u/MattFTWWW

I am a sole trader who freelances as a web developer, based in England.

• I Won a small claims case last year, CCJ issued against LTD company
• Payment plan agreed: 4 instalments
• 3 instalments paid, final instalment unpaid
• Debtor said delay was due to late payment from their client, but then never paid the final instalment (over £800, less than £1000)
• Began High Court Enforcement, but delayed due to court admin error (writ returned unsealed)
• During delay, company was dissolved (~4 months after final instalment due). I had previously suspended dissolution but was not aware that I wouldn't be notified when the suspension was coming to an end.
• Unable to enforce CCJ due to dissolution
• Director has since set up a new LTD company within ~1 month
• Appears to be trading with the same clients under the new company.
• I have been blocked from viewing their profile on LinkedIn, however incognito view shows that they are now active again since starting the new company.

Questions:

• Do I have any realistic route to recover the remaining balance at this stage?
• Does the new company / same client situation raise any legal issues (e.g. phoenixing), or is this likely to be considered legitimate?
• Is there any way to pursue the director personally given the circumstances?