Seeking a Co-Pilot – Language Services Buyer Sentiment

The ATC’s latest snapshot report on the state of the language services industry takes a deep dive into buyer sentiment, and explores how language service companies can position themselves in a rapidly changing buyer market.

In the first quarter of 2025, we reported on the evolving realities of UK LSCs, sketching a picture of an industry flying without instruments, navigating mostly by sight, striving to adapt to the AI-first imperative imposed by the business world, and recognising that this adaptation comes at a cost: both human and financial.

AI is shifting the ground beneath LSCs’ feet. But let’s not forget: the clients came first. They were the ones tasked with the impossible (“Implement AI yesterday!”). Without their perspective, and a frank and honest analysis of our own shortcomings, LSCs will remain stuck in their own echo chambers, unable to find true north or support their clients more meaningfully.

At its core, it doesn’t matter whether your client is a global corporation with a dedicated localisation team or a family-run business in the UK. The challenges we face transcend sectors and borders. They’re universal. And the way forward is together, through mutual understanding, joint exploration, and co-creation of solutions. Buyers need co-pilots.

Show of hands — who’s on board? READ THE REPORT