Chairman Ray O’Rourke had hoped to file full year accounts to March 31 2017 by the end of this month.

But the Enquirer now understands that will not happen with the figures not due to be finalised until February.

The official filing deadline was the end of last year and some national papers have tried to drag O’Rourke into the construction sector fears caused by Carillion’s collapse.

But the Enquirer understands that 2017 results are looking a lot healthier than the previous year while the current financial year has got off to a strong start.

A source close to the company said: “Everyone was hoping to get the accounts signed off by the end of January but things have taken a bit longer than expected.

“Post Carillion everything is under more scrutiny and Companies House know about the delay as do clients and financiers.

“The business made encouraging progress last year and this year is looking even better with margins holding tight and a lot of new orders coming in.”