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Company No: 02477115 (England and Wales)

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

Contents

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

COMPANY INFORMATION

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

COMPANY INFORMATION (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
DIRECTORS Hayley Zena Charles
Michelle Clare Church
Gemma Grima-Brown
Zowie Melville
Joseph William Martin Neilson
Denis John William Simpson
Michael Swaby
Anthony Webster
REGISTERED OFFICE 10-12 Alie Street
London
E1 8DE
England
United Kingdom
COMPANY NUMBER 02477115 (England and Wales)
AUDITOR Praxis
1 Poultry
London
EC2R 8EJ
United Kingdom
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

STRATEGIC REPORT

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

STRATEGIC REPORT (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

The directors present their Strategic Report for the financial year ended 30 September 2023.

REVIEW OF THE BUSINESS

The results for the Company show a pre-tax profit of £1,137,559 (2022: £1,733,919) for the year and sales of £12,972,225 (2022: £12,415,726) producing a gross profit of £5,257,404 - 41% gross profit margin (2022: £5,696,285 - 46% gross profit margin).

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ('KPIS')

Given the straightforward nature of the business, the Company's Directors consider the use of additional KPIs unnecessary for the understanding of performance or position of the business.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Company continues to invest in staff and the development of client relationships. The Company is committed to further growth and profitability within its established sectors.

The key business risks are believed to relate to the uncertainty surrounding the economy and its potential implications for the employment market.

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The commercial outlook through to 2024 is expected to remain competitive, but we are confident that we will see continued growth during that period.

DIVERSIFICATION OF REVENUE STREAMS

Recognising the importance of innovation and adaptability in today's dynamic business landscape, Career Legal Limited has proactively explored additional avenues for revenue generation. These initiatives aim to not only drive additional income but also to attract and retain clients through expanded service offerings.

EXPANSION INTO REGIONAL MARKETS

One significant development is the establishment of a dedicated division targeting regional markets outside of London, with a particular focus on Manchester and Leeds. This decision was prompted by a growing trend and demand from our clients seeking assistance with hiring staff in these regions. Leveraging our existing relationships with many larger law firms operating outside of London, Career Legal has already begun operations in this new division since January 2024. We anticipate this expansion to not only bolster our revenue streams but also strengthen our client relationships.

QUALIFIED LAWYER RECRUITMENT DIVISION

Furthermore, Career Legal has identified an opportunity to broaden our recruitment services by establishing a qualified division to recruit qualified lawyers for our existing clients. Traditionally focused on legal support staff, this new division addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in areas such as Data Privacy Law, Employment, and Corporate Law. Since its inception in January 2024, this division has already achieved notable success, further positioning Career Legal as a comprehensive solution provider in the legal sector.

SPECIALISED RECRUITMENT IN CYBER SECURITY

Moreover, recognising the growing importance of cybersecurity in the insurance and legal fields, our Tech division has launched a specialised team dedicated to recruiting Cyber Security staff. This strategic move aligns with our existing recruitment efforts in the Insurance and Legal sectors, particularly in the Business/Change/Transformation and Tech space. By expanding our expertise to include cybersecurity recruitment, Career Legal aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities in these sectors while meeting the evolving needs of our clients.

COMPLEMENTARY OFFERINGS AND SALES GROWTH

These new revenue streams are carefully curated to complement our existing offerings and reinforce our commitment to providing comprehensive recruitment solutions. By diversifying our portfolio and tapping into emerging markets, Career Legal anticipates not only driving additional sales but also solidifying our position as a trusted partner for our clients' recruitment needs.

In conclusion, Career Legal Limited is excited about the prospects presented by these new revenue streams and remains dedicated to delivering value and excellence to our clients. We are confident that these strategic initiatives will contribute significantly to our continued growth and success in the legal recruitment industry.

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Denis John William Simpson
Director
10-12 Alie Street
London
E1 8DE
England
United Kingdom

10 April 2024

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

DIRECTORS' REPORT

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

DIRECTORS' REPORT (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

The directors present their annual report on the affairs of the Company, together with the financial statements and auditors’ report, for the financial year ended 30 September 2023.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The principal activity of the Company during the financial year was recruitment consultancy and the supply of temporary staff.

GOING CONCERN

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in note 1 to the financial statements.

DIVIDENDS

The directors paid a dividend of £300,000 in the current financial year (2022: £529,995).

DIRECTORS

The directors, who served during the financial year and to the date of this report except as noted, were as follows:

Hayley Zena Charles
Michelle Clare Church
Gemma Grima-Brown
Zowie Melville
Joseph William Martin Neilson
Denis John William Simpson
Michael Swaby
Anthony Webster

AUDITOR

Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

* So far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware; and

* The director has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.


Praxis have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditor and appropriate arrangements have been put in place for them to be deemed reappointed as auditors in the absence of an Annual General Meeting.



Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf by:

Denis John William Simpson
Director
10-12 Alie Street
London
E1 8DE
England
United Kingdom

10 April 2024

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

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), including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”. 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 Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that financial 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; and
* Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CAREER LEGAL LIMITED (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements of Career Legal Limited (the 'Company'):
* Give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 30 September 2023 and of its profit for the financial year then ended;
* Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; and
* Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
* The Statement of Income and Retained Earnings;
* The Balance Sheet;
* The Statement of Cash Flows; and
* The related notes 1 to 20.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council's (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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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.

Responsibilities of directors

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 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 Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

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 considered the nature of the Company’s industry and its control environment, and reviewed the Company’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework(s) that the Company operates in, and identified the key laws and regulations that:
* had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. These included UK Companies Act, pensions legislation, tax legislation; and
* do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the Company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:
* reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;
* performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;
* enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims, and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and
* reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 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 Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report in respect of the following matters if, in our opinion:
* Adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
* The 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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

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.

Nikinder Baller (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of
Praxis
Statutory Auditor

1 Poultry
London
EC2R 8EJ
United Kingdom

10 April 2024

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
Note 2023 2022
£ £
Turnover 3 12,972,225 12,415,726
Cost of sales ( 7,714,821) ( 6,719,441)
Gross profit 5,257,404 5,696,285
Administrative expenses ( 4,143,065) ( 3,964,755)
Other operating income 4 20,402 2,020
Operating profit 1,134,741 1,733,550
Interest receivable and similar income 5 2,818 467
Interest payable and similar expenses 5 0 ( 98)
Profit before taxation 6 1,137,559 1,733,919
Tax on profit 10 ( 254,064) ( 343,303)
Profit for the financial year 883,495 1,390,616
Retained earnings at the beginning of financial year 1,226,493 365,872
Profit for the financial year 883,495 1,390,616
Dividends declared and paid ( 300,000) ( 529,995)
Retained earnings at the end of financial year 1,809,988 1,226,493

All amounts relate to continuing operations.

There were no items of other comprehensive income or losses for the current or prior year other than those included in the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, accordingly no Statement of Comprehensive Income is presented.

CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

As at 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET (continued)

As at 30 September 2023
Note 2023 2022
£ £
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 11 6,150 1,966
Tangible assets 12 60,907 80,159
67,057 82,125
Current assets
Debtors
- due within one year 13 3,264,546 3,227,877
- due after more than one year 13 34,587 31,293
Cash at bank and in hand 128,225 75,235
3,427,358 3,334,405
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 ( 1,684,227) ( 2,189,837)
Net current assets 1,743,131 1,144,568
Total assets less current liabilities 1,810,188 1,226,693
Net assets 1,810,188 1,226,693
Capital and reserves 16
Called-up share capital 200 200
Profit and loss account 1,809,988 1,226,493
Total shareholders' funds 1,810,188 1,226,693

The financial statements of Career Legal Limited (registered number: 02477115) were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 10 April 2024. They were signed on its behalf by:

Denis John William Simpson
Director
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
2023 2022
£ £
Net cash flows from operating activities (note 18) 915,456 1,245,168
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 0 467
Purchase of fixed assets (17,899) (49,459)
Net cash flows from investing activities ( 17,899) ( 48,992)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend payments (300,000) (529,995)
Finance lease payments (3,388) (4,225)
Net cash flows from financing activities ( 303,388) ( 534,220)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 594,169 661,956
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 979,418 317,462
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 1,573,587 979,418
Reconciliation to cash at bank and in hand:
Cash at bank and in hand at end of year 128,225 75,235
Cash equivalents 1,445,362 904,183
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 1,573,587 979,418
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
CAREER LEGAL LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the financial year ended 30 September 2023
1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. They have all been applied consistently throughout the financial year and to the preceding financial year, unless otherwise stated.

General information and basis of accounting

Career Legal Limited (the Company) is a private company, limited by shares, incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 and is registered in England and Wales. The address of the Company's registered office is 10-12 Alie Street, London, E1 8DE, England, United Kingdom.

The principal activities are set out in the Directors' Report.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value, and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102) applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued by the Financial Reporting Council and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling which is the functional currency of the Company and rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

The directors have assessed the Balance Sheet and likely future cash flows at the date of approving these financial statements. The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence and to meet its financial obligations as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

The Company's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the company is now profitable in the current period and can operate within the level of its current invoice finance facility. Therefore, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

Turnover

Turnover represents services provided to customers and excludes value added tax. Turnover on temporary placements is recognised over the period of the placement. Turnover on permanent placements is recognised on the commencement of the placement.

Employee benefits

Defined contribution schemes
For defined contribution schemes the amounts charged to the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings in respect of pension costs and other post-retirement benefits are the contributions payable in the financial year. Differences between contributions payable in the financial year and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the Balance Sheet.

Other long-term employee benefits are measured at the present value of the benefit obligation at the reporting date.

Taxation

Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the Balance Sheet date.

Deferred tax arises as a result of including items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in the Company's financial statements. Deferred tax is provided in full on timing differences which result in an obligation to pay more or less tax at a future date, at the average tax rates that are expected to apply when the timing differences reverse, based on current tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and a valuation allowance is set up against deferred tax assets so that the net carrying amount equals the highest amount that is more likely than not to be recovered based on current or future taxable profit.

Intangible assets

Computer software 4 years straight line
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than investment property and freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a straight-line or reducing balance basis over its expected useful life, as follows:

Leasehold improvements 6.66 years straight line
Fixtures and fittings 4 - 6 years straight line
Computer equipment 4 - 6 years straight line

Residual value represents the estimated amount which would currently be obtained from disposal of an asset, after deducting estimated costs of disposal, if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life.

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 credited or charged to profit or loss.

Leases

The Company as lessee
Assets held under finance leases, hire purchase contracts and other similar arrangements, which confer rights and obligations similar to those attached to owned assets, are capitalised as tangible fixed assets at the fair value of the leased asset (or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments as determined at the inception of the lease) and are depreciated over the shorter of the lease terms and their useful lives. The capital elements of future lease obligations are recorded as liabilities, while the interest elements are charged to the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings over the period of the leases to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on such a basis. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are similarly spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Impairment of assets

Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each Balance Sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings as described below.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

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 Company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the Balance Sheet when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the Company intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets
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.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, or the Company transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or the Company, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Basic financial 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.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the fair value of cash or other resources received or receivable, net of direct issue costs. If payment is deferred and the time value of money is material, the initial measurement is on a present value basis. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the Company.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the Balance Sheet date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (when the effect of the time value of money is material).

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

2. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Company’s accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts 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 financial year in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that financial year, or in the financial year of the revision and future financial years if the revision affects both current and future financial years.

The directors do not consider that any critical judgements have been made in the application of the Company's accounting policies and no key sources of estimation uncertainty have been identified that have a significant risk of causing a material misstatement to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the financial year.

3. Turnover

Breakdown business class

An analysis of the Company's turnover by class of business is set out below.

2023 2022
£ £
Recruitment consultancy 12,972,225 12,415,726

Turnover is wholly attributable to the principal activity of the Company and arises solely within the United Kingdom.

4. Other operating income

2023 2022
£ £
Sundry income 4,112 2,020
Business Rates returns 16,290 0
20,402 2,020

5. Finance income (net)

2023 2022
£ £
Interest receivable and similar income 2,818 467
Interest payable and similar expenses 0 ( 98)
2,818 369

6. Profit before taxation

Profit before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):

2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (note 12) 28,813 29,694
Amortisation of intangible assets (note 11) 2,511 8,254
Operating lease rentals 267,000 207,211

7. Auditor's remuneration

An analysis of the auditor's remuneration is as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements: 16,000 14,500
Total audit fees 16,000 14,500

No services were provided pursuant to contingent fee arrangements.

8. Staff number and costs

2023 2022
Number Number
The average monthly number of employees (including directors) was:
Management 5 4
Administration 11 9
Sales 32 28
Contractors 133 125
181 166

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 2,005,926 1,751,527
Social security costs 318,601 328,684
Other retirement benefit costs 38,802 36,875
2,363,329 2,117,086

9. Directors' remuneration

2023 2022
£ £
Directors' emoluments 756,323 901,072
Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes 9,150 7,491
765,473 908,563

Remuneration of the highest paid director

2023 2022
£ £
Director's emoluments 186,486 310,024
Company contributions to money purchase schemes 1,321 1,321
187,807 311,345

The highest paid director did not exercise any share options in the year and had no shares receivable under long-term incentive schemes.

The directors of the Company are deemed to be the key personnel of the Company as defined in Section 33 of FRS 102.

10. Tax on profit

2023 2022
£ £
Current tax on profit
UK corporation tax 257,358 341,545
Total current tax 257,358 341,545
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences ( 3,294) 1,758
Total deferred tax ( 3,294) 1,758
Total tax on profit 254,064 343,303
Tax reconciliation

The tax assessed for the year is lower than (2022: higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK:

2023 2022
£ £
Profit before taxation 1,137,559 1,733,919
Tax on profit at standard UK corporation tax rate of 25.00% (2022: 19.00%) 284,390 329,445
Effects of:
- Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 20,146 26,642
- Change in unrecognised deferred tax assets ( 9,651) ( 12,784)
- Adjustments in respect of prior years ( 6,788) 0
- Effect of marginal rate - Rate of 25% effective 1 April 2023 (34,033) 0
Total tax charge for year 254,064 343,303

11. Intangible assets

Computer software Total
£ £
Cost
At 01 October 2022 185,245 185,245
Additions 7,200 7,200
Disposals ( 19,763) ( 19,763)
At 30 September 2023 172,682 172,682
Accumulated amortisation
At 01 October 2022 183,279 183,279
Charge for the financial year 2,511 2,511
Disposals ( 19,258) ( 19,258)
At 30 September 2023 166,532 166,532
Net book value
At 30 September 2023 6,150 6,150
At 30 September 2022 1,966 1,966

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets is included in administrative expenses.

12. Tangible assets

Leasehold improve-
ments
Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment Total
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 01 October 2022 353,755 760,404 315,642 1,429,801
Additions 0 6,522 4,177 10,699
Disposals 0 ( 679,032) ( 212,635) ( 891,667)
At 30 September 2023 353,755 87,894 107,184 548,833
Accumulated depreciation
At 01 October 2022 353,755 731,806 264,081 1,349,642
Charge for the financial year 0 8,037 20,776 28,813
Disposals 0 ( 678,829) ( 211,700) ( 890,529)
At 30 September 2023 353,755 61,014 73,157 487,926
Net book value
At 30 September 2023 0 26,880 34,027 60,907
At 30 September 2022 0 28,598 51,561 80,159

13. Debtors

2023 2022
£ £
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade debtors 3,104,091 3,011,356
Other debtors 3,342 16,124
Prepayments and accrued income 150,028 193,283
Amounts owed by directors 7,085 7,114
3,264,546 3,227,877
Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Other debtors 30,000 30,000
Deferred tax asset 4,587 1,293
34,587 31,293

Included in debtors are amounts owed to the Company by two Directors. The amounts bear no interest and are repayable on demand.

There is a fixed and floating charge with Barclays Bank PLC over Trade Debtors in respect of debt factoring services.

14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2023 2022
£ £
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts 6,309 12,515
Directors loans 1,742 1,742
Trade creditors 92,858 125,448
Payroll taxes payable 254,128 360,868
Taxation and social security 262,389 345,156
VAT 487,913 819,106
Accruals 410,506 353,501
Other creditors 168,382 171,501
1,684,227 2,189,837

Included in creditors is an amount owed to one of the Directors. The amount bears no interest and is repayable on demand.

15. Deferred tax

2023 2022
£ £
At the beginning of financial year 1,293 3,051
Credited/(charged) to the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings 3,294 ( 1,758)
At the end of financial year 4,587 1,293

16. Called-up share capital and reserves

2023 2022
£ £
Allotted, called-up and fully-paid
20,000 Ordinary shares of £ 0.01 each 200 200
Presented as follows:
Called-up share capital presented as equity 200 200

The Company's other reserves are as follows:

The profit and loss reserve represents cumulative profits or losses, net of dividends paid and other adjustments.

17. Financial commitments

Commitments

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
within one year 327,848 295,348
between one and five years 529,196 169,544
857,044 464,892

Pensions

The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for the directors and employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administered fund.

2023 2022
£ £
Unpaid contributions due to the fund (inc. in other creditors) 45,907 48,779

18. Statement of Cash Flows

2023 2022
£ £
Operating profit 1,134,741 1,733,550
Adjustment for:
Depreciation and amortisation 31,324 37,948
Loss on sale of plant and equipment 1,643 0
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital 1,167,708 1,771,498
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 498,398 ( 1,006,853)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors ( 425,872) 530,981
Cash generated by operations 1,240,234 1,295,626
Income taxes paid ( 327,596) ( 50,360)
Interest received/(paid) 2,818 ( 98)
Net cash flows from operating activities 915,456 1,245,168
Balance at 01 October 2022 Cash flows Acquisitions and disposals Other non-cash changes Balance at 30 September 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 75,236 70,888 ( 17,899) 0 128,225
Cash equivalents 904,182 541,179 0 0 1,445,361
979,418 612,067 ( 17,899) 0 1,573,586
Finance leases ( 12,515) 3,388 0 2,818 ( 6,309)
( 12,515) 3,388 0 2,818 ( 6,309)
Net debt 966,903 615,455 ( 17,899) 2,818 1,567,277

19. Events after the Balance Sheet date

There have been no events after the balance sheet date affecting the Company since the financial year.

20. Controlling party

The controlling party is M Swaby by virtue of his shareholding.