+44 (0) 1989 567460 [email protected]

About us

Founded in 2000

Balthasar was founded to serve industrial clients, and is unique in its specialism for the HVAC and renewables sectors.
Today, five of the largest German manufacturers in these industries rely on the company’s services, as well as a growing number of small to medium sized businesses.

In March 2016, Heike Held took over management of the company and its dedicated in-house team. Balthasar also works in close partnership with experienced and qualified freelance linguists around the world, who work only into their native language.

Continued investment in state of the art software and staff training ensures we can meet our customers’ expectations for quality and timeliness.

Meet the team

Heike Held

Heike Held

Managing Director and Sales

(DE, EN)

With my extensive sales experience, passion for people and commitment to building strong relationships with customers and suppliers alike, my focus as Managing Director at Balthasar is on providing tailor-made solutions for our customers. My motivation knows no bounds and I’m always ready to take on a new challenge. Outdoor leisure activities such as golf, skiing and paddle boarding help me keep the balance right. Whether in sport or business, I firmly believe that success comes through commitment.

Samuel Baldus

Samuel Baldus

Web Developer

(EN)

I am the web developer at Balthasar. As such I am continually looking at ways to improve our internal project management system, called QuickTrace, and our online customer services. The aim is always to enable us to work smarter, not harder.

Emma Pielen

Emma Pielen

Senior Translator

(EN, DE, FR)

I’ve been working at Balthasar as an in-house translator and terminologist since 2008, during which time I also completed my Masters in Translation and became a Qualified Member of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). Having previously studied German, French & Linguistics, travelled extensively and worked as an English teacher in various countries including Japan, I’ve now made my home in the idyllic Hunsrück region of Germany. A native English speaker with a passion for German language and culture, I excel in effective communication and possess in-depth knowledge of the HVAC and renewables sector that helps to drive Balthasar’s success in these industries.

Nichola Elsworth

Nichola Elsworth

Quality Assurance

(EN, DE, FR, IT)

Having worked for Balthasar since 2009, I have enjoyed a variety of tasks within the company over the years. My focus now lies in quality assurance and post-editing translations. I absolutely love working with languages and brainstorming new ideas to enhance our services. With a keen interest in languages, I have a European language degree and Post Graduate Diploma in Translation under my belt. Now working part time, I enjoy spending the rest of my time with my husband and two young children and enjoy reading or running if I have a moment to myself.

Viviane Schumann

Viviane Schumann

Senior Project Manager

(DE, EN)

In 2012 I left my home on the shores of the Baltic Sea to set off on an adventure to the Cotswold Hills. What was originally planned as a six-month internship abroad led to a career in the tourism industry, where I developed a keen interest in Quality Assurance and Project Management. After successfully completing a PRINCE2 qualification in spring 2017, my passion for foreign languages led me to my current position as Senior Project Manager at Balthasar, where I play an active role in optimising our processes, as well as continually delivering outstanding service to our customers alongside a highly committed and dynamic team.

Christiane Schaeffler

Christiane Schaeffler

Customer Service Manager

(EN, DE, AF)

When I left the warm Namibian sunshine of my homeland to study German & Linguistics in South Africa before embarking on a related career in Germany, I couldn’t possibly have imagined that the beautiful British countryside would eventually become the place I call home. For me, being a Project Manager at Balthasar means doing what I love the most for a living. Where language and project management come together is where I’m at my happiest. I recently gained PRINCE2 and PMP qualifications which provide me with a solid basis for efficiently managing projects of all kinds. Together with our talented partner linguists and dedicated in-house team, I always strive to produce added value for our customers. When it comes to developing, implementing and optimising customised processes, I’m truly in my element.

Julia Taylor

Julia Taylor

Key Account Manager

(DE, EN)

As a trained German teacher, I have a special interest in language with all its quirks and nuances, and being a Project Manager at Balthasar allows me to build on this passion. Bridging the communication gap between clients, linguists and experts in various fields is a challenge that I particularly enjoy. Finding client-oriented solutions through careful analysis of all relevant factors with the in-house team is always a satisfying experience. I am very much looking forward to the road ahead with my dedicated colleagues, our hard-working linguistic partners and our much-valued clients.

Sarah Maher

Sarah Maher

Project Manager

(EN, DE, JP)

After a wonderful Year Abroad living in Japan, I graduated in 2021 with a degree in German and Japanese with Translation and Interpreting. The following year, I returned to my home county of Monmouthshire, where I joined the dedicated and friendly team at Balthasar. My keen interest in photography has equipped me with valuable layout and formatting skills in a range of programs, with which I ensure that translated documents maintain a clear structure that accurately reflects the source material. By collaborating closely with our experienced linguists, I strive to deliver high-quality translations and provide prompt assistance to our valued customers.

Joanne Ursell

Joanne Ursell

Project Manager

(EN, DE, IT)

I am a language enthusiast with a passion for travel and Account Management. I grew up in the beautiful Wye Valley. During and after studying German at university in London, I lived and worked in various parts of Austria, developing my language and international business skills within the travel industry. As Operations Manager for a specialist tour operator based in Scotland, I had the opportunity to explore some parts of Europe extensively. More recently I furthered my expertise with an Open University master’s degree in Translation from German to English and have come full circle, returning to my roots in the picturesque Wye Valley. I am thrilled to be part of the Balthasar Project Management Team and eager to make a positive impact in connecting people and cultures in a thriving business environment.

Katrina Davies

Katrina Davies

XML Coordinator / Final Checker

(EN)

My career path has taken me from the classroom teaching Psychology and History, leading educational visits to the battlefields of Belgium and Normandy, to the translation industry. My many years of experience as a teacher have not only given me my organisational skills, but also – as my colleagues so lovingly put it – my “eagle eyes”. I need them every day for quality checks on our translations, as well as for the final check of all possible types of documents. As XML Co-ordinator, I oversee and refine the processes that are part of an automated system. I enjoy problem solving and use these skills to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
I really enjoy being part of a team that sets great store by high standards and quality of service, and hope that my skills will continue to add value to the team.

Caroline Baird

Caroline Baird

Bookkeeping Assistance / Final Checker

(EN)

I really enjoy problem solving and learning new IT skills, so working at Balthasar is ideal for me. My colleagues keep coming up with “challenges” for me to resolve alongside my normal office tasks, so my workload is kept varied and interesting. I love the outdoors and have a keen interest in history.

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