I worked for 20 years in the insurance industry, initially in companies until moving into brokerage after 5 years. Whilst working in a brokerage in London, I was seconded to, and then fully employed by, an international broker in Paris for 4 years. During this time I obtained an in-depth knowledge of French insurance terminology as well as the day to day language of business. I also developed an extensive network of contacts which provides quality and technical assistance if required.

My technical Insurance knowledge includes Property Damage, Business Interruption, Employers’ & Public Liability, Contract Works, Motor, Personal Accident, Engineering, Office & Computers, Fidelity Guarantee/Crime, Professional Indemnity, Directors’ & Officers’, Legal Expenses, etc.

Both during my time in France and subsequently, I specialised in worldwide insurance programmes, co-ordinating the service provided by network / partner brokers around the world to clients’ international subsidiaries. As a result I translated insurance policies, endorsements, summaries of cover, claim forms, network user guides and general correspondence between French & English and from Spanish into English.

On my return to the UK, I studied for my BA in Language Studies which I passed with First Class Honours, before returning to insurance, working for the former insurance broker subsidiary of HSBC. Being part of this worldwide group meant that my language and translation skills were called upon by other divisions, for whom I translated documents pertaining to succession and heredity, contractual agreements and general correspondence, as well as continuing to translate insurance documents.

Concurrent to this I studied for the Institute of Linguists Diploma in Translation, which I passed on my first attempt, obtaining a Merit in the semi-specialised Technical paper.

In addition to insurance, I have worked on a variety of translation projects, including:

* Contracts of all kinds and conditions of sale
* Legal submissions and court documents
* General and Special Terms and Conditions for supply contracts and tenders
* Confidentiality agreements
* UN trade & development reports
* Documents for charities and NGOs
* Funding for deforestation projects
* Furniture specifications
* Counter displays for beauty products
* Guidelines for drafting audit reports
* Catering industry apprenticeship events
* Utility bills

My fields of interest include sport, especially rugby and athletics, contemporary French and Spanish literature, and education – I was a Parent Governor for four years at a local Primary School (essentially like being on the school's "board of directors").

My enrty in the 2014 Proz translation contest for French to English was shortlisted as one of the 6 (out of 83) finalists. Congratulations to the joint winners!