Latest from the blog

Posted on11 March 2025

Looking at the Stellar Impact of Sector-Specific Knowledge in Translation Quality

By Rachel Lambert | rachellambert.biz | Copy & Content | White Papers | Case Studies

Rachel Lambert

In the professional translation industry, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Different industries have their terminology, regulations, and nuances—in some instances, almost another language. This is why sector-specific expertise is a game-changer in delivering quality, accurate translations.

At Atlas Translations, we don’t just assign projects to the next available linguist—we make sure a translator with relevant industry experience handles every project. This guarantees that your translations are not only precise but also contextually accurate, reducing the risk of costly misunderstandings or compliance issues.

Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk to let us know what you need. We respond quickly to all enquiries!

Why Sector-Specific Expertise Matters in Translation

Industries like legal, medical, technical, and marketing require an advanced understanding of specific terminology and frameworks. A translator unfamiliar with these industries may produce a technically accurate translation but miss critical industry-specific meanings, leading to:

  • Regulatory Issues where incorrect wording can result in compliance failures; especially in legal and pharmaceutical sectors.
  • Loss of Brand Voice in marketing is never a good thing; translation is not just about words, but about capturing the essence of a brand across cultures.
  • Technical Errors in fields like engineering or IT, where the wrong terminology can lead to confusion or even safety hazards.

This is why working with industry-specialist translators makes sure your message is not just translated but fully adapted to the standards and needs of your target audience.

How Atlas Translations Provides Industry-Specific Expertise

We take sector-specific expertise seriously. Our approach includes:

Rigorous Translator Selection – Every linguist in our network undergoes a thorough vetting process, where we assess their qualifications, experience, and sector-specific knowledge.

Project Matching – We don’t just assign translators based on language pairs; we match them based on industry expertise, previous work, and subject matter familiarity.

Commitment to Quality – Our translators are required to stay up to date with industry standards, making sure your content meets regulatory, legal, and cultural expectations.

Now, let’s dive into the industries we specialise in.

Sector-Specific Translation Expertise at Atlas Translations

This is where the real magic happens*. Having the right translator for your industry isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. At Atlas Translations, we provide expert linguists across a range of industries, guaranteeing every word carries the weight of precision and cultural nuance.

*Not actual magic—I know we said “real” but sometimes we get a bit over-excited

Legal translation is all about absolute accuracy. Whether it’s contracts, patents, court documents, or regulatory filings, legal translations must be precise to avoid misinterpretation or legal consequences.

Our legal translators:

  • Have backgrounds in law and legal practice.
  • Are familiar with country-specific legal systems, terminology, and regulations.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality, can sign NDAs, and comply with GDPR.

2. Medical & Pharmaceutical Translation

Medical translations demand an unwavering commitment to accuracy. A mistranslated instruction on a drug label, clinical trial, or patient report could have serious or even fatal consequences.

Our translators working in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors:

  • Have experience translating clinical studies, medical reports, drug labels, and regulatory documentation.
  • Work closely with healthcare professionals and medical experts to provide accuracy.
  • Understand complex medical terminology and patient communication requirements.

3. Technical & Engineering Translation

Technical content—user manuals, product manuals, engineering specs, patents, and product guides—requires a translator with linguistic skill and technical knowledge. A single mistranslated specification could lead to product failure and/or safety hazards.

At Atlas Translations, our technical translators:

  • Have engineering, IT, or manufacturing backgrounds.
  • Know the importance of consistent terminology across multiple documents.
  • Work with precision to retain meaning while adapting for different regulatory standards.

4. Marketing & Localisation

A literal translation of a marketing campaign often falls flat as some words and subjects don’t translate literally. Our marketing translators and localisation experts make sure your brand’s message is not only translated but culturally adapted for maximum impact.

We handle:

  • Advertising campaigns, social media content, product descriptions, and brand slogans.
  • SEO translation, making sure your content ranks in multiple markets.
  • Cultural adaptation, avoiding embarrassing missteps in messaging (because, yes, this happens more than you’d think!).

5. Financial & Business Translation

From annual reports to investment documents, financial translations demand flawless accuracy. A small error in a balance sheet or contract could have major financial repercussions.

Our financial translators:

  • Have backgrounds in finance, economics, and business law.
  • Understand industry-specific financial terminology and international accounting standards.
  • Provide compliance with global financial regulations.

6. Beyond These Sectors

Not seeing your industry listed? Don’t worry. Our network includes linguists from a wide range of industries, so we feel confident we can match the right translator to your needs. From legal to pharma, gaming and e-learning to automotive and environmental sciences, our expertise covers it all.

Native-Speaking Linguists: A Key to Quality

At Atlas Translations, we go beyond just industry expertise. We make sure that every translation is handled by a native speaker of the target language.

Why does this matter?

  • Fluency & Natural Expression
    • Native speakers understand idioms, slang, and tone.
  • Cultural Accuracy
    • The same phrase can have very different meanings in different cultures.
  • Authenticity
    • Whether it’s legal, medical, or marketing content, the message needs to feel natural in the target language.

For example, if you need a contract translated into Japanese, we don’t just pick a Japanese-speaking translator—we select a native Japanese legal translator. This approach guarantees clarity, accuracy, and credibility.

Why Businesses Trust Atlas Translations

Our reputation is built on quality, trust, and sector-specific expertise. But don’t just take our word for it:

“Atlas Translations has been an invaluable partner in our legal translation needs. Their expertise in handling sensitive legal documents is second to none.” – University of York

“We rely on Atlas Translations for our technical manuals. The precision and clarity in their translations help us maintain consistency across global markets.” – G9 Chemicals

Atlas Translations prides itself on providing fast, friendly, and high-quality language services. But don’t just take our word for it—click here and read what our clients are saying about us.

We’re also on TrustPilot, and you can read our reviews here.

It’s a Wrap!

Choosing the right translation provider isn’t just about language—it’s about industry expertise. With Atlas Translations, you get:

  • Translators with real-world experience in your industry.
  • Accurate, culturally sensitive translations by native-speaking professionals.
  • A team dedicated to quality, compliance, and precision.

No matter your industry, Atlas Translations has the perfect translator for your needs. Let’s make your message clear, accurate, and impactful—wherever your business takes you.

Contact Us

We’d love for you to contact Atlas Translations! We’re always here for a chat or to answer questions!

the a team shown from left to right steffi, rhys, clare, joanna, jim, and anna not shown is amy
The A-Team (l to r: Steffi, Rhys, Clare, Joanna, Jim, and Anna—not shown is our Amy)

Call us on +44 (0)1727 812 725 or email us at team@atlas-translations.co.uk to let us know what you need. We respond quickly to all enquiries!

If you’d like to meet us face to face, learn more about our translation and language services, or deliver documents, please email or call us ahead of time to arrange a meeting.

Use the Live Chat option during UK working hours to ask us any questions. You’ll chat with a real, live human—we’re a bot-free zone! Just click the little icon at the bottom right of your screen to start chatting with us.

If you need a quick quote, we have a handy Get a quote button located at the top of our website where you can get an estimate for your needs.

Can I Trust Atlas Translations?

Yes, you can! An internet stranger said you could 😁 But if you’re after something a little more convincing, here’s some info:

Atlas Translations holds two ISO certifications — ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 17100:2017 (Translation Services).

If the project is highly confidential, we can sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for added peace of mind.

Are you wondering if we’re up to date on privacy? We registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over 20 years ago and have always placed a high importance on data protection.

You can read more about our commitment to quality here.

Global Voice, Local Touch

If you’re looking for some top tips for partnering with Atlas Translations, we have some top tips to share! We answer 25 of our clients’ most frequently asked questions, ranging from typesetting queries to discussing reference materials.

Click to download Global Voice, Local Touch

ISO 17100 – ISO 17100:2017 for Translation Services (since this standard began, in 2008, externally audited annually).
Mindful employer

Mindful Employer Plus – As a Charter member, our team have access to an Employee Assistance Program with 24/7/365 support, as we work toward achieving better mental health at work.
Federation of Small Businesses and the Self-Employed

A proud member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), a dynamic and inclusive not-for-profit membership organisation. FSB is dedicated to supporting and empowering small businesses across the UK and is committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and succeed.

Atlas Translations has been accredited by the Fair Tax Foundation since February 2024. The Fair Tax Foundation is a not-for-profit social enterprise developed by a team of tax justice, corporate responsibility, and ethical consumer experts. It was launched in 2014.

We’ve been registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) since 2004. Go to https://ico.org.uk/ for more information.

We hold a full membership in the Association of British HealthTech Industries. The ABHI supports the HealthTech community by providing products and services that help people live healthier lives. As the voice of the industry, we show the value of health technology and overcome barriers to people benefitting from it now and in the future.

Certified since 2003, externally audited annually. ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS), applicable across all sectors. ISO 9001 provides a framework to respond to changing quality requirements in line with changing demands across society, economics and the environment.
Logo

Disability Confident Committed is creating a movement of change, encouraging employers like ourselves to think differently about disability and take action to improve how we recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. Being a DCC employer is a unique opportunity to lead the way in our community and show that we’re a disability inclusive employer.

Corporate membership of the ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) since 1994. Corporate Member of the Year 2021. ITI is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and all those involved in the language services sector.

CIEP: We’ve held Corporate membership Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading since 1993. CIEP are an international membership organisation that offers training and community for editorial professionals (copy editors and proofreaders) while helping members develop business confidence.

ATC: We hold full membership with the Association of Translation Companies, a trade association representing the interests of language service companies in the UK and internationally. It is the leading voice for companies operating in the UK’s language services industry.

Living Wage Employer: As a living wage employer, we believe our staff deserve a wage which meets every day needs. The Living Wage Foundation has a mission to encourage employers to play their part in tackling in-work and post-work poverty and provide a decent standard of living by paying the real Living Wage, adopting Living Hours and Living Pensions as well as wider good employment practices.
4-day week

Proudly a 4-Day Week Employer since 2019. Amongst other items, the 4-Day Week initiative calls for a reduction to the maximum working week from 48 hours per week to 32 hours per week by 2030.

 
GBC_Accredited_Logo

A member of the Good Business Charter since 2022. The GBC is a simple accreditation that organisations of all sizes in the UK can apply for in recognition of responsible business practices.
PIF

We’re a proud member of the Patient Information Forum (PIF), a membership organisation for anyone producing health information and support. PIF promote access to trusted, evidence-based health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals.