The award-winning timber frame and modular construction specialist built up a strong portfolio of school, nursery and healthcare projects across the south east and, more recently, midlands.

But the firm, which was set up 21 years ago, fell victim to the public spending cuts which are hitting its local authority client base.

Group founder Alan Proto said the group first ran into problems after Government cuts to solar panel subsidies.

GML had expanded into the renewable energy sector, targeting Solar PV for both the commercial and domestic markets. But FiT cuts forced the firm to lay off more than 200 solar panel workers last year with the closure of its Green Home Company.

Proto said that Government cuts to subsidies caused a 95% fall in business. Before the changes, the Green Home Company was turning over up to £10m a month and employing 250 people.

He told KentOnline: “For the first time in my life, I’m completely wiped out. It’s quite numbing. I recognise that my responsibility is to work in the best interests of all those people who had a stake, and I will do everything I can to minimise the damage caused to them.”

The focus on sustainability and renewables helped GML win several awards including SME of the Year at the London and South East final of the Constructing Excellence Awards.