Some trader threatening bankruptcy

[Roadster]

We entered into an agreement with a 'company' to supply and install a balustrade, we paid up front. We don't have the goods and no work has been done. After a long silence, lots of chasing, and a letter from us stating as he had not fulfilled the agreement, we had now cancelled it, the director made contact to apologies and said, he would try to make things good, as we have paid out again for the balustrade with a different company we just want our funds returned. A lot has gone on, including identifying 3 other people in our position, so we asked for this assurance to be made in writing - he's gone silent again. I have found out that he has been the director of 3 former companies 2 in the same business, 1 in a kitchen company which were foreclosed by Companies House. He's current trading as a sole trader supplying kitchen and Balustrades, not a limited company. There was no formal contract, he would not supply any paperwork despite our many request, we do have in writing his requests for our money and what we were paying for. He has mentioned a few times now that he could fold the company and owe us nothing, is that the case? What can we do to try to recouped our money? Thank you

[Roadster]

*Sole not 'Some' *♀️