Joe Fitzgibbon, managing director of Manchester-based Centum Construction Services had to call in administrators after a difficult year for the small specialist.

Fitzgibbon is a prominent figure in the region having been chairman of the north west region of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association from 2013-2015.

He is a respected civil engineer and worked in public and private civil engineering for more than 35 years, with projects including utilities, highways and rail.

It is understood around eight staff have been laid off by administrators from Begbies Traynor.

A source told the Enquirer: “Centum was well known for water industry and reinforced concrete work.

“Like many it was hit by project delays.”

Centrum Construction Services was set up in 2003 and operated out of offices in Levenshulme.