REGISTERED NUMBER: |
STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
FOR |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
FOR |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
Page |
Company Information | 1 |
Strategic Report | 2 |
Report of the Directors | 4 |
Report of the Independent Auditors | 6 |
Income Statement | 9 |
Other Comprehensive Income | 10 |
Statement of Financial Position | 11 |
Statement of Changes in Equity | 12 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK |
COMPANY INFORMATION |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
DIRECTORS: |
REGISTERED OFFICE: |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
AUDITORS: |
St Catherine's Court |
Berkeley Place |
Clifton |
Bristol |
BS8 1BQ |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 October 2023. |
REVIEW OF BUSINESS |
The Summer Berry Company UK is a leading supplier of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries in the UK, operating significant glasshouse and field farming operations on the south coast of England. |
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES |
The process of risk management is addressed through a framework of policies, procedures, internal controls and a risk register. All policies are subject to Board approval and ongoing review by management. Compliance with relevant regulations, legal and ethical standards is a high priority for the company and the finance department takes on an important oversight role in this regard. The Board is responsible for satisfying itself that a proper internal control framework exists to manage financial risks and that controls operate effectively. |
SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT |
The statement below describes how the directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1) of the Companies Act: |
Stakeholders |
The company acknowledges the importance of acting responsibly in fulfilling its mission and fostering its vision. Stakeholders are pivotal for the success of the company and are important co-creators of value. For that reason, every decision the company makes takes stakeholders' expectations and the resulting impact of those decisions will have on them into account. |
Customers |
Our mission is to delight our customers with high quality soft fruit produced in an ethical and environmentally friendly way. Our vision is to be recognised as one of the world's leading year-round fruit suppliers that promotes healthy living and makes people smile. |
Our agronomists follow an integrated pest management plan program, which introduces a balanced approach to growing fruit sustainably, rigorously reviewing the need to use any chemicals and incorporating biological and biodiversity pest controls. The fruit we produce is subject to rigorous quality control procedures. |
Colleagues |
The company employs an average of 566 employees a year although during peak periods this number can reach 1,000. Temporary housing is made available with facilities that include staff canteens, gyms, football pitches, volleyball and basketball courts. Our welfare initiatives include collective transports for staff, workshops and training provided by local health and safety authorities. Training programs, continuous learning, apprenticeship schemes and developmental courses are offered to our colleagues. At the same time, we foster employee use of voice via forums, surveys, focus group sessions and other two-way communication channels. |
Suppliers |
We collaborate with our suppliers to promote a continuous improvement and modernisation of agriculture practices, including the protection of human rights, the commitment to ethical partnerships, the investment in innovation and the continuous search for ever more sustainable solutions to our operations and production needs. We are visited by and visit our suppliers to constantly assess the validation of our partnership and adjust our collaboration, so it meets expectations from both sides. We are constantly looking for potential suppliers to help us fulfil our mission, working towards establishing relationships with individuals and companies that share the same values. |
Communities |
We are committed to creating long-lasting positive relationships with the communities around us, engaging with governmental institutions, local enterprises, and individuals. We have an open door policy and are always willing to debate our business practices with the local authorities, political parties and social interest groups. We share our best practices with other local farmers and provide regular fruit donations to local associations, hospitals, nursery homes and schools. Our colleagues are encouraged to enrol in corporate volunteering opportunities. |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
Environment |
We develop agronomic practices that boost biodiversity and allow for farming in resilient ecosystems. This integrated production system allows us to be less dependent on the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. We have developed an ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) program that sets goals and targets for increasing efficiency in water management, reducing energy consumption, increasing the percentage of recycled waste, fighting fruit waste and boosting farm biodiversity and aiming to achieve carbon net zero. Social responsibility is one of the key focuses of our ESG program as we work towards being an employer of choice. |
RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE |
The results of the company for the year show an operating loss of £2,450k (2022: operating loss of £6,126k). Losses before tax were £5,274k (2022: £7,727k). |
Following years of top line growth, the main focus from 2023 is on sustainable profit delivery. The economic environment remains challenging for consumers and retailers resulting in difficulty in recovering inflation in selling prices. Despite this, a realignment in strategic direction has put the company in a good place for future growth and profit generation. |
While the year ending October 2023 remained challenging, losses were reduced. The outlook for 2024 looks more positive with the negative net assets being addressed by a debt for equity swap in December 2023 and a 3 year refinancing with HSBC being completed in June 2024. |
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT |
2023 proved to be a challenging year with global inflationary pressures and the war in Ukraine having a particular impact on energy prices. Consumer demand has also been tempered by the impact of changes to the cost of living. The company continues to evaluate new berry varieties to seek a point of difference and add value to its offerings. |
STRATEGY |
The Summer Berry Company UK plays a key role within the Summer Berry Group. The following seven strategic drivers have been identified. |
- | Offering year-round supply |
- | Developing long term customer relationships |
- | Creating a roadmap for genetics |
- | Digital transformation |
- | Geographical expansion |
- | Labour strategy to ensure we are the employer of choice |
- | Sustainability initiatives |
The company will continue to put product quality and consistency at the top of its agenda, ensuring continued focus on farming operational expertise. To maintain a skilled and experienced team, the company continues to develop new talent through graduate and industry schemes as well as inhouse training programs. This is supported by a focus on attracting a talented workforce as well as building key customer and supplier partnerships. |
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (‘KPIS’) |
Whilst many KPIs are monitored as part of daily and weekly operations, the Board reviews the following KPIs on a monthly basis: profitability (EBITDA), cashflow, employee turnover and returnee rates, levels of waste and CO2, complaints (CPMU) and health and safety incidents (AIR). |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 October 2023. |
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY |
The principal activity of the company for the year under review was that of growing berry crops. |
DIVIDENDS |
The total distribution of dividends for the year ended 31 October 2023 was £Nil (2022: £Nil) |
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS |
The future developments are discussed within the strategy of the company in the strategic report. |
EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR |
Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. |
DIRECTORS |
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the year from 1 November 2022 to the date of this report. |
D Sanclement |
R J Wilkinson |
Other changes in directors holding office are as follows: |
R K Bonn - resigned 30 December 2022 |
EMPLOYMENT AND DISABILITY POLICY |
The Summer Berry Company is an equal opportunity employer. Our business values of Integrity & Respect, Collaborative & Inclusive and Brave & Innovative ensure focus on our drive to provide equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of good employment practices and the efficient use of our most valuable asset, our employees. Every manager and employee have personal ownership for the implementation of employment policies. |
The company does not discriminate of grounds of sex, trans-gender, status, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, civil partnership status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origins, disability, age or perceived age. |
STREAMLINED ENERGY AND CARBON REPORTING |
Details in relation to the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting are disclosed within the group consolidated financial statements for Jerry's Berries Limited. |
DISCLOSURE IN THE STRATEGIC REPORT |
Engagement with employees, customers and suppliers has been covered as part of the section 172 statement disclosed within the strategic report. |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT |
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors 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 company and of the profit or loss of the company 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 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 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. They 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. |
STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS |
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the company's auditors are unaware, and each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. |
AUDITORS |
The auditors will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK |
Opinion |
We have audited the financial statements of The Summer Berry Company UK (the 'company') for the year ended 31 October 2023 which comprise the Income Statement, Other Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Changes in Equity and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. 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). |
In our opinion the financial statements: |
- | give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 October 2023 and of its 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 Auditors' 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 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. |
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 Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
- | the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK |
Matters on which we are required to report by exception |
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 material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Report of the Directors. |
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you 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. |
Responsibilities of directors |
As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on page five, 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 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. |
Auditors' 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 a Report of the Auditors 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. |
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below. |
Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities: |
We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the directors, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the company by discussions with directors and updating our understanding of the sector in which the company operates. |
Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the company include The Companies Act 2006, Food Hygiene regulations and UK Tax legislation. |
Audit response to risks identified: |
We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the company's records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the company's policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK |
During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner's review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud. |
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. |
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors. |
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 a Report of the Auditors 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. |
for and on behalf of |
St Catherine's Court |
Berkeley Place |
Clifton |
Bristol |
BS8 1BQ |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
INCOME STATEMENT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
Notes | £'000 | £'000 |
TURNOVER |
Cost of sales |
GROSS PROFIT |
Administrative expenses |
(6,661 | ) | (11,134 | ) |
Other operating income |
OPERATING LOSS | 5 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Interest payable and similar expenses | 7 |
LOSS BEFORE TAXATION | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Tax on loss | 8 | ( |
) |
LOSS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR | ( |
) | ( |
) |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
Notes | £'000 | £'000 |
LOSS FOR THE YEAR | ( |
) | ( |
) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | - | - |
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
( |
) |
( |
) |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION |
31 OCTOBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
FIXED ASSETS |
Intangible assets | 9 |
Tangible assets | 10 |
Investments | 11 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Stocks | 12 |
Debtors | 13 |
Cash at bank |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 14 |
NET CURRENT LIABILITIES | ( |
) | ( |
) |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
( |
) |
( |
) |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due after more than one year | 15 |
NET LIABILITIES | ( |
) | ( |
) |
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
Called up share capital | 19 |
Retained earnings | 20 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS | ( |
) | ( |
) |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
Called up |
share | Retained | Total |
capital | earnings | equity |
£'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
Balance at 25 October 2021 |
Changes in equity |
Total comprehensive income | - | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Balance at 31 October 2022 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Changes in equity |
Total comprehensive income | - | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Balance at 31 October 2023 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
1. | STATUTORY INFORMATION |
The Summer Berry Company UK is a private unlimited company, registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the company information page. |
The presentational currency of the financial statements is the pound sterling (£) which is rounded to the nearest pound (£). |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions |
The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland": |
• | the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows. |
Related party exemption |
The company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', not to disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group. |
Significant judgements and estimates |
In the process of applying the company's accounting policies, management have made the following judgements that have the most significant effect of the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements. |
Impairment of tangible fixed assets |
Management have considered whether there are any indications that Property, Plant and Equipment may have suffered an impairment at the reporting date as required by FRS 102. Management believe that there are no internal or external factors which indicate that such tangible assets may have been impaired. As such, the Directors have not considered it necessary to estimate the recoverable amount of such assets. |
Impairment of goodwill |
Management have considered whether there are any indications that goodwill may have been impaired at the reporting date. The Directors believe that there is no indication that such assets have been impaired, and, as such, the Directors have not estimated the recoverable amount of such assets. |
Fixed asset investments |
Investments in joint ventures are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, they are measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. |
Recoverability of intercompany debts |
At each reporting date, management consider the recoverability of intercompany debts. Where there is uncertainty over intercompany debts being recovered at their carrying amount, following the balance sheet date, the recoverable amount is calculated. If the recoverable amount is estimated to be lower than the carrying amount, then the relevant impairment is recognised in the profit and loss. |
Impairment of investments |
At each reporting date, management consider whether there are any indications that investments may have been impaired at the reporting date. Where the directors believe there may be an impairment in the value of investments, the recoverable amount is calculated and compared to the carrying amount of the investments. If the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognised within the profit and loss. The calculation of the recoverable amount by the directors involves estimation uncertainty. |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Turnover |
Turnover is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the company and the turnover can be reliably measured. Turnover is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. |
Goodwill |
Intangible assets |
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. |
Computer software is being amortised evenly over its estimated useful life of one year. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life: |
Freehold property and land | - | 0-10% on cost |
Leasehold property | - | period of the lease |
Plant and machinery | - | between 5% and 50% on cost |
Office equipment | - | at varying rates on cost |
Motor vehicles | - | between 20% and 25% on cost |
Biological assets | - | at varying rates on cost |
Biological assets |
Biological assets are valued using the historical cost model, rather than the fair value model. Due to the age and size of the plants, there isn't sufficient information available to calculate the fair value of the biological assets. |
Stocks |
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost of raw materials stock is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. |
Cost of stock, associated with planted fields, is based on the cost of materials (including biological materials), labour and other associated costs incurred during planting and growing phases. |
For fields, in producing phase, an estimation of total expected yield is carried out as well as an estimation of remaining crop at balance sheet date. |
The ratio of remaining crop vs total expected yield is applied to the total cost of planted field to calculate stock value at the balance sheet date. |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Financial instruments |
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. |
Trade and other debtors and creditors are classified as basic financial instruments and measured at initial recognition at transaction price. Debtors and creditors are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. A provision is established when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due. |
Cash and cash equivalents are classified as basic financial instruments and comprise cash in hand and at bank, short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less and bank overdrafts which are an integral part of the company's cash management. |
Derivative financial instruments are classified as other financial instruments. They are measured at fair value on initial recognition and at the end of each reporting period, with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. |
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the company are classified in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. |
Interest bearing bank loans, overdrafts and other loans which meet the criteria to be classified as basic financial instruments are initially recorded at the present value of cash payable to the bank, which is ordinarily equal to the proceeds received net of direct issue costs. These liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. |
Taxation |
Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. |
Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted. |
Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date. |
Deferred tax |
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the statement of financial position date. |
Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. |
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. |
Foreign currencies |
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the statement of financial position 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. |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Hire purchase and leasing commitments |
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. |
Hire purchase liabilities are secured over the assets to which they relate. |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the company's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate. |
Employee benefits |
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and as an expense. |
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 expenses when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. |
Levies |
Levies are charged as a cost to the income statement, with 4% bank payment of the sales invoice being withheld by the customer as a charge. |
Grant income |
Grant income, shown in other operating income, relates to revenue and is recognised in income on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. |
Going concern |
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. |
The directors have undertaken a detailed going concern assessment for the company and anticipate an increase in profitability. |
The shareholders have committed to support the company and the group for at least twelve months following the signing of these financial statements. |
Disclosure of long or short accounting period |
The comparative figures relate to the period 25 October 2021 - 31 October 2022 which is longer than a year. Therefore, the figures are not directly comparable to the current accounting period, being the year ended 31 October 2023. |
3. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Wages and salaries |
Social security costs |
Other pension costs |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
3. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS - continued |
The average number of employees during the year was as follows: |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
4. | DIRECTORS' EMOLUMENTS |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£ | £ |
Directors' remuneration |
Directors' pension contributions to money purchase schemes |
Compensation to directors for loss of office |
The number of directors to whom retirement benefits were accruing was as follows: |
Money purchase schemes |
Information regarding the highest paid director is as follows: |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£ | £ |
Emoluments etc |
Pension contributions to money purchase schemes |
5. | OPERATING LOSS |
The operating loss is stated after charging: |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Hire of plant and machinery |
Depreciation - owned assets |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
Goodwill amortisation |
Computer software amortisation |
Foreign exchange differences |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
6. | AUDITORS' REMUNERATION |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Fees payable to the company's auditors and their associates for the audit of the company's financial statements |
24 |
24 |
7. | INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Bank loan interest |
Other interest paid |
8. | TAXATION |
Analysis of the tax charge/(credit) |
The tax charge/(credit) on the loss for the year was as follows: |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Current tax: |
UK corporation tax |
Deferred tax | ( |
) |
Tax on loss | ( |
) |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
8. | TAXATION - continued |
Reconciliation of total tax charge/(credit) included in profit and loss |
The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below: |
Period |
25/10/21 |
Year Ended | to |
31/10/23 | 31/10/22 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Loss before tax | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Loss multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of (2022 - |
( |
) |
( |
) |
Effects of: |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
Impact of change in rate of deferred tax | - | (193 | ) |
Impact of super deduction allowance | (1 | ) | (2 | ) |
Increase in deferred tax asset not recognised | 612 | 408 |
Losses surrendered as group relief | 335 | - |
Total tax charge/(credit) | 162 | (851 | ) |
Factors that may affect the future tax charges |
At Budget 2021, the government announced that the Corporation Tax main rate for the years starting 1 April 2023 will increase from 19% to 25%. In addition, the government legislated in Finance Bill 2021 to introduce a small profits rate of 19% for financial year April 2023. The small profits rate will apply to profits of £50k or less. |
9. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Computer |
Goodwill | software | Totals |
£'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
COST |
At 1 November 2022 |
Additions |
At 31 October 2023 |
AMORTISATION |
At 1 November 2022 |
Amortisation for year |
At 31 October 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 October 2023 |
At 31 October 2022 |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
10. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Freehold |
property | Leasehold | Plant and |
and land | properties | machinery |
£'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
COST |
At 1 November 2022 |
Additions |
Disposals |
At 31 October 2023 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 November 2022 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal |
At 31 October 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 October 2023 |
At 31 October 2022 |
Office | Motor | Biological |
equipment | vehicles | assets | Totals |
£'000 | £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
COST |
At 1 November 2022 |
Additions |
Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 31 October 2023 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 November 2022 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 31 October 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 October 2023 |
At 31 October 2022 |
The net book value of assets held under the finance leases or hire purchase contracts included above is £4k (2022: £24k) and the depreciation charge for the year in relation to these assets is £2k (2022: £18k). |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
11. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
Shares in |
group |
undertakings |
£'000 |
COST |
At 1 November 2022 |
and 31 October 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 October 2023 |
At 31 October 2022 |
The company's investments at the Statement of Financial Position date in the share capital of companies include the following: |
Registered office: Herdade dos Almeidans, Caixa Postal, 7630-063, Longueira-Almograve, Portugal |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
£'000 | £'000 |
Aggregate capital and reserves |
Profit for the year |
The company acquired the investment on 13 September 2019. The cost of investment totalled £8,723k |
12. | STOCKS |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Stocks |
Raw materials |
13. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Trade debtors |
Amounts owed by group undertakings |
Other debtors |
Corporation tax |
VAT |
Accrued income |
Prepayments |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
14. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 16) |
Hire purchase contracts (see note 17) |
Trade creditors |
Amounts owed to group undertakings |
Social security and other taxes |
VAT | - | 173 |
Other creditors |
Accruals and deferred income |
15. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Hire purchase contracts (see note 17) |
16. | LOANS |
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Amounts falling due within one year or on demand: |
Bank overdrafts |
Bank loans |
17. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
Minimum lease payments fall due as follows: |
Hire purchase contracts |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Net obligations repayable: |
Within one year |
Between one and five years |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
17. | LEASING AGREEMENTS - continued |
Non-cancellable |
operating leases |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Within one year |
Between one and five years |
In more than five years |
18. | SECURED DEBTS |
The following secured debts are included within creditors: |
2023 | 2022 |
£'000 | £'000 |
Bank loans |
Hire purchase contracts | 6 | 24 |
Hire purchase liabilities are secured over the assets to which they relate. |
Included within bank loans, is a bank loan of £7,290k (2022: £8,693k) with a maturity date of 28 February 2024. Interest is charged on the loan at a rate of 3.85% + SONIA. |
Included within bank loans is £7,500k (2022: £6,750k) relating to revolving loan facilities. Interest is charged on the loan at a rate of 3.85% + SONIA and the rollover date of the facilities is 28 February 2024. |
At the balance sheet date there was the following security in place as a result of group lending with HSBC: |
- | Debenture including Fixed Charge over all present freehold and leasehold property; First Fixed Charge over book and other debts, chattels, goodwill and uncalled capital, both present and future; and First Floating Charge over all assets and undertaking both present and future dated 21 November 2019. |
- | Composite Company Unlimited Multilateral Guarantee dated 21 November 2019 given by The Summer Berry Company Holdings Ltd, The Summer Berry Company UK, Jerry's Berries Limited, TSBC Propagation Limited, The Summer Berry Company Portugal LDA. |
- | First Legal Charge dated 21 November 2019 over Freehold Property known as Donaldson & Leythorne Nurseries, Runcton, Chichester, PO20 1QD. |
- | First Legal Charge dated 21 November 2019 over Leasehold Property known as Groves Farm, Colworth, North Bersted, West Sussex, PO20 2DX. |
19. | CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL |
Allotted, issued and fully paid: |
Number: | Class: | Nominal | 2023 | 2022 |
value: | £'000 | £'000 |
Ordinary | £1 | 3,260 | 3,260 |
THE SUMMER BERRY COMPANY UK (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02087609) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2023 |
20. | RESERVES |
Retained |
earnings |
£'000 |
At 1 November 2022 | ( |
) |
Deficit for the year | ( |
) |
At 31 October 2023 | ( |
) |
21. | PENSION COMMITMENTS |
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £184k (2022: £147k). Contributions totalling £12k (2022: £21k) were payable to the fund at the period-end and are included in creditors. |
22. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
As at the balance sheet date the company owed £Nil (2022: £21k) and £Nil (2022: £5k) to Cibus Fund LP and Cibus Clara LP respectively. |
During the year, a total of key management personnel compensation of £539k (2022: £690k) was paid. |
23. | POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS |
Share capital |
After the balance sheet date, there was an issue of shares in the company. 20,902,875 Ordinary shares were issued with a nominal value of £1 per share. The price per share was also £1. |
Bank loans and revolving loan facilities |
After the balance sheet date, the terms of the bank loans and revolving loan facilities included within creditors were renegotiated. The maturity date and rollover date on the facilities is 30 June 2027, the interest rates vary from 3.65% + SONIA to 3.85% + SONIA. |
24. | ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY |
The company's immediate parent company is 100% owned (indirectly) by Cibus Fund LP, Cibus Clara Fund LP and Cibus Co-Invest LP, whose General Partner is Cibus Investments Limited (all registered in Guernsey). |
The company's immediate parent company is The Summer Berry Company Holdings Limited. |
The results of The Summer Berry Company UK are consolidated into its ultimate parent company, Jerry's Berries Limited, a company registered and domiciled in England and Wales. Group financial statements are available from Jerry's Berries Limited, 4 Sloane Terrace, London, England, SW1X 9DQ. |