help please with Universal Wealth preservation Trust

I have some more information about this company/firm and, unfortunately, it's not good news.

Like many others, I have been unable to contact Universal by phone and, given the recent posting on this forum suggesting that the company had gone bust, I travelled to Ipswich to try to find out what had happened.

When I arrived, the metal gates to the premises were locked closed and there was a notice attached which read:

'If you need to contact Universal, please either call us on 01473 808080 and leave a message or send us an email at enquiries [at] universalgroup [dot] co [dot] uk (amended by me)

The site looked rather deserted although there were four cars parked at the far end. While I was there, another car pulled up and the couple advised that they were similarly affected. Then another man came and advised that he ran the business next door and had heard that a number of staff had been laid off, the reason given that Steven Long had suffered a bereavement. He added that the gates were locked all day and only opened at the start of the day when the people arrived and in the evening when they left.

This is obviously not good news and puts a serious doubt on anyone who is the beneficiary of trusts under the control of Universal seeing their money in the short term, if at all. What is not clear is whether there has been any criminal activity within the business, in particular by creaming off assets held in trust. The big problem is that the activities of Universal appear to be largely unregulated and whilst Long is a member of STEP, STEP is a trade organisation rather than a regulator with any real powers. What is also not clear is whether Universal has, in fact, gone bust. My suspicion is that they haven't and are just trying to lie low.

I spoke to a lady from STEP this morning who was 'aware' of Universal but not of the rumours surrounding possible insolvency. She has taken up the case and has requested any information about the organisation. I do not have her permission to give her details on this forum but if you phone STEP on 020 3752 3700, go through the automated answer menu to get to the switchboard and ask to speak to someone about Universal, you should get through to the right person.

I am not a lawyer so I can't give any advice other than to suggest the following:

1. If you haven't already done so, refer to a solicitor
2. Report Universal to Suffolk Trading Standards. The more people that complain, the more likely they are to act. However, referrals to TS need to be done via Citizens Advice - google 'Ipswich Trading Standards' for the process.
3. If you suspect that any criminal activity has taken place, report it to Action Fraud

I am sure none of us doubt that Southfolk was told that the company had ceased trading and the liquidators were in, and believes what they were told in good faith. The question is whether the liquidators are actually in, or whether this is delaying tactics, in the hope the investors leave off for a few weeks while the people behind the company continue doing what they are doing.

There is no sign of any Universal Wealth companies on the London Gazette's latest insolvency notices, nor is there anything about liquidation on the Companies House page for Universal Trustees LLP.

I have been trying, with no success, to get an update from Universal about the progress with resolving my late father's estate and am somewhat devastated but not surprised to see the latest updates here.
I have spoken with STEP this morning but they have no more news and ominously suggested that I might want to contact Action Fraud and also take independent legal advice....

Has anyone any firm news/ or received credible responses from Universal in the last ten days or so?