Why use a professional?

Find out why it always pays to hire a professional translator or interpreter.

Translating and interpreting are skilled professions that involve so much more than fluency in another language. The consequences of not hiring a professional translator or interpreter could damage your company’s reputation, land you in court or even cause a diplomatic incident!

Where to start?

If you have never hired a professional translator or interpreter, or used professional translation or interpreting services before, it can be difficult to know where to start.

The following resources provide you with information and guidance to help you make an informed decision.

How ITI members can help

The translation and interpreting market is unregulated in the UK. Therefore, it is important that you work with freelancers or language service providers who are members of a reputable professional body like ITI.

ITI membership requires that admissions criteria have been met, including sitting an assessment in order to become a Qualified Member.

Why hire a professional?

You can search for Qualified ITI Members according to their language and industry specialisms in the ITI Directory.

 

Why businesses need translators and interpreters 

SMEs embracing language capabilities are 30% more successful in exporting than those which do not.

LO-C 30, Aston University and ATC

 

Research conducted in 2021 by Aston Business School and supported by the Association of Translation Companies revealed that language capabilities are a key driver for UK SME export success.

Language services are an easy, accessible way to drive international growth and the LO-C 30 Report shows that the returns can be significant. SMEs can significantly increase their export sales, growth and profits by investing in language capabilities: by hiring people with language skills and high cultural intelligence, providing language training to existing staff and investing in professional translation services using sophisticated language technology.

 


More resources 

Embassy information

Translation: Getting it right

If you’re not a linguist yourself, buying translations can be frustrating. The suggestions in our guide will help to reduce stress and will enable you to get the most out of your translation budget. The guide is available to download in twelve different languages.