Desk-Pilot
If you think it through the marketing department of the company cannot be told that there are problems at such a sensitive stage, or very soon everybody knows. This would lead to a premature collapse, and disaster for the purchase of SFT which was, at the time, still being negociated. Had this happened then people would be here complaining that they lost money due to the premature collapse, and the information should have remained confidential.
As it was I think had you paid your money the cheque would have been returned unpresented. Had monies been taken the company could have been seen to be trading while insolvent. Since Fanshawe Loft's acountants (who became the adimistrators) had been overseeing the company closely on behalf of the banks I'm certain they could not have allowed this to happen. If anyone knows differently they sould take it up with Fanshawe Loft, and possible their own solicitor.
If you are concerned about financial health then do not pay up-front. Either insist on an escrow account or pay as you fly. BCFT, whom I now work for, do not
allow students to pay for flying upfront. Yet we are cheaper than some who insist on it. Remember
you are paying the money, be a good consumer and negociate something to your satisfaction or walk away, there are plenty of us willing to accept your money on your terms
That's how competition works to your advantage.