an update..
I spoke today to trading standards who diverted me to a help line.
They gave me guidelines for a letter to write to the company.
I also spoke to several other stable manufacturers and explained my situation and asked if they were okay to answer some general questions about what they provided and what their customers could expect.
I didn't mention the name of the company who built my stable and I was open about why I was asking the questions.
From six companies, it seems that I have in fact perhaps been 'fobbed'off.
I have arranged that when the company do come back, I will have male company for moral support.
(sorry ladies who are equally competent in DIY but I am not. It is a proven fact, though I don't like it either, that women are more vulnerable in DIY or car related issues to be 'taken for a ride'. This does not mean I condone this attitude,nor do I think think that all men do this. I am not saying that all women know nothing about DIY. I am saying, I know nothing in this situation and have obviously come across people prepared to take advantage of this.)
I read a post in another section of this site about hiring tradesmen.
I did all the recommended things.
From the consumer aspect , learning from experience I would add that you need to ask about after care services and what you can expect.
Also, as the customer you should not assume that the 'expert' will guide you and actually has that expertise.
I have learned that it isn't always the case.
I also thought that employing a local rather than national company was a good thing to do!
On a plus note, having spoken to various stable providers I have found that doing a lot of home work does pay off and I have simply been unlucky.
I saw photos of previous work and got personal recommendations to use the company I used. They were not the cheapest by far. I relied on that but it hasn't helped me when things haven't gone to plan.
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a happy ending.
I keep feeling guilty at asking them to do what they said on the tin!!!!