Question about Sole trader company ?

Question

Is there any way that I can find out on the internet if a Sole trader is still in operation ?

A company has gone bust on us, but as a "Ltd" company, now we have never dealt with them as a "Ltd" company as far as we are concerned, we always dealt with them and invoiced them as a sole trader and no orders from or other correspondance said "Ltd" on it etc., we did a credit check on them and the company did exist as a Sole trader and then as Ltd company, its only the "Ltd" that has gone into insolvency.

Surely we can take legal action against the person to reclaim the debt if he can't prove we were dealing with him as a sole trader ?

We have heard a rumour that he is operating and that his customers are providing him with materials to carry out work as he can't get credit, but as this is only a rumour, is there a way of actually finding out ?

Answer 1

Companies House should be able to tell you my friend.

http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/

Answer 2

Don't allow the existence (or otherwise) of a Ltd.Co., of same name to confuse you ..

Write DIRECT to the person and ask him to settle his outstanding bills in full, giving him the usual 14 days.

If you do not receive your money in full, start legal action on day 15 ...

If the amount is £3,000 or less, start an action in the Small Claims Court ... and try to get an early hearing ..  there will soon be a queue .. he may well settle the first few demands in an effort to avoid being made bankrupt .. but you MUST get in first and push, push, push form your cash or you may end up with nothing (other than the satisfaction of sending in the bailiffs or making him bankrupt).