Housing groundworks crisis deepens as JAO ceases trading

Taunton-based JAO Groundworks has become the latest residential groundworks specialist to collapse as the prolonged downturn in house building continues to claim trade contractor casualties.
The Somerset firm, which employed more than 100 staff and delivered more than £43m of work since launching in 2019, has ceased trading with immediate effect.
Founder Jake Oaten announced the closure in a statement to staff, suppliers and clients, blaming the depressed housing market, rising costs, late