The Enquirer was contacted by worried subcontractors earlier this week and the news has now been confirmed with the appointment of Critchleys LLP  as administrator of the Oxford based firm.

Critchleys said: “The company has experienced recent tough trading conditions and the current pipeline of work is not sufficient to continue this longstanding and highly regarded Oxford brand.

“The directors have explored various alternative paths but have taken the difficult decision to appoint an administrator.”

Symm offered a broad range of skills covering specialist and general building, restoration, joinery, cabinetry and decoration.

The firm had had a continuous presence in Oxford since the reign of King George III with a building and decorating history stretching back  over 200 years.

Symm described itself as “a builder with a large, dedicated, directly employed workforce of apprentice-trained craftsmen and women.

“Many craftsmen have been with the company for decades. Some are second and even third generation. The skills they posses are rare and Symm treasures some of the finest craftsmen to be found anywhere in the world.

“Traditional skills are expertly delivered, guided by professional and experienced contract and site management teams.

“Symm believes that to consistently deliver high quality craftsmanship it is essential that those working on its projects are formally trained and that as many as possible are directly employed.

“This gives the company a tight control over quality and time, which is particularly important with the finishing trades of carpentry, painting, decorating and polishing.”

Latest accounts filed at Companies House for the year to March 31 2018 show Symm made a £6,500 pre-tax loss from a £27.6m turnover and employed 141 staff.