When you’re thinking about translating your business website or other information materials, the options can be confusing. Do you need a human, or can you use AI? How do you know whether your translator understands your market? Will the SEO work? What will it cost?
That’s where I come in. If you’re looking for a friendly and approachable translator to guide you through the maze of options, then you’re in the right place.
I’m Heather and I specialise in helping French-speaking business owners communicate easily and effectively with their English-language customers.
Need a certificate translated for the UK authorities or for a job application? I’m a Chartered Linguist and a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, so I can do that for you too.
I often like to picture myself sitting in a little café just off the Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris, stylishly sipping a petit café and effortlessly crafting majestic French phrases into their perfectly shaped English equivalents. Sometimes that’s true, but in reality I’m usually to be found in Cardiff, South Wales staring at the rain pouring down outside my window.
My obsession with all things French started as a child. Generally, it came down to nosiness. I wanted to decipher the story of the cute little teddy bear in the French picture book sent to my mother by a penfriend. Languages became my ‘thing’ and I’m still nosy about everything language-related! These days I channel my obsession into bringing up-to-date language and cultural skills to my customers.
My mother named me Heather as a reminder of the Scottish mountains, where her ancestors came from. Soon her friends were asking how the “little sprig” was getting on, and the name stuck!
When I’m not translating, I’m often out walking in the city and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Follow me on Instagram to see where I’ve been lately.
professional memberships
I belong to the following organisations and adhere to their professional Codes of Practice:
Chartered Institute of Linguists (Code of Professional Conduct)
Institute of Translation and Interpreting (Code of Professional Conduct)
ITI Cymru Wales
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (Code of Practice)
qualifications
CIOL Qualifications Level 7 Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)
BA (Hons) French Studies, University of Warwick
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading: Proofreading
Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (Plain English Editing)
experience
24 years of translation and proofreading experience for businesses large and small, private individuals and social enterprises/non-profits.
Chartered Linguist (Translator and Language Specialist)
Former tourism and policy professional, specialised in brochure and website translation.
‘Expert by lived experience’ on issues relating to those living with dementia, particularly dementia-related travel and tourism.
continuing professional development
I’m committed to Continuing Professional Development and undertake regular CPD activities each week to keep my language, business and technology skills up to date, including: reading widely in all my working languages and subject fields; webinars; meetings/conferences; reflection and review.