Hard work translates into Queen’s Award

Gavin Wheeldon

A LEADING specialist in foreign language translation has been given the royal seal of approval.

Applied Language Solutions was honoured at a Buckingham Palace reception after receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise to mark its outstanding commercial success.
The Delph firm was one of six North-West companies presented with the top business gong.

It joined representatives from 143 businesses from across Britain in receiving the award for achievements in international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

The award marks the ultimate seal of approval for the company, which won in the international trade category after trebling overseas income to £3.5 million over three years.

Chief executive Gavin Wheeldon said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award, which brings a huge amount of credibility to our business.

“This is particularly important to us as we operate in a highly competitive, global market. An award such as this is recognised as a sign of quality and professionalism by our customer base across the world.”

Mr Wheeldon established the firm in 2003 with its services including translation and interpreting to the public and private sectors worldwide.

He has taken it from a back-bedroom operation to an international organisation boasting customers such as Nike, Google, the United Nations and the NHS in 91 counties.

The company has offices in countries including India, Bulgaria, the US and Guatemala and Mr Wheeldon appeared on BBC’s “Dragons’ Den” in 2007 and Channel 4’s “Secret Millionaire” in 2008.

Mr Wheeldon added: “Understanding local cultures can be the biggest barrier to international growth for businesses.

“Having people on the ground in offices that we have set up in various places around the world has definitely helped us to engage better with our customers.

“We intend to open additional overseas offices in the next 12 months and having a Queen’s Award for Enterprise will help us attract the best people.”

Joanna Hill, head of the Queen’s Awards Office, said: “It was great to see Applied Language Solutions honoured at Buckingham Palace.

“These awards are not given lightly — all the winners have shown they are among the very best in their own industry, and the whole country.

“This is a fantastic accolade.”

Winners can add The Queen’s Award logo to all their branding and company literature to set them apart from the rest.