The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Idea translates into new Fife business
Moving into The Enterprise Hub in Glenrothes provided Emma Grubb with a better work-life balance. Now, the patent translator from East Wemyss, who set up Translate IP as a limited company last year, is gearing up for a move to her own premises in Leven. What does your business do? Translate IP is a translation company specialising in the translation of patents and other IP-related documents. How and why did you start in business? After graduating with an MA(Hons) in Triple Modern Languages from St Andrews University, I worked in-house at a patent translation company in England for a few years before moving back to Fife and setting up as a freelance translator. While working as a freelancer, I realised there was demand for specialist translations in the IP sector. That’s why I decided to start Translate IP. How did you get to where you are today? Although the freelance lifestyle suited me at the time, my dream had always been to start my own limited company. I put it off for several years due to having two young children to look after, but last year I saw an advert for the Hub offering affordable rents and access to Business Gateway Fife support and I thought it was now or never. Who has helped you along the way? Business Gateway Fife has been a phenomenal help. Without their support I would have found it difficult to set up my company. I also wouldn’t have known about the funding that enabled me to launch my website, www.translateip.com. When I was based at home with young children, I found it difficult to achieve a good work-life balance so working from an office in The Enterprise Hub has been really advantageous. Having a space in the Hub allowed me to separate home from work and has greatly increased my productivity. It’s also an inspiring and supportive environment. What was your biggest mistake? Putting it off for so many years. I wish I had started my company sooner. What is your greatest achievement? Whenever I receive positive feedback from a client I feel a real sense of pride and achievement. Clients often report I make their life easier since it is so difficult to find translators with the specialist knowledge and experience to translate patents. What do you hope to achieve in the future? I’ve just purchased a commercial property in Leven so I’m looking forward to getting set up and seeing the company grow over the coming months and years. I’ve really enjoyed my time at The Enterprise Hub, but now it’s time to move on and let another new start-up benefit from the great advice and facilities on offer. Do you want to recruit in the future? I currently assign work to freelance translators but I’m hoping to employ my first in-house member of staff later this year. What is the hardest thing about running your own business? The pressure. There’s always a certain amount of pressure on your shoulders to get things right. Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs? Go for it! Taking that first step is the hardest part, but there’s lots of help and advice available to help you get started. How would your friends describe you? An ambitious and fun-loving coffee addict. Favourite film and book? Any tearjerker, and autobiographies. How do you relax? I spend time with my family. My two boys are six and four so there’s always lots of fun to be had at home!