The Russian translation market: Fonetix Translations' view and opinion

In terms of comparison, how would you rate the Russian translation market vis-à-vis other markets in the CIS and Europe by size, service quality, professionalism and level of equipment? 

S.G.: In terms of volume, the Russian market of translation services, in my opinion, is between the CIS and European markets. It is bigger than similar markets in the CIS states, but much smaller than those in Europe. However, as for the quality of service, professional qualifications of employees and availability of equipment, Russia, and primarily Moscow, is much ahead of those in CIS, but on a par with most of other European states.

Taking into account the crisis of the past 2-3 years, how, going forward, do you see the future of the Russian translation services market?

S.G.: Despite the economic downturn, technological researches move on. It has laid a good foundation for the LSP business development. At present, most major players on the Russian translation market use computer-aided, or translation memory, technologies, which help to drastically cut customer expenses on translation and maintain quality standards. The future belongs to businesses that keep abreast of time and rely on state-of-the-art products in combination with expertise and competence of professional translators.

From your practice, what key factors do clients most frequently use when choosing a translation company?

S.G.: In my company’s practice, all customers are classified into two groups: those coming to us independently, and those that come to us by recommendations. The former begin with checking prices, availability of certificates and warranties, availability of competence in a specific area, etc. Then, they take into account the quality of sample translations and the performance in initial orders. The latter get straight to business and evaluate the quality of initial orders.

To attract clients in business is not as difficult as retaining and making them loyal to a brand. How do you do this in your company, taking into account the strong competition in the industry?

S.G.: With us, it's different. Upon choosing us, our customers usually remain loyal. Should our relationship terminate, if at all, it is usually due to some internal changes in clients’ businesses, which, for obvious reasons, are usually beyond our control.

If put briefly, how would you formulate ‘a business success formula’ in this industry?

M.T.: If briefly put, it's personnel, from the stage of planning, management to implementation. If in more detail, it's strategic planning; a dedicated personnel and project management system customized to the company needs; employee selection based not only on their professional qualifications, but also on their personality; quality first at all levels of project generation and implementation; unconditional fulfillment of commitments made to customers and employees; respect for regulating government agencies and the law; tending our own "garden patch" while monitoring the market trends; lasting and mutually beneficial cooperation with key customers and partners.

The state of translation services market depends on the state of economy and intensity of international cooperation. How, in your opinion, has the crisis impacted on these factors?         

M.T: Language service market always depends on the intensity of international trade and cross-cultural exchanges between people in different parts of the globe. Today, as recession has pulled back a bit, the trade and cultural exchange across national borders are expanding, which, consequently, has also led to increasing demand for translation services. The modernization policy currently being pursued by Russian leaders notably has contributed to this development. In future, the trends brought about by advances in ICT at the turn of the millennium will be gaining momentum. These trends are, firstly, the use of integrated text processing and ERP software; secondly, the use of mobile and distant employees; thirdly, the use of cloud data resources.