I am a freelance translator now living in North Wiltshire. I studied languages first at school and then at the University of Southampton, from which I was awarded a Combined Honours Degree in French and Spanish. I spent each summer vacation working in Spain, in paperback book distribution, and a full academic year teaching English in a French lycée.
After graduation, I enjoyed a highly successful career, spanning some 35 years, in sales, management and business development, much of which was spent in an international environment. My work took me around the world, to almost every country of mainland Europe, the United States and across the Asia-Pacific region. My employers included Kalamazoo, NCR, Acorn, Concurrent and Harmonic.
During this period, I worked in a number of industry sectors, including publishing, automotive, computer systems, telecommunications and digital television. I also gained considerable experience of finance, business administration, marketing, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions.
My linguistic background meant that I was frequently asked to produce translations of commercial and technical material, such as tender documentation. This led me to study for the prestigious Diploma in Translation from the Chartered Institute of Linguists, which I passed in January 2005.
Since that time, I have been engaged in translation activities, first on a part-time basis and now full-time as the proprietor of my own company, Lenguability, through which I also undertake short-term business development projects.