Why Use a Translation & Content Localisation Agency?
For brands based in the UK, it can be challenging to find the time and resources to optimise your content for new markets and languages. Here are some compelling reasons to lean on a translation agency to support you:
Cultural Accuracy and Relevance
Translation and localisation go beyond simple language conversion; they involve adapting content to fit the cultural context of the target market. Agencies specialise in ensuring that your content resonates culturally, which is essential for effectively engaging local audiences.
Expert Linguistic Skills
These agencies employ expert linguists who are not only native speakers but also have specific industry knowledge. This ensures that translations are accurate, appropriate, and retain the original content’s intended meaning.
Improved Brand Consistency
Maintaining brand consistency across different languages and cultures can be challenging. Localisation agencies help preserve your brand’s voice and identity across all markets, ensuring a cohesive brand experience globally.
Legal and Compliance Assurance
When expanding internationally, businesses must navigate the legal requirements of different territories. Localisation agencies know local regulations and can help ensure that your content complies with local laws and cultural norms.
Competitive Edge
Businesses can compete more successfully in the global market by effectively localising content. Localisation helps position your brand as thoughtful and respectful of local customers’ preferences, which can significantly enhance customer loyalty and trust.
Best Translation & Content Localisation Agencies in the UK
1. Comtec Translations
- Specialises in helping businesses communicate across global markets with services in over 200 languages.
- Known for their fast turnaround times and exceptional customer service.
Industries Served
Marketing, legal, technical, and manufacturing sectors.
Named the “Company of the Year” at the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) Language Industry Awards in 2022.
Clients include
Sponge, World Obesity Federation, Domino, Achilles, Nomad Foods.
Success stories include
- Sponge benefited from a streamlined process, translating content into over 50 language combinations for more than 35 global organisations. This was achieved through end-to-end localisation, efficient project management, strict time scale adherence, high-quality assurance, and effective resource utilisation.
- The World Obesity Federation received translations and content for its international certification program “SCOPE” which is designed for healthcare professionals working in obesity management. This helped to build trust with local market contacts, deliver the right content on time and reduce costs.
“Comtec is committed to excellent service. They’ve got a good team of people; they’re very flexible and approachable, and take the time to work with us in partnership. Working together in this way means that we’re able to deliver the best results to our global clients. “
Louise Pasterfield, Founder & (Former) Managing Director- Sponge
2. Welocalize
- Provides innovative translation and localisation services, integrating technology and linguistic expertise to expand global reach.
- Offers services like website localisation, software localisation, and multilingual marketing.
Notable Achievements
Worked with Fortune 500 companies to enhance their global communication strategies.
Won the prestigious Best Employers in Localization Award (BELA Award) in 2023.
Clients include
Global Pharmaceutical companies, international law firms, multinational tech corporations and more.
Case studies include
- Supporting a global pharmaceutical company with 45,000 words of pharmacovigilance translations delivered daily, enabling the company to manage 39 language combinations with faster turnaround times, increased consistency, and lower costs.
- A leading AM 100 law firm optimised and streamlined its foreign patent filing process, including patent translation and centralised filing coordination. This resulted in a 75% reduction in time, and a 30% reduction in translation spending due to leveraging translation efficiency tools.
“As our relationship continues to flourish, our collaboration stands as a testament to what can be achieved through a dedicated and expert approach to content relevance and moderation at a global scale.”
Welocalize Client (Major technology brand)
3. Talking Heads
- An award-winning agency known for their bespoke service and dedication to quality.
- Expertise in legal, financial, and technical translations.
- UK winner of the Nuffield Trophy for ‘Best Group Entry’ in the DPSI qualification from CIoL (Chartered Institute of Linguists).
Clients include
Boohoo, Hitachi, Ella’s Kitchen and Jaguar Land Rover.
Success stories include
- Boohoo got a fully automated translation solution as they expanded into international markets. They ensured high-quality content that maintained Boohoo’s strong ‘tone of voice’, and managed translation memory to enhance consistency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. As a result, Boohoo saw a 41% growth in European revenue in 2016 and a 29% increase in active customer numbers in 2017.
- Jaguar Land Rover successfully launched their first wholly-owned manufacturing plant outside the UK in Itatiaia, Brazil. They received comprehensive linguistic, cultural, and technical support, including the translation of ‘Train the Trainer’ materials and operational manuals from English to Brazilian Portuguese, as well as the provision of interpreters for a period of time in Liverpool and Brazil.
“We would be happy to recommend Talking Heads to other ecommerce brands.”
Boohoo ecommerce Director
4. Speakt
- Uses a global network of professional translators powered by advanced technology to deliver cost-effective and precise translations.
- Specialises in fast and efficient online translation services.
Services Offered
Document translation, website localisation, and certified translations.
Clients include
Ikea, Starbucks, Toyota, Facebook.
Success stories include
- WWF (The World Wildlife Fund) benefits from Speakt’s translations in its mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
- Toyota works with Speakt to get translations for its various vehicle manuals.
5. Translation Services 24
- Known for their rapid response and 24-hour customer support, they provide accurate and culturally relevant translations.
- Specialises in marketing, legal, and financial translation services.
Global Reach
Supports businesses in over 150 languages, helping them succeed in international markets.
Clients include
Universal Music, Gemini, Osborne Clarke, Azerbaijan Airlines.
Success stories include
- Universal Music uses Translation Services 24 to translate its marketing content into 8 languages, including monthly newsletters, legal documentation, and subtitles for the “Sound Bites” programme.
- Gemini, a New York-based crypto company, uses Translation 24 to expand into new markets, translating website policies, terms and conditions, and other operational manuals into seven languages, while maintaining Gemini’s unique voice and adhering to the technicalities of the crypto industry.
6. The Language Factory
- Delivers top-quality translations with a focus on consumer insights and market research.
- Known for meticulous attention to detail and industry-specific expertise.
Notable achievements include
- Being named as finalists for the ‘PM Team of the Year Award’ at the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) Language Industry Awards in 2023.
- Highly regarded for enhancing market research with accurate multilingual surveys.
Clients include
Organisations that work with the NHS, Marketing agencies, HR teams and Travel and Tourism businesses.
“Have had consistently brilliant service from TLF over the past couple of years – really impressed, and happily recommend you to other NHS colleagues for great translation services at great value.”
Georgie Agass – Head of Communications and Engagement, North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust.
7. Wolfestone
- Offers a comprehensive suite of translation and localisation services tailored to meet the needs of businesses going global.
- Specialises in multimedia and e-learning translations, providing voiceover and subtitling services.
- Recognised for helping clients improve international user engagement.
Clients include
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, The British Transport Police, Zscaler, Neuconnect.
Received awards such as the Female-Led Growth Award at the Wales Fast Growth 50 Awards in 2023, as well as the SME Business Elite Awards in 2023.
Success stories include
- The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Wales benefited from quick turnaround, accuracy, style, affordability, and local insight into Welsh translation needs. Since working with Wolfestone, RPS has experienced outstanding translation quality and speed, excellent customer service, and preferential discounts, leading to a sustained and satisfying working relationship.
- The British Transport Police have experienced a more streamlined approach to their Welsh language needs, improved promotion of the Welsh language among their stakeholders, and excellent customer service.
“With Wolfestone, it is more than simply a client/provider relationship. We truly regard them as a partner, an extension of our team.”
Isabella Muma, Marketing Content and Localisation Specialist EMEA, Zscaler.
8. PA Localisation
- Provides professional translation and localisation services designed to help businesses grow and communicate effectively in global markets.
- Expertise in technical and medical translations.
Key Offerings
Document translation, website localisation, and multilingual SEO.
Client sectors include
Legal, Medical, Life Sciences and Manufacturing.
9. Locate Translate
- A dynamic agency focused on delivering precise and culturally nuanced translations for various industry sectors.
- Offers bespoke localisation strategies that elevate brand visibility and market penetration.
- Uses state-of-the-art translation software to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Services include
Translation, moderation, and interpretation, localisation of apps and websites, transcription and subtitling, and certified translations.
10. Translated
- A global leader in the translation industry, offering services in over 170 languages with a network of over 200,000 professional translators.
- Combines human expertise with artificial intelligence to provide efficient and scalable translation solutions.
- Use AI to support and improve human translation processes.
Clients include
Google, IBM, United Colors of Benetton, AirBnb, Expedia.
Success stories include
- Google has used Translated’s services for a volume of more than 320 million words in 590 language combinations since 2007. Translated also created a custom built AI system for the classification of 700K keywords for various industries, and provided an integration of their professional translation services within Google Translate, Youtube and Playstore.
- IBM has worked with Translated to localise highly-specialised software manuals, software content strings, technical documentation, as well as marketing, web and legal contents, for a volume of more than 16 million words.
“Translated helped Airbnb develop a new translation workflow, maximising quality, control and cost efficiencies.”
Salvo Giammarresi, Airbnb.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Translation and Content Localisation Agency
Selecting the right agency will help you achieve effective communication in your target markets. Consider these key factors when choosing a translation and content localisation agency:
1. Industry Expertise
Choose an agency with proven experience in your specific industry. Different sectors have unique terminologies and regulatory requirements, and agencies with specific sector knowledge can provide more accurate and relevant translations.
2. Range of Services
Evaluate the range of services offered. Some agencies might only offer translation, while others provide comprehensive localisation services, including multimedia localisation, SEO, and software localisation. Ensure the agency can meet all your needs, or can introduce you to trusted third parties.
3. Technological Capabilities
Check if the agency uses the latest technology, such as translation memory tools and terminology management systems. These technologies improve accuracy and consistency and reduce turnaround times and costs.
4. Quality Control Processes
Inquire about the agency’s quality assurance processes. A reputable agency should have rigorous quality control measures in place to ensure high-quality outputs. This might include multiple rounds of proofreading and editing by native speakers.
5. Client Testimonials and Case Studies
Look for client reviews, testimonials, and case studies. These can provide insights into the agency’s reliability, customer service, and the effectiveness of their translation and localisation efforts.
6. Linguist Qualifications
Ensure that the agency’s linguists are qualified. They should be native speakers of the target language, ideally with certifications in translation and additional qualifications related to your industry.
How Much Do Translation and Content Localisation Agencies Cost?
The cost of translation and content localisation services can vary widely depending on several factors:
1. Complexity of the Content
Technical or specialised content often requires translators with specific expertise, which can increase costs. Simpler content might be less expensive to translate.
2. Language Pair
Some language pairs are more common and therefore less expensive due to a higher availability of qualified translators. Rare language pairs might incur higher costs.
3. Volume and Frequency
Many agencies offer discounts for large volumes of work or long-term contracts. The more content you need translated or localised, the better the rates you can negotiate.
4. Additional Services
Costs can increase if additional services such as desktop publishing, SEO localisation, or software testing are required.
5. Urgency
Expedited services or projects with tight deadlines may attract premium charges.
Typically, translation services in the UK can range from £0.08 to £0.16 per word for standard translations. More comprehensive localisation services, including additional testing and adaptation, can cost significantly more and are often quoted on a project-by-project basis.
By understanding these costs and budgeting accordingly, businesses can effectively plan their international expansion strategies without encountering unexpected expenses.