[the old merlin]

First of all, Orridges were the agents of, and paid by, the vendor. Their first duty of care was to him. As you probably know, English and I think Scots law of sale (for anything ) works on the principle of Caveat Emptor. Let the buyer beware.

However, if they, (their rep) was aware of illegal goings-on, s/he should have backed off from trying to sell the business..

What you are describing as the customers/patients requests is fraud. I assume that as an owner you have joined the NPA. Get in touch with their legal dept pdq.