Advice required: business acquaintance cannot see they're in trouble

[chickenlady]

This is bothering me and I don't know what, if anything, I should do and I would appreciate some advice.
I have a business acquaintance who I see regularly - let's call them H. H is a sole trader, registered for VAT, not a ltd co. H has an accountant who also deals with H's website. H has told me that they have had 2 VAT investigations in the last 24 months and an HMRC investigation. VAT man recently told H not to purchase any more stock. H is still purchasing stock. H is struggling financially - stealing from relatives and going to foodbanks. There are self-confessed mental health issues. H is a vulnerable adult. I believe H is being exploited by bigger companies, their suppliers (and accountant). I have expressed my concern to the one big company we have in common (we have to pay them pop up shop rental - H struggles to do this with on-the-day takings) but they tell me they have to deal with them as any other business.
Is there anything I can do to help? Is there an organisation I could put H in touch with? Or do I just watch them go bankrupt and (genuinely) suicidal - there have already been attempts.
H is not my friend and not my rival but I am concerned for their welfare.

 

[Mr D]

If he is capable of handling own affairs then it's up to him to take action. Other people are limited what can be done. Nhs can take action if someone is in trouble with mental health but it's often slow, limited or has a heavy impact.

May be worth him having a word with the business debtline.

 

[Ziggrs]

I think that he is grownup man and should make decisions for himself. It is very nice from you that you would like to help, but if he is not even considering what you are saying, then, there is nothing more that you could and should do

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Would HMRC actually tell a sole trader not to buy stock? I find that very strange
H is probably doing something very unusual to start off two investigations .ie excessive claims ect

HMRC are there to collect the revenue but they would not exploit vulnerable individuals . If this person is genuinely struggling with such difficulties then his doctor should write a letter to HMRC