Language Connect was founded in 2003 with the aim of assisting multinational organisations to operate efficiently without language barriers. Language Connect works with a worldwide network of more than 6,000 linguists covering more than 150 languages. The company received ISO 9001 accreditation for its quality management system in 2008, ISO 17100 for its translations process in 2019 and ISO 27001 for data security in 2020. The company's head office is in the Bermondsey Street area of London. It opened its first international operations in Munich in 2009 with subsequent branches opening in Melbourne, New York City, Istanbul and Singapore. The firm is a member of the Association of Translation Companies and the Globalization and Localization Association. Language Connect is a Company Partner of the Market Research Society. Language Connect was acquired in 2018 by the e-commerce giant, The Hut Group and was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2018.
Awards and recognition
Language Connect was ranked as the most efficient translation company in the UK by Plimsoll in 2010. It won an award for innovation in the Business Language Champions programme run by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, and was commended in the Best Business for International Trade category at the 2011 South London Business Awards. In 2013, Common Sense Advisory, a research organisation covering the languageservices industry, ranked Language Connect in the Global Top 100 Language Service Providers by revenue. In December 2013, Language Connect was named as the 50th fastest private company in the UK within the Sunday Times Fast Track 100. In 2018, Language Connect was awarded a Queen's Awards for Enterprise in International Trade showcasing their success in supporting business grow through language services. Since acquisition by The Hut Group in 2018 the company has grown further and, leveraging the online retail experience of The Hut Group has developed new specialisation in supporting e-Commerce businesses reach more clients globally.
Community Connect
The firm promotes languages and provides workshops for school children about careers in translation and interpreting. The company supports people in developing countries with microfinance for their businesses via Kiva. In November 2012, Language Connect became a Gold Sponsor of Translators Without Borders after donating 10% of its profits to the non-profit organisation. The donation funded 200 days of training at a translator training centre operated by Translators Without Borders in Nairobi, Kenya. Language Connect is proud to be a member of the Business Language Champions scheme; helping school children realise the benefits of learning another language by interacting with the local business community. The scheme is part of a wider remit laid out by the Regional Language Network that works to promote language and cultural skills nationwide. Language Connect was named as the first language services agency in the country to become a Business Language Champion having completed the first in a planned series of school workshops at the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College in Willesden, North-West London. The interactive workshops focus on promoting different career opportunities in the translation and interpreting services industry to students whose first language is not English.
