Wolfestone has been shortlisted for the 2011 Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA) Awards in the category of Best Use of Foreign Language in Business.
The awards ceremony will be held on 9 November at Cardiff’s City Hall, and the nomination celebrates companies that use language not just for service delivery, but as a core business enabler.
While Wolfestone is known as a leading provider of translation and language services, the shortlisting recognises how the company uses foreign languages internally and strategically across all departments. The result is a workplace culture and business model that is both global in scope and deeply rooted in language.
Emma Hughes, HR Manager at Wolfestone, says that language is central to the company’s identity and success:
“Language supports our growth, enhances customer service, and builds a diverse, welcoming workplace. We actively recruit multilingual staff across all teams, not just in translation roles, because we see the value it brings.”
Employees at Wolfestone speak more than 20 languages, including in departments such as marketing, HR and project management.
This diversity enables the team to identify opportunities and secure international contracts that competitors may miss. Staff regularly network in their native languages with contacts around the world, creating authentic connections that have directly led to major deals.
One example includes a German intern, whose outreach to the German Chamber of Commerce resulted in a £17,000 translation project. The company’s internship programme has become a valuable pipeline for both global and UK-based talent, bringing additional language capabilities into the business while offering real-world experience in the translation industry.
Wolfestone also tailors its marketing efforts to specific regions by using the languages of target markets, rather than relying solely on English. Over 30% of Wolfestone’s revenue now comes from outside the UK, thanks in part to investments in international growth, including a dedicated German division and a global network of agents.
The impact of this multilingual strategy has been clear. The company reports a 99 percent customer satisfaction rate, well above the industry average. In recognition of this international growth, Wolfestone was recently ranked the 6th fastest growing company in Wales.
The company’s commitment to languages also extends beyond business. Co-founder Roy Allkin regularly speaks at universities and schools, working in partnership with organisations like CILT (The National Centre for Languages) to promote language learning and career opportunities.
“Businesses have a responsibility to support their communities,” said Allkin. “For us, that includes helping the next generation see the value of languages in the workplace. It’s not just about commercial success. It’s about sharing a passion and adding value.”
Wolfestone’s approach shows how foreign language use can benefit not just internal operations or client communication, but also business development, community engagement, and organisational culture.
As the IWA Awards highlight the best examples of strategic language use in business, Wolfestone’s story serves as a blueprint for how multilingualism can drive both commercial and cultural success.
