Translation Services Written by Geoffrey Bowden, Association of Translation Services
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Communicating effectively post-Brexit Geoffrey Bowden, general secretary for the Association of Translation Services, discusses Article 50; a double edged sword for the UK language industry With our exit from the EU officially set in motion, the UK language industry, like many other sectors, faces a prolonged period of uncertainty as the terms of that exit are negotiated. While negotiations take place, the opportunities afforded to the sector by current exchange rates, in both supporting the growth of UK exporters and therefore expanding their international reach, are being maximised by many Language Service Providers (LSPs). Their services are now looking very competitive for purchasers based outside the UK. However, we must proceed with caution and not lose perspective. The longer-term threats to our economy and the language industry remain very real, and are something, which we, as an industry and the government, need to address as a matter of urgency. The most pressing issue for an industry, which relies heavily on mother-tongue linguists, is the status of EU nationals living and working in the UK – some for many years. Regardless of the many reassurances made by various members of the UK’s negotiating team that this matter will be top of the agenda, no guarantees are being offered. This uncertainty is causing great anxiety among the language community, who are feeling that they are being used as human bargaining chips. A number I have spoken to are worried that, even if they are granted ‘leave to remain’, the Home Office will make the bureaucracy incredibly burdensome and exploit the opportunity to introduce exorbitant charges. Such is the uncertainty, some have told me that they are putting plans to buy homes on hold and delaying decisions about their children’s education. Away from the personal impact of Brexit on individuals working in the language sector, the drivers of UK plc do seem to be confounding the gloomy forecasts made ahead of the referendum. The latest figures from the Office
of National Statistics indicates an increase in GDP by 0.7 per cent in the final quarter of 2016, and predicts a two per cent rise in GDP this year. In the short-term at least, there is cause for optimism in our sector. Indeed, as
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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.3
sterling remains weak against other currencies, UK exporters are taking advantage and sales are increasing, which is good for a service industry such as our own. The imperative for UK manufacturers to find new global markets and trade partners ahead of our EU exit, means that now, more than ever, is the time for them to start investing in professional language services. COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY Regardless of the size of an organisation, accurate translations, in which all colloquialisms and cultural references are spot on, add great value to a business. Every piece of research shows that by communicating effectively in the language of an export target market, companies can expand opportunities to build relationships and sell their products and services globally, both on and offline. However, exporters should be wary of taking shortcuts or trying to save money by using non-professionals to create their translations. So often this can lead to comical outcomes. This may raise a smile, but a more likely outcome is damage to a company’s credibility and reputation. It is only