Administrators John Russell and Chris White at The P&A Partnership confirmed that the business had ceased trading and that all employees have been made redundant.

White said: “C R Gibbs & Sons is a well respected Sheffield business that has unfortunately been a casualty of both the downturn in the construction sector and cuts in the public sector.

“The majority of its contracts were within the public sector, including schools, universities and NHS Trusts.

“P&A have been offering support by assisting staff with claim forms for redundancy payments and other entitlements.”

Gibbs restructured the business last year in a bid to stay afloat by cutting costs.

The company also refused to get drawn into suicide bids despite intense competition for work.

It said: “We do not promote negative bidding strategies in order to secure work as this creates unachievable tender levels and a negative cycle for clients and contractors alike.”