Expert
translation & localisation
services that give
you the edge
Language is the basis of connection.
It’s the magic that helps spark emotion, boosts confidence, and encourages inclusivity. When you’re creating multilingual content, be it for marketing, teaching, or simply explaining, you want your message to resonate. Comtec’s professional localisation services help you create that connection and take your global communication to the next level.
Meet your language services partner
We think there are a few things that make us special…
We love language
You won't find a more authentic, passionate group of linguaphiles anywhere. It's in our blood.
We do it all
From professional human translators to AI-powered tools, we have the right tool for your localisation project and know when to choose which approach.
We're a force for good
As the first B-corp-certified localisation provider in the UK, we believe kindness is our superpower. You'll notice the difference working with us.
We’re results-focussed
Whatever the brief, we’ll take your KPIs and suggest the localisation services to best meet them. From conversion rate, lead generation, brand engagement or training outcomes, we aim to boost your performance in non-English markets, helping your business grow.
We’re fully tech-enabled
We use the latest AI-based technology to deliver work faster and more efficiently, reducing turnaround times and saving money where possible.
"Yes" is our favourite word
Our clients love our flexible approach; we'll go the extra mile to ensure the job's done right.
We love problems
We're a bright bunch, and we love a challenge. No project has stumped us yet.
We're trustworthy
Frankly, my dear, we give a damn. We're obsessed with our clients, and we base our reputation on the quality of our work. We succeed when you do.
Professional localisation services you can trust
If you’ve used professional translators for multilingual content for a while, you likely know what to expect from partnering with a localisation expert. But if it’s your first time, you might have questions on exactly what expert translation and localisation is, and how it can help your business.
What are localisation services?
Localisation services adapt content from one language and culture to another, tailoring the words, expressions and tone to fit better with your intended audience. We offer localisation for international markets through straightforward translation, transcreation (a mix of translation and copywriting), foreign language copywriting, compliance checks, brand audits and cultural research.
Why is localisation important for businesses?
Localisation helps your brand connect better with your international audiences. From localisation for digital content to making sure your eLearning program is fit for purpose, our cost-effective localisation solutions will help you grow faster in your non-English speaking markets.
How does localisation differ from translation?
Localisation helps your content sound more natural in another language. Language translation means taking words from one language and converting them to equivalent words in another language. But to get cultural relevance in translation, you need to use tailored localisation strategies like idiom adaptation, where you’d find the local equivalent of an English saying such as “it’s raining cats and dogs”.
What industries benefit most from localisation services?
If you have an international presence, you need localisation. We have advanced localisation tools to help all types of businesses from education and training to marketing and sales. Our tailored localisation strategies are designed to help you grow more efficiently, connect better with your customers or users, and ultimately deliver meaningful results.
How do you ensure cultural accuracy in localisation?
We pride ourselves on being cultural experts as well as savvy linguists. That means we really pay attention to the nuances of culture – what makes people tick,, how things like formality and sense of humour can be used to full effect to help a message land.
Depending on the project, we’ll use a combination of culturally aware linguists and specially selected experts with a business and culture research background. We also use academic tools such as the Hofstede model, which helps us apply a cultural lens to all our work.
Can you handle localisation for multiple languages?
Yes, we cover over 250 languages through our network of more than 4,000 linguists. And if your localisation project has multiple language requirements, we have a range of tools to help you manage the admin of the translation process.
Things like translation memory and content management system connectors can dramatically simplify the job of selecting copy to be translated and then automatically drop the localised content back where you need it. No more cut and paste! Plus, faster turnarounds for you and fewer errors.
What tools do you use for localisation projects?
Tools like machine translation and translation management software are very useful, depending on the project needs.
For example, for translating large amounts of text quickly and cost-effectivley, we can use automation in the form of AI-based machine translation. And for creating large volumes of content directly in another language, we’ve developed our own AI-based content generator, Clara.
Then, when it comes to managing the translation process itself, we have a range of tools to help take the pain out of all the admin. Things like our Comtec client portal, our own translation management system, our translation memory and management tools and our web connectors all make it easy to submit text, track projects and make changes.
See more about our tools here.
What is the typical turnaround time for a localisation project?
Turnaround times depend on the volume of content to be translated, the level of service you require and how well-prepared the content is.
We offer our clients flexibility, so if time is of the essence, we might use automation in the form of machine translation, but always with a human in the loop, checking the final content before it’s signed off and passed back to you.
We’ll select the right linguist for a more complicated or sensitive project and agree on the timescales with you before we start the work.
If you have a project in mind and want a quick quote and an idea of timings, get in touch. We’d love to help.
How do you ensure the quality of localised content?
There are several ways we ensure the quality of our translations.
Firstly, our quality management procedures are ISO accredited, which means they meet or beat the industry standard. You can always be confident in the accuracy of the work we do.
Secondly, we only work with the best of the best. All our translators are highly trained linguists, and we use in-market linguists for the highest accuracy level.
Finally, we are process ninjas. We have a thorough sign-off process that involves post-checks, edits and proofreading. Even with machine translations, we always use a human in the loop.
The result is localised content of the highest calibre, meaning you get peace of mind that your message is conveyed accurately, preserving your brand tone of voice whilst landing just right with your audience.
Your brand and your reputation are safe with us.
Do you use human translators?
Yes. You can choose the service level you want for your project, from fully human translation, transcreation or copywriting in another language to professional proofreading or post-editing, where an expert linguist reviews copy produced by a machine translation tool.
In fact, in every project, even those that use machine translation, we always have a professional linguist review the translated copy for accuracy before we hand it back to you.
Do you use AI?
Yes, some of our localisation tools, such as machine translation and Clara, our multilingual content creation software, are based on AI technology. But as the client, you get to choose which approach you want to use, and we’ll fully explain the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice.
I don’t know which translation method to use. Can you help?
Yes! We’ve been doing this for over 40 years, so we have plenty of experience helping our clients make informed choices about which localisation tool to use. We offer the full range, from fully human, professional linguists to AI-based tools, and each approach has pros and cons. We’ll listen to what you need, consider your budget, timescale and priorities, and recommend the method that will give you the best results while meeting your needs.
Comtec are a fantastic translation partner, always providing a professional, timely and friendly service with great client contact. They are always our go-to for translations.Tracey McDonald Learning Experience Manager
Comtec continue to be super flexible and very efficient at delivering translations for us. The team are always so helpful and the quality of work is what we would expect of our translation agency.Hannah Smith Marketing Consultant
The Comtec team are knowledgeable, professional, flexible and reliable. They have been a conscientious partner in all our collaborations, taking the time to understand our requirements and being responsive to our needs. I would highly recommend them based on both the quality of their work and their project management expertise.Jamila Sangari Director, Brand Cognition
We work with Comtec regularly for translations of various types of content into many languages (European and non-European). They provide a high quality, reliable and fast service. Their project managers are always very professional, friendly and easy to work with. They always do their best to satisfy our needs, even on urgent projects. Communication is transparent, easy and fast. Translations are delivered on time and the quality is excellent. I can only highly recommend them.Johanna Account Director
Comtec’s customer service is excellent and extremely professional. Every time we have reached out, we receive a quote very quickly and it is clear there is good organisation behind the scenes. Comtec are very flexible with our requirements, deliver good quality, and are really reactive to any feedback. Their delivery times are fantastic and we also really appreciate the way they look after our market review process. I'd definitely recommend Comtec!Maud Taghon Performance Management Lead
We absolutely love working with Comtec. Their values and approach really match ours – they are super responsive and always reliable, and quality is paramount for them, just as it is for us and our clients. As a writing agency, we get a really wide variety of briefs and we can trust that the Comtec team will always help find the right solution to deliver exactly what our clients need.Nina Whittaker Client Services Director