Alun enjoyed an extremely interesting meeting over lunch with Sara Robertson, CEO of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting), in Chester on Monday 15^th April. As the head of the leading professional body which supports translators here in the UK and beyond, Sara was keen to learn more about Bla’s development and growth and to discuss the company’s journey from sole trader to a busy and thriving business that it is today. It also gave Alun the opportunity to gain an insight into the ITI’s ambitions and challenges within the translating sector over the next few years.

Happy International Women’s Day from all at Bla!

We’re very lucky to have such amazing ladies a part of our team – and what a part they play, too! In fact, 88.889% of our workforce at Bla are females! Alun is very much outnumbered!

They work tirelessly behind the scenes. Nice one, ladies!

Meet Elena who recently joined our team at Bla as a Senior Translator. In the past, she has worked for the National Library of Wales and as an editor. With a rich background in Welsh affairs, Elena is bound to make a positive contribution to our company. A very warm welcome to you, Elena!

Head over to our about page to learn more about Elena and the rest of our fantastic team!

Late February, Alun headed over to beautiful Riga in Latvia, where he attended ELIA’s Together 2024 Conference. Many like-minded professionals in Europe’s translation industry came together at this event to connect with each other and discuss various aspects relating to translation, such as AI, translation technologies and project management. A very insightful event, held in a stunning venue – looking forward to the next event!

New year, new professional membership!

Bla is now a member of ELIA, or the European Language Industry Association, which is a community of over 200 language service companies. Professional development is incredibly important to us at Bla, so becoming a member of ELIA is exciting! Click here to see our profile.

We are looking forward to learn from other linguists, network with like-minded specialists and contribute to the translation industry through ELIA.

Congratulations are in order for Nia, our Translator, who has successfully joined the Association of Welsh Translators and Interpreters following an exam which put her translation skills to the test in October 2023.

Nia joined us as a Translator in November 2021 and has since enjoyed much success at Bla. Reflective of her strong linguistic skills, we are pleased to say that Nia has now been promoted to a Senior Translator level at Bla.

She’s already started 2024 with a bang after it was announced that Nia scored the highest mark throughout Wales in the October 2023 Association of Welsh Translators and Interpreters’ exam. Absolutely fantastic!

Alun and Anna attended the Association of Translation Companies’ Conference and Awards Ceremony in September as Bla had been shortlisted for one of the awards.

The Association of Translation Companies (ATC) is the largest association of its kind representing translation companies in the UK and beyond. Bla has held professional membership of the ATC for a number of years now and it’s a brilliant platform for like-minded linguists – many of whom we had the pleasure of meeting at this event.

The impressive Awards Ceremony was held aboard ‘The Jewel of London’ on the Thames. We were treated to stunning views of the bright lights of London, but the real jewel in the crown was winning the main award of the night and being named Translation Company of the Year!

What an incredible achievement and such an unforgettable experience. We are so pleased that our hard work, grit and determination have been recognised on this prestigious platform. Congratulations to our dedicated team of staff and a sincere thank you to our clients who turn to us time and time again! We are beaming with pride.

Watch this space!

It is all go here at Bla Translation HQ as we announce our success in being awarded the formal ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ accreditation from the Welsh Language Commissioner.

As a translation company, the Welsh language is a fundamental aspect of our lives and livelihood. What this particular accreditation demonstrates is our unwavering commitment to our beautiful native language and bilingualism in business in Wales!

Some of our clients have already embarked on this ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ journey, and have also been recognised by the Commissioner, and so we’d like to congratulate you all! We’re so proud to be part of your Welsh journey, we genuinely love working with our clients.

If you would like further information with regards to the ‘Cynnig Cymraeg’ and how we at Bla may help you along that journey, feel free to contact Anna via anna@bla-translation.co.uk.

We have had a period of reflection and celebration at Bla HQ on the proud occasion of our tenth year in business!

Alun developed the business from his spare room and he now employs ten local people, providing services to a whole host of clients in Wales and beyond.

Celebrating a decade in business is an amazing achievement, especially so considering the challenges we have all faced in recent times, such as COVID-19.

Our thanks go to every single one of our lovely clients, whom we have forged great working relationships and friendships with over the years – we simply couldn’t have done it without you!

Cheers to ten years!

Congratulations are in order for our Finance Officer, Ffion, on passing her AAT Level 3 course! The hard work and commitment she has shown during her studies have most certainly paid off and we’re so pleased for her. What a pleasure it is seeing our staff develop. Top job, Ffion!