Pictured above: Sophie Howe, director of Comtec Translations

Businesses are being offered valuable translation expertise free of charge to help them find new customers overseas - thanks to a Midlands languages firm.

Comtec Translations, based on Brandon Parade in Leamington, has created a 20 minute audio podcast, which can be accessed at www.comtectranslations.com, and provides advice to companies on how to use the power of language to effectively win new business overseas.

It also provides in-depth advice on the ins and outs of translation services and the importance of international trade to businesses of all sizes as well as the British economy as a whole - as underlined by the UKTI's new strategy, Britain Open for Business, which is at the heart of the government's drive to promote growth through international trade and inward investment.

Sophie Howe, director of Comtec Translations, said: "The government has announced the withdrawal of the Business Link advisory service and its replacement by an online advice and information web-based facility.

"In the wake of this we are hearing a lot about schemes such as the Big Society and how individuals and organisations should be doing more to support each other.

"This is our way of giving something back and hopefully helping businesses and the economy in the process.

"Successful international trade is increasingly important during these tough economic times and the value of effective translation services in achieving this should not be underestimated.

"Only six per cent of the world's population actually speaks English, while according to recent figures, those businesses which are proactive in their use of foreign languages achieve an average 45 per cent more export sales."

The podcast explores why translation is so important for the health of international trade, the kind of materials companies should look to translate, how to work effectively with a translation company and much more.

Comtec works with a wide range of high profile clients including Jaguar Land Rover and Amtico to provide both marketing and technical translation services in a wide range of languages.  

The podcast follows on from other helpful guides recently released by the company via its website, providing information on how to use languages in international business and how to set up a company website in different languages.