Revenue was also down 18% to £7.41m as the practice struggled for new work.

CEO Nicholas Thompson said: “Revenues were severely impacted by the continuing stagnation within the UK construction market which currently shows no clear-cut evidence of recovery. 

“Our overseas operations are beginning to benefit from reorganisation but, overall, as previously highlighted, we expect a Group loss for the full year despite a better second half.”

Turnover slumped 30% in the UK but Aukett flagged an improvement in business during May.

It said: “In the past month (May) we have seen a noticeable improvement in enquiry conversions. Whilst this will be too late to reduce the loss in 2018 it will certainly improve the outlook for the next financial year.”

But Aukett added: “In the near term, to the end of the financial year, as previously reported, the financial outlook remains negative.”