"Discussions around future banking terms are ongoing with our bankers.  We are extremely grateful for their help and support to date and we are seeking to reach agreement on future support shortly."

Sound familiar?

But who said it? Taylor Wimpey, Barratt, Redrow? In fact it was Oakdene - on 30 September last year.

The banks clearly were not that helpful or supportive because they pulled the plug on the AIM-listed housebuilder yesterday. But why Oakdene and not Taylor Wimpey?

Taylor Wimpey's latest statement on the progress of debtb talks was as follows:

"Discussions with our debt providers relating to the refinancing of our existing debt facilities continue on a constructive basis. We remain confident that a robust, stable medium term financing solution for the group."

Eerily similar corporate-speak to Oakdene but what's the difference behind the banal public statements?

One is the huge gulf in size between the two companies. Oakdene is small enough for the bank to take on and wind down in an attempt to get its money back. Its £85m of debt has to be a better bet than TW's £1.6bn.

But perhaps a more important and intangible ingredient is the human factor.

Taylor Wimpey is run by a collection of suits working for the greater good.

Oakdene chief executive Carl Turpin owned 11% of the baby he founded in 1996.

As one analyst said: "The banks will feel that emotions come into play and will probably back what appears to be an independent group of directors more readily."

Add to that the £2.5m spat Oakdene was embroiled in with ITV over a planning application.

And then add to that the fact Turpin left the board of former company Regent Homes after the disclosure of significant errors in the 1995 accounts.

And you have more questions than answers.

Yes Oakdene was highly geared, but a look beyond the numbers wouldnt have done much to slow its plunge over the edge.