Only 200 of the 600 registered creditors of Isis, a commercial and industrial contractor that went under in 1992, have replied to KPMG's attempts to contact them.
KPMG partner Peter Rilett has given creditors until early February to reply. He said: "It is the complete opposite of the normal situation. Usually, creditors are screaming for money. I'm here screaming for creditors.
"Many of the companies owed money by Isis are believed to be local, but as they may well have changed hands or company over the past six years, tracing them is proving difficult." The creditors range from large materials firms to specialist subcontractors and labour-only subcontractors.
The liquidation had been delayed because of problems negotiating the sale of Isis' share in a US company, Rilett said. Money from the deal took five years to come through.
Rilett said creditors that miss the February deadline will not get any money. "We have to put a deadline on it because it is unfair to keep those who have responded hanging on. They've already been waiting a long time," he said.
Creditors should contact Peter Rilett at KPMG, 100 Temple Road, Bristol BS1 6AG.
