Company registration number 09571840 (England and Wales)
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr DA Bryant
Mr A Summers
Mrs N Hussain
Mr M Nunny
(Appointed 8 February 2023)
Mr P Heywood
(Appointed 8 February 2023)
Mrs R Barker
(Appointed 8 February 2023)
Mr J Henderson
(Appointed 2 October 2023)
Ms JC Gurney
(Appointed 3 July 2023)
Company number
09571840
Registered office
8a Basset Court
Grange Park
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN4 5EZ
Auditor
Cottons Accountants LLP
1 Billing Road
Northampton
United Kingdom
NN1 5AL
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1
Directors' report
2
Directors' responsibilities statement
3
Independent auditor's report
4 - 7
Statement of comprehensive income
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of changes in equity
10
Statement of cash flows
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 24
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 1 -
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 30 November 2023.
Strategy and business model
Socitm Advisory Limited stands as a prominent player in the realm of technology advisory services, and has more than 100 customers across local and central government, housing, health and social care, blue light services, the third sector, utilities and more. We have a proven track record of delivering transformation and modernisation programmes that improve public services for the benefit of not only the organisation, but the communities they serve.
Review of the business
The directors are satisfied with the performance of the company during the year and do not expect any significant changes to occur within the next 12 months.
Turnover for the year experienced a slight decrease of £1.2m to £11.7m primary attributed to some longer terms projects ending. Revenue is expected to return to previous year’s level with additional focus on reducing non-value added costs.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Socitm Advisory Limited operates in a highly competitive market where other consultancy firms offer similar services. The risk lies in losing market share to competitors who may offer better pricing, more innovative solutions, or have a stronger market presence.
The directors are focused on ensuring that the services offered are of a high-quality while remain competitive.
Delays or cost overruns in project delivery can harm client relationships and erode trust. Effective project management practices are in place with dedicated project management teams, including risk identification and mitigation which, are essential to minimise the likelihood of such occurrences.
Development and performance
The gross margins: can include once the financial statements are finalised with comparatives of last year.
Customer retention is a crucial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for Socitm Advisory, reflecting the organisation's commitment to fostering long-term relationships with its clients. Maintaining a high level of customer retention not only ensures stability in revenue streams but also signifies satisfaction and loyalty among clients.
Customer retention and new clients 2022: 83%
Customer retention and new clients 2023: 73%
Other information and explanations
Important events occurring since the year end
There is no important event took place since the year end.
Mr A Summers
Director
1 August 2024
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 2 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2023.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of IT consultancy.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 8.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Mr DA Bryant
Mr AA Rogers
(Resigned 8 February 2023)
Mr A Summers
Mrs N Hussain
Mr M Lumley
(Resigned 8 February 2023)
Ms S Smith
(Resigned 8 February 2023)
Mr M Nunny
(Appointed 8 February 2023)
Mr P Heywood
(Appointed 8 February 2023)
Mr M Gascoigne
(Appointed 8 February 2023 and resigned 7 July 2023)
Mrs R Barker
(Appointed 8 February 2023)
Mr JD Threapleton
(Appointed 8 February 2023 and resigned 31 March 2023)
Mr J Henderson
(Appointed 2 October 2023)
Ms JC Gurney
(Appointed 3 July 2023)
Directors' insurance
The company maintains insurance policies on behalf of all the directors against liability arising from negligence, breach of duty and breach of trust in relation to the company.
Statement of disclosure to auditor
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 company’s auditor 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 company’s auditor is aware of that information.
Medium-sized companies exemption
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.
On behalf of the board
Mr A Summers
Director
1 August 2024
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 3 -
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 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;
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.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
- 4 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Socitm Advisory Ltd (the 'company') for the year ended 30 November 2023 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including 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 30 November 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.
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 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.
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.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
- 5 -
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 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, 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 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, 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.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
- 6 -
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.
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.
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
- the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
- we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the computer component manufacturing and supply sector;
- we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including Companies Act 2006 and health and safety legislation;
- we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
- identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
- making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations;
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
- performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
- tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
- assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias;
- investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions;
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
- agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
- reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
- enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims;
- reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators and the company’s legal advisors;
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
- 7 -
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.
David Ingram FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Cottons Accountants LLP
14 August 2024
Statutory Auditor
1 Billing Road
Northampton
United Kingdom
NN1 5AL
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 8 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Turnover
2
11,719,554
12,972,546
Cost of sales
(10,354,529)
(10,359,798)
Gross profit
1,365,025
2,612,748
Administrative expenses
(1,774,233)
(1,412,884)
(Loss)/profit before taxation
(409,208)
1,199,864
Tax on (loss)/profit
7
87,504
(240,707)
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
(321,704)
959,157
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
30 NOVEMBER 2023
30 November 2023
- 9 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
9
83,502
104,556
Tangible assets
10
142,549
196,090
226,051
300,646
Current assets
Stocks
11
-
645
Debtors
13
2,314,643
2,743,540
Cash at bank and in hand
600,880
490,320
2,915,523
3,234,505
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(1,549,873)
(2,279,784)
Net current assets
1,365,650
954,721
Total assets less current liabilities
1,591,701
1,255,367
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
15
(691,349)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
16
35,637
68,948
(35,637)
(68,948)
Net assets
864,715
1,186,419
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
19
100
100
Profit and loss reserves
864,615
1,186,319
Total equity
864,715
1,186,419
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 1 August 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr A Summers
Director
Company registration number 09571840 (England and Wales)
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 10 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
Balance at 1 December 2021
100
527,162
527,262
Year ended 30 November 2022:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
959,157
959,157
Dividends
8
-
(300,000)
(300,000)
Balance at 30 November 2022
100
1,186,319
1,186,419
Year ended 30 November 2023:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
(321,704)
(321,704)
Balance at 30 November 2023
100
864,615
864,715
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 11 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
23
349,667
946,383
Income taxes paid
(219,296)
(91,413)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
130,371
854,970
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
(4,497)
(82,824)
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(15,314)
(108,150)
Net cash used in investing activities
(19,811)
(190,974)
Financing activities
Dividends paid
(330,000)
Net cash used in financing activities
-
(330,000)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
110,560
333,996
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
490,320
156,324
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
600,880
490,320
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Socitm Advisory Ltd is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 8a Basset Court, Grange Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 5EZ.
1.1
Accounting convention
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. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2
Going concern
Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company 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.
1.3
Turnover
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.
Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that it is probable will be recovered.
1.4
Research and development expenditure
Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.
1.5
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill
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.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
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:
Development costs
Straight line over 5 years
1.6
Tangible fixed assets
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:
Leasehold improvements
Straight line over 5 years
Computers
Straight line over 5 years
Software
Straight line over 5 years
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.
1.7
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company 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.
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.
1.8
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.9
Cash and cash equivalents
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.
1.10
Financial instruments
The company 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 company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with 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
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
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.
Impairment of financial assets
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.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company 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.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Classification of financial liabilities
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.
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.
Other financial liabilities
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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.11
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company 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 company.
1.12
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current 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 company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
Deferred tax
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 when the company has 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.
1.13
Employee benefits
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.
1.14
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.15
Leases
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 leases asset are consumed.
1.16
Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
1.17
Significant estimates and judgements
In the application of the company'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 revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 17 -
2
Turnover
2023
2022
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Computer consultancy
11,719,554
12,972,546
3
Operating (loss)/profit
2023
2022
Operating (loss)/profit for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Exchange (gains)/losses
971
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
68,855
66,049
Amortisation of intangible assets
25,551
26,736
Operating lease charges
78,017
73,429
4
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2023
2022
Number
Number
Consultancy
74
101
Admin
30
-
Total
104
101
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2023
2022
£
£
Wages and salaries
6,769,030
4,613,482
Social security costs
820,358
810,201
Pension costs
394,175
346,133
7,983,563
5,769,816
5
Auditor's remuneration
2023
2022
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
15,750
4,780
For other services
All other non-audit services
5,740
1,620
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 18 -
6
Directors' remuneration
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
475,385
282,109
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
35,403
77,891
510,788
360,000
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 5 (2022 - 2).
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
153,038
120,000
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
6,667
-
7
Taxation
2023
2022
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
219,296
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(54,193)
Total current tax
(54,193)
219,296
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(33,311)
21,411
Total tax (credit)/charge
(87,504)
240,707
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
7
Taxation
(Continued)
- 19 -
The actual (credit)/charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected (credit)/charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2023
2022
£
£
(Loss)/profit before taxation
(409,208)
1,199,864
Expected tax (credit)/charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2022: 19.00%)
(102,302)
227,974
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
18,477
708
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
(4,506)
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
(60)
(2,794)
Amortisation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
6,388
5,080
Research and development tax credit
9,739
Under/(over) provided in prior years
(5,501)
Taxation (credit)/charge for the year
(87,504)
240,707
8
Dividends
2023
2022
£
£
Interim paid
300,000
9
Intangible fixed assets
Development costs
£
Cost
At 1 December 2022
134,234
Additions
4,497
At 30 November 2023
138,731
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 December 2022
29,678
Amortisation charged for the year
25,551
At 30 November 2023
55,229
Carrying amount
At 30 November 2023
83,502
At 30 November 2022
104,556
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 20 -
10
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold improvements
Computers
Software
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 December 2022
6,967
124,946
181,788
313,701
Additions
1,119
9,718
4,477
15,314
At 30 November 2023
8,086
134,664
186,265
329,015
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 December 2022
677
50,530
66,404
117,611
Depreciation charged in the year
1,742
26,025
41,088
68,855
At 30 November 2023
2,419
76,555
107,492
186,466
Carrying amount
At 30 November 2023
5,667
58,109
78,773
142,549
At 30 November 2022
6,290
74,416
115,384
196,090
11
Stocks
2023
2022
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
645
12
Financial instruments
2023
2022
£
£
Carrying amount of financial assets
Debt instruments measured at amortised cost
2,144,980
2,569,991
Carrying amount of financial liabilities
Measured at amortised cost
1,610,014
1,224,843
13
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,404,357
1,774,094
Corporation tax recoverable
54,193
Prepayments and accrued income
856,093
969,446
2,314,643
2,743,540
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 21 -
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Trade creditors
421,999
591,529
Corporation tax
219,296
Other taxation and social security
604,503
812,319
Deferred income
17
26,705
23,326
Other creditors
44,705
41,857
Accruals and deferred income
451,961
591,457
1,549,873
2,279,784
15
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2023
2022
£
£
Amounts owed to group undertakings
691,349
16
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2023
2022
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
35,637
68,948
2023
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 December 2022
68,948
Credit to profit or loss
(33,311)
Liability at 30 November 2023
35,637
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 22 -
17
Deferred income
2023
2022
£
£
Other deferred income
26,705
23,326
18
Retirement benefit schemes
2023
2022
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
394,175
346,133
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
19
Share capital
2023
2022
2023
2022
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary share capital of £1 each
60
60
60
60
Ordinary A share capital of £1 each
40
40
40
40
100
100
100
100
Ordinary shares and Ordinary A shares
All of the shares shall rank pari passu in all respects save that the Directors may, in their absolute discretion, declare a different dividend per share in respect of each class of share.
20
Operating lease commitments
Lessee
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
2023
2022
£
£
Within one year
73,947
58,017
Between two and five years
42,236
58,536
116,183
116,553
21
Related party transactions
The Company is a 100% owned subsidiary so it has taken exemption from disclosing related party transactions with group entities.
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 23 -
22
Ultimate controlling party
At 30 November 2023 the immediate parent company was Socitm Advisory Holdco Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales. This is the smallest group in which these financial statements are consolidated. Group financial statements can be obtained from Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.
The following are the parents of the largest and smallest groups in which this company's results are consolidated:
Largest group
Socitm Advisory Holdco Limited
Smallest group
Socitm Advisory Holdco Limited
23
Cash generated from operations
2023
2022
£
£
(Loss)/profit for the year after tax
(321,704)
959,157
Adjustments for:
Taxation (credited)/charged
(87,504)
240,707
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
25,551
26,736
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
68,855
66,049
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in stocks
645
788
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
483,090
(1,127,377)
Increase in creditors
177,355
780,790
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income
3,379
(467)
Cash generated from operations
349,667
946,383
24
Analysis of changes in net funds
1 December 2022
Cash flows
30 November 2023
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
490,320
110,560
600,880
SOCITM ADVISORY LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2023
- 24 -
25
Auditor's liability limitation agreement
Upon re-appointment of Cottons Accountants LLP as auditors, the company entered into a liability limitation agreement with the auditors and this was approved by resolution on 8 March 2024. Liability is limited to £195,000. In accordance with section 537 of CA06, if the effect of the liability limitation agreement is to limit the auditor's liability to less than such a mount as is fair and reasonable, as determined by that section, the agreement shall have effect as if it limited the liability to such amount as is fair and reasonable, as so determined.
The agreement limits the liability owed to the company by the auditors in respect of any negligence, default or breach of duty, or breach of trust, occurring in the course of the audit of the accounts for the year ending 30 November 2023.
The agreement does not limit liability for any instance of fraud or dishonesty on behalf of the auditor or any other liability that cannot be excluded or restricted by applicable laws or regulations.
2023-11-302022-12-01falseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2024.100Mr DA BryantMr AA RogersMr A SummersMrs N HussainMr M LumleyMs S SmithMr M NunnyMr P HeywoodMr M GascoigneMrs R BarkerMr JD ThreapletonMr J HendersonMs JC Gurneyfalsefalse095718402022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director12022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director32022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director42022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director72022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director82022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director102022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director122022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director132022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director22022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director52022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director62022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director92022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Director112022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:RegisteredOffice2022-12-012023-11-30095718402023-11-30095718402021-12-012022-11-3009571840core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2021-12-012022-11-3009571840core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:OtherResidualIntangibleAssets2023-11-3009571840core:OtherResidualIntangibleAssets2022-11-3009571840core:DevelopmentCostsCapitalisedDevelopmentExpenditure2023-11-3009571840core:DevelopmentCostsCapitalisedDevelopmentExpenditure2022-11-30095718402022-11-3009571840core:LeaseholdImprovements2023-11-3009571840core:ComputerEquipment2023-11-3009571840core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2023-11-3009571840core:LeaseholdImprovements2022-11-3009571840core:ComputerEquipment2022-11-3009571840core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2022-11-3009571840core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2023-11-3009571840core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2022-11-3009571840core:Non-currentFinancialInstrumentscore:AfterOneYear2023-11-3009571840core:Non-currentFinancialInstrumentscore:AfterOneYear2022-11-3009571840core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2023-11-3009571840core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2022-11-3009571840core:ShareCapital2023-11-3009571840core:ShareCapital2022-11-3009571840core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-11-3009571840core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-11-3009571840core:ShareCapital2021-11-3009571840core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2021-11-3009571840core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShares2023-11-3009571840core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShares2022-11-30095718402022-11-30095718402021-11-3009571840core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:DevelopmentCostsCapitalisedDevelopmentExpenditure2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:LeaseholdImprovements2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:UKTax2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:UKTax2021-12-012022-11-300957184012022-12-012023-11-300957184012021-12-012022-11-300957184022022-12-012023-11-300957184022021-12-012022-11-3009571840core:DevelopmentCostsCapitalisedDevelopmentExpenditure2022-11-3009571840core:DevelopmentCostsCapitalisedDevelopmentExpenditurecore:ExternallyAcquiredIntangibleAssets2022-12-012023-11-3009571840core:LeaseholdImprovements2022-11-3009571840core:ComputerEquipment2022-11-3009571840core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2022-11-3009571840core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2023-11-3009571840core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2022-11-3009571840core:WithinOneYear2023-11-3009571840core:WithinOneYear2022-11-3009571840core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2023-11-3009571840core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2022-11-3009571840bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:FRS1022022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:Audited2022-12-012023-11-3009571840bus:FullAccounts2022-12-012023-11-30xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP