A construction firm, Caldwell Construction Limited, established in 2007, has gone into administration, endangering more than 400 jobs. The company, specializing in groundworks and civil engineering, with offices in Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington, Cheshire, has appointed administrators from PKF Littlejohn Advisory.
Paul Smith, a Partner at PKF Littlejohn Advisory UK LLP, highlighted the tough trading conditions in the construction industry, with rising costs, project delays, and market uncertainty over the past years. Despite reporting a turnover of £58.4 million last year, Caldwell’s operating profit was under £1 million. Smith mentioned the recent weeks had intensified pressures on Caldwell, straining its cashflow and operations.
The administrators from PKF Littlejohn Advisory in Manchester and Leeds collaborated closely with Caldwell’s management in exploring various options and solutions for the business. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, the company couldn’t find a viable path forward outside insolvency.
Joint Administrator, Oliver Collinge, confirmed the difficult decision by Caldwell’s directors to enter administration. The immediate focus is now on aiding employees and stakeholders while evaluating the business’s status and assets.
This collapse follows the recent administration of Consumer Energy Solutions in south Wales, impacting nearly 300 employees. The two companies are unrelated, with Consumer Energy Solutions having sites in Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf. A notice on their website confirmed immediate cessation of trading activities.
An employee, speaking anonymously, expressed turmoil among staff after being informed of job risks via a Teams call just before Christmas. The company also mentioned its inability to fulfill further customer work due to the circumstances.
Consumer Energy Solutions attributed the proposed restructure and job losses to the conclusion of the UK Government-backed Energy Company Obligation 4 scheme, which they operated. This scheme, aiding homeowners in energy-efficient upgrades like insulation and solar panels, is set to end this year.
The notice clarified that joint administrators, James Saunders and Michael Lennon of KR8 Advisory Limited, took over the company on January 9, 2026, leading to an immediate halt in operations. The administration solely involves Consumer Energy Solutions Limited and not other entities in the City Energy Group.