AN ADDINGHAM-based translation company has been playing its part in supporting university language studies at a time when there are concerns about the dwindling number of young people studying modern languages in further education.

There are fears that the declining number of modern language students could reduce the number of qualified translators in the country at a time when Brexit means effective global communication is vital for the future of the UK economy.

Alexika, a member of the Association of Translation Companies, has been working with Lancaster University to support its modern language studies.

Mark Robinson, managing director of Alexika, based in Addingham, recently crossed the Pennines to give a guest seminar to Lancaster University MA students as part of the University’s Translation Seminar Series.

Alexika also offers placements to Lancaster language students at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Mark said: “It is a pleasure to have the students here and they always ask some interesting, stimulating and often challenging questions about what we do - it is great for us to be challenged in this way.

“I believe the students learn a lot from seeing how translation is valued in the real world, have exposure to working professional translators and gain particular benefits from seeing the project management process in action - and also getting their hands on the latest language technology in a real world situation.”

Roy Allkin, chairman of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) - the language sector’s leading professional body, said: “The UK’s £1 billion language sector grew by seven per cent in 2016, and Brexit also means there will be huge opportunities for UK exporters to use the skills of translators in the future.

“So it’s a worry that fewer young people have the opportunity to study languages, but it’s fantastic that our member companies are taking their own steps to support university language departments.”