Our Story

Born in 2004, a new video technology enterprise, SignVideo, was founded by Jeff McWhinney, a well-known Deaf entrepreneur who fought tirelessly for equality of the Deaf and hearing communities. SignVideo introduced the videophone to the UK Deaf community, providing instant access to British Sign Language interpreting through video conferencing.

Today, we are a predominantly BSL-led organisation with a reputation for high quality, customer-focussed services and standards. Every day of the year, SignVideo are delivering BSL interpreting 24/7 for Deaf and Deafblind BSL users through VRS solutions commissioned by the public and private sectors in government, NHS, councils, banks, telecommunications providers, helplines and many other types of organisations across the UK.

Our journey

2005

First VRS call via SignVideo Contact Centre platform
• First VRS call via SignVideo Contact Centre platform
• Partnership agreement with Cisco Systems for the establishment of a video contact centre
• Partnership agreement signed with Tandberg Solutions for supply of videoconferencing units

2006

18 public authorities in the Greater London area signed up to SignVideo interpreting services

2007

500 video conferencing units distributed across the UK and Europe

2008

Awarded a contract by the Department for Work and Pension for BSL/English video interpreting services

2009

Ranked 39th in Royal Bank of Scotland’s Social Enterprise ‘Top 100 For Growth’

2010

First non-UK Deaf BSL user started to use SignVideo from an overseas base

2011

SignVideo app launched on Android smartphones and tablet
• Ranked 24th in Royal Bank of Scotland Top 100 fast growing social enterprises with a growth of 94%
• Partnership with DeafAction and Lexicon

2012

SignVideo app became accessible for iOS iPhones and iPads – moving truly into the mobile working era
• First Deaf person to use SignVideo online interpreting services as part of one’s own Direct Payment scheme

2013

SignVideo became the first Video Relay Service provider in the UK to achieve BS27001

2014

SignVideo celebrated 10th anniversary of delivering VRS services nationally and internationally

2016

Launched contactSCOTLAND-BSL, a Scottish Government video relay interpreting service for Scotland’s public authorities and voluntary organisations (Third Sector) and now beyond

2020

Launched BSL Health Access app, on-demand 24/7 remote interpreting to support UK Deaf Community with critical medical services and advice through global COVID pandemic
• SignVideo became the video element of Sign Language Interactions
• SignVideo joined the Sorenson Communications family
• SignHealth deaf health charity is selected as SignVideo’s Charity of the Year 2020–23

2021

• SignVideo and InterpreterNow, a VRS app for NHS111 and all non-emergency health and social care services, will merge as one VRS communication platform
Life can be so simple sometimes. To spark a meaningful conversation, all we need to do is simply say ‘Hello’, either with a warm wave when you greet a familiar face, or a polite smile to form connection. Because in this world, us humans are the only ones who can talk about the phases in life, dreams and aspirations, inspired inventions, or personal heroes. To initiate, we can connect, build relationships and create opportunities; and that can only happen when people from different languages, cultures and backgrounds can be meaningfully understood.

The comprehensiveness and quality of SignVideo VRS provide the means to say hello from day to night as we understand the power and value of building a relationship. Let us, as the most experienced intercultural expert, make saying hello easier.
At SignVideo, life begins with hello.