About Jo, the founder of JLL Services

I studied French and Italian at school and at the University of Salford, specialising in translation and linguistics. Whilst at uni, I spent 6 months in France working for a translation agency near Rennes and 6 months in Venice working for Generali Insurance in their translation and training department. I also put a lot of energy into developing a love of pasta and prosecco.

After graduating, I worked in customer services using my language skills, then progressed into IT management roles within the financial services sector in London, working for the likes of the LIFFE stock exchange, which was an amazing experience! Alongside work, I completed a postgraduate diploma in translation at the University of Bristol and achieved the Chartered Institute of Linguists diploma in translation, becoming a member of the institute. This was definitely the Maccy Ds breakfasts and beer stage of my life.

My early career provided invaluable business experience and technical knowledge, and was the perfect springboard to a new freelance career in localisation, which has fit brilliantly around having a family. There wasn't much drinking and going out for dinner around this time but I do have two lovely children to show for my 'selfless sacrifices'.

I do a lot of US English to UK English localisation of UX for high-profile clients such as Apple, Pinterest and Netflix, and I'm now also focusing on developing the proofreading and content writing side of the business. 

I’m obsessed with detail and grammar, but I also know that language evolves. The ultimate goal is for your content to sound natural and real for today and tomorrow – whatever you want it to achieve. I'm happy to report that I'm back enjoying prosecco and the occasional nice meal out with my family and friends.