The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2022.
The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of manufacture of footwear.
Tricker’s is an Internationally recognised luxury brand of footwear, 100% manufactured within its own factory by R E Tricker Ltd, founded in 1829 in Northampton.
The Group designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells its products under the Trickers brand name. Each shoe and boot is carefully crafted from the best materials to the most exacting standards. The integrity and natural authority of our products, their individuality and self-assuredness are reflected in our customers and ultimately sets us apart.
The Group exports 80% of its products to 70 different countries via wholesale or ecommerce activities
Tricker’s commitment to sustainability is at the heart of the company’s brand’s values
Turnover for the year was £6.3 million compared to £4.8 million for the year to 31 December 2021
The loss after tax for the year was £285,704 (2021: loss of £707,346). The split of the results is as follows: The subsidiary company made a profit of £20,380 (2021 loss of £296,210) and holding company a loss of £306,084 (2021 loss of £411,136).
The Board's long-term objective is to grow Trickers into a major global luxury footwear brand, offering unique and desirable product at the best value for price, and thereby create improved shareholder value
The Group uses a range of performance measures to monitor and manage the business effectively. These are both financial and non-financial key performance indicators. These are reported on a weekly basis versus internal targets and prior year performance and include turnover:
Global Digital sales were up 5.17% to £1.3m for the year (2021: £1.3m) accounting for 20.63% of Company revenue (2021: 26.5%)
Total Retail sales (including Digital) were up 68.36% to £0.9m for the year (2021: £515k)
Wholesale revenue increased 36.02% to £4.1m (2021: £3.0m)
Digital has now become an important part of the business and further on-line development is underway to grow sales over the next few years
We can improve our digital sales channels and the services that we provide to create an even better shopping experience by better using the latest technological innovations. We are investing in marketing to ensure better ‘automated’ customer interactions and buying recommendations.
The group uses a range of performance measures to monitor and manage the business effectively. These are both financial and non-financial key performance indicators. These are reported on a weekly basis versus internal targets and prior year performance and include turnover.
2022 2021
Increase/ (decrease) in turnover 31.4% 12.0%
Gross profit percentage, adjusted for CJRS 41.5% 35.5%
Net profit/(loss) percentage (5.0)% (15.3)%
Liquidity ratio (excluding stock) 0.66 0.80
Strategy
The group's long-term strategies are:
to increase its “direct to consumer” digital sales
Increase operating profit, to reinvest within the company
to significantly increase the strength of the brand
offering unique and desirable product at the best value for price
committed to its "Made in England" strategy and intend to maintain its UK production of footwear and is actively promoting itself as 100% Northampton
the Company will continue to invest in product and international development
to increase sales in China with our strong partner resulting from the increasing number of middle-income consumers
The Group does have some exposure to foreign currency, cash flow, credit, liquidity, interest rate and other price risks that arise in the normal course of the business, some of these risks are deemed to be more significant that others. These risks are limited by the Group's financial management policies described below.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the reporting entity by failing to discharge an obligation. Predominantly any risks will arise from trade debtors going bad, but given the retail nature of part of the Group's trade, this is risk is partially mitigated. The wholesale element of the business, which is slightly more exposed to credit risk, is managed through sensible sales ledger management policies and historically the entity has seen very low levels of bad debt.
Liquidity risk/Cash Flow risk
The directors have ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management in maintaining adequate reserves, banking and borrowing facilities. The directors manage the Group's working capital requirements predominantly within its own resources and Cash flow is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure obligations are met. The liquidity risk mainly arises from the level of stockholding which arise in the normal course of business. These risks are managed on a group wide basis in order to benefit from economies of scale.
Interest rate risk
The group is exposed to interest rate risk through the impact of rate changes on interest bearing borrowings. Apart from the bank overdraft, the Group does not have significant interest bearing assets and liabilities. By managing the facilities on a group wide basis and having a strong relationship with its bankers helps to mitigate the risk.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Group trades with a large number of customers and suppliers with which foreign exchange risks arises. To mitigate this risk the company maintains both Euro and Dollar bank accounts in order to mitigate the exchange risk. The exchange rate movement is monitored regularly and this enables to the company to convert funds to sterling when the rate is deemed most favourable. However, generally they settle foreign exchange liabilities using the Euro and Dollar bank accounts.
Other Price Risk
The Group operates in a very competitive market. In order to retain its existing customers and generate new ones, the Group continues to strive to achieve its overriding aim of building and maintaining good customer relationships and consistently producing highest quality shoes, set at a price which delivers a strong margin which enables the Group to focus on quality. The resulting strong relationships help the Group to be able to work with its customers following significant changes in the market, and by introducing the Global pricing alignment, all customers worldwide, whether online or retail will broadly pay the same price.
The directors of the group constantly review risks that may affect the group and its trading. Any matters that give cause to review the risk to the group are dealt with at a management level.
The group continues to face many challenges, for this year:
recovery of wholesale sales demand due to Covid-19, and some markets only re-opening in 2022
“rebuilding” our production levels in line with demand
investing in apprenticeships and training
continued uncertainty over Brexit, the logistical challenges it has produced and the consequent costs
continued cost and waste reduction
continued innovation regarding our online sales offer to customers
maintaining our ageing building and machinery.
currency risk, particularly to the Japanese yen and Euro.
Corporate social responsibility
The group has an ongoing responsibility as a manufacturing group to manage environmentally related matters and to take proper care of the environment, in so far as it impacts on its business operations and other group-related activities. These duties form an essential part of how we run and maintain our business. It also reflects our support for the principle of sustainable development.
There are many benefits such as improved profits, increased sales, improved image, and protection of the natural environment.
The group's approach is based on a simple principle: that it will make a positive difference to its people, the environment, and the communities in which it works.
Employees are actively encouraged to find new ways of meeting our wider responsibilities, and as such have focused our initiatives in the following key areas:
Climate change - investing in the latest technologies to help reduce energy consumption and impact on the environment and sourcing purchases from sustainable or renewable sources wherever possible.
Reducing waste - there is a continuous process to identify ways to reduce waste, as well as recycling as much material as possible from its factory.
Manufacturing and apprentices - Trickers is proud to produce 100% of its leather goods in its own Northampton factory where it employs nearly 100 people. Since 2016 it has run an apprenticeship programme to train young people to become accomplished craftsmen and craftswomen.
Animal welfare - commitment to ethical practices and traceability in its leather supply chains
Community involvement - The company actively donates voluntary support and time to the local communities in Northamptonshire
We continue to do our best to improve our sustainability processes and procedures across all of Tricker’s, and we’re always looking at how we can do even better. We know that we won’t get it right every time, but we will continue to try to achieve the best outcome that we can.
Looking ahead to FY2023 and FY2024, we continue our gradual recovery from the global pandemic and focus on embedding our vision for a full recovery into the business.
We are building on solid foundations and are fully focused on successfully delivering our multi-year strategic plan and delivering sustainable long-term value, despite the unprecedented setbacks of 2020 and 2021
E-commerce is a crucial channel for keeping sales up, communicating with our customers, and forging a sense of community around our brand. We have accelerated our digital investments and shifted all media spending to the online channels, with a focus on customer activation.
We increased our prices from May 1st, 2023, as we focus more on margin and quality. Global pricing alignment will ensure customers anywhere in the world pay broadly the same price online and in market
A successful launch of Tricker’s in China, has enabled us to take advantage of the recovery they have made since the pandemic
Strategy is constantly reviewed by the Board considering the group's performance and changing market conditions, to ensure it remains appropriate to achieve the company's objectives.
The Board is confident that the group's strategy will deliver the results that meet our expectations in the years to come.
I would like to personally thank all members of staff for their extraordinary commitment and considerable application during this last year. Our culture of discipline, flexibility, and co-operation has enabled the business to weather the pandemic, in the face of such adversity.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.
The principal activity of the company and group continued to be that of manufacture and sale of footwear.
The results for the year are set out on page 11.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Clifford Roberts were appointed as auditor to the group and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
Research and development, future developments and financial risk management in respect of exposure to credit, liquidity, Interest rate, foreign currency and other price risks are set out in the strategic report (as defined by section 414 C (11) of the Companies Act 2006).
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor of the company is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor of the company is aware of that information.
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the group’s and company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2022 and of the group's loss for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Material Uncertainty related to Going Concern
We draw your attention to note 11 in the financial statements, which indicates that the group incurred a net loss during the year ended 31st December, 2022. As of that date, the group’s net current assets exceeded its total liabilities. As stated in 1.4, these events alongside the other matters as explained in detail in the Strategic Report, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the company and the sector in which they operate. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant: the Companies Act 2006, UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and UK corporate taxation laws.
We obtained an understanding of how the company is complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making inquiries to the management and by observing the oversight of management, the culture of honesty and ethical behaviour and whether strong emphasis is placed on fraud prevention, which may reduce the opportunities for fraud to take place, and fraud deterrence, which could persuade individuals not to commit fraud in the first instance . We corroborated our inquiries through our review of all relevant available audit information.
We assessed and understood the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations. The audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
•Identifying and assessing the design and effectiveness of controls management has in place to
prevent and detect fraud;
•Understanding of how senior management considered and addressed the potential for override of
controls or other inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process;
•Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting
estimates;
•Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal
entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant
transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias; and,
•Assessing the extent of compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. The risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s loss for the year was £306,084 (2021 - £411,136 loss).
R.E. Tricker Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 56/60 St Michael's Road, Northampton, NN1 3JX.
The group consists of R.E. Tricker Holdings Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
The group has two principle places of business, being the registered office and 67 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6NY.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal account policies are set out below.
In the parent company financial statements, the cost of a business combination is the fair value at the acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. The excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. The cost of the combination includes the estimated amount of contingent consideration that is probable and can be measured reliably, and is adjusted for changes in contingent consideration after the acquisition date. Provisional fair values recognised for business combinations in previous periods are adjusted retrospectively for final fair values determined in the 12 months following the acquisition date. Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the value of assets (other than goodwill) and liabilities recognised in a business combination accounted for using the purchase method and the amounts that can be deducted or assessed for tax, considering the manner in which the carrying amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. The deferred tax recognised is adjusted against goodwill or negative goodwill.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company R.E. Tricker Holdings Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2022. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.
If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
The significant judgements, as more fully detailed in the Strategic report, which underpin the directors’ continued assessment that the entity is a going concern are:
Current assets exceed current liabilities within the consolidated financial statements,
Stock held by the group is of a very high quality, and can be realised into cash through continued trading,
The restructuring actions taken during the pandemic now leading to increased productivity and lower fixed overhead levels,
Growth in the global digital sales markets, which is anticipated to continue to grow annually,
A very strong banking relationship with the company’s current bankers.
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.
Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Amortisation is included within 'Administrative expenses' of the Profit and Loss Account.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
In determining the valuation of stock a degree of judgement and estimation is applied to the calculation of finished goods and work in progress. A 12 month average of factory labour cost per unit produced plus a 12 month average of leather and consumables purchased per unit produced is applied to final stock units to value finished goods.
A further application of a percentage is applied to work in progress stock, reasonably reflecting the products stage of completion at the year-end cut-off.
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
The company received government grants in respect of Covid support through the furlough scheme. These grants are recognised as other income over the period necessary to match them with the related costs, for which they are intended to compensate, on a systematic basis.
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result. Forward foreign currency purchases are initially recognised at fair value on the date they are entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value are recognised in the income statement with the corresponding entry being a derivative asset or liability in the balance sheet.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.
The fair value of the Freehold Land and Buildings is based on the valuation performed by an independent professional valuer, CS2 Chartered Surveyors in December 2020. The directors consider the value of Freehold Land and Buildings to be the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent depreciation. The useful life used to depreciate the Freehold Land and Buildings is management's estimate of the period over which economic benefit will be derived from it.
The NBV of freehold land and buildings can be identified at both a group and company level within note 13, the judgement and key source of estimation uncertainty identified is applicable to the whole of this asset category.
In determining the valuation of stock a degree of judgement and estimation is applied to the calculation of finished goods and work in progress. A 12 month average of factory labour cost per unit produced plus a 12 month average of leather and consumables purchased per unit produced is applied to final stock units to value finished goods.
A further application of a percentage is applied to work in progress stock, reasonably reflecting the products stage of completion at the year-end cut-off.
The judgement and key source of estimation identified is applicable to the full balance of finished goods at an individual company level and the full balance of finished goods and work in progress at a group level. The balances of these two stock categories as at the year-end date are identifiable within note 17 of the accounts.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
Investment income includes the following:
The actual credit for the year can be reconciled to the expected credit for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
In addition to the amount charged to the profit and loss account, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income:
The company has tax losses unrelieved and carried forward of £584,547 (2021 - £358,361).
Losses in the subsidiary undertaking carried forward for tax purposes total £2,032,787 (2021 - £2,120,678).
The carrying value of land and buildings comprises:
The buildings and land at 56-60 St Michaels Road, Northampton NN1 3JX, including the car parks and walls pertaining to this and including all of the integral fixtures and fittings within the buildings.
Land and buildings with a carrying amount of £5,015,040 were revalued at 31/12/2020 by CS2 chartered Surveyors, who are independent valuers not connected with the company on the basis of reinstatement cost. The valuation conforms to International Valuation Standards and was based on recent market transactions on arm's length terms for similar properties. The directors believe the valuation is still appropriate.
Land and buildings are carried at valuation. If land and buildings were measured using the cost model, the carrying amounts would have been approximately £104,883 (2021 - £108,503), being cost £181,021 (2021 - £181,021) and depreciation £76,138 (2021 - £72,518).
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2022 are as follows:
The investment in the subsidiary is held at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
The overdraft is secured by fixed charges over the assets of the company and its subsidiary. There are 3 charges in the company and 1 charge in the subsidiary , all in favour of HSBC Bank Plc.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
The amount owed to the pension schemes at the year end was £18,074 (2021 - £13,994).
Called Up Share Capital - represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued
This comprises of the fair value adjustment on the revaluation of the company's freehold property less the potential deferred tax payable on the increased value. The reserve is not distributable.
Profit and Loss Reserve - includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
There is a contingent liability to the bank, in the form of a unlimited multilateral guarantee, dated 4th November 2021. This guarantee has been given by R E Tricker Limited and R E Tricker Holdings Limited. Prior to the year end the group entered an agreement to convert £1m of the overdraft into long term debt, in the form of a 6 year and 15 year loan. The loans were not drawn down until post year end and therefore at the balance sheet date these long term loans are not reflected on the balance sheet.
Key management are considered the directors of R E Tricker (Holdings) Limited. Details of their remuneration can be identified within note 7. No further related party transactions have arisen during the year. Furthermore, there are no outstanding related party balances at the balance sheet date.