Hi everyone,

I joined Web-Translations as a Project Coordinator in April 2013. I am a recent graduate of languages and translation, and was looking for a career either within the translation field or within administration/project management, in particular with an international outlook. It was for that reason that I applied for the position as it matched perfectly with my aspirations, as well as with my skills and qualifications.

Originally from the East Riding of Yorkshire, I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2011 with an MA in Applied Translation Studies, having received a BA Hons (2:1) in French and German from the University of Hull in 2011. I also hold a Certificate of Higher Education in English Language and Linguistics from the University of Leeds and 4 A-Levels. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in the University of Hull’s Year Abroad programme, living in Osnabrück, Germany and Lyon, France. In addition to improving my linguistic competence, it also greatly improved my self-confidence and enhanced my cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Prior to joining the team, I had been working as a freelance translator, translating most text types, including but not limited to: legal, business, technical and administrative texts. I also worked in retail for nearly 8 years, during which time I rose to a supervisory role. This allowed me the opportunity to deal with both customers and clients, to resolve their enquiries and to fulfil their requests, all of which taught me how to adapt my conduct to suit the situation.

I was delighted to be accepted onto the University of Leeds’s Applied Translation Studies course, one of the most prestigious Master’s courses in translation and one which provides training on a vast number of CAT tools as well as training in localisation. During my postgraduate studies, I gained significant experience working within various multicultural teams and took on the responsibility of being the project manager for one of the assessments. In this role, I was responsible for the successful completion of a multilingual translation project involving seven translators. I was also able to pursue my interest in business by attending the Managing Business across Cultures module, through which I learned about business etiquette across cultures, the use of culture in advertising, business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.

The MA was the prefect training ground for my role here at the company, and I look forward to working with my fellow team members and hope to continue developing my skill set during my future career at Web-Translations.

We are looking forward to moving into our new office later this month. We won’t have far to go – only across the square from number 20 to number 16! If you find yourself in central Leeds, feel free to stop by and say hello.

At Web-Translations our translators are our partners and most valued asset. With their help we make every effort to provide our clients the highest quality service.

Each year we acknowledge 20 of the finest and brightest of translators from around the world with our “Most Valuable Translator” award. These exceptional translators come from a wide range of backgrounds and actively share their high-quality, real-world expertise with Web-Translations. With the MVT Award, we thank these inspiring individuals for the powerful and independent translations they give us, and for helping us provide the quality service that our customers have come to know us for.

2012 has been a hugely exciting year for Web-Translations. We’ve continued to deliver global web solutions for a vast range of businesses, all while growing our team’s linguistic, commercial and technological expertise.

In February, we welcomed the newest Web-Translations baby. The delightful Abigail was well worth the wait, arriving 17 days late weighing  8lbs 7oz, and her immensely proud Mommy Jenn has recently returned to work following her maternity leave. Welcome back, Jenn – we’ve missed you!

Dominic McGrath joined the team as Project Coordinator in October 2011. His excellent customer service and drive to deliver high-quality projects proved him to be a great team leader, and he took on Project Manager responsibilities in April of this year.

Our September recruitment drive saw us welcome to the team a New Business Consultant in the form of Joe Hamilton, who has already contributed to our expanding portfolio of projects. The strategic growth of Web-Translations resulted in the introduction of an e-Marketing team headed up by e-Marketing Project Manager Rehan Sajid, who brings a wealth of SEO and commercial experience. He is joined by a new e-Marketing Project Co-ordinator, the talented Adam Knott, who certainly proved his worth during his internship.

In October, Beatrice Martinelli became a Project Coordinator, after working as an intern during the summer months.

Our Managing Director, Daniel Rajkumar, slipped in a trip to Mauritius before Christmas. It wasn’t just for palm trees and cocktails, mind – whilst there, he secured a promising new partnership; we welcome Lux Island Resorts to our client base, and can’t wait to get to work on their exciting project.

We are looking forward to a sunny international 2013, and would like to wish everyone a fantastic year ahead, full of growth, opportunity, and – most importantly – success!

What’s to come in 2013?…

• Further commitment to our Spanish office: we’ve worked together for 1 year with our Spanish partner Ignacio, and plan to build on the success we’ve shared so far.

• Focus on international e-commerce: we’re helping an increasing number of ecommerce businesses to exploit international export opportunities.

• Measured success: we’re improving reporting to all SEO clients so that they can see how we hold ourselves accountable for their international success.

Photo: Shimelle Laine

To commemorate the incredible year of 2012, Web-Translations are offering 10% off website localisation packages until the end of January.

A stunning year of international celebration and sport, including the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, and the Diamond Jubilee, have transformed Britain’s global reputation and opened new opportunities for international dialogues, business and co-operation.

 
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Still not finished your Christmas shopping? We’re here to help! Skip the icy high street with its mad crowds, and shop online this year – great selection from around the world, at your fingertips! Here are our top 10 suggestions for filling those Christmas stockings:

	Black Pearl Bracelet from Zenzhu With a silver rose clasp detail, the sumptuous ebony pearls in this classic black pearl bracelet are sure to make someone on your list happy! Available for £80 from Zenzhu’s freshwater pearls.
Champagne Tea at The Dorchester Champagne and French pastries? Yes, please! Treat her to Champagne Tea at The Dorchester in London. From £57.38, The Dorchester’s Champagne Tea packages include a chilled glass of Dorchester Rose champagne served in the stunning surrounds of The Promenade. This also includes a choice of delicious finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and French pastries, accompanied by your choice of tea or coffee.
	Childrens’ Batman Dark Knight costume from Party Delights Does your little superhero want to be Captain America or Batman? Santa will be very popular when he delivers a Batman Dark Knight costume, £19.99 at Party Delights.
Exotic South African holiday from South African Airways Today’s weather in Leeds: icy and 3°C. Today’s weather in Cape Town: sunny and 32°C. Give the gift of sunshine! South African Airways offers daily non-stop night flights to Johannesburg and other cities in South Africa. With special tariffs for groups in Economy as well as in Business Class, treat your family to a South Africa holiday. Or, leave the kids with Grandma and enjoy a comfortable night in Business Class’ 61 cm wide completely flat skybed with excellent cuisine and wine, as well high-tech on-board entertainment.
	Vintage Cognac from Brandy Classics Earn that thank you note with a Cognac Hermitage 1975 Chez Richon Grande Champagne, on special offer for £143.70 throughout the Christmas & New Year season from Brandy Classics. With flavours of pineapple syrup, walnuts and spices, this cognac is a holiday treat.
Barts Kamikaze hat from Snow+Rock It’s cold enough outside to wear your duvet as a coat, but an even better idea is the Barts Kamikaze hat from Snow+Rock, at £34.99. It’s available in lots of different colours and patterns, so there’s sure to be one that he will like!
	Turquoise Necklace from The Jewellery Channel The 2012 Christmas Premiere Turquoise Necklace from The Jewellery Channel is beautiful, and incredible value for only £32.99. With 3 strands of pearls, and 500ct of turquoise, it will be her favourite present.
Luxury hotel stay in Oman from General Hotel Management Ltd Dolphin watching. Need we say more? At the stunning Chedi Muscat, a luxury hotel in Oman, enjoy an “Explore in Style” package that includes two nights’ accommodation, a city tour of Muscat and a dolphin watching trip in the Gulf of Oman. Treat her to a Deluxe Club room and it even includes airport transfers in a limousine! Packages start at OMR 470. General Hotel Management, Ltd (GHM) offers “Explore in Style” packages across the range of luxury boutique hotels.
	Silent Computer from Quiet PC Treat someone special to the A43 IcePipe Silent Computer, a 100% silent PC with revolutionary IcePipe cooling technology from Quiet PC (£855 inc VAT). This high-specification machine doesn’t compromise on performance and comes with a two-year fully inclusive warranty.
Nike Golf Glove from Golf Online For the golfer on your list, how about a new glove? The Nike Mens Tech Xtreme IV Golf Glove 2012 combines mastered comfort fit with incredible grip. Available in a range of colours for £9.95 from Golf Online.

What to do if you want one of these goodies for yourself? If you like something we’ve listed and you have been good this year, here are some hints: leave the webpage up on your screen, tweet it, like it on facebook and cross your fingers that someone will buy it for you!