Not all translations work in every situation. In some industries, even the slightest wording error can lead to confusion, mistrust, or worse, legal trouble.
That’s where tailored, professional translation services come in. As businesses continue to expand globally, accurate and industry-specific translations are no longer optional – they’re essential.
Today, we’ve spoken with leading translation industry experts to take a closer look at the 10 specific business sectors where specialist translation is absolutely key.
Why Industry-Specific Translation Services Matter
Not all translations have the same impact. A simple blog post isn’t the same as a medical report or a legal contract.
Some industries require more than just good language skills; they also need deep subject-matter knowledge.
The results can be serious if a single word is off in a safety manual or patient leaflet. That’s why specialised translation services matter. They combine accuracy with context, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation, especially when it truly counts.
10 Industries Where Tailored Translation Makes All the Difference
To understand which business sectors are most reliant on professional translation services, we reached out to translation experts from TS24, one of the UK’s leading translation agencies in London, and the go-to provider for some of the world’s leading brands.
We asked TS24 to share their insight and expertise to highlight the particular business sectors where translation services are most essential.
According to translation specialists, businesses in some industries simply can’t afford translation mistakes. Here are the 10 sectors where tailored, expert-led translation makes all the difference.
- Healthcare and Life Sciences
Medical translations need precision. The language must be clear, consistent, and medically sound, from patient information leaflets to clinical trial documents.
Even a small error can impact treatment or safety. That’s why life sciences rely on professional translators with healthcare expertise. Consider Pfizer, which works across dozens of markets and uses professional translation services to deliver clear, localised medical content that meets regulatory standards.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer translated its vaccine FAQ pages into Arabic to tackle misinformation and answer common concerns. This effort led to a 40% boost in patient understanding, which helped increase vaccination rates in certain regions.
- Legal
Legal documents don’t leave room for interpretation. Every term carries legal weight. Contracts, court documents, and regulatory filings require certified translators with legal training. Missteps can lead to disputes or delays.
Without professional translation, a company entering a new market might sign an agreement with misunderstood clauses or incorrect terms. This could result in a breach of contract, fines, or even lawsuits. Worse, a poor translation of a legal obligation might mean non-compliance with local laws, putting the entire business at risk.
- Finance and Banking
In banking, clarity builds trust. The language must be accurate and compliant, whether it’s translating loan agreements or investor reports. Financial translators need fluency in the language and industry knowledge.
HSBC operates in over 60 countries and uses tailored translations to align its communication with local financial regulations and client expectations.
Similarly, other financial institutions must rely on industry-specific translation services to maintain consistency, meet compliance requirements, and build customer trust across international markets.
- Marketing and Advertising
Creative ideas don’t always translate well; bad translations can ruin a campaign. Marketing requires not just translation but transcreation. Tone, humour, and wordplay must all make sense to the target audience.
Take Nike, for example. They adapt their campaigns using local language and culture, with region-specific taglines and video content powered by professional translation services.
Market research is another field within marketing that relies on accurate translation services. We’ve written about it here.
- Retail and eCommerce
Product names, descriptions, and packaging — every word matters in retail. Customers want to shop in their own language and trust brands that feel familiar. Translations also need to fit different layouts and platforms.
Offering multilingual customer experiences, from website to checkout, and using localisation experts to ensure clarity and brand consistency can also attract a larger customer base.
- Automotive
Automotive companies deal with highly specialised content, from technical manuals to parts catalogues. Translation errors can delay manufacturing or compromise safety.
Consistency in terminology is key. That’s why automotive brands need translators who understand engineering terms, legal standards, and cultural nuance.
Toyota, for instance, operates across global markets and depends on professional translation services to ensure user manuals, safety guides, and software interfaces are crystal clear in every language. Tailored translations reduce confusion, speed up service, and protect brand credibility.
- Technology
Software, apps, and user interfaces need flawless localisation. A single mistranslated button can confuse users or crash a feature. Tech translation also includes support content, training guides, and compliance documentation.
- Travel and Tourism
Travel content needs to inspire and inform. Language must be engaging and accurate from booking sites to hotel welcome packs. Localisation also helps avoid cultural missteps.
For example, Airbnb translates listings, reviews, and user support in over 60 languages, helping travellers feel at home anywhere in the world. This commitment to localisation has helped Airbnb attract millions of users from diverse backgrounds.
By offering content in their native language, the platform builds trust and improves the booking experience. It removes friction, boosts confidence, and makes users more likely to complete a reservation. In tourism, feeling understood is key; tailored translation makes that happen.
- Energy and Utilities
The energy sector handles safety manuals, compliance documents, and technical reports. These often need to be translated into multiple languages for stakeholders and customers worldwide.
A single error in a safety document or operational guideline could have serious consequences. Translation services help ensure that these high-risk materials are accurately localised and meet both linguistic and regulatory standards.
Global players like Shell rely on professional translation teams to maintain clarity across continents, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of misunderstandings in highly regulated environments.
- Manufacturing
Manufacturers deal with global supply chains. Translated specs, safety sheets, and equipment manuals must be clear to prevent errors or accidents. Technical terminology must be consistent. Translation services help streamline communication between suppliers, engineers, and distributors worldwide.
For example, Bosch uses industry-specific translation to coordinate production and ensure product safety across international teams. When everyone’s on the same page in their own language, mistakes are avoided, efficiency improves, and launches move faster.
Conclusion
Translation isn’t just about switching words between languages. In high-stakes industries like healthcare, law, finance, and tech, it’s about getting every detail right. These ten industries rely on specialised translations to avoid costly errors, protect their reputation, and meet regulatory standards.
From improving safety in automotive manufacturing to building trust in financial services, tailored language solutions help businesses communicate clearly across borders.
It’s not one-size-fits-all — each sector has its terminology, tone, and expectations. That’s where professional translation services come in. They ensure your message is understood and trusted, no matter who’s reading it or where they are.