Builder issues

Sunshining

Hi, hoping someone will be able to point me in the right direction.
Background of my issue, in August of 2022 I thought I was lucky enough to find a reputable builder. Checked out the website and all looked good. Basically I needed garden gates replaced. I had a quote for metal gates and I appreciated would take a number of weeks. Quote was around £7-8000. I paid deposit of £2,970.
all went quiet, guy said still waiting plus had family issues.
come the New Year chased again. This time issue with the gates, something wrong with them so he had to go back to the manufacturer. Waited patiently again. Eventually told by lady who replies to his emails (the builder we cannot reach anymore) says Company in process of being sold and the builder has now left. 

Back and forth with emails, though do have to wait for replies as she only works one or two mornings a week. She suggested time to look at returning the deposit. Reply straight back with details for bank. She replied saying would give details to the Accountant to arrange the transfer, would take a week. Over two weeks later and nothing.
really not sure what the next step would be? I am beginning to resign myself to fact lost the money but don’t want them to walk away Scot free

ashe

Sounds like the person responding to emails Is probably just the builder 

I'd advise action fraud 

Simonon77

£8000 how big are your garden gates ! 

grumbler

A builder or a company?

MSE:

Small claims court