owed money by plc/ltd company

unfortunately there was no response to the initial letter my solicitor sent to him ,and the company was in his name and the owner presented me the cheque (e'g) joe smith of joe smith motors presented me the cheque which stated joe smith motors ltd on it,so would i basically be suing the company and not the individual?and im wondering if he has any valid argument/defence against me or could there be any good reason for me to lose the case
 
You have to sue Joe Smith Ltd and not Joe Smith the person. If you sue the person he has an absolute defence in that he does not owe the money.
 
Sue the limited company on the back of the cheque.

And consider using a different solicitor.