Founded in 1853, William Sapcote & Sons has remained an independent and family owned business with a reputation for high quality in both workmanship and services.

Building projects undertaken include new build and refurbishment in all areas of construction except housing and domestic work and value of works from a few thousand pounds up to £3 million. Area of activity is generally within 60 miles of Birmingham. It was notable for its restoration of St Martin's Church by the Bullring.

The company went into administration last week over was what described as cashflow problems, but Chairman Richard Sapcote, who was the sixth generation of his family to run the construction firm, said they had failed to find a buyer.

Mr Sapcote said that just one payment withheld by one client was enough to "tip the balance".

He told a local radio station:: "Words cannot express how sincerely sorry I am that we have been unable to save the business and preserve the jobs.

"I would like to thank all employees for their support through the years and especially during this difficult period.

"Obviously it's tremendously sad because this business has been run by my family for six generations.

"Although we've still been picking up work and making profits, it's cash flow that's killed us."