AN apprentice who trained at one of Malvern's best known small engineering companies has taken over the business and relocated it.

Martin Ward is now operating Smart Precision Engineering from Deerhurst, near Tewkesbury, but began with the firm when it was called Handy Engineering on Hanley Swan Business Park.

He said: "I began my engineering career as a traditional apprentice when Phil Handy of Handy Engineering offered me my first ‘proper’ job back in 2002. At this time, Handy Engineering had been established for 10 years and was continuing to go from strength to strength, with a focus on quality, attention to detail and a well organised, efficient workshop. I spent 10 years there, including a traditional apprenticeship before moving on.

"In 2012 and feeling a personal need for change, I took the tough decision to leave the firm for pastures new. Over the next three years I continued in the engineering trade and spent some time in the sister discipline of toolmaking, before making the next natural step up to workshop manager for a local plastics machining and wholesale company.

"The one day I phoned Phil with the offer of some work, and was instead met with the offer of a business. Phil was semi-retiring and the opportunity to acquire a fully equipped workshop with an excellent trading history and reputation presented itself."

Mr Ward has relocated the workshops with Mr Handy remaining involved on a day to day basis. There is the same expertise behind the scenes, along with the same high standards and work ethic, which are now paired with fresh impetus and ideas," Mr Ward added. "We are very excited to be driving forward into 2015 and beyond."