Software and

services company
accelerates global
growth with UKTI
Fast facts
Company: SDL Plc
Industry: Software and Services
Target Market: Global
UKTI Services: Overseas Market Introduction Service
(OMIS), support and advice
www.sdl.com

With the help of UK Trade &

including websites, marketing campaigns, you go cloud platform where customers
Investment (UKTI), SDL continue
customer communications and product
can easily upload a document and
to expand their business across
documentation. They provide a range
choose a language for it to be translated
the globe and reaching new clients. of language services to both UK and
into. With over 200 languages available,
international businesses looking to
Robert Gorby, Senior Director of
expand globally. With over two decades
Marketing, SDL is confident this will not
The UK-based company offer solutions
of expertise, unequalled technology
only enhance their overseas growth, but
which help untangle the complexity of
and over 1,000 in-house ISO certified
also assist other companies hoping to do
managing a brands digital footprint
translators covering over 200 languages, the same:
as it grows across multiple languages,
SDL helps businesses connect with
For UK companies looking to expand
cultures, websites, devices and channels. customers in their native language and
overseas, an agile online presence which
Seventy-nine of the top 100 global
forge genuine brand experiences
appreciates both language and cultural
companies trust SDL to help them
Building on their international success
considerations is key. It is important to
create authentic, in-context customer
with large corporate clients, they are
consider language as early as possible
experiences that drive demand and
looking to expand their customer base
and not to leave it as an afterthought
loyalty. SDL have over 1500 enterprise
into Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
once companies launch into a market.
customers, including TripAdvisor, Nielsen
SDL acknowledge that these companies
and Philips.
have different challenges, objectives and
Established in 1992, SDL now boasts
requirements to large corporates and
3200 employees within 70 offices in 38
have launched a specialised offering
There is a certain
countries.
to appeal to these businesses allowing
them to harness the power of technology level of credibility that
As part of their portfolio, which includes
comes from working
that so far has only been available to
solutions for Digital Experience,
larger enterprises.
with UKTI which is
Knowledge Delivery, Language and
eCommerce, SDLs language solutions
They recently developed the SDL
helpful when talking to
focus on enabling businesses to optimise Language Cloud Managed Translation
overseas customers.
their performance in overseas markets,
platform. This is a self-service pay as
Robert Gorby, SDL Plc

Weve been able to work closely with UKTI offices all over the
world, from Munich to Taipei. These in-market UKTI staff
are very helpful and assisted in providing a well-organised
and successful event.
Robert Gorby, SDL Plc

SDLs Language Cloud platform is the

only cloud translation platform that
provides access to a full spectrum
of human and machine translation
options, empowering you to customize
your translation processes and spend
according to different content types,
languages and channels.
SDL have focused on specific markets
for their continued export growth, Gorby
states:
Asia has been a big focus for SDL
recently, with particular attention paid to
Japan, South Korea and China. However,
weve also seen high growth in the US
and European markets where there
is a definite growing demand for our
products.
Working with UKTI, SDL have been able
to undertake market research and open
new doors in markets where they see
developing growth. Gorby said,
UKTI have been extremely helpful as
we look to expand our growth overseas.
They have been really supportive and we
enjoy a productive relationship with not
only our UK-based International Trade
Adviser, Adrian Dent, but also UKTI
staff located all around the globe. These
in-market teams have proven invaluable
with an array of advice, support and
assistance where needed.
Launching their products overseas, SDL
contacted locally based UKTI staff and
were able to host VIP events at British
Embassies in those markets to help
boost product launches and overseas
sales.
There is a certain level of credibility that
comes from working with UKTI which
is helpful when talking to overseas
customers. Hosting VIP events at
prestigious locations such as Embassies
and Consulates is a fantastic asset when
launching in a market.
Hosting these overseas events
with UKTI, SDL had access to new

Published December 2015

by UK Trade & Investment
Crown Copyright

stakeholders and, with post-event

reports, were able to follow-up with
potential customers quickly and
efficiently.
Weve been able to work closely with
UKTI offices all over the world, from
Munich to Taipei. These in-market
UKTI staff are very helpful and assisted
in providing a well-organised and
successful event.
Further to this expansion into new
markets and customers, SDL have
been able to announce an array of
business wins and deals with a variety of
customers from across the globe. From
travel agency Brand USA, to European
e-commerce retail firm Fashion Days,
SDL continue to see new international
growth and global reach.
Adrian Dent, International Trade Adviser,
UKTI South East, said:
SDL are a great example of a highly
successful British company who have
grown their export business by a clear
focus on their product benefits, selecting
the right target markets in a planned
strategic manner and then working with
UKTI to identify & meet new customers
through British overseas Embassy
events.
The export advantage
International trade has always played an
important role in the UK economy; today
it accounts for a third of the nations GDP.
For individual UK businesses, especially
in times of economic uncertainty,
exporting can make the difference
between profit and loss.Exporting can
be challenging, but the benefits are far
greater than the challenges. Exporting
means that the commercial lifespan
of products and services improves, as
well as the returns on R&D investments.
Trading overseas also means that
revenues and profits are more reliable
and resistant to inevitable economic
changes.

Helping you to do business abroad

Doing business in another country
can be a challenge, so its good to
know that UK Trade & Investment is
there to help you succeed.
Through a range of unique services,
including participation at selected
trade fairs, overseas missions
and providing bespoke market
intelligence, UK Trade &
Investment can help you crack
foreignmarkets and quickly get to
grips with regulations and business
practicesoverseas.
Through our Passport to Export
programme we offer new and
inexperienced exporters:
free capability assessments
support in visiting potential
markets
mentoring from a local export
professional
free action plans
customised and subsidised
training
ongoing support once youre
upandrunning.
To find out more, scan this
code with your smart phone
www.ukti.gov.uk
+44(0)20 7215 5000
UK Trade & Investment is the
Government Department that helps
UK-based companies succeed
in the global economy. We also
help overseas companies bring
their high-quality investment to the
UKs dynamic economy. We provide
companies with the tools they require
to be competitive on theworld stage.