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Posted on14 June 2023

We are a Signatory of the Prompt Payment Code!

As a translation agency, we could not function without our reliable translators and interpreters. Treating suppliers fairly and paying invoices on time is one of our top priorities, so we are proud to announce that Atlas Translations is now a Signatory of the Prompt Payment Code (PPC).

What is the Prompt Payment Code?

The PPC is a voluntary code established in 2008 and administered by the Small Business Commissioner. It sets rules for payment practices for businesses, such as paying invoices on time.  Commitments of the signatories of the PPC are:

  1. Pay suppliers on time and within agreed terms;
  2. Give clear guidance to suppliers on terms, dispute resolution and prompt notification of late payment;
  3. Support good practice throughout their supply chain by encouraging adoption of the Code.

Signatories of the PPC are required to pay 95% of all invoices within 60 days, and 95% of invoices from small suppliers within 30 days.

Why have we joined?

Atlas Translations has operated in the translation industry for more than 30 years, so we realise that being a freelance translator or interpreter comes with challenges. More often than not, receiving payment for completed work is one of them. In particular for a freelancer, not being paid on time can have serious consequences. Here at Atlas, the last thing we want is for our suppliers to have to chase payments!  

For many years now, we’ve been making sure that our invoices are processed and paid in a timely manner. In fact, we often send reminders to the translators to issue invoices for completed assignments, which often surprises them. We simply believe that not paying suppliers within agreed terms would be disrespectful and unfair. Everyone should be compensated for work done and according to the agreement. That’s why our suppliers’ invoices are often processed before we’ve received payment for the project from the end client.

When talking about paying invoices, we have to mention Anna – the brilliant person at Atlas who processes our suppliers’ invoices. She is always on top of completed projects and submitted invoices, and ensures they are paid promptly. Often even within a few days!

Since the ethos of the Prompt Payment Code has been close to our hearts for a while now, it made sense for us to officially join as a signatory. We also want our suppliers, or potential future suppliers, to feel confident and assured when cooperating with us. We believe this will give peace of mind that they will be treated fairly and won’t have to worry about receiving payment for their work.

From now on, you’ll be able to find Atlas Translations among the signatories of the Prompt Payment Code.

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.

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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.

 

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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.