A construction firm operated by two directors who previously completed projects for Wetherspoon and JD Sports has been liquidated. Juma Construction Group, based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, has been voluntarily wound up following a special resolution and the appointment of joint liquidators.
Matthew Hoyes and Julian Kirkpatrick, the company's directors, boast a combined 40 years of industry experience, according to the firm's website. Craig Johns and Jason Elliott from business advisory firm Cowgills are overseeing the liquidation process, which involves selling assets, settling debts with creditors, and distributing any remaining funds to shareholders.
Projects and Clientele
Juma Construction Group's directors previously worked for employers such as BT, Sports Direct, and Revolution Bars, as stated on the company website. The firm specialized in office fit-outs, renovations, refurbishments, gas engineering, and civil engineering. Notable projects include designing and building a training facility at John Leggott College in Scunthorpe and a four-month fit-out of The Bridge Hotel for Ask Drinks Ltd.
Industry Context
The company's liquidation comes amid a downturn in the UK construction industry. Latest figures indicate that construction output declined at its fastest rate since the Covid-19 pandemic last month. The S&P Global UK Construction PMI recorded a reading of 38.2 in May, down from 39.7 in April, marking the lowest level since May 2020. A reading below 50.0 signals contraction.
Political uncertainty and concerns over the Iran war weighed on demand, according to the survey. Builders reported project delays, postponed investment decisions, and reduced customer budgets, leading to fewer work opportunities. Some also cited political instability, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer facing calls for resignation from Labour MPs.
Despite the Labour Government's pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, construction output has been declining for approximately 18 months. Rising costs for energy, fuel, and transportation have further strained firms.
Max Jones, Head of Construction at Lloyds, commented: "While ongoing uncertainty weighs on output, many firms are staying focused on current work and planning for future growth. Companies are continuing to invest in skills to be ready for new opportunities linked to cleaner energy and defence."
Juma Construction Group and Cowgills have been approached for comment. The news was published in The Gazette on Monday, June 8.
