Paul Dounis and Ken Pattullo of Begbies Traynor have been appointed joint administrators of two Scottish building companies, William Crawford & Sons and J&T Blacksmiths Ltd.

J&T Blacksmiths Ltd was established in 1979 and provides steel works to major contractors and utility companies, including Scottish Power. Its fully-owned subsidiary William Crawford & Son (Contractors) Ltd provides an integrated construction, repair and maintenance offering.

Following the administration at the £5.2m turnover group, 46 staff were made redundant. The remaining 42 employees are continuing to work at the Glasgow-based factories, offices and depots while the administrators continue to trade the business and seek a buyer.

Paul Dounis, Begbies Traynor partner and joint administrator, said: 'The businesses hit unresolvable cash shortfalls partly as a result of the slowdown in the market in general, but also as a result of reacting slowly to the downturn. However, both firms have a highly skilled workforce and very strong reputations within the market, and we are confident that their accreditation and solid customer relationships will make the businesses attractive to an acquisitive construction or manufacturing group.'