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Take a look at recent events at TransAction, such as
press releases and new services.
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features.
Friday 26 June 2009
TransAction Translators named Business Language Champion
Sheffield’s oldest translation company TransAction Translators has been nominated as a Business Language Champion for the Yorkshire and Humber through the Regional Language Network. The Business Language Champions scheme is a national initiative, supported by DCSF through CILT, the National Centre for Languages. The aim is to inspire and motivate young people to learn languages, especially within a meaningful business context.
Workshops promote language learning
Company directors Maryline Tergella and Daniel Collis, who are currently celebrating their 25th year in business, attended the BLC Annual Celebration at the Novotel Hotel in Sheffield last Friday. Here they were presented with a certificate acknowledging their contribution to the promotion of language learning in local schools, more specifically the Business NVQ course in French, German and Spanish. They have hosted several visits to their premises in the Redlands Business Centre in Broomhill, inviting language students from Meadowhead School and Silverdale School to participate in translation workshops, and teaching them about the use of languages in business.
South Yorkshire leads the way
The visits were organised by IBC (International Business Communication), formerly known as VIPS. The new name highlights the nationwide success of this NVQ business and language project. Having started in Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham, the Business NVQ course in French, German and Spanish is now being used by schools throughout the country.
Increased enthusiasm for languages
IBC Project Manager Katherine Smith expressed her appreciation for TransAction’s contribution:
A company visit is such an important part of the course, and after a visit the pupils’ motivation and enthusiasm for language learning increase.
TransAction have also shown their commitment to the promotion of language learning on a national level by attending the Phase 4 Line of Learning Criteria Consultation Event for the Diploma in Languages and International Communication. Emma Wass attended the event at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on behalf of TransAction a couple of weeks ago, contributing to a focus group where the current Line of Learning Criteria was discussed and scrutinised. The criteria will be finalised this summer, and the languages diploma will be introduced in 2011.
Language knowledge an essential tool for life
Dan and Maryline are delighted to have been nominated as a Business Language Champion, and hope that their ongoing support as a local business and language provider, along with the valued contribution of other local businesses, will continue to motivate pupils in Sheffield. Opportunities of this kind make young people realise that knowledge of a foreign language is fast becoming an essential tool for life, as well as for business.
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Sunday 31 May 2009
May's Prize Draw Winner
Congratulations go to J Hallam in Nottingham who won all his money back for his certified translation! This prize draw is open to all our clients who complete our questionnaire which is posted out with our certified translations.
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Thursday 30 April 2009
April's Prize Draw Winner
Congratulations go to Dr A Montes in London who won all of her money back for her certified translation by returning a completed questionnaire on our performance.
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Tuesday 31 March 2009
Depression or expansion? The emerging export market opportunities in the era of the recession
In our current economic climate, many companies are seizing the chance to profit from a favourable exchange rate and are reaching out to new international markets. The Pound’s weakening rate against the Euro in particular means that UK firms have become significantly more competitive in Europe than their continental counterparts.
International expansion
Rather than treating the current economic downturn as a crisis, why not use this time to expand your business? With the technological advances of the last 20 years, today the world is smaller than ever before. Despite this, international expansion is undoubtedly a daunting task – you need to understand what overseas customers want, and consider the implications of dealing with a different business culture and communicating in another language. Whether you require a brochure, instruction manual or simply a letter or e-mail in another language, the assistance of a professional translation company can be invaluable to an expanding business.
Multi-lingual websites
A good way of reaching customers is through the Internet. Although English is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, Chinese and Spanish still have more native speakers, with Hindi and Arabic following closely behind. As well as translating company brochures and manuals, Sheffield-based translation company TransAction Translators have assisted numerous companies in creating multi-lingual websites. This enables them to expand their business, targeting a wider and much more varied audience.
Simple exporting within EU
Many new exporters choose to begin by exporting to markets that are relatively easy to deal with. For example, when it comes to exporting to countries within the EU, many trading practices, standards and regulations apply throughout. This can be a good way of building your export skills.
Seek hidden opportunities
Vodafone Chairman Sir John Bond has recently been appointed as a business ambassador for UK Trade and Investment. His advice to UK businesses today is to know where the rapidly-growing economies are, but also to seek out more hidden opportunities:
To be in international business today you need to understand that the big rising economies are China and India, but that doesn’t mean that all the opportunities are there. There are many opportunities much closer to home in Europe.
Politician and businessman Digby Jones has similar advice for UK companies in the era of the recession: “It is a time to be positive and go after new markets in new areas, working on commercial relationships and not putting heads in the sand”.
Positive thinking
There is evidence that many UK businesses are already thinking along these lines. 63 per cent of executives recently surveyed by UK Trade and Investment believe that the impact of the recession in Europe and North America will be offset by the economic strength of emerging markets.
So don’t get dragged down by the recession – take full advantage of the spare time you may have and target that once-neglected international market.
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Tuesday 23 December 2008
Cephalonia’s Mystery Bride and Groom Found!
The identity of Cephalonia’s mystery bride and groom has finally been revealed! Sarah Reid, who lives in Brighouse, West Yorkshire with her husband Barry contacted TransAction Translators in Sheffield yesterday morning after a friend saw their picture printed in last Thursday’s Yorkshire Post. She had also seen the picture briefly on ITV Calendar News the morning before, however no contact details had been given. Nils and Kaia Mortensen from Norway who took the photos for Sarah and Barry on their wedding day in September, got in touch with TransAction Translators a couple of weeks ago, after the Yorkshire couple’s contact details had been stolen along with Kaia’s purse.
Sarah’s shock
“It was a bit of a shock seeing our picture in the paper”, Sarah told TransAction; “we felt like minor celebrities for the day! Barry has been getting a bit of stick about his name – Ronnie is his new nickname!”
A big thank you
“We were a bit surprised that we hadn’t received anything from Nils and Kaia. They were very kind and we got on really well – we shared our champagne with them over lunch”. Sarah is very touched that Nils and Kaia went to such lengths to try to get in contact with them, and also by the effort put in by TransAction to try and find them. “We want to say a big thank you to Nils and Kaia and to TransAction. We are really looking forward to seeing the photos”.
Nils’ delight
Nils was delighted when TransAction Translators contacted him with Sarah and Barry’s details:
Now isn’t this a great Christmas present! Fantastic! Thank you ever so much for the help. We are quite sure that Sarah and Barry will be happy about it.
Weddings abroad – one word of advice
While overseas weddings continue to be popular, TransAction still have plenty of enquiries for the translation of birth certificates in order to get married, and the translation of marriage certificates into English on the bride and groom’s return. One word of advice for anyone planning to get married abroad – don’t forget your camera!
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Wednesday 17 December 2008
Turkish Delight for TransAction Translators
Sheffield-based translation company TransAction Translators have noticed a significant increase in the number of Turkish to English and English to Turkish translation enquiries over the last couple of years. Having had no Turkish jobs at all in 2005, 15 were carried out in 2006, 13 in 2007, and they have just completed their 21st Turkish job of this year. This new trend corresponds with Turkey’s new found links within Europe, as in October 2005 the official talks of their potential EU membership were launched.
Increase in work and study applications
Nearly 50% of their clients in 2006 required the translation of documents from English into Turkish in order to apply for a Turkish work or study permit. However, in 2007 and 2008 there have been more jobs requiring the translation of Turkish academic certificates into English for the purpose of applying for a work or study permit for the UK. 27% of TransAction’s Turkish jobs have been for this purpose since the beginning of 2007, nearly 40% of which were for General Medical Council application.
EU candidate country reformed
Turkey became an EU candidate country in 1999, and in line with EU requirements, proceeded to introduce human rights and economic reforms. The penal code was overhauled – the death penalty was abolished and tougher measures were brought in against torture. Changes were also made in the areas of women’s rights and Kurdish culture.
European opposition to membership
Finally, after intense bargaining, EU membership talks were launched in October 2005. However, in spite of Turkey now having Europe’s sixth largest economy, Europe as a whole is not in favour of its accession into the EU. According to a Eurobarometer public opinion poll taken at the beginning of this year, 59% of Europeans oppose Turkey’s EU membership, and only 28% are in favour.
British support
However, as reflected in TransAction’s increased workload, Britain supports Turkey’s application, and today many large UK businesses have either liaison offices or branch offices in Turkey. Nearly 50% of all English to Turkish translation jobs since January 2006 have been for TransAction’s corporate clients, showing that the UK recognises the importance of creating a business relationship with Turkey.
Turkish documentation required for exports
Levent Yildizgoren, ITI member (Institute of Translating and Interpreting) who has done many Turkish translations for TransAction has noticed an increase in translation jobs since Turkey signed a Customs Union agreement with the EU in 1995:
Since they signed the agreement, all exports to Turkey have had to have Turkish documentation. This applies to all user guides, safety information and similar documents.
However, according to Annemarie Morsch, Project Manager of TransAction Translators, there has also been an increase in Brits getting married in Turkey. “Since 2006 when we began to receive enquiries for Turkish translations, one third of all Turkish jobs have required the translation of a Turkish marriage certificate into English”.
A long process
It is believed that the process of Turkey’s accession into the EU will take at least 10 years despite the significant measures that have been taken since membership talks were launched in 2005. Until then Turkey shall continue to strive to win the support of its fellow Europeans. TransAction certainly expects to see a further increase in Turkish translation jobs as Turkey’s EU accession draws closer, and as the country’s economy continues to grow.
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Tuesday 16 December 2008
TransAction Translators’ Search for Cephalonia’s Mystery Bride and Groom
TransAction Translators of Sheffield are used to dealing with translation enquiries from all over the world, and complete many translations for weddings abroad, or of marriage certificates issued in other countries on the bride and groom’s return. However, last week they received a somewhat unusual request from a couple in Norway who went to Greece on holiday earlier this year.
Yorkshire couple in Cephalonia
Nils and Kaia Mortensen who live just outside of Oslo have been travelling to Greece annually for the last 30 years. Last September 24th, whilst travelling around the island of Cephalonia they met Ronnie and Sarah, a young English couple from Yorkshire. They met at lunchtime in a restaurant on the peninsula north-west of the island’s capital Argostoli, near the old lighthouse.
Photographs
Ronnie and Sarah had got married that same day, and as they were alone and without a camera Nils and Kaia kindly offered to take some photographs for them. They spent about an hour in the same restaurant where there were no other guests. Before they said goodbye, Kaia took Ronnie and Sarah’s contact details and put them in her purse for safe keeping, so that on their return home they could send them the pictures, the only ones of their wedding day.
Contact details lost
However, in Athens on Nils and Kaia’s journey home, Kaia’s purse was stolen. In the meantime, they have tried contacting people in Cephalonia, such as the registry office and nearby hotels, to see if anyone could give them any further information about the couple’s location, but to no avail. Nils approached TransAction Translators as he thought they may have contacts with the General Register Office in the UK, due to the number of translations for marriages abroad that the company carry out.
We really hope somebody can help us with their full names and addresses so we can mail all the pictures.
Wedding party in Leeds
As far as Nils and Kaia remember, Ronnie and Sarah were from somewhere not too far from Leeds. They were due to travel back to the UK the following day, and were planning to have a big party to celebrate their wedding on their return.
Wedding pictures will mean a lot to the Yorkshire couple
Nils and Kaia are very anxious that Ronnie and Sarah receive the photographs of their special day: “We really hope somebody can help us as we think that some pictures will mean a lot to them”. Anyone with any information about Ronnie and Sarah should please contact Emma at TransAction Translators.
See follow-up story for further information
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Monday 24 November 2008
Sheffield University works to improve older people’s lives worldwide
with a little help from TransAction Translators
Sheffield’s oldest translation company TransAction Translators has played an important part in an exciting project launched by the Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing (SISA) at the University of Sheffield. The ‘EASY-Care’ system is a care assessment tool which aims to improve the health and care of the elderly.
Translation into 20 Languages
Although it has been in constant development since 1990, new research and funding has enabled the internationalisation of the project with the help of the team of translators at TransAction. Last month they translated the 2008 version of the ‘EASY-Care’ instruments into 20 different languages, including Hindi, Swedish, Malay and Russian.
Developed 1990-1994
The ‘EASY-Care’ system was originally developed between 1990 and 1994 as a World Health Organisation project, and formed part of the European Commission Research and Development programme. As well as receiving funding from the European Commission and the university, a large amount of money was given by the research-based pharmaceutical company Pfizer Ltd. Over £1 million has been received from various external sources since the research project began.
International Leader
Professor Ian Philp from SISA has played a key role in the development of the assessment tool, and at the beginning of this month received a CBE in honour of his work with older people. As the National Director for Older People in the Department of Health, he believes that the UK is an international leader in this field. From the previous work they have done he has found that the ‘EASY-Care’ tool has a universal use. “It has been the basis of health and social care standards for the elderly in Moscow and Portugal, as well as being widely used throughout the world”, Professor Philp told us.
Used by 1 million in UK in 2007
On a national scale, the ‘EASY-Care’ standard is currently in practice throughout the country, in fact last year it was used by approximately 1 million older people in the UK. The target service users are older people who are still living in their own homes, with the main objective being to identify the problems at an early stage, hence improving the quality of care for the elderly and reducing future costs for the NHS.
Positive Feedback
Maryline Tergella, director of TransAction Translators spoke on behalf of everyone at the company when she expressed her enthusiasm for the 20-language job:
We were very happy to be involved in such an important project, and hope that the work we have done will be well received throughout the world. So far we have had very positive comments from Professor Philp, and we hope that feedback from other countries will contribute to the on-going development of the ‘EASY-Care’ assessment tool.
The success of the partnership was also highlighted by Professor Philp himself, who told us that he found TransAction to be “very professional” in the way that they handled the job. He was also impressed with some of the queries and comments that they made regarding the language in the ‘EASY-Care’ standard, which led them to make changes to the English original.
Looking to the future
With all that has been achieved so far, SISA still anticipate further global development. For example, with the translation of the ‘EASY-Care’ standard into Hindi they hope to generate interest in India. Who knows what language TransAction will be translating the ‘EASY-Care’ tool into this time next year …
Further details about the ‘EASY-Care’ project can be found on the SISA website: www.shef.ac.uk/sisa
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Monday 13 October 2008
Sheffield’s oldest translation company clock up their 20,000th job on their 25th birthday
Sheffield’s oldest translation company, TransAction Translators are currently celebrating the completion of their 20,000th job – an impressive achievement for a company which have negotiated the economic peaks and troughs of the last 25 years.
This latest assignment was for TSGE, a European regulatory consulting company providing scientific and registration services to chemical and associated industries. The job itself was to translate company documents from their Spanish office. However, the fact that TSGE has consistently used TransAction since their inception in 2000 may reveal the secret to TransAction's success. Julie Wickenden, Admin Assistant at TSG Europe comments: -
I can’t remember what initially led us to using TransAction, but we have never had a need to look elsewhere as we have been so happy with the service they provide us with. At the heart of our satisfaction is the transparency of the company, we can always speak to our account manager and are given accurate up to date information on how the job is progressing. We are proud to be their 20,000th job – keep up the good work TransAction!
After starting out from humble origins in 1983, TransAction have become the translation agency of choice for a number of Sheffield big hitters with export success – for example Gripple – award-winning language users themselves - and internationally renowned Swann Morton. Beginning as a co-operative, operating with one telephone from an office below a magnet factory on Mary Street, TransAction now employ a team of 6 from their base at the Redlands Business Centre in Broomhill.
Throughout the years TransAction have had to adapt quickly to the demands of businesses and individuals throughout the UK and abroad in order to ensure their ongoing success. They were quick to adopt new and emerging technology, enabling them to respond more efficiently to clients' language needs. In addition to carrying out large corporate projects, the translation agency also attracts a significant number of private customers needing their personal documents translated officially for a number of reasons. Maryline Tergella, Founder Member and current Project Manager comments on the development of the agency: -
As one of the first Sheffield translation agencies we are proud that we have stood the test of time and remain a key player in the City’s Business Sector. TransAction was founded on building strong relationships and this is still true today, it would seem that a number of Sheffield’s largest companies recognise the value of 'buying local' to operate internationally.
TransAction Translators are a longstanding member of the Association of Translation Companies, the highly regarded UK industry body which requires strict adherence to professional guidelines and quality standards.
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Wednesday 4 January 2006
TransAction help improve school attendance levels
Doncaster Council is using TransAction Translators to step up their fight against absences from school.
TransAction were drafted in to translate an Enforcement Procedure leaflet which clearly outlines the School Attendance Management System, a thirteen week process which pools the resources of the School and the Welfare System to support parents in getting their children to attend school.
Mark Hodson, Doncaster Council’s Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Children’s Services explains why multi-lingual variations of the leaflet were essential to continue the success of the initiative: -
The reason Doncaster’s record in tackling poor school attendance has been so successful is due to our clear communication with parents. The expectations on pupils and parents are transparent, as is the support offered by the school and the welfare system. The lack of multi-lingual variations limited the success of the project and it was essential that we catered for the significant number of parents within Doncaster who do not speak English.
TransAction worked with Doncaster LEA to produce versions of the Enforcement Leaflet into Polish, Russian, Slovak, Latvian and Lithuanian.
Levels of absence from school in Doncaster have significantly reduced since the Council launched their School Attendance Management System in 2000.
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Thursday 17 November 2005
Bibib’s pen is mightier
The creative mind of Birmingham inventor, Peter Mayne, has developed a revolutionary new take on the promotional pen. The Bibib pen is ripe for promotional exploitation by thousands of organisations looking for a novel way to display their branding to maximum effect. Now the potential audience stretches around the world thanks to the assistance of Sheffield translation agency, TransAction Translators.
The Bibib pen incorporates an innovative ball in the end of the pen. The spherical dimensions of this feature lend themselves particularly well to a wide range of branding opportunities, most notably by sporting organisations wanting to use the device as the “ball” which they are closely associated with. Even though the pen has only just been launched, the interest in the product is very high, with sales enquiries coming from some of the largest sporting manufacturers across the globe.
Bibib identified the global opportunities available to them very early on and included an international dimension to their marketing plans from the offset. Managing Director and Inventor Peter Mayne explains: -
We are aware that we have a window of opportunity with our product to make maximum impact, before similar products flood onto the market. As such, it made great sense for us to embrace the international trade opportunities available to us through the internet.
Bibib used TransAction Translators to develop 5 language permutations to their website, which was launched earlier this week. The agency worked with Bibib to ensure the unique promotional features of the product were well conveyed. A selection of visual creative suggestions gives website visitors a clear indication of the potential of the pen as a branding vehicle.
The site can be viewed at www.bibib.com
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Monday 31 October 2005
TransAction help Porta-ski slalom to success
A Barnsley based company are set to capitalise on the increasing popularity of winter skiing holidays, with the assistance of TransAction Translators and Sheffield design agency G Design and Advertising Ltd. The Porta-ski is a new pocket sized device, which minimises the effort of carrying skis to and from the slopes. Launched earlier this year, the Porta-ski has been received very positively from skiers as it reduces the problems associated with transporting skis.
As a small and new company it was important for Porta-ski to be marketed in a cost effective way. They worked with GDA Sheffield to develop a clear identity for the product, producing a simple website together with supportive product literature. In order to keep costs low and to maximise the reach of the sales literature they used TransAction Translators to produce a three-language version of the literature. Jonathan Gibb, Managing Director at GDA Sheffield comments on the benefits of this approach: -
As a unique and new product it was important that we introduced the benefits of the Porta-ski to as wide an audience as possible, for minimum spend. We worked with Porta-ski’s Managing Director, the inventor of the product, to advise him on the best ways of reducing costs. Have a tri-lingual function to the leaflet meant that we could have a larger print run and the potential reach of the leaflet was enormous.
TransAction delivered the project very smoothly, with minimum delay. This was essential as the leaflets were needed for a large trade show and the design needed to be completed in order to meet our deadline.
Following the success of the trade show and ongoing marketing initiatives, the Porta-ski is quickly gaining recognition as the best means of transporting cumbersome skis. The product is very light and can easily fit in a pocket or backpack when not in use, so is suitable for skiers of all sizes.
Winter Sports are in the ascendancy and are increasingly enjoyed by skiers from all backgrounds. Further growth is predicted for the sector as airlines and holiday companies continue to offer very affordable winter breaks. The ski-accessory market has also grown 10 fold over recent years, therefore Porta-ski are placed exceptionally well to capitalise on this boom period.
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Monday 17 October 2005
Sissons have TransAction at their disposal
One of the largest names in industrial kitchen and bathroom equipment, W & G Sissons are continuing their European success with a recent marketing initiative targeting a major French Distributor. This marketing assault saw the Chesterfield based company provide a key French distributor with sales literature to pass on to their customers. To make sure all the features were well communicated, Sissons relied on the specialist expertise of TransAction Translators.
W & G Sissons are renowned throughout the world for their specialist product range and currently export approximately 20% of their range overseas through a network of large distributors. Although they often capitalise from the support of these large groups, this particular initiative targeted a niche sector and as such required a specialist approach. TransAction Translators were called in to provide a French version of the key product benefits of the Commercial Food Waste Disposer range, ensuring the technical language was accurately translated in order to effectively communicate the benefits.
The Commercial Food Waste Disposer sector is currently going through a boom period as restaurants and other industrial kitchens begin to realise the impact effective waste disposal can have on reducing conventional waste. Head of Marketing, Paul Markwell comments: -
Although legislation currently remains relatively neutral, there seems to be a shift in recognising the benefits of waste disposal units as an environmentally sound method of reducing waste output. An effective waste disposal unit grinds foods into the smallest particles, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and actually actively assisting the decomposition of waste within the sewerage system. For this reason local authorities and councils are beginning to see that large scale adoption of waste disposal systems could have far reaching benefits for reducing the costs associated with waste disposal.
TransAction Translators provided us with an extremely professional service. The execution of the project was very smooth and we received the translated document back within days.
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Monday 3 October 2005
Hepworth plumb new heights with the support of TransAction
TransAction Translators have recently provided support to the UK’s market leader in push-fit flexible plumbing systems, Hepworth Plumbing Products, as they ran a training programme designed to build on their success in the Spanish market. TransAction translated the presentation, necessary to assist Regional Managers in understanding the unique benefits offered by the Hepworth range. This information was then cascaded down to wholesalers and plumbers, so they could install and recommend the Hepworth range with confidence.
Spain represents one of the biggest growth markets for flexible plumbing in Europe. With the phenomenal growth in building leading to the construction of 500,000 homes per year in Spain, Hepworth are keen to reinforce their status as a world market leader. Although Hepworth have a strong international perspective, with several members of Senior Management being fluent in a number of languages, there were still benefits in outsourcing this crucial project to TransAction. Diane Pawlett, Business Development Director for Southern Europe, at Hepworth comments: -
With so many exciting developments for Hepworth in markets around the world, our team is extremely busy trying to satisfy the demand for our products. It is good to be able to outsource key projects to TransAction, confident that they will deliver a high standard of work. With this particular job we were very impressed that the presentation came back to us with precisely the same format and layout we had prepared, minimising the further work that we needed to carry out prior to our trip.
Representatives came from all over Spain to attend the presentation, including the Canaries and Balearics, which has been hailed a great success.
This initiative highlights the innovative marketing which has contributed to the ongoing success of the South Yorkshire based plumbing company. Trading for over twenty years, Hepworth have developed a portfolio of evolving products which have been developed in direct response to plumbers’ requests for workable solutions.
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Monday 12 September 2005
Mexican distributor picks up the Slack
A specialist distributor of engineering parts has clocked up another successful international contract with support from TransAction Translators. John Bruce (UK) Ltd have made a significant breakthrough in the South American market with their newest partnership, established with a prominent Mexican National Distributor.
John Bruce (UK) Ltd distributes a specialist automotive part, the MEI Automatic Slack Adjuster, suitable for Commercial Vehicles. Trading since 1999 they have developed strong international links with over 50 countries but have had a reliance on their commercial partners speaking English. With this latest approach John Bruce used the services of TransAction to translate correspondence between themselves and the Mexican organisation over a period of weeks. Sales Director Andy Dawson, comments: -
Time is of the essence throughout the negotiation period with any prospective partner. This can be a real problem when dealing with companies which do not speak English – but TransAction were invaluable in turning around our documents in as little as two hours. We were very impressed with both the efficiency of TransAction’s work, and their accuracy, particularly as our subject is highly technical.”
TransAction are familiar with John Bruce’s product range, so were able to ensure all technical jargon was translated correctly.
The MEI Automatic Slack Adjuster is made by Madras Engineering Industries Ltd, a partner of John Bruce (UK) Ltd. Comprehensive stocks are held in third party warehousing in Sheffield, from where all orders are despatched. With their first Mexican order recently fulfilled, John Bruce are hoping to build on this success by targeting suitable organisations in Brazil.
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Friday 29 July 2005
YBS Insulation go down a Storm in Europe
A regional partnership of agencies has contributed to the recent European success of specialist insulation company YBS Insulation. Working with Sheffield-based TransAction Translators and Storm Studios in Chesterfield, YBS delivered a highly effective marketing campaign, resulting in a wealth of new orders flooding in from Europe.
Cresswell-based YBS are hoping to capitalise on their strong reputation by attending an industry specific exhibition, Batimat. Armed with literature designed by Storm and translated by TransAction, they know their products are likely to be very well received by the building specialists attending.
Carl Harrison has been working on the YBS account for some time and is pleased to support them through their European foray. He comments: -
The quality of the YBS campaign to break into the European market has been excellent, qualified by the amount of building projects their products are already used within. What is also great, from a regional perspective, is that they have invested in their locality. By using the services of agencies within the immediate area for both the translation and the design, they have proved that you don’t have to venture to Manchester or London to put together a highly effective campaign.
A relatively new company, YBS have capitalised on the pressure on building companies to produce houses and new builds that offer improved energy efficiency.
As the creative industries in and around Sheffield continue to blossom, companies in the immediate area can benefit from the wealth of talent available on their doorstep. Organisations should no longer feel they need to look outside of the region in order to work with talented agencies.
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Thursday 14 July 2005
TransAction in the saddle for Gripple’s Norwegian success
As Gripple’s success continues unabated across the world, TransAction are being put to task in order to tailor their sales literature to the myriad of languages of the countries they now operate in. One of TransAction’s most recent projects was the translation of a press release on the installation of the Gripple Fencing System in rural stables in Norway. This release was covered by a number of trade titles in Norway, furthering the promotion of Gripple’s unique product range.
Horse lover, Elaine Tjensvoll installed 200 metres of fencing using the Gripple fencing system to keep her horses from straying. Elaine preferred the Gripple system to others, as it was exceptionally strong and secure, but also because it does not distract from the beauty of the surrounding countryside, as other products on the market do.
As he has family in Norway, Daniel Collis, Project Manager at TransAction regularly visits the Norwegian countryside. He comments: -
Norway is an absolutely stunning place and anything that can preserve the beauty of the countryside should be applauded. As an organisation involved with facilitating international trade links it has been wonderful to work alongside a dynamic company like Gripple. They have embraced every opportunity to trade with countries around the world and continue to go from strength to strength. We are pleased to be involved with an organisation which has such an international perspective.
TransAction now have a dedicated team of freelance translators that work on the Gripple account.
Gripple, based in the Old West Gun Works on Saville Street in Sheffield sells its range of products which join, tension, terminate and suspend wire and wire ropes to more than 60 countries.
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Monday 4 July 2005
Turkish Businesses put Sheffield First
Turkish businesses are being urged to set up manufacturing, R&D or distribution links with Sheffield as part of a campaign by Sheffield First for Investment (SF4I). In light of Turkey’s status as an ‘EU accession state’, several Turkish companies are now considering the benefits of having a presence in the UK. Organised by UK Trade and Investment, a recent Road Show in Turkey saw a team from SF4I present a compelling case for Sheffield, all prepared in Turkish with the support of Sheffield translation agency, TransAction Translators.
SF4I were invited to the event following the recent move of Turkish Refrigeration specialists, Coldco, to invest in the city. This demonstrated the great potential for collaboration between Turkish organisations and Sheffield. As Nick Smillie from Sheffield comments:-
The Roadshow was a great success for Sheffield First for Investment. Two firm enquiries were generated, with several other companies expressing interest in Sheffield as a business location. The event targeted 3 of Turkey’s biggest cities, Istanbul, Izmit and Ankara and focused on the advanced manufacturing and creative and digital industries, both of which are target sectors for the investment agency.
In order to make the information we were presenting easily understandable to the attendees we used TransAction Translators to produce handouts in Turkish, which were very well received
Along with China, India and Israel, Turkey has been identified as a key emerging economy with considerable inward investment potential for the future. SF4I have been involved with the Turkey-UK inward investment programme for almost two years and, with a follow up trip planned for 2005, the campaign is proving extremely successful.
With considerable experience of supporting international companies in setting up operations within Yorkshire, TransAction Translators were the perfect agency to assist SF4I.
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Tuesday 28 June 2005
Things hotting up for Arctic Medical
A range of cosmetic products developed specifically for Diabetics is now being marketed in the UK, thanks to the efforts of Arctic Medical. Specialists in the diabetic field, Arctic Medical supply a number of products to the UK diabetic population, sourcing them from around the world and providing the best products to meet their customers’ needs. This cosmetic range, Hypogeen, was prepared for the UK market with the assistance of TransAction Translators, who translated the information on the labels from Dutch and German into English.
There are a number of complaints typically associated with Diabetes. This cosmetic range aims to address the common problems associated with the build up of dry skin especially on the feet. This can lead to complications once the skin cracks, when it could become infected or ulcerated. The Award Winning Hypogeen range was created specifically to address this problem and has superior moisturising properties to prevent skin cracking on the soles of the feet. Hand and face cream are also part of this cosmetic range.
Translating medical terminology can be complicated, but as TransAction Translators use a very large bank of freelancers they were able to place the assignment with a suitable linguist with both proficiency in the language combinations involved and extensive knowledge of the relevant cosmetics/medical fields. Project Manager, Maryline Tergella, comments on the importance of ensuring projects of this nature are carried out accurately: -
With labelling, it is essential that all the information is displayed correctly. The ramifications of omitting any of the ingredients or incorrectly translating the text can be as serious as having to withdraw the product from market. As with all assignments, we work to prevent this by cross checking the original and translated document with the client and translator, and, where necessary, having the completed project double checked by an external specialist.
The meticulous nature of TransAction’s work did not go unnoticed by the client. Managing Director of Arctic Medical, John Hardie says: ”The whole project went smoothly and I felt confident that TransAction delivered an accurate translation. I shall definitely be using their services again when a similar project arises.”
The Hypogeen range can be viewed at www.arcticmedical.co.uk
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Monday 13 June 2005
Lloyds Pharmacy prescribe TransAction
The UK’s largest community pharmacy operator, Lloyds Pharmacy have made the most of the new opportunities presented by the extended EU by recruiting highly qualified Pharmacists from Poland. Part of a regular recruitment drive, Lloyds have been using TransAction Translators to undertake the document translation necessary for the new employees to begin working in the UK.
A increase of UK pharmacists who prefer to work on a freelance basis has led to Lloyds looking to other areas to find full time staff of a high enough calibre to meet their requirements. Mark Pritchard, Pharmacist Resourcing Officer at Lloyds Pharmacy explains why they chose to recruit directly from Poland: -
A high proportion of the pharmaceutical population in the UK choose to operate as Locums. Although this presents notable benefits to them as individuals, as a chain it makes more sense to have full-time members of staff. The qualifications for Pharmacists in Poland are of an equal standard to those in the UK, and our new recruits have exemplary English so can easily be integrated with the Lloyds team.
Lloyds interview candidates in Poland and, once recruited, provide flights and accommodation to help their transition into a new country.
This new recruitment scheme highlights the benefits of the extended EU for UK companies. As Maryline Tergella, Project Manager at TransAction comments:
“The EU are now providing organisations with a greater resource of skilled workers. Where companies cannot recruit the staff they need from the UK it is good to be able to draw on the skills of our European counterparts, and allows companies like Lloyds to offer their customers the best service available”.
Lloyds are looking to run a similar recruitment drive in the future and are set to use TransAction for any translation work associated with the project.
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Monday 23 May 2005
Building success the TransAction way
UK construction fixings specialists, Ancon Building Products are currently preparing a range of products for the French market. In order to get approval by the French Certification Authority, they had to translate their existing Quality Assurance documents for their range of reinforcing bar couplers into French urgently, and turned to their trusted agency, TransAction Translators to get the job completed accurately on time.
Ancon employ over 300 employees and still hold their headquarters in Sheffield. With a strong worldwide presence, Ancon have used TransAction to communicate to their customers throughout the globe. Hervé Poveda, Divisional Manager at Ancon, explains why TransAction inspire such confidence: -
We have used TransAction several times before and know they can be relied upon to produce quality work within our deadlines. It is not easy to find translators able to work accurately with technical subjects such as ours, and we knew that TransAction would perform well. In this instance we had only 6 weeks to produce 20 complicated documents, but we knew that TransAction were familiar with our subject matter and would not let us down.
The range of reinforcing bar couplers is now at the rigorous testing stage and should be launched to the French market in September.
TransAction Translators were originally established to serve the Steel industry within Sheffield. As the industry floundered TransAction diversified into other sectors and now have a huge bank of freelancers with vast experience across numerous industry fields.
As Maryline Tergella from TransAction says: “it is always nice to return to our roots and help a strong Sheffield company reach out to new markets.”
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Tuesday 25 January 2005
Environmental company enjoy Titan-ic growth.
Titan Plastech, manufacturer of Environmental Containers, enjoyed a successful year in Europe last year, thanks in part to the support of PJA Marketing and TransAction Translators Ltd. The Rotherham-based division chose to update their European literature, producing their sales brochure in multiple languages and changing the format to a CD ROM. They used PJA Marketing in Sheffield to manage this project and TransAction to undertake the translation work.
Environmental products have seen a massive growth period over the last few years, with the UK leading the way in good recycling practice. As Bryan Sorrell from Titan Plastech explains, demand is also rising across Europe: -
We have been trading in Europe for several years now but in order to maximise the spread of our products, and as our European sales are currently enjoying considerable growth, we felt it was about time that we tailored our literature to the areas we operate in. We have always been dissuaded from producing our brochure in multiple languages because of the cost and logistical drawbacks. This time we have changed the format to a CD Rom, with many language options. This simplifies the re-ordering process and also comes as a welcome relief to our salesmen who had difficulty carrying the brochures with them when visiting overseas.
Titan Plastech also supply garden centres, both in the UK and across Europe.
Where UK exporters have previously produced English only literature, it seems that more and more are now choosing to invest in multi-lingual copies of brochures and leaflets. Maryline Tergella, Project Manager at TransAction Translators explains why this is a good move: -
“In a competitive market, anything you can do to make yourself more accessible to your customers has to be good for business. English speakers have long had the perception that English is a world wide language, it is only in the last ten years that companies have begun to tailor their message to their audience and have gone on to reap the benefits.”
Titan Plastech have plans to introduce their products to further European countries, including the Baltic States and other new EU members.
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Monday 20 December 2004
TransAction provide the Easi-Step to a global market
Another Sheffield company looks set for global success after the support and assistance of TransAction Translators and Chesterfield-based design company, Storm Studios. Easi-Step Global Marketing produce a range of highly effective cleaning products and are at the final preparatory stages of taking this successful product range overseas.
Easi-Step have been promoting the range at UK specialist exhibitions over the last 12 months, but have tailored their supportive literature to overseas visitors by working with TransAction to make this information available in English, Dutch, German and French. This initial work has raised awareness of the product and generated a lot of interest from comparable markets in European countries. With several orders already received from suppliers overseas, Easi-Step products should be widely available in a number of European countries in early 2005.
Easi-step were in the fortunate position to have an existing European Customer base which they inherited from their parent company, specialist carpet and rug cleaners, Franklins Group Services. Working with their trusted design consultants, Storm Studios, has enabled Easi-step to prepare their branding for world-wide recognition with packaging being produced in English, French, Dutch and German. The aptly named Simon France, Creative Director at Storm Studios, explains why they use TransAction Translators for the fulfilment of this project: -
We used TransAction following a very positive recommendation from one of their existing clients and we were not disappointed, the service we received was exemplary. Not only were they quick to respond to our initial request but very efficient in supplying us with our translated documents, despite ever decreasing deadlines!
With Easi-step’s reputation for delivering highly effective cleaning products, interest in the company is spreading further a-field. China, Japan and Russia have all expressed an interest in the range and it is anticipated that the next marketing drive will focus on these areas. Their range of cleaning products includes stain removing wipes and specialist floor cleaning products for both the commercial and retail markets.
TransAction were pleased to work with two successful local companies and hope to be able to support both Easi-step and Storm Studios with future initiatives.
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Wednesday 17 November 2004
Can you dig it?
A recent program initiated by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) has brought together experienced archaeologists from ten European countries. This multi-lingual programme was set up in order to produce a blueprint document; a guide detailing best practice for training archaeologists through coach-mentoring programmes. TransAction Translators were pleased to be able to add their support to this worthwhile project by translating invaluable literature into French, so all project partners could share equally in the initiative and archaeologists across the Francophone world could access its results.
The manual, due to be published next month, is the conclusion of a two-year experimental project which sought to explore the training challenges facing early career archaeologists. The aims of the project were to identify practical solutions and suggest constructive ways forward for training practice. As Kenneth Aitchison, Head of Professional Development at the IFA explains, coach-mentoring seemed to be the most practical solution to the training problem: -
Our conclusion is based on the recognition that much professional training is delivered in the field, on an ad-hoc basis. When asked to explain how to carry out complicated excavation procedures, most archaeologists have difficulty putting their experience into words, but can readily demonstrate how to complete the task. The benefits of coach-mentoring are obvious, and as most digs rely on small teams of archaeologists, the most simple and effective way to train entry level team members is to use the coach-mentoring system to its best advantage.
In order for the resulting manual to be put to its best use it was imperative that we also produced versions of the document in languages other than English. With TransAction Translators we were able to produce high quality translations for our European counterparts, thereby creating an essential toolkit of techniques for archaeological bodies across Europe.
This initiative has been part funded by the European Commission’s Leonardo Da Vinci II programme. Over two seasons of fieldwork at Bibracte in France, experienced field-practitioners designed, tested, evaluated and fine-tuned the material which makes up the manual.
Daniel Collis, Project Manager at TransAction Translators, comments on the significance of this project for him:-
“As the son of a Sheffield University Professor, I have been involved in archaeology from an early age and have attended several digs at various locations across Europe. It was great to be involved in the production of this manual, which should help blossoming archaeologists become more skilled more quickly. As professional archaeology is expanding rapidly it is vital that academic associations provide practical templates to support this growth. TransAction Translators are proud to be able to support this worthwhile venture.”
This initiative reaches its conclusion this month.
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Monday 1 November 2004
TransAction step to the beat
TransAction Translators Ltd are funking up their image, practicing their urban beats and sharpening up their multi-lingual rap skills as they complete some work for a Swiss music festival - Wordbeat. The festival is currently in the planning stages and TransAction are helping the organisers bring the project to life by translating summary information from German to English – proving that the Sheffield-based translation agency still have their finger very much on the pulse!
The Wordbeat festival aims to deliver a diverse festival of music to Switzerland. Festival originator, Vinod Gahder, explains where the inspiration for this event came from:-
The German–speaking world has, so far, lacked a festival which puts words at the heart of music, emphasising and cultivating the importance of language as a means of conveying content and lust for life. The absence of such an event is all the more surprising given that modern texts and lyrics have been gaining importance in all the music charts and dance venues, through hip hop in particular.
We hope the festival will attract artists who care about what they are singing about – from Tom Waits to Roots. Once established, with the first Wordbeat festival being held in 2005, we hope it will continue to become an annual festival – one of the stalwarts in the Swiss festival calendar.
This assignment makes a refreshing change for TransAction, who are more used to assisting businesses in international sales and marketing drives. Music specialist and project manager Daniel Collis comments:-
“Having attended a few festivals over the years it was very interesting to work on this project, so I could see how the foundations are formed. This festival certainly sounds like it would be one for the more discerning music lover, a welcome change from the wealth of pop-based festivals dominating the summer months.
Although we work in numerous industry fields this is the first time we have worked on anything of this particular nature. The project ran smoothly, so we now hope to build on this success, becoming expert music industry translators – expect to hear the first single from Trans and the Actions early 2005.”
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Friday 8 October 2004
Higgins benefits from a chip overseas
Family owned potato supply group, Higgins Group, is sustaining a massive sales and marketing drive across Europe and has begun to reap the benefits of a recent trip to France for the “4èmes journées internationales de la pomme de terre.” TransAction Translators is thrilled that the Higgins Group chose the Sheffield based translation agency to partner it throughout its recent overseas activities.
Following the successful completion of a test translation, Higgins used TransAction for several assignments concerned with sales approaches overseas and the translation of press releases for international publications. More recently TransAction assisted Higgins in preparing the literature to support its presence at the “4th International Technical and Commercial Potato Exhibition” held in France at the start of September.
David Higgins, Higgins Group Managing Director, comments on the importance of the exhibition:
The ‘4èmes journées internationales de la pomme de terre’ is an important showcase for the Higgins Group and our French trading company, Pommies, attracting visitors from all across Europe and from as far away as Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
With potato supply becoming an increasingly international business, it is most important to maximise every overseas opportunity. This not only means having a multi-lingual presence at exhibitions such as this, but making available company literature in several different languages. TransAction Translators do very professional job in helping us provide this very necessary service to our overseas clients and prospects.
The Higgins ‘big bag’ trailer on this year’s stand was a major attraction, catching the imagination of many of our visitors, and we were able to renew contact with many of our current and past growers. We came away with some exciting new prospects.
However, the company’s success at the exhibition lies not only with the ‘big bag’ trailer and the Higgins and Pommies representatives who manned the stand, but also with the high standard of the translations of our company literature supplied by TransAction Translators.
The Doncaster based group aims to build on the success of this exhibition by further development of its overseas activity. It is currently preparing to embark on an ambitious marketing drive in a bid to break into the respective potato markets of the new EU member states.
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Tuesday 5 October 2004
A new addition at TransAction.
TransAction Translators have multiplied their numbers with the addition of language graduate Lyn Duffield (23) in the role of Project Manager. This new appointment is a significant development for TransAction, who are now able to serve their clients more effectively and deal with the wealth of new business enquiries keen to exploit the business opportunities available to them overseas.
Lyn recently graduated from Leeds University with a BA in French and Italian. Fluent in both languages and with valuable project management experience, Lyn is keen to maximise her role within TransAction:-
My favourite parts of my BA course were always the translation projects as they enabled me to give my flair for language a practical footing. Working at a friendly agency like TransAction gives me the opportunity to learn about the business inside-out, from both a translators and a project managers point of view.
Yorkshire businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the new business opportunities available overseas, particularly now the number of EU members states has swelled. Fellow Project Manager at TransAction Translators comments:-
“We have been extremely busy at TransAction over the last twelve months and desperately needed someone competent who could help relieve some of the pressure on the other members of staff. Lyn’s CV arrived just at the right time and we couldn’t have asked for a better candidate. She has fitted in very well with the team and we look forward to seeing her grow with the company.”
During her year living in Italy, Lyn studied at the internationally acclaimed School of Translation and Interpretation, developing vital skills for a career in a translation agency. A self confessed fitness fanatic, Lyn enjoys working out in the gym, long distance running and cooking.
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