Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our translation services and how we work with clients across London and beyond.

We handle a wide range of document types including legal contracts, birth and marriage certificates, academic transcripts and diplomas, medical reports, technical manuals, business correspondence, and marketing materials. Each document receives attention from a linguist with relevant subject matter expertise.

For official documents requiring certification, we provide certified translations accepted by UK government bodies, universities, and legal institutions. Technical documents benefit from our network of specialists familiar with industry-specific terminology in fields such as engineering, medicine, and finance.

Turnaround time depends on document length, complexity, and language pair. A standard two-page certificate typically takes 1-2 working days, while a 3,000-word business document might require 3-5 days. Technical manuals of 10,000 words or more usually need 7-10 days to ensure accuracy.

We offer expedited services for urgent requests. Same-day delivery is available for documents under 500 words when requested before 10:00. For larger projects, we can deploy multiple translators working in parallel to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Contact us with your specific timeline, and we'll provide a realistic delivery estimate.

Yes, we provide certified translations that meet UK requirements for official purposes. Each certified translation includes a signed statement confirming accuracy, the translator's credentials, and contact details. These translations are accepted by the Home Office, UKVI, universities, courts, and Companies House.

Our translators hold relevant qualifications and memberships in professional bodies. We maintain strict confidentiality protocols and can provide notarised translations when required by specific institutions. The certification process adds 1-2 days to standard turnaround times and includes an official stamp and declaration on company letterhead.

We work with over 40 language pairs, covering European languages like French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Polish, as well as Asian languages including Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, and Hindi. Our network extends to less common languages such as Finnish, Romanian, and Turkish.

Each language pair is handled by native speakers with proven expertise in the target language. For languages with regional variations, we can specify the appropriate dialect - for example, Brazilian Portuguese versus European Portuguese, or Latin American Spanish versus Castilian Spanish. If you need a language not listed on our website, contact us directly as we regularly expand our capabilities through trusted partner linguists.

Every project follows a structured quality process. Initial translation is performed by a qualified linguist with subject matter knowledge. The text then undergoes proofreading by a second translator who checks for accuracy, consistency, and natural flow in the target language.

For technical or legal documents, we employ specialists familiar with relevant terminology and conventions. We maintain glossaries for recurring clients to ensure consistent terminology across multiple projects. Large documents receive additional formatting checks to preserve layout, tables, and special characters. Our quality system has delivered over 5,000 translations with a client satisfaction rate exceeding 96%.

Pricing depends on language combination, document type, word count, and turnaround time. Standard translations typically range from £0.08 to £0.15 per word, while certified translations start at £35 for single-page documents. Technical or legal texts requiring specialist knowledge may cost £0.12 to £0.18 per word.

We provide free quotes within 2 hours during business days. Volume discounts apply to projects exceeding 5,000 words, and regular clients benefit from preferential rates. Rush services incur a 30-50% surcharge depending on deadline requirements. Send us your document for an accurate, no-obligation quote that breaks down all costs clearly.

About Tiponu

Tiponu was established in 2015 by a group of linguists who recognized the growing need for reliable translation services across London's diverse business community. What started as a modest office in Balham has grown into a full-service language consultancy serving clients throughout Greater London and beyond.

Tiponu translation office

Our foundation was built on a straightforward principle: accurate translation requires more than linguistic knowledge. It demands cultural understanding, subject matter expertise, and attention to detail. From our base at 27 Elmfield Road in Wandsworth, we've worked with over 600 businesses, handling documents ranging from legal contracts to technical manuals.

Our Approach

We maintain a network of 45 certified translators, each specializing in specific fields and language pairs. Before accepting any project, we assess whether we have the appropriate expertise in-house. This selective approach means we occasionally turn down work, but it ensures consistent quality for the projects we do accept.

Translation team at work

Every translation undergoes a two-stage review process. The initial translator completes the work, then a second linguist with equivalent qualifications reviews it for accuracy and clarity. For certified translations, we follow ISO 17100 standards, which specify requirements for translation service providers.

What Guides Us

Accuracy First

We prioritize precision in terminology and meaning over speed. Rush jobs are accepted only when we can maintain our quality standards.

Transparency

Clients receive clear pricing before work begins. If unexpected complications arise, we communicate immediately rather than presenting surprises at billing.

Specialist Knowledge

Our translators hold qualifications in their specialist areas. A medical translation is handled by someone with healthcare background, not just language skills.

Confidentiality

All staff and contractors sign comprehensive non-disclosure agreements. We maintain secure document handling protocols throughout the translation process.

45 Certified Translators
32 Language Pairs
600+ Clients Served
9 Years Operating

Areas of Expertise

Our translators work across multiple sectors, with particular depth in:

  • Legal documents including contracts, court submissions, and corporate agreements
  • Technical documentation for engineering, IT, and manufacturing sectors
  • Medical and pharmaceutical materials requiring precise terminology
  • Business correspondence and marketing content for international markets
  • Academic papers and research publications

We're located in Wandsworth, easily accessible from Tooting Bec station. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 18:00, with Saturday morning availability from 10:00 to 14:00 for urgent consultations. You can reach us at +44 20 7145 8392 or [email protected] to discuss your translation requirements.