Types of interpreting
Consecutive interpreting
Consecutive interpreting is ideal for smaller settings like business meetings, court proceedings, and medical appointments. Interpreters translate in both directions when each speaker pauses.
- Expert interpreter – generally only one per language
- Interpreter listens to each speaker and relays it in the chosen language after the speaker has paused
- One linguist interprets in both directions
- No specialist equipment needed
- Can be either in-person or remote
- Popular choice for court proceedings, small scale training courses, medical and business appointments, and small group discussions
Simultaneous interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is mostly used for large events such as conferences, or when multiple languages are needed. Interpreters translate in one direction and in real time with minimal delay.
- Expert interpreters – often two per language
- Interpreter listens to the speaker and relays in the chosen language in real time
- Each linguist interprets in one direction: always into their native language
- Specialist equipment is required, such as headsets and microphones – we can provide this
- Usually needs to be in-person
- Preferred choice for large conferences, workshops and meetings, and when multiple languages are needed
Interpreting formats
In-person
- Long, sensitive or multi-party discussions
- More natural, free-flowing conversation
- Useful for clients with hearing impairment or learning difficulties
- Can take place outdoors or in areas with poor telephone or internet access
- Might incur additional travel and accommodation costs
Remote
- Most popular – quickest and simplest to arrange
- Delivery via video call or telephone call
- Access to a broader pool of linguists at short notice, including industry specialists and interpreters for rarer languages
- Can be arranged at shorter notice than in-person or conference interpreting
Conference
- Requires specialist equipment, such as booths, headsets, microphones, etc. – we can provide this
- Facilitates multilingual simultaneous interpreting
- Must be arranged far in advance for logistics
- The most seamless form of interpreting for large events
How to get a quote for interpreting services
To provide an accurate quote for an interpreting assignment, there are four key pieces of information that we will need:
Provide Language Details
Let us know the language combination(s) required including, if applicable, the regional dialect(s).
Share Meeting Information
Specify the time, date, location and duration of the meeting, and whether it will be virtual or in-person.
Define Interpreting Needs
Indicate the type of interpreting and any specific interpreter requirements, such as an enhanced DBS check or court clearance.
Outline Meeting Content
Provide a brief overview of the meeting's content to help us assign an interpreter with expertise in your industry or setting.
Why work with Business Language Services for your professional interpreting needs?
Expert, certified linguists
We have expert interpreters covering many specialist industries. All of our interpreters hold recognised interpreting qualifications, and most are members of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI), the UK’s membership organisation for qualified, professional interpreters.
Clearances and certification for the most sensitive situations
For sensitive situations, such as court hearings or meetings with vulnerable people, we have interpreters with additional security checks and certifications, including enhanced DBS checks, police and court clearances.
Interpreting equipment hire available
In addition to interpreters themselves, we can also provide all the equipment needed for conference and tour guide interpreting. This includes full booth setups, audience headsets and microphones, as well as expert technicians for setup, dismantling, transport and ongoing technical support throughout your event.
Linguist-led project management
All of our project managers are linguists themselves, so they have first-hand experience of the information and resources that interpreters and translators need to produce their best work. They are also ideally placed to provide linguistic guidance, such as advising on best practices for interpreting or the regional dialects of languages that may be needed for a particular client.
Professional interpreter services trusted by businesses across all sectors
We have been supporting a wide range of businesses with professional interpreting services for over 30 years – yours could be next.
Don’t just take our word for it…
Here is what some of our satisfied interpreting clients had to say about our services.
Business Language Services have recently supported us with a large translation and interpreting job and were extremely supportive, flexible and professional. I would highly recommend them.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
We have used Business Language Services many times to provide a translation and interpreter service in a legal capacity. They provide a thorough service and are very efficient. It is a pleasure corresponding with all at Business Language Services and they are always happy to help. For every query I have had, they have been able to assist, and the work has been of high quality each time. They are competitively priced and very professional. We would recommend Business Language Services to all.
Red Kite Law
We have developed a good working relationship with Business Language Services and in particular the project managers who provide a seamless booking process. They are able to make any amendments to the services we have booked and in a timely manner. We have supported our clients with many interpreter and translation services from BLS, which we have always found to be very professional.
Business in Focus (Business Wales)
Our most requested languages for interpretation services
We can provide spoken and sign language interpreters for over 400 languages including:
Arabic
Polish
Mandarin Chinese
Persian (Farsi)
Spanish
Romanian
Welsh
Ukrainian
Pashto
British Sign Language
Get started with your professional interpreting booking today
To find out more about how we can support you with professional interpreting services, speak to one of our friendly team today.
Frequently asked questions
Interpreter or translator – which do I need?
Although many people use the terms ‘translator’ and ‘interpreter’ interchangeably, they actually refer to quite distinct roles. Translators work with the written word, whereas interpreters work with spoken language (or signed language). Some linguists do provide both services, but not all.
How much do interpreter services cost?
Commercial interpreting services are charged at an hourly rate. This can vary depending on the language pair, but it is typically around £80 + VAT per hour. Most interpreters have a minimum booking period of 2 or 3 hours. Additionally, for in-person bookings, travel time, milage and accommodation charges may apply.
We can also offer Legal Aid interpreting for applicable cases. Legal Aid rates are much lower than typical commercial rates and are fixed by the UK Government, depending on the type of hearing. They can only be applied to legal cases that are being funded by the Legal Aid Authority.
Can I combine interpreting and translation services?
Absolutely – we can provide both translation and interpreting services, and we can often use the same linguists for both to ensure consistency. Ideally, if your meeting will require translated documents, these should be prepared in advance for the best quality results. However, if this is not possible, interpreters can also perform sight translation – translating the text ‘on the fly’ by simply reading it aloud in the other language. This is particularly useful when filling out forms, such as in a medical appointment.
Can you provide interpreters at short notice?
Yes, we can usually provide interpreters at short notice; however, this is not guaranteed for every language combination. Interpreters for some languages can be in very high demand and so can get booked up a long way in advance. We generally recommend a minimum of a week’s notice, particularly for face-to-face interpreters, so that the linguist(s) can make travel arrangements.
What type of interpreter do I need for my event?
For large events and/or when more than one language will be needed, simultaneous interpreting is generally recommended for a more seamless experience. Conversely, for smaller meetings involving more interaction between participants, consecutive interpreting allows for a more natural conversation flow. Our project managers will be happy to advise you further based on your individual requirements.