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 TrainingLinksLinda Barclay - LinkedinEvolve Traininghttps://www.evolvetraining.com/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.Want to be featured on UK Business IQ?UK Business IQ is where credible UK business owners, founders and experts share the real conversations behind their work, their thinking and their impact.If you are doing great work but feel like too many of the right people still do not know who you are, this could be your opportunity to change that.Find out more or apply to be featured at:http://www.ukbusinessiq.co.ukConnect with Geoff on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffnicholsonuk/UK Business IQ Real Conversations. Real Connections. Real Impact.