Our Story

Our back story

The back story to how Language Direct was formed was when Siraj saw a gap in the market for different sectors requiring his translations and interpreting and decided to take the opportunity. This is how it began:

Humble beginnings

Following many years developing a real passion for bringing people together as a translator and interpreter, Siraj seized the opportunity to launch Language Direct. As well as having a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Siraj also developed a panache for languages. He moved on to gain recognised translation and interpretation qualifications from the Institute of Linguists, and worked as an interpreter and/or translator for United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), Borough of Waltham Forest Council, Language line and Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service.

One day, he found out that a council which employed many people, including himself, was shutting down and had not informed over 200 translators and interpreters who were about to lose their jobs. He attended one of his last appointments set by the British council with a probation officer at 20 Romford Road and told her about the council shutting down. She was not aware of the situation and was taken by surprise due to the problems it would lead her to without any translators and interpreters needed. Siraj realised he could solve the problem easily as he had access to his fellow worker’s details and offered to provide the same service with the interpreters and translators who were scheduled in as he was familiar with them, gained their details and promised he would deliver. That was his first client.

After recruiting a top quality team of some of the best translators and interpreters out there, Language Direct was well underway with a crowd of local clients and big ambition. Our initial clients included Whipps Cross Hospital, social services, schools, GP’s and individuals in Waltham Forest. As time went on, word spread of the high quality services Language Direct provides. As we continued to expand into the surrounding London boroughs, Language Direct’s wave of success continued to spread across the UK.

Our vision for the future

Siraj believes that the key to his success is down to investing in his team, the technology that makes such high quality translations possible, and most of all, his clients. With hundreds of satisfied customers, and over two thousand linguists available, Language Direct can only continue to grow and succeed.