Returns from private equity houses have also dried up because they cannot sell their portfolio companies and, therefore, cannot return money to investors.

It has already begun selling a portfolio of properties it lets to other care home operators, and has shut down some loss-making homes.

And go talent-spotting at art-school degree shows, where students often sell their portfolios.

The company has deviated from its plan of selling the portfolio as a whole and has broken it up.

I was selling a portfolio of property.