. In this episodeLaura shares how she got into tech recruitment and why she stayed in the sector.She explains why she decided to launch her own recruitment business.She talks about the realities of hiring in a competitive tech market.She discusses why low offers and slow processes damage hiring outcomes.She explains the impact of hybrid working and flexibility on candidate demand.She shares her views on poor recruitment practices and what better process looks like.She outlines practical advice for businesses that want to build stronger teams. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest messages in this episode is that businesses cannot expect strong people to accept weak offers, poor process or unnecessary delay. Laura’s message is clear: if you want great candidates, you need to move well, communicate clearly and treat recruitment as something strategic. The episode also makes a strong case for working more proactively. Good recruitment is not simply reacting to a vacancy. It is about understanding the market, building relationships and knowing what strong people actually want. Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:00 What Laura does and who she helps03:00 Why she stayed in the tech sector05:00 Why she launched Armstrong Talent Partners08:00 What makes her approach different10:00 The biggest hiring challenges in tech14:00 Skill shortages and market gaps18:00 The cost of poor hiring20:00 What businesses get wrong in hiring22:00 Hybrid work, flexibility and candidate demand25:00 Better interview processes30:00 Lessons from building her business34:00 Where to connect with Laura Connect with Laura ArmstrongLinkedIn - ProfileCompany Website Would you like to be featured on UK Business IQ? If you are an experienced business owner, consultant, coach, speaker or professional with valuable insight to share, we would love to hear from you. UK Business IQ is designed to spotlight credible experts who are doing great work and help them become more visible to the right audience. To apply to be considered as a guest on the show visit: http://www.geoffnicholson.co.uk/getfeatured Final thoughtThis is a practical and timely conversation for any business that needs to hire well, especially in a market where strong people have options. A strong reminder that recruitment is not just about process. It is about people, reputation and decisions that shape the future of the business. This episode explores Laura Armstrong’s perspective on recruitment, hiring and the Scottish tech talent market based on her professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help businesses think more clearly about hiring decisions and candidate experience, but the right approach will vary depending on the role, market and business stage.

    36 min

  10. Episode 10

    Linda Barclay: 33 Years of Keeping People Safe at Work with Evolve Training

    Linda Barclay: 33 Years of Keeping People Safe at Work with Evolve TrainingIn this episode of UK Business IQ, Geoff Nicholson speaks with Linda Barclay, Managing Director of Evolve Training in Aberdeen, about the business of workplace safety, the value of practical training, and how a family-founded company has grown by helping people come home from work safely. Founded in 1993 by Linda’s parents, Evolve Training began by helping businesses understand risk assessments, COSHH and health and safety requirements. Over the years it has developed into a respected training business delivering forklift, confined space, first aid, working at height and other practical workplace safety training across multiple sectors. In this conversation, Linda shares how she joined the business, what it means to lead it today, why practical face-to-face training still matters, and what businesses often misunderstand when they treat training as just another compliance task. This episode explores Linda Barclay’s perspective on workplace training, practical learning and health and safety based on her professional experience. The ideas shared are intended to help businesses think more clearly about training and workforce safety, but specific requirements will vary depending on the sector and role. About Linda BarclayLinda Barclay is the Managing Director of Evolve Training in Aberdeen, a family business that has been helping organisations improve safety and practical workplace competence for over 30 years. Her background includes first aid, training delivery and operational leadership across the business. In this episodeLinda shares how Evolve Training began and why her parents started the business.She explains how the company grew from a back bedroom into a major training facility.She talks about joining the family business and eventually becoming Managing Director.She discusses why practical, face-to-face training is still so important.She explains the risks businesses face when training is treated as just compliance.She highlights the importance of adapting training to individual learners.She shares what makes Evolve different in a competitive market. Key takeawaysOne of the strongest messages in this episode is that workplace training should not be reduced to paperwork or certification alone. Linda makes the case that good training builds confidence, understanding and safer behaviour, especially when it is practical and tailored to the people doing the work. The episode also highlights the value of long-term trust in business. Evolve’s reputation has been built not just on compliance knowledge, but on consistency, service and genuine care over more than three decades. Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:45 How Evolve Training began03:00 How the business grew over time04:00 Linda’s route into the business05:00 Her vision for the future06:00 The biggest mistakes businesses make09:00 Why practical face-to-face training matters13:00 Why training should not just be compliance15:00 What to look for in a training provider18:00 How Evolve stays relevant and adaptable20:00 Cost versus quality in training23:00 The deeper value of workplace training24:00 Where to find Evolve Training LinksLinda Barclay [LinkedIn placeholder] Evolve Training [Website placeholder] UK Business IQ [Podcast / website placeholder] Final thoughtThis is a practical, thoughtful conversation about safety, service and the kind of business that builds trust over decades. A strong episode for anyone responsible for people, process and standards at work.

    28 min
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About

UK Business IQ is the premier platform for British businesses to share their story. Hosted and produced by Geoff Nicholson, we provide the professional vehicle for business owners to get their marketing message out to the world. We interview the UK's most exciting businesses, giving them the stage to showcase their expertise, build authority, and connect with a wider audience. This is the voice of UK business excellence.

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  • Creator
    Geoff Nicholson
  • Episodes
    11
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
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