I am an experienced translator of technical German to English, mainly working in MS Office. I operated part-time from 1976 until June 1999 as a sideline to my main employment, which was mainly in the information technology and communications fields within the defence industry, in various roles from Systems Engineer through Design Authority, Quality Controller, Configuration Controller, Project Manager and Resources Manager. I also had experience in the scientific civil service and the avionics industry. I have a BSc in Applied Physics and ITIL certification.

Most of my part-time translating work was in the abstracting of patents from German into English, but I also performed full translations of such documents as technical procurement specifications, technical papers, business reports and advertising material.

Having taken voluntary severance in June 1999 from EDS Defence after 16 years employment, I operated as a full-time freelance translator until August 2005, when I returned to EDS as a project manager. HP took EDS Defence over.

Having retired from the IT business, I am now working as a freelance translator and am able to offer reliable, rapid-response service at reasonable cost.

Most of my work at present is in the translation of patents from German to English. I also do regular proof-reading of small document translations. I am also able to undertake patent abstracting from German to English and translation commissions direct from companies and via agents, mainly of a technical nature.

I regularly cover many topics, including the following:

 Automotive (including engines, emission analysis and control, transmissions, passenger safety systems, proximity detection, etc.).
 Communications systems, networks, mobile telephones, etc.
 Satellite navigation systems, including GPS
 Control systems and techniques
 Measurement and instrumentation, spectroscopy, etc.
 Information technology, computers, office equipment, including printers and copiers
 Optoelectronics
 Materials testing, including shock and stress testing
 Semiconducting materials and manufacture
 Audio and video systems
 Security and safety systems
 Illumination systems
 White goods technology
 Electrical connectors, screening, circuit board manufacture, switching systems, power systems, etc.
 MRI and x-ray diagnostic equipment

My translating work is conducted via my limited company, Greylag Ltd, which has been in existence since 1976. I currently work mainly in MS office but can accommodate other packages if required. I generally provide electronic transfer of output via e-mail.


I am used to working to tight timescales and am results-oriented, i.e. having agreed a timescale I will conscientiously endeavour to meet it.