Who are you? Please introduce yourself
I’m Sarah Cutts, a Spanish and French to English translator, and I live in Preston with my husband, 11-year-old son and cat. I grew up in Southport but moved here after doing my degree in Modern Languages at the University of Central Lancashire. I started my translation business, Sarah Cutts Translation in 2016.
Do you translate, interpret, or both? What are your areas of specialism?
I am a translator, specialising mainly in certified translations of birth, marriage, death certificates, and academic transcripts. I also translate family law documents including inheritance deeds, property transfer documents and powers of attorney, and commercial documents such as contracts, newsletters and terms and conditions.
Why did you decide to get into translation or interpreting?
My love of languages began at high school when I started studying Spanish and French, and since then I always knew I wanted a career in languages. I had a few different jobs after graduating, working in export, distribution, and accounts but my languages were only used as a secondary skill in these roles. I finally decided to move into translation and worked in-house for 10 years as a Project Manager and Translator before going freelance. It was through this in-house position that I learned my translation skills and was able to carry out CPD, regularly attending courses, workshops and events etc. I gained lots of experience overseeing a project from the enquiry stage right through to delivering the final translation, and it provided me with the foundations for running my own business. It also enabled me to develop my specialisms as I spent a lot of time handling private client enquiries.
What’s your favourite type of project?
I enjoy helping and dealing with private client projects. In particular, I always find academic transcripts and certificates interesting, especially when researching the various course titles and reproducing the layout of the original. Providing good customer service is important to me, so it’s really satisfying when clients are happy with the end result!
What do you do outside of translation or interpreting?
When I’m not translating, I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum, so there’s always lots to do! I also enjoy reading, cooking and going to the gym when I can. I used to love doing amateur dramatics when I was younger and it’s something I would like to get back into at some point!
Sarah Cutts is a Spanish and French to English translator specialising in legal, academic and commercial texts.