SME News Q4 2018

38 SME NEWS / Q4 2018 , inlingua Edinburgh is a privately-owned language centre based in the very heart of Scotland’s capital. In August, inlingua were named in the 2018 SME UK Enterprise Awards with the title of Best Language Education Facility in Scotland. On the back of this achievement, we spoke with Roland Becker, Owner and Director of inlingua, to find out why they are the deserving winner of this award. Ambassadors for a Better-Connected World Opening its doors in 2005, inlingua Edinburgh has educated students from all corners of the world who are eager to learn new languages and broaden their horizons. Though they offer extensive options to those wanting to learn or improve in English, they have embraced a comprehensive programme for a plethora of other languages besides, including Bulgarian, Norwegian, Japanese, Gaelic and Swedish. All courses are taught by native speakers and in line to the highest of standards. In this, inlingua can be considered both a cultural hub and place of outstanding learning. As Owner and Director of the establishment, Roland is uniquely placed to offer insight into inlingua’s day to day operations. “inlingua Edinburgh is part of the global inlingua international network of independently owned and managed language school with its own direct method. We teach languages in the target language without translations. We are centrally located on Shandwick Place and our clients come from all over Europe, the Middle East as well as South America. We teach English and foreign languages, organise Erasmus+ funded teacher trainings and work placements all year round and also offer translation services. Equally, we teach General, Business and Academic English to local and international clients who join us for a variety of intensive and semi- intensive courses lasting from one week to an academic year.” “It is amazing to have won the award and be recognized for promoting Scotland and Edinburgh as a destination – not only as a tourist destination but also as a destination for learning and self- improvement.” At the core of inlingua’s services is a need to provide a relaxed atmosphere, which supports and encourages students; “inlingua Edinburgh believes in creating a relaxed, friendly and family like atmosphere in which learning is fun and easily facilitated. This is combined with attention to detail and bespoke customer service. Our word of mouth and repeat clients confirm that we are on the right track in creating a special environment in which learning, self-improvement is both fun and productive.” Ultimately, this ties directly into how inlingua distinguishes themselves from their competitors; “Our high attention to detail (we know all customers by name), small group sizes, combined with the best location sets us apart from our competitors. We have the highest amount of google reviews and we invested in social media for a number of years.” Naturally, regarding British business as a whole, Brexit is weighing heavy on everyone’s minds. Roland explains how a potential Brexit has affected inlingua, alongside trends in the industry, “the obvious (and worrying) trend is Brexit and the uncertainty that comes along with it. The UK as a whole is currently losing business to language schools in Ireland and Dublin in particular. However, this means that schools there are extremely busy and lately we have seen a trend in clients coming back to the UK where the nationality mix is broader. “There is also a general trend towards online and blended learning. However, our clients tell us they like the face to face lessons, meeting new friends from all over the world and exploring beautiful Edinburgh together when the lessons have finished for the day/ week.” Roland continues, re-focusing on inlingua’s immediate and post-Brexit future, “The future is uncertain when it comes to Brexit. However, we are focusing on the global and new emerging markets on a regular basis and therefore are confident that we will continue to grow and continue to blog about beautiful Edinburgh and Scotland. Since the Brexit referendum the demand for foreign languages has increased and we expect this to continue. We are seeking out new markets to add to our existing markets. inlingua Edinburgh has a global client base and this will continue to be the case.” UKE18161 Coming to the end of the interview, the discussion changes to the unique benefits that being based in Scotland, and the UK as a whole, offers inlingua; “The UK is the homeland of English and therefore will always attract clients who wish to study and experience British culture. Scotland - in particular- has had a lot of positive press since the independence and Brexit referendum. Combined with Harry Potter and The Outlander phenomena this has put Scotland and Edinburgh firmly on the map as places to visit.” inlingua Edinburgh boasts a peerless reputation in their industry. A centre of education in a city which has always celebrated multiculturalism, inlingua was the natural choice for recognition in the SME UK Enterprise Awards. The centre’s expertise, approach to education and internal culture marks them as trend-setters and innovators in an industry that can, at times, be stuck in the past. inlingua Edinburgh are the ambassadors for a better- connected, better-educated world. Contact: Roland Becker Company: inlingua Edinburgh Address: 40 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RT, United Kingdom Telephone: 0131 220 5119 Web Address: www.inlingua-edinburgh.co.uk