Frank Whittle retires after 70 years in construction

Along the way, he built his company into one the country’s best known architecture and surveying practices with a national reputation, particularly in sports stadia, and NHS and healthcare design, providing, amongst others, cost management, architecture and master-planning services.

He swiftly moved up to the Manchester City Council architects’ office and from there to the same job at Lancashire County Council in Preston. Promotion soon followed to team leader in the architects’ office and then to heading up research and development at County Hall for new building structures.

Frank’s contacts in the construction world and expertise, particularly in cost management, led to the growth of the firm over the next decade.

At a retirement celebration held in the Guild Lounge at Preston North End, Frank paid tribute to the colleagues with whom he has worked over the decades and looked back on a long, satisfying working life.

“My mother wished me to have wages to support her house-keeping, but I had a long term vision to work for myself one day and last October I had worked for 70 years, the past few decades at FWP.

Frank paid tribute to former colleagues Maurice Vandome, Sid Senior, Alan Jones, Bob King, Roger White and Beryl Brown who worked with him for 40 years.

“I feel very proud and happy with the firm and the progress it has made. We are well known not only in the North West but throughout the UK and I wish all my friends and colleagues continued success and progress.” FWP continues to be run by joint managing partners David Robinson and Martin Whittle from offices in Preston, Manchester and London.