Builder not supplying goods

[schmalex]

Any advice much appreciated!

Our builder has walked off site and is no longer taking my calls. I am writing to him terminating our contract and have found another builder to finish the work.

However, a few weeks ago he asked me to transfer him £1500 specifically to supply wood flooring to our hall, which he was going to fit. I did this and he hasn't supplied the floor and is now not answering his phone to me.

What should I do at this point? He is a sole trader and I know where he lives, so I will write to him and take him to the small claims court if necessary, but isn't it criminal to take money from someone under false pretences? Should I also be contact trading standards or someone else?

[Collaborate]

Is he a limited company? Check all the paperwork you have.

[schmalex]

No, he's not a limited company.