The firm worked as a subcontractor for utility specialists like McNicholas, Murphy, Enterprise and Morrison Utility Services.

The business was set up by Tony Brockwell in 1983 as a two-man team and grew steadily on the back of growth in road, water and gas contracts into a business employing up to 100 workers, and also providing grab-hire and muck away labour.

Brockwell & Sons made a name for itself as one of the first firms to buy a six-wheel truck suction excavator for safer trench digging.

John Kirstie of London-based administrator Begbies Traynor is handling the affairs of the company. The administrators were unavailable for comment.