HE IS the director of a Hampshire company that doesn't see language as a barrier.

Now Paul Stewart, director of Romsey's Wessex Translations, is on the shortlist for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Language Industry’ award in the Association of Translation Companies’ (ATC) 2017 Language Industry Summit Awards

Paul, who describes himself as a “non-linguist”, bought into Wessex Translations in 1982 after using their services to write a letter of sympathy to the mother of six-year-old Alfredo Rampi who died when he became trapped down a well in a village near Rome.

Having worked in the industry for nearly 40 years, Paul still remains a director in the company after selling his share 10 years ago to his co-directors Jonathan Nater and Robin Weber.

Regarding the award nomination, he said: “It was splendid to be shortlisted for the award – I am taking it as a very English way of saying ‘thank you’.

“During my time in the industry, the main change I’ve seen is the challenge of so much more competition. The biggest technical impact for me personally came with the introduction of fax machines which meant you no longer had the breathing space of the posting times, to get everything organised. Now clients will ask for turnaround by return.

“I am a passionate European and internationalist. I feel the UK should be promoting language for the good of us all. Learning about other cultures and their languages is essential for civilisation to move forward.”

Wessex Translations provides language services across the whole range of public and private sector organisations, including the UK Government, the European Commission & Parliament, ECB, police services, the armed forces as well as international and multinational companies.

And Fareham-based Intonation has also been shortlisted in two categories, with Tatiana Poliakova in the final for Project Manager of the Year as well as their project management team in the frame for Project Management Team of the Year.

An expert judging panel will be assessing all the shortlisted nominations before the winners are announced at the ATC’s 2017 Language Industry Summit Gala Dinner on 21st September at the Regent’s Park Holiday Inn, London.

This year’s judging panel comprises Rudy Tirry, President of the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies, Sarah Griffin-Mason, Chair of the Institute of Translation & Interpreting, Laura Brandon, Executive Director of the Globalization and Localization Association and Liz Pryke, Secretary of the ATC.

For further details on the awards please visit: www.atc.org.uk/awards-2017.html