Below are some of the questions we are most frequently asked. If you have any other questions, please call us at any time on (0870) 350 1723 and we'll be happy to answer them.

How do I book an interpreter?
First you need to request a quote by calling us on (0870) 350 1723 or filling in a quote request form. You will need to give us information such as the date and time, the language needed and the duration.

Once you've approved the quote, your interpreter will be booked.

What notice do you need for a booking?
Ideally, we would like as much notice as you can give. However we are used to coping with emergencies and we've had to supply interpreters at short notice when interpreters booked through other agencies have suddenly become unavailable.

Although it depends on the location and the language required, we are often able to book an interpreter with 4 hours' notice and sometimes less.

We do our very best to help people out in emergency situations.

On what basis do you charge?
We charge per hour (with a minimum charge of 3 hours) plus travelling time charged at a proportion of the hourly rate. The hourly rate depends on the rarity of the language (and therefore the availability of interpreters) and on the topic to be interpreted.

The complexity (and, in legal cases, the severity) of the topic will require a more experienced interpreter and therefore a higher hourly rate.

How do I confirm the amount of hours worked?
The interpreter will ask you to sign a timesheet at the end of the assignment.

How do I go about re-booking an interpreter?
Clients often like to work with the same interpreter and we will always arrange this for you as long as the interpreter is available. You can ring us on (0870) 350 1723 and request a particular interpreter. Alternatively you can make a note on the interpreter's timesheet on completion of a job to indicate when you would next like to book them.

What happens if I need to cancel an interpreter?
We ask for 24 hours' notice for any cancellation. Less than 24 hours' notice will incur a charge of 3 hours at the agreed rate since, in these circumstances, we have to pay the interpreter.

Do you have any tips about making best use of an interpreter?
Interpreters do their job best when they have background knowledge of what they are going to be translating. This could involve:

• background documents (and, in the case of a solicitor, relevant statements) including timetables

• a verbal briefing, including details of any potentially problematic areas

• a description of the personalities of the people involved so that the interpreter can decide how best to interact with each individual.

Where can you supply interpreters to?
We supply interpreters all over England and Wales.

What is the difference between simultaneous, consecutive and whispered interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting: the words of the person speaking are translated in real-time and delivered to the people listening via headphones.

Consecutive interpreting: once the person speaking has stopped, the interpreter speaks the translated words to the person or people listening.

Whispered interpreting: the interpreter gives a running translated commentary on what is being said in whispered tones.

Both consecutive and whispered interpreting can include stand-by situations. These occur when a client understands much of what is being said but can call on the interpreter if there are words, phrases or sentences that are beyond their understanding.

Simultaneous interpreting is normally only used at international conferences and high-level business events. Most interpreting used is either consecutive, whispered or a combination of both.

We are happy to discuss with you which option will be most appropriate for your needs.