A construction company based on Sheppey has gone into administration with the loss of more than 50 jobs.

Family-run Ellicon Construction, which had its headquarters on the Regis Business Park in Sheerness, had been operating for the last 20 years.

But it was declared insolvent after being "unable to meet liability payments due to contractual difficulties and the knock-on effects of Covid".

The firm was a groundwork and building contractor employing some 52 staff members.

It worked throughout the South East with projects, according to its website, ranging in value from £50,000 to £4million.

It also owned a fleet of excavators, forklifts and dumper trucks.

Reporting an £11.2m turnover in 2021, down from £12.1m in 2019, Ellicon has ceased trading on its three current customer sites. The company’s Sheppey headquarters has also closed as a result of its insolvency.

Duncan Beat and Simon Campbell, managing directors at business advisory firm Quantuma, have been appointed joint administrators.

Mr Beat explained: "Family-run businesses are the lifeblood of the UK’s economy, and it is regretful that Ellicon Construction is unable to continue to operate.

"We were able to find alternative contractors to ensure its customer projects will be delivered to completion, but understand that a number of former staff will be offered employment with these contractors.

"In the circumstances, we will be doing our best to maximise recoveries for creditors.”