Four contractors are circling troubled London-based family building firm Harry Neal

Peter Kubik, a partner in accountant UHY Hacker Young, which is advising on the sale of the £40m-turnover firm, said it had received “significant interest from four serious contenders”. “It’s a recognised name,” he said. “We’ve had interest from quite a few parties”.

A winding-up petition was issued on 27 January, and this is due to be heard on 18 February, after which the firm will be liquidated.

Kubik said Harry Neal had debts amounting to about £12m. He added that a buyer would have to take the firm as a whole, complete with all existing projects and debts.