AFTER handling major engineering projects around the world, Philip Latham is retiring from the electric motor business, only yards from the Trafford Park site where he started as an apprentice more than 40 years ago.

During that time Philip, of Sawley, near Clitheroe, has worked for Associated Electrical Industries, GEC, English Electric and Fenner, based in Blackburn.

He handled many major electrical equipment contracts in the UK and overseas, ranging from oil refineries and power stations to chemical plants in China.

In 1993 he was instrumental in bringing Teco Westinghouse, one of the world's largest motor manufacturing companies, to Trafford Park, Manchester. Mr Latham started his working life as an apprentice with Metropolitan Vickers in Trafford Park.

He is also director of Trafford Park Business Forum.

"Trafford Park has played a major role in the economy of the North West and, indeed, the whole of the engineering industry in Britain and I am delighted that many of the skills and traditions are being carried on into the 21st Century," he said