Najem Al Hasan has resigned as the the Scottish president of the Federation of Master Builders after his company Scotia Construction went into liquidation.

The Sunday Mail revealed that Livingston based Scotia Construction was put into liquidation at the town’s sheriff court by suppliers Jewson Builders over an unpaid bill.

The move followed a string of complaints about workmanship by the contractor.

Hasan was re-elected Scottish FMB president last November.

After his election he said: “Retentions are killing the construction industry.

“Very few SMEs have the resources to chase all monies due to them and litigation is frequently too expensive – many subcontractors go out of business with thousands of pounds owed to them by principal contractors.

Director of the Federation of Master Builders Scotland, Graham Barn, told the Sunday Mail: “Due to the condition of his business, Hasan could not continue to represent members and has resigned as president.”

Hasan told the paper: “This is what happens when customers do not pay their bills.

“It was no longer prudent to continue the business.”