About us

How it began

Imprimatur was founded in 1995 by Nicola Humphreys. This year marks our 30th anniversary. From the beginning, we set out to do things differently. With deep expertise in both global language communications and the automotive industry, we've had the privilege of working with some of the world's most iconic brands. Thirty years on, we've grown significantly — and are proud to still be working with our very first three clients. We believe in doing great work that speaks for itself.

Our approach

A bespoke language service for every automotive need

At Imprimatur, we offer something truly unique — a language service built entirely around the automotive industry. With three decades' experience, our focus and expertise are firmly rooted in supporting manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. We understand the industry from the inside out, as well as the individual needs of every client we work with.

For 30 years, Imprimatur has been a strategic global language partner to multinational clients across the automotive sector. Many of our long-standing partnerships have grown alongside our clients — from niche, low-volume producers to some of the world's most recognised automotive brands.

Our experience spans the entire industry, from volume to luxury vehicle manufacturers. We collaborate with departments across Design & Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Aftersales and Special Vehicles, handling all types of content — from websites, comms and marketing materials to owner and service documentation, dealer communications, engineering specifications and infotainment systems.

Partnering with Imprimatur means gaining access to an extensive global and regional network of language experts, ensuring that every requirement — no matter how specific — is met with precision and care.

Expertise

Nicola Humphreys

Managing Director

I founded Imprimatur in 1995 to deliver language and technology services to manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive sector.

It is always the customer-facing side of the business that gets me out of bed in the morning and I love to spend time with our customers and prospects alike. I was particularly thrilled in 2021 to start another company, Coding Ketchup, which works alongside Imprimatur developing software solutions.

Our latest investment in AI-powered innovation combines the technology's considerable potential with our existing services. As a result, our reach within the automotive industry continues to grow as the sector values the specialist support we are able to offer to address the current opportunities and challenges in the sector.

I am Chair of WOMAC (Women On the Move Against Cancer), part of the EY Female Entrepreneur network and an active member of the Motor Industry Communicators Association.

I love to eat and have a passion for London!

Natalie Owles

Operations Director

I started my career at Bloomberg as a producer for their news channel. The experience I gained from dealing with high-profile contributors as well as working to extremely short deadlines has proven invaluable in my role at Imprimatur.

I joined Imprimatur over 19 years ago as an Account Manager and have worked closely with our MD Nicola on all aspects of the business.

I am now Operations Director and responsible for implementing strategies, monitoring quality and planning resources, so that our clients' needs can remain at the heart of everything we do.

I enjoy the fast-paced environment and variety of tasks which is the norm at Imprimatur and no two days are ever the same.

I love cooking and can spend hours poring over cookery magazines to find new recipes to try out on my family and friends. My other passion is my cocker spaniel, Rocket; I enjoy our long walks on the weekends.

Oliver Rowe

Communications Director

I joined Imprimatur in 2024 following 25 years at Ford Motor Company in a number of communications roles, based for a period in Germany where I have dual nationality. Prior to that, also in automotive, I worked in France for Unipart in a parts and distribution role.

My communications apprenticeship comprised four years reporting for newspapers, before storytelling and a passion for automotive came together professionally.

As communications lead, I develop Imprimatur's profile and positioning to support clients' needs and internal operations, while also supporting business development. Our messaging promotes the versatility of human and AI-powered specialist translation services, or a mix of both, to meet automotive's complex and demanding language needs.

I am chair of the Motor Industry Communicators Association (MICA.org.uk) and enjoy swimming, cycling and running (separately rather than as a triathlon!). I keep up German and French skills through travel and media.

Mark Harrison

Associate Director

I have enjoyed over 25 years in the automotive industry with agencies and a great roster of brands: Ford, MINI, BMW, McLaren, Pininfarina, Rimac and Praga. I started in PR where I managed launches of the new MINI and McLaren's road car business. This work took in product launches, factory announcements, motorsport campaigns and press conferences around the world. Since then, I have worked with brands and clients in numerous senior roles with both communications and commercial responsibilities, at global headquarters and as a regional managing director in the Middle East.

At Imprimatur, I provide strategic advice on business development and engaging communications to support commercial and brand-building opportunities. This links my sales planning and customer engagement experience to Imprimatur’s exciting plans for the automotive industry.

Having grown up in an agricultural environment, I enjoy seeing Imprimatur's work with AGCO and new tractor launches taking centre stage. I follow Lincoln City – the appropriately nicknamed “Imps”.

Beth Davies

Account Manager

I joined Imprimatur in early 2022. Prior to this, I worked as a teacher, following the completion of my BA in Modern Languages, and an MA in Film and Television.

As an Account Manager, I am the first point of contact for many of our clients. I work with clients to scope new projects, prepare quotes and set timelines. During a project, I will keep track of its progress to ensure it meets the time and cost milestones we have agreed. And when complete, I gather feedback so that I can monitor the success and quality of our project execution and report back to the wider team.

I have a keen interest in languages and as part of my BA spent time studying in French Canada and Germany. I love film and television and in my free time can often be found watching or reading about the latest releases.

Fiona Naylor

Marketing and Senior Project Manager

I completed a degree in French before joining Imprimatur in 2017, so moving into the language and communications industry felt like a natural fit.

As marketing manager, I keep our clients updated about our latest news and product developments. I can often be found posting on LinkedIn, and I enjoy collaborating on our communications strategy and marketing materials with the wider team.

I am also a senior project manager, so I am involved in projects from beginning to end. I manage the translation process, relationships with customers and internal workflows to ensure the smooth completion of each project, to the highest levels of quality. No two projects are the same and I thrive on making sure that they are all completed to plan.

In my free time, I enjoy getting out into the countryside for runs and walks, as well as spending time baking and experimenting with new recipes.

Matt Curley

Project Management Lead

After eight years in multilingual recruitment, I joined Imprimatur as a Senior Project Manager in 2012. It was an opportunity I couldn't refuse.

I have managed projects for some of the world's most exciting automotive brands; from highly creative marketing projects to complex technical projects, I have worked on them all.

As Project Management Lead, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the project management team. I ensure that our project managers have all the tools and knowledge they require to meet and exceed customer expectations.

I love working for such a pioneering company as Imprimatur; a business that embraces technology and change for the benefit of our customers.

Outside of work, I'm a guitar-toting, heavy metal-loving Aston Villa fan and also a coach at a local kids' football club.

Alexis Pejouan

Publishing Technical Lead

I joined Imprimatur in 2011 for a 3-month internship and here I am now, in a senior position. Working at Imprimatur has allowed me to go beyond the scope of translation and develop other areas of expertise, such as localisation engineering, terminology management and desktop publishing.

My role is to research, introduce and implement new technology to ensure we are constantly evolving and improving the customer experience.

I am French, I can speak Chinese – which I developed during 3 years living in China – and I also know Spanish, Italian and some Korean. As you can imagine, Imprimatur is a perfect place to satisfy my interests for foreign languages and cultures!

I am an avid reader, of mostly historical fiction and fantasy. As a problem-solver I enjoy playing strategy video games and also small pleasures such as walks in the forest followed by a pub lunch.