The Enquirer understands that Miller has approached a number of big-name rivals in a bid to sell the business.

One senior industry source said: “They are definitely looking to sell and we have been approached recently as the Miller team gauge potential interest.”

A spokesman for The Miller Group said: “We continue to review a number of strategic options.”

The construction division dented the group’s latest results after posting a £4.6m operating loss last year on a turnover of £409m.

Miller is now concentrating on framework deals and construction accounted for more than half of the group’s £817m turnover last year.

Housing was the star performer at the group last year and Miller is looking at a potential float of the business.

Analysts believe Miller would be more attractive to potential investors as a pure housing business.