A Hull business has been named as one of the country’s best employers for females.
Language is Everything was ranked 3rd out of 114 qualifying companies in the 2021 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women small business category. It gained the accolade from the organisation Great Places to Work, which gathers information and evidence through its well-respected, confidential employee surveys.
A leader in on-demand telephone interpreting and translation services, Language is Everything currently employs 30 people, 19 of whom are female, and has reported a dramatic uplift in business during the pandemic.
Founder and CEO Carolyn Johnson MBE said that the company was committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of gender. “We recognise however that being female can bring additional challenges, particularly around childcare responsibilities, and we are understanding and respectful of this.
“I know from experience how hard it can be to get up every day, get your kids ready and get to work, especially when they are unwell. We wanted to create an environment where we could say to women ‘you can have a full-time job, career and family.’
“Our flexible approach has been tested over the last year with the closure of nurseries and schools along with the massive increase in demand for our telephone interpreting services.”
Language is Everything managing director Lloyd Tidder said that the company’s policies and values had led to a working environment where women of all ages could flourish. “In return, our employees are loyal, hardworking and professional, and our customers benefit from their enthusiasm, positivity and superb service.
“There are females in leading roles throughout the company, from CEO, to head of finance, to team leader, and everyone in the Language is Everything family is treated fairly and with and dignity,” he said.
Mr Tidder has risen quickly to his role from apprentice in less than seven years. He is also the recipient of a recent award, being named as one of the Humber Region’s Top 30 Under 30 in 2021, with particular mention of his ability to keep the business operating at record levels during the pandemic while maintaining excellent service levels and safety of staff.
The employee survey measured the extent to which women across the organisation reported a ‘consistently great workplace experience’, considering factors such as their daily encounters of innovation, inclusivity, company values and the effectiveness of leaders. Language is Everything received a score of 98 per cent in the survey, far exceeding the 60 per cent score required for certification.
Mr Tidder added that everyone was thrilled to receive the award. “It’s a fantastic boost for all of us to be in the national spotlight after the hard work over the last year.
“I want to thank all those involved in our success: our employees, our network of wonderful linguists, our customers and suppliers.”
Language is Everything operates from Hull’s Castle Street. It provides face-to-face, telephone and video interpreting, along with a broad range of translation and other language services, all of which are fully managed. In 2022, the company will celebrate three decades in business. Carolyn Johnson, nee Burgess, was made an MBE in 2011 for services to business.