I don't know you Chris, but I'm always willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.
That's easy for me to say because you owe me nothing. There's been numerous posts (and likely many that haven't posted) trying to give you that benefit of the doubt, but eventually failing simply by your silence of late.
My advice, whether you want it or not, is to make an orderly list of your creditors, and contact them all soon (forgive me if you already have).
Your story may very well strike deserved sympathy, but there are many more "victims" in this saga, other than just you.
Money is just money, but when it's mishandled, these are matters of mutual trust. When that is broken, you are finished in society, end of.
Before it's too late (and it will already be too late for some) make contact with these people, preferably in writing, explain your plan and regain their confidence, even if you can't remedy the problem just yet. It will reaffirm all the good words that friends of yours have voiced on this forum, and it will buy you some time to properly face the consequences of the rough deal you've just endured.
As others have said, this will take time, the aftermath of something like this will have repercussions for some time to come. Damage limitation is the key here, you did no end of damage by clamming up and leaving folks to think the worst.
I wish you every success, to clear your name, and to get Humber 4x4 back in good business, delivering good products on time and for the agreed sum. Being handed money with no goods and no explanation in return, will soon be the finish of any enterprise.
Have courage, strength and success, but most of all, have the sense to manage this situation Chris. Bad management has killed better business and reputations than yours, so beware.
I suffered what can only be described as a bankruptcy at one stage of my life, a good income, but not good enough for the debt I was in. I too made the mistake of not communicating with my creditors, and I got into serious sh!te. Once I did contact them, my problems were half solved. I suggest you do the same, individually and personally. You've broken the ice now, you have given yourself the chance.
The very best of luck, my thoughts are with you.