Photographer: Aleksandra Schmidt.
Drogheda-based language services business Alphadico is celebrating its third anniversary as it enters its fourth year with a growing team and plans to expand its services.
Founded by Philippine Sikora in September 2023, Alphadico provides translation, proofreading, writing and SEO consultancy services, supported by a wider network of language professionals.
The milestone was celebrated at The Mill Enterprise Hub in Drogheda, bringing together customers, colleagues, freelance partners and friends who have supported the business since it began.
“I’m very proud of seeing Alphadico grow so much and so fast. It’s even better than I expected or planned,” Philippine said.
“It’s amazing to celebrate this milestone with the Millers, customers, colleagues and friends.”
A growing team
One of the biggest milestones of Alphadico’s third year has been the addition of client services coordinator Emilie, who joined the business in August.
For Philippine, creating the company’s first job was particularly significant.
“Hiring someone this year is one of my proudest achievements. I always wanted to create jobs, and here I am doing it!”
She said the business has grown by 176% year on year over the past 18 months, despite a personally challenging period.
“I’m also very proud of what I have achieved during the last 18 months, despite some very challenging health issues. Alphadico grew 176% year over year.”
The business has also developed a wider network of translators, writers, proofreaders and other professionals.
“Community is everything, even in business. Alphadico now has a strong network of professionals helping us deliver the best services possible at a fair price.”
Drogheda remains central to the business
Alphadico’s connection with Drogheda and The Mill has remained important as the company has developed.
That relationship was one of the reasons The Mill was chosen as the location for its third anniversary celebration.
“Drogheda and the Millers played a big role in Alphadico’s success story,” Philippine said.
“Helping locals find services at a reasonable price, without needing to travel to Dublin, is my pride, alongside working with locals, of course.”
That local approach has been central to Alphadico from the beginning. In previous Drogheda Life coverage, Philippine said one of her aims was to make professional language services available locally while creating opportunities for other language professionals.
Certified translations driving demand
Certified translations have become an increasingly important part of Alphadico’s work, with growing demand contributing to the decision to expand the team earlier than originally planned.
“That’s why Emilie joined the team earlier than planned, to help me provide a qualitative service consistently. Word of mouth plays a big role in this growth,” Philippine said.
Careful planning has also been central to how she has approached the company’s development.
“I think creating a business plan and adjusting it every trimester, when needed, was one of the best decisions I have made for the business,” she said.
“Also, I took my time to grow the business. It was a decision I don’t regret because rushing is never a good idea. Even when requests are increasing.”
She said the mistakes made during the early stages were also part of that process.
“The mistakes I made when I started the business were necessary for my growth and the business’s growth. I would not change anything.”
Podcast and Drogheda workshop planned
Several new projects are already planned as Alphadico begins its fourth year.
The business is preparing to launch a podcast called Tell Me More, which will be available in English and French and will feature people working behind the words, including writers, translators and subtitlers.
Alphadico is also organising a Digital Presence for Beginners workshop at The Mill Enterprise Centre on Wednesday, 28th October from 6pm to 7.30pm. The event is aimed at new and aspiring business owners who want to improve their online visibility on a limited budget.
Philippine will cover SEO during the workshop, while Sabrina Basante of 2U Digital will also speak.
The event will also raise funds for Chronic Pain Ireland.
With Emilie now part of the team, Philippine plans to spend more time developing the SEO consultancy side of the business.
Interpreting could also become part of Alphadico’s services in the future.
“There is also a huge demand for interpreting services. I may launch it next year. I’m already in contact with great interpreters who are based in Ireland.”
As Alphadico moves beyond its third anniversary, Philippine said the company has developed broadly as she had hoped, only faster.
“Alphadico developed the way I planned and imagined, but a bit faster. So it’s all positive!”
Tickets and further information for Digital Presence for Beginners are available through Eventbrite.
This article was produced as part of a paid partnership with Alphadico.
