In a town where more people are building businesses, travelling, and connecting internationally than ever before, language plays an important role. From translating official documents for major life moments to helping companies expand into new markets, Drogheda based Alphadico is quietly helping people bridge those gaps.
Founded by Philippine Sikora, Alphadico is a language services provider offering translation, copy editing, localisation and multilingual content services for individuals and businesses alike.
For Philippine, the idea behind the company was simple. Professional language services should be accessible locally, without people needing to travel to Dublin or rely on large agencies where the human connection can sometimes be lost. “Alphadico is a language service provider based in Drogheda,” she explains. “We translate official documents for people getting married or applying for citizenship, but we also support businesses with translations for reports, websites and international communication.”
Website localisation and SEO translation have become particularly valuable services for businesses hoping to grow beyond their home markets. “These services are very appreciated by companies that want to grow their sales, attract more tourists or conquer new markets,” Philippine says.
Turning experience into opportunity
Although Alphadico officially launched in September 2023, the idea had been forming long before that.
Before starting the business, Philippine spent more than six years working in digital marketing. While she was performing well professionally, she knew she wanted to create something of her own. “I worked in digital marketing for over six years, but I wasn’t thriving,” she says. “When a first wave of redundancies happened, I knew it was my chance to do what I had always imagined, leave the company and create my own business.”
With a background in linguistics and certification as a French language copy editor, she realised she could combine her knowledge of language with her experience in marketing and SEO. “The idea was to create a business where I could use my expertise in linguistics, marketing and SEO while helping local businesses and creating opportunities for other professionals,” she explains.
Bringing language services closer to home
One of the gaps Philippine noticed when starting out was that many translation services had disappeared locally, meaning people often had to travel to Dublin or rely on agencies elsewhere. “In recent years many businesses closed in Drogheda, translation agencies included,” she says. “I wanted people to be able to get qualitative translations without having to go to Dublin.”
Today, Alphadico supports individuals who need certified translations for important personal documents, as well as businesses working with international partners. From pharmaceutical reports to website localisation, the company helps ensure that communication remains clear, accurate and culturally appropriate.
A strong ethical approach also sits at the heart of the business. “When a new project arises, I try to hire linguists who live in Ireland,” Philippine says. “Copywriters, translators, proofreaders, journalists and editors. One of the missions of Alphadico is to treat customers and linguists the way I would like to be treated.”
For her, valuing expertise matters more than chasing rapid profit. “It’s more important to respect the people I work with and pay them correctly than to make thousands of euros per month.”
Rooted in Drogheda
Building the company locally was always part of the vision. “It was very important to build my business in Drogheda because this is where I live,” Philippine says. “I want to be part of the local community and help the town receive the recognition it deserves. We live in a pretty town full of inspiring people. Let’s celebrate our talents.”
That local presence makes a real difference for customers. Instead of dealing with distant agencies, many clients appreciate the opportunity to meet face to face and discuss their needs in person. “Our customers really value that Alphadico is located in Drogheda,” she says. “Not having to travel to Dublin is very appreciated, and meeting someone face to face is reassuring when you are dealing with important documents.”
Why human translation still matters
The language industry has changed rapidly in recent years, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence tools. While automated translation can be tempting for businesses looking for quick solutions, Philippine says it often falls short. “Many people think AI can translate a website or write an article as well as a professional human being,” she says. “But companies that value quality realise that AI cannot do the job of a human.”
In fact, the growth of automated tools has highlighted just how important human expertise remains. “Sometimes companies translate their website using AI and realise the texts don’t sound natural at all. Visitors may come to the website, but they don’t convert because the message doesn’t feel right.”
Growing through trust
For Philippine, one of the most rewarding parts of building Alphadico has been the trust it has earned locally. “I feel very proud when people contact us because someone recommended our services,” she says. “Word of mouth is an undeniable proof of qualitative work and great customer service.”
Despite facing challenges along the way, including having to take time away for health reasons, the business has continued to grow steadily. “Sometimes it’s good to say it out loud,” she laughs. “I’m proud of the people I work with and proud of myself too.”
Looking ahead
Demand for Alphadico’s services continues to grow, with more languages and services being added as the company expands. The next step is to create even more opportunities. “The plan is to hire one or two employees before the end of next year,” Philippine says. “If I can create a full time job in Drogheda, I will be the happiest business owner in the world, well at least in County Louth.”
For her, success is not just about growth. It is about building something meaningful locally while helping p eople connect beyond borders.“Success for Alphadico is creating jobs in Drogheda while helping Irish and international businesses, and locals, with their requests,” she says. “We are on the right path. This is just the beginning.”
