A construction firm has gone into administration, endangering over 400 jobs. Caldwell Construction Limited, established in 2007, has enlisted administrators from PKF Littlejohn Advisory. The company, specializing in groundworks and civil engineering, operates from offices in Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington, Cheshire.
Paul Smith, a Partner at PKF Littlejohn Advisory UK LLP, highlighted the construction industry’s tough trading conditions in recent years, citing rising costs, project delays, and overall market uncertainty. Despite reporting a turnover of £58.4 million last year, Caldwell’s operating profit was under £1 million. Smith noted that recent pressures exacerbated cashflow and operations issues at Caldwell.
The administrators from PKF Littlejohn Advisory in Manchester and Leeds collaborated closely with Caldwell’s management to explore potential solutions for the struggling business. Unfortunately, efforts to find a viable path forward outside insolvency were unsuccessful, leading to the company’s administration decision.
Joint Administrator, Oliver Collinge, disclosed that Caldwell’s directors chose administration due to the challenging circumstances. The focus now shifts to supporting employees and stakeholders while evaluating the company’s assets and overall position.
Separately, Consumer Energy Solutions in south Wales also entered administration recently, affecting nearly 300 employees. The energy provider, with sites in Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf, ceased trading abruptly, leaving staff in distress just before the Christmas period.
The employee, preferring anonymity, expressed shock and concern along with colleagues. Consumer Energy Solutions confirmed the inability to fulfill further customer work, linking the restructuring and job losses to the conclusion of the UK Government-backed Energy Company Obligation 4 scheme it operated.
The initiative, aiding homeowners in energy-efficient upgrades, faced closure this year, impacting the company’s operations. Joint administrators James Saunders and Michael Lennon of KR8 Advisory Limited took charge of Consumer Energy Solutions on January 9, 2026, as the company halted operations immediately. The administration solely involves Consumer Energy Solutions Limited without affecting other City Energy Group entities.