Leading language service provider Dals (formerly DA Languages) has announced an ambition to achieve net zero by 2030 as part of a wide-ranging brand overhaul.
The UK’s largest and fastest-growing interpreting platform has revealed its new identity with a redesigned website that focuses strongly on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials, environmentally friendly language interpreting options and how it helps clients deliver their broader social and economic goals.
A key part of Dals’ net zero strategy involves its recently introduced on-demand video interpreting service, which will play a significant role in reducing both its own carbon footprint and that of its clients. Dals has offered pre-booked video interpreting services since 2020 and has now launched an on-demand alternative, operating alongside its highly successful on-demand telephone interpreting service.
“Together we’re shaping a new future at Dals, a world where everyone is understood. To make this happen, we see a need for a greater variety of interpreting options,” said Matthew Taylor, CEO of Dals. “There will always be a need for face-to-face interpreters, particularly in essential and critical services.
“However, just as the pandemic brought about a realisation that many business meetings can be conducted via video meetings, it also made clients think about what interpreting services they could offer via video rather than in-person.”
Prior to Covid, video interpreting made up just 1% of the company’s 15,000 transactions per day, but this has now risen to 10%. Taylor said he is targeting 25% with the expansion of video to on-demand, focusing on key touchpoints in the customer journey.
“We’ve seen huge success with our pre-booked video interpreting, but this has thus far been limited to services that are planned in advance, for example, maternity appointments in the NHS and scheduled mental health appointments. Our extended offering will mean it’s now also possible to use video interpreters for unplanned and emergency situations,” he added.
“The majority of our business comes from public sector bodies such as NHS trusts, police forces and government bodies. These organisations are under increasing pressure to reduce both their costs and their carbon emissions. Our on-demand video interpreting will help them do both.”
Other initiatives in the company’s carbon reduction plans include a move to reduce its electricity usage, a shift to renewable energy, continued support for flexible working, encouraging employees to use public transport or cycle to work, and using virtual meetings with suppliers and clients where possible.
About Dals
Dals was established as DA Languages in 1998. The business has more than 400 employees and is the fastest-growing interpreting platform in Europe, known for its quality, technology and commitment to delivery.
Its first-class interpreting and translation services cover more than 500 languages, including British Sign Language and other non-spoken languages. It offers video, telephone and face-to-face interpreting services.
The company operates nationwide from its headquarters in Manchester. It has more than 10,000 interpreters on its books.
It was ranked in the top five fastest growing language services providers in the 2024 Slator Language Service Provider Index.
