How to word a message re getting deposit back from small business?

[throwbacko2]

A couple of months ago I had a guy come out and quote me for some work, it's not a cheap job (£20k, give or take) - he took a while to get the quote together and I had to chase it up but they are a well respected local company and the guy was messaging me out of office hours which made me think he was doing all his own admin so I let it slide. He eventually sent the quote and asked for a security deposit after a week going back and forward to settle on material choices. I then had to contact him a while after to ask for a date for works to start, he said he would check the diary and get back to me. He hasn't - this was back towards the end of June.

I have now lost all faith in this company and just want my money back, it was several hundred pounds. Communication has been loose, all done though messenger as that was initial contact method, which suited me, so I would like to send a message asking for my deposit to be returned but I want to be absolutely clear it's my only resolution and I'm not interested in getting into any kind of discussion about them still doing the work.

I will be honest I don't even know if I am entitled to the money back but if I am and I have to pursue it legally and officially I will, but I'm looking for help to keep this amicable for now if at all possible.

You have given insufficient information for anyone to give any guidance. What did the contract say about deposit, timescales, etc? Is this "guy" a sole trader, does he trade as a company, what did you discuss/agree about date for work?
Assuming that you don't have a written record of the contract I suggest that as a starting point you write to him - on paper to his bricks & mortar address - telling him that in view of the absence of any contact since (date), and particularly as you've not had any contact as discussed regarding a start date,you require him to return the deposit you had paid to reserve a availability.
He's likely to the offer dates for the work, if he's a shambles and simply responds to the person making the most fuss as a way of scheduling work.
You will then need to decide whether you want to ditch this guy and press for return of the deposit or instruct him to go ahead.

You have given insufficient information for anyone to give any guidance.

Sorry, I really have given all there is to give

What did the contract say about deposit, timescales, etc? Is this "guy" a sole trader, does he trade as a company, what did you discuss/agree about date for work?

There is no contract and yes he runs a small company. The whole reason I want a refund is because he hasn't engaged in any discussion about a date.

You will then need to decide whether you want to ditch this guy and press for return of the deposit or instruct him to go ahead.

They won't be doing any work here. I have no faith in them to actually turn up and do the job properly now. I don't want to start off on a bad foot for a £20k job.

Sorry, thank you! I shall put it in writing just as you suggest

Send….titled -letter before action
dear xxx,
without prejudice, on xxx date you agreed to xxxx works at xxxx cost. A deposit of xxx was paid on xxxx,

it has been xx weeks since our last communication and I still have not heard from you about plans, date , contract not works going forward despite multiple attempts to contact you.

i would therefore request you return my deposit by xxxx date (7 days from now) before I am forced to engage in legal proceedings.