A civil engineering and groundworks company named Caldwell Construction Limited has gone into administration, jeopardizing over 400 jobs. The company, established in 2007, has enlisted administrators from PKF Littlejohn Advisory at its Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington branches.
Paul Smith, a Partner at PKF Littlejohn Advisory UK LLP, highlighted the challenging environment in the construction sector, attributing it to rising costs, project delays, and market instability. Despite achieving a turnover of £58.4 million last year, Caldwell’s operational profit remained below £1 million. Smith noted that recent weeks saw intensified pressures on Caldwell, leading to severe cashflow and operational difficulties.
Efforts by the PKF Littlejohn Advisory teams in Manchester and Leeds to explore potential solutions for Caldwell proved futile, necessitating the company’s entry into an insolvency process. Joint Administrator Oliver Collinge confirmed the company’s decision to enter administration and stated that the focus now is on supporting employees and stakeholders while evaluating the company’s assets.
In a separate development, Consumer Energy Solutions, an energy provider in south Wales, also faced administration, affecting nearly 300 employees. The company, with locations in Swansea and Rhondda Cynon Taf, abruptly ceased trading, leaving staff members distressed after learning their jobs were at risk just before Christmas. Consumer Energy Solutions cited the conclusion of the UK Government-backed Energy Company Obligation 4 scheme as the reason for the proposed restructure and job losses. The scheme, aiding homeowners in energy efficiency upgrades, is scheduled to conclude this year.
Administrators James Saunders and Michael Lennon of KR8 Advisory Limited took charge of Consumer Energy Solutions on January 9, 2026, marking the company’s immediate cessation of operations. The administration solely pertains to Consumer Energy Solutions Limited and does not impact other entities within the City Energy Group.