International Translation Day aims to remove export language barrier

30th September marks International Translation Day, which aims to recognise and promote the translation profession and the value which translation brings to business.


International Translation Day was founded in 1953 and is promoted all over the world by the International Federation of Translators. 30th September was chosen, as it is the feast day of St. Jerome, patron saint of translators, interpreters and librarians.


International Translation Day has taken on a more important role since 1991 when it became officially recognised worldwide as part of the effort to improve global trade and communication.


I am helping promote International Translation Day as trading globally and exporting into new foreign markets with the current value of the pound has become a credible opportunity for many regional businesses. Although, when the British Chambers of Commerce asked almost 3,500 of its members why they did not export to Europe 11 per cent cited language barriers.


We must remember that communicating effectively with customers or prospects in your own language let alone a foreign language can be tough, however I certainly don’t think companies should discount exporting because of language differences.


International markets should be seen as an appealing prospect for regional businesses as language barriers can be removed and with the right professional support a company can get its documentation correct from the beginning by considering localization, cultural factors, how the documentation will convert into other languages and by ensuring the target language documentation is well designed and looks professional.


I hope by helping to promote International Translation Day that we are highlight the opportunities available by exporting.


Further information on International Translation Day can found at the International Federation of Translators’ website: www.fit-ift.org.  Information and advice on exporting can be obtained from UK Trade & Investment; www.ukti.gov.uk.

Celebrating our 40th anniversary

Foreign Language Services Ltd was started by my father Peter Elphick and John Peck in 1971 and operates in a number of business sectors with particular expertise in the electrical, electronic, engineering, aero and automotive markets. Today, and since 1993 the company has been run by me.  

To be celebrating forty years in business is a remarkable achievement.  The document translation industry is now a massively competitive sector with a number of the larger translation companies aggressively growing through acquisition. We have indeed been approached to sell on a number of occasions. 


I intend to keep the company as a family run independent entity and my sights are firmly set on developing the business for the future. Our fortieth year in business will be a year in which we lay the foundations for future success. I can see the way in which the industry is developing and we intend to stay at the cutting edge of technology whilst focussing on service, quality, turnaround times and transparent pricing.


In addition to being at the forefront of translation technology by using some of the latest software programs for Memory Aided Translation and Computer Aided Translation, we have our own in-house desktop publishing department and we are able to provide custom formatting for manuals, handbooks, catalogues and brochures.  


Foreign Language Services Ltd is based in Stafford, employs eight people, works with over fifty mother-tongue translators and can translate any type of document in any language combination.