My name is Stephen Powley and I’m both a translator and an engineer, now combining these two skills to grow my multilingual consulting company, Omflow Ltd. We help international technology businesses to better understand, record and manage the needs of their organisations in relation to customers, projects and products.
From Cumbria originally, I completed my Masters in Electronic and Computer Engineering in Leeds and Dortmund (Germany) and went on to develop embedded software for Formula 1 and Tier 1 automotive. After travelling extensively, I settled back near my family (who had relocated to Derbyshire) and enjoyed the flexibility of working full-time for seven years as a freelancer translator from German to English.
A few years ago, I returned to engineering part-time as a software processes expert, which helped me to reconnect with the industry. Once I gained MITI status, I wanted to align my parallel interests of engineering and translation and so Omflow was born! Although my main focus is now on running my company and consulting, I still translate for a classic car magazine. I also enjoy the challenge of complex technical texts, where my professional background is obviously a tremendous asset.
I’ll be in Newcastle for the masterclass on XML, as well as for both days of the conference. My mother grew up near Durham, so I’m looking forward to returning to the North-East and spending time with fellow translators. I have long enjoyed the camaraderie that exists among language professionals and I’m sure the conference will be a vibrant, entertaining and educational forum.
You’ll also see me at the Conference Tweet Up, where I’ll be one of the volunteers. In fact, my partner Sarah, who is running the event, has appointed me to meet delegates who want to walk from the Hilton to the 467 Club after the masterclasses. Meet me in the Hilton lobby by 5.45 p.m on Thursday. We will leave punctually for a leisurely 20-minute walk over the bridge. If that sounds too strenuous, it will be a good place to find others to share a taxi with!
I look forward to meeting in Newcastle or tweeting online @omflowltd
