Company registration number 00247647 (England and Wales)
H+H UK LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
H+H UK LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
C Forsyth
M Carter
K Hunter
P Ball
C Rossiter
(Appointed 3 May 2024)
A Spedding
(Appointed 3 May 2024)
Company number
00247647
Registered office
Celcon House
Ightham
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 9HZ
Auditor
Lopian Gross Barnett & Co
1st Floor, Cloister House
Riverside
New Bailey Street
Manchester
M3 5FS
Business address
Celcon House
Ightham
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN15 9HZ
Bankers
Nordea Bank AB
6th Floor
5 Aldermanbury Square
London
EC2V 7AZ
Solicitors
Brachers LLP
Somerfield House
59 London Road
Maidstone
Kent
ME16 8JH
H+H UK LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 3
Directors' report
4 - 7
Directors' responsibilities statement
8
Independent auditor's report
9 - 11
Profit and loss account
12
Statement of comprehensive income
13
Balance sheet
14
Statement of changes in equity
15
Notes to the financial statements
16 - 32
H+H UK LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 1 -

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Review of the Business

H+H UK Limited is the largest manufacturer of aircrete blocks & systems in the UK. We bring our product, together with our experience, know-how and advice on building materials and building technology to support our long-term trading partners.

 

The market in 2023 was challenging, with volumes down 25% compared with 2022. As a result, we had to review our production capacity and take the decision to temporarily close our Pollington 1 plant towards the end of 2023. Given the reduction in volumes, we have of course seen a reduction in profit in 2023 compared with 2022. However prioritising customer relationships and quality product, together with review of our capacity and reacting quickly to changes, has meant that we have limited a more significant impact on profit.

 

We remain focussed on the longer term trends, and the need for more new homes to be delivered in the UK. We have prioritised investment in capacity that will allow us to respond when volumes return. Our upgrade project at Borough Green completed in mid 2024 and adds 10% more capacity to the total network.

Principal risks and uncertainties

UK inflation and interest rates

Towards the end of 2022, market demand slowed down, and that has persisted through 2023. Inflation has at least reduced from 9.2% in December 2022 down to 4.2% in December 2023, and further reduced to 2% in 2024. The Bank of England base rate increased in the early part of 2023, then remained static at 5.25% from August 2023 until a reduction to 5.0% in August 2024. This gives a more stable economic environment now than we had seen through 2023, and gives us some optimism that the market should start to come back as we go through 2024 and 2025.

 

In earlier years, high activity levels resulted in a continued high demand for our products. As a result, we focused on the delivery of core wall products leaving some market share to alternative solutions. Whilst we are in the scenario of a softer market, the company has looked to regain some market share by restoring a widened product portfolio. We will continue to review our product mix moving forwards.

 

Financial risk management objectives and policies    

The company's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including cash flow risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. During 2022, the company entered into fixed volume and price gas contracts covering the period 2023 to 2026. Not all contracted gas for the period from 1 April 2023 was used in production, and was sold off to the market at spot prices. This resulted in a loss in relation to gas not used, and this is reported in exceptional items.

 

Cash flow risk

The company has access to a Group treasury facility that currently has plenty of headroom. Our cash flow projections indicate that we will remain cash positive for the foreseeable future. Any surplus cash is placed on deposit or lent to our parent company. Any cash requirement is available as needed from our parent company.

 

Credit risk

The company has a financing initiative whereby we can choose to be paid early. The company exercises this option. If this initiative were to be withdrawn the company's cash flow would be adversely affected but would still operate within the current group facility.

 

Liquidity risk

The company uses a group facility to ensure that sufficient funds are available. Our cash flow projections indicate that sufficient funds should be available.

 

Quality Management Systems

The company has maintained third party quality assurance in respect of its Quality Management System and with the international standard BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.

 

The company maintained the necessary documentation to continue to CE/UKCA mark its products to meet the requirements of the Construction Products Regulations. All the company's masonry products continue to be constantly assessed and approved by the British Board of Agrément.

H+H UK LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 2 -
Future Developments

Whilst there are many uncertainties facing both the global and UK economies, the outlook for new housebuilding in the UK remains positive in the medium term.

 

The market outlook for 2024 and into 2025 indicates improving market conditions as reported by our customers both in new build housing and RMI (Repair, Maintenance and Improvement).

 

The long-term outlook for aircrete remains positive. Aircrete continues to show increasing levels of market penetration as growth in the building industry is, in part, being driven by an increasing demand for larger, detached houses, which require more aircrete.

Other performance indicators

Going concern

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 12 months from the date of these statements. The directors continually monitor their forecast and cash flow statements to ensure that adequate funding is in place. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in note 1.2 in the accounting policies in the financial statements.

 

The company's activities are regularly reviewed to ensure that they meet the core strategy of being cash positive and profitable. The directors are therefore content that this will not cause a going concern issue.

Other information and explanations

There are no impending developments or matters in the course of negotiation that would, in the opinion of the directors, be seriously prejudicial to the interest of the company.

Key performance indicators

The following KPIs are used by the Board to assess the company's progress against its objectives and to measure the performance and development of the Company. The company's activities are regularly reviewed to ensure that they met the company's core strategy of being cash positive and profitable.

 

                 2023     2022

Turnover (£'000)            88,967 120,549

Gross profit (£'000)        23,032     48,170

Gross profit margin        25.9%     40.0%

EBITDA (£'000)            6,221     22,547

 

 

The reduction in Turnover, Gross Profit, and EBITDA is as a result of the reduction in volumes seen in the wider market. The reduction in gross profit margin is largely due to the fixed price gas contract in 2023. This will improve through 2024.

Promoting the success of the company - S172 Statement

The Directors of the company have acted in accordance with their duties codified in law, which include their duty to act in a way which they consider, in good faith, would most likely promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the members as a whole, having regards to all stakeholders and matters set out in s172(1) of the Companies Act 2016, including:

 

a) the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;

b) the interests of the company's employees;

c) the need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

d) the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment;

e) the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and

f) the need to act fairly as between members of the company.

H+H UK LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 3 -

The board of Directors satisfies the criteria as set out in reference to S172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act by considering the following:

 

1) Our strategy was designed to have a long-term beneficial impact on the company and to contribute to its success in delivering quality products and services to our customers. We will continue to operate our business within tight budgetary controls and in line with our regulatory targets.

 

2) Our stakeholders (both internal and external) are fundamental to the delivery of our strategy. Our relationship with our stakeholders is defined through our Trusted Partner ethos; do things to ensure both parties have equal leverage in the relationship. With regards to our employees, we provide regular two-way updates directly through our face-to-face MD updates with all our employees. We have regular direct contact with all our customers at varying levels of our organisations. We also engage via our association with the HBF (Home Builders Federation) and sponsoring other trade related events. We engage directly and indirectly with our suppliers. Our indirect involvement come through our association with the MPA (Mineral Products Association), UKQAA (UK Quality Ash Association) and other trade associations.

 

3) The health, safety and well-being of our employees is one of our primary considerations in the way we do business. We conduct regular site safety days across all our factories which are attended by members of the board of directors. We strive to ensure that no harm comes to our stakeholders.

 

4) Our strategy took into account the impact of the company’s operations on the community and environment and our wider societal responsibilities. To this end we only innovate and invest to support long term sustainable business.

 

5) As the board of directors, our intention is to behave responsibly towards our shareholders so that they too may benefit from the successful delivery of our plan and ensure that management operate the business in a responsible manner. We operate within the high standards of business conduct and good governance expected for a business such as ours. By following these actions we will contribute to the delivery of our strategy.

On behalf of the board

C Forsyth
Director
15 August 2024
H+H UK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 4 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Principal activities

The company is engaged in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of aircrete products to the construction industry within the United Kingdom. The financial risk management objectives, policies and going concern, along with future developments are discussed in the strategic report.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 12.

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 S Nye
(Resigned 19 May 2023)
C Forsyth
M Carter
K Hunter
P Ball
C Rossiter
(Appointed 3 May 2024)
A Spedding
(Appointed 3 May 2024)
P Addison-Camm
(Resigned 30 January 2023)
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions

The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year via a group policy.

 

These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.

Financial instruments
Principal risks and uncertainties

These are fully referenced in the strategic report.

Post reporting date events

This is discussed in note 25.

H+H UK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 5 -
Energy and carbon report

Quantification and reporting methodology

 

We have followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We have also used the OHO Reporting Protocol -Corporate Standard and have used a blend of the 2022 UK Government's Conversion Factors together with our ultimate holding company, H+H International A/S conversion factors for company reporting. for Company Reporting.

 

Intensity measurement

 

The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2 to Turnover.

 

Measure taken to improve efficiency

 

H+H UK Limited continues to strive for energy and carbon reduction arising from their activities. We implemented energy efficiency actions by way of continuous Improvement projects, and also capital investment projects. The total emissions decreased from the previous year due to lower sales demand and lower production, but we were still able to make improvements on the intensity ratio by efficiency actions.

 

SECR data

 

The following data includes scope 1,2 and 3 and summarises the energy consumption (kWh) and carbon emissions (tCO2e):

 

 

Usage

CHG Emissions tCO2e

Usage

CHG Emissions tCO2e

 

2023

2023

2022

2022

Natural gas

419,861 GJ

21,292

549,292 GJ

27,852

Site fuels

288,689 litres

795

385,605 litres

1,064

Grid electricity

31,285 GJ

877

34,680 GJ

2,389

Raw materials

146,874 tonnes

116,885

192,437 tonnes

168,884

Transportation

81.5M km

5,814

121.1M km

7,289

Emission Total

 

145,663

 

207,478

 

 

CHG Emissions tCO2e

 

2023

2022

Scope 1

22,087

28,916

Scope 2

877

2,389

Scope 3

122,699

176,173

Total emissions

145,663

207,478

 

 

2023

2022

Total GHG emissions tCO2e

145,663

207,478

Intensity ratio (tCO2e : £’000turnover)

1.637

1.721

 

Future developments

This is discussed in the strategic report.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Lopian Gross Barnett & Co be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

H+H UK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 6 -
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.

Health and Safety at Work act 1974

Compliance was continued with the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Standard BS ISO 4500 I. This same high standard of health and safety is reflected in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of plant, equipment and services for all works and projects undertaken by the company. The directors recognise that safe behaviour of staff is as important as good systems and communication, and that cooperation on their part is vital. To enrich this idea, the company will continue to engage all employees in changing their attitudes towards safety. It is company policy to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, and visitors and to enhance the importance of health and safety.

Environment

The company has acted upon its environmental policy during the year and continued to disseminate information widely to staff and customers to foster an understanding of environmental issues arising from the business. The environmental policy addresses the use of energy, raw materials, air, water, and waste and seeks to prevent and limit the environmental impact of its business activities.

 

The company has sought to continually improve environmental performance where it is reasonably practical and economic to do so.

 

Third party compliance with ISO 1400 I for an environmental management system was maintained. The company has met targets requested by customers and continues with its environmental improvement teams set up at each of its locations.

 

The company maintained its systems to enable the retention of its Certificate of Approval for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products to BES 6001 and obtained an "excellent" performance rating and is accredited under the BS ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard.

 

Employees

The Company ensures that all employees are treated fairly and granted the same access to continuing employment and training, career development and promotion, regardless of any physical disabilities.

 

The Company has taken the necessary action during the year to:

 

a) provide employees with regular information on matters of concern to them as employees;

 

b) consult employees or their representatives on a regular basis regarding decisions which are likely to affect their interests;

 

c) encourage employee involvement in the company's performance through appropriate incentive schemes;

 

d) achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the performance of the company.

 

The directors of the Company have taken steps to regularly engage with employees and to have regard to employee interests, including on the principal decisions made during the financial year.

 

The directors have had regard to the need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others, including on the principal decisions taken by the company during the financial year.

H+H UK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 7 -
On behalf of the board
C Forsyth
Director
15 August 2024
H+H UK LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 8 -

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:

 

 

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.

H+H UK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF H+H UK LIMITED
- 9 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of H+H UK Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the profit and loss account, the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity 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:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the 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 our audit:

H+H UK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF H+H UK LIMITED
- 10 -
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:

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.

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.

 

 

 

H+H UK LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF H+H UK LIMITED
- 11 -

 

Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Nathaniel Davidson BA(Hons) ACA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Lopian Gross Barnett & Co
15 August 2024
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
1st Floor, Cloister House
Riverside
New Bailey Street
Manchester
M3 5FS
H+H UK LIMITED
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 12 -
2023
2022
Notes
£'000
£'000
Turnover
3
88,968
120,549
Cost of sales
(59,463)
(72,379)
Exceptional items - Cost of sales
4
(6,473)
Gross profit
23,032
48,170
Distribution costs
(15,448)
(21,965)
Administrative expenses
(5,976)
(6,683)
Exceptional items - Administrative expenses
4
(486)
-
0
Operating profit
5
1,122
19,522
Interest receivable and similar income
9
2,975
2,495
Interest payable and similar expenses
10
(988)
(587)
Profit before taxation
3,109
21,430
Tax on profit
11
(1,715)
(4,584)
Profit for the financial year
1,394
16,846

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

The notes on pages 16 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

H+H UK LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 13 -
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Profit for the year
1,394
16,846
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial loss on defined benefit pension schemes
(7,275)
(6,391)
Cash flow hedges loss arising in the year
(1,101)
-
0
Tax relating to other comprehensive income
2,094
1,598
Other comprehensive income for the year
(6,282)
(4,793)
Total comprehensive income for the year
(4,888)
12,053

The notes on pages 16 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

H+H UK LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2023
31 December 2023
- 14 -
2023
2022
Notes
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
13
1,611
1,808
Tangible assets
14
30,195
27,840
31,806
29,648
Current assets
Stocks
16
21,722
8,953
Debtors
17
56,631
55,590
Cash at bank and in hand
2
8,880
78,355
73,423
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
18
(28,301)
(21,518)
Net current assets
50,054
51,905
Total assets less current liabilities
81,860
81,553
Provisions for liabilities
Provisions
19
-
0
290
Deferred tax liability
20
5,957
4,335
(5,957)
(4,625)
Net assets excluding pension liability
75,903
76,928
Defined benefit pension liability
21
(5,440)
(1,577)
Net assets
70,463
75,351
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
22
10,000
10,000
Hedging reserve
(826)
-
0
Profit and loss reserves
61,289
65,351
Total equity
70,463
75,351

The notes on pages 16 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 15 August 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
C Forsyth
Director
Company registration number 00247647 (England and Wales)
H+H UK LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 15 -
Share capital
Hedging reserve
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Balance at 1 January 2022
10,000
-
0
61,298
71,298
Year ended 31 December 2022:
Profit for the year
-
-
16,846
16,846
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial (loss)/gains on defined benefit plans
-
-
(6,391)
(6,391)
Tax relating to other comprehensive income
-
-
0
1,598
1,598
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
12,053
12,053
Dividends
12
-
-
(8,000)
(8,000)
Balance at 31 December 2022
10,000
-
0
65,351
75,351
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Profit for the year
-
-
1,394
1,394
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial (loss)/gains on defined benefit plans
-
-
(7,275)
(7,275)
Cash flow hedges gains
-
(1,101)
-
(1,101)
Tax relating to other comprehensive income
-
275
1,819
2,094
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
(826)
(4,062)
(4,888)
Balance at 31 December 2023
10,000
(826)
61,289
70,463

The notes on pages 16 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 16 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

H+H UK Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Celcon House, Ightham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 9HZ.

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 £'000.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

Where the company has taken exemptions in terms of FRS 102, this has been approved by the shareholders and that the appropriate disclosures have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements as per the requirement of the application guidance of FRS 100.

 

The company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 102 and has therefore taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available to it in respect of its financial statements. The company is consolidated in the financial statements of its parent, H+H International A/S, Lautrupsgade 7, 6th Floor, 2100 Copenhagen 0, Denmark. These can be obtained at www.hplush.com. Exemptions have been taken in these company financial statements in relation to presentation of a cash flow statement, and remuneration of key management personnel.

1.2
Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102) issued by the Financial Reporting Council, which the directors believe to be appropriate for the reasons detailed below.true

 

The previous cross company guarantees remain in place. The company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the strategic report.

 

The company meets its day to day working capital requirements through its cash reserves and also access to a Group facility. The FY23 results for the company showed reduced revenue and EBITDA due to lower volumes. This reflects conditions seen in the wider market. The directors have forecast through to the period covering at least 12 months from the signing of these accounts, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, They consider it likely that the improvement in volumes seen so far in FY24 will continue. The company is forecast to be cash generative across the forecast period and will be able to operate within the level of its current cash reserves.

 

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 12 months after signing the financial statements. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

 

The company’s activities are regularly reviewed to ensure that they meet the core strategy of being cash positive and profitable. The company has also run over several scenarios on market recovery rates to ensure that it meets the aforementioned criteria and can meet its obligations. In these modelling activities there was no scenario where the company failed on its core strategy targets or obligations.

 

The directors are therefore content that this will not cause a going concern issue.

 

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
1.3
Turnover

Turnover represents the invoiced amount of goods sold during the year, stated net of customer rebates, discounts allowed and Value Added Tax. Income is recognised at the time when goods are despatched from our premises.

1.4
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

An intangible asset shall be recognised if it is probable that the expected future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to H+H UK Limited and the cost can be measured reliably. In normal circumstances, intangible assets acquired from an external party will comply with this definition and shall therefore be recognised in the balance sheet. Intangible assets are amortised over 3 years.

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:

Software
33% SL
1.5
Tangible fixed assets

All fixed assets are stated at cost less a provision for depreciation.

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:

Land
Nil
Freehold / Leasehold buildings
2% - 3%
Plant and equipment
5% - 33%
Office equipment
5% - 33%

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.

1.6
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell, which is equivalent to the net realisable value.

 

Stores - stock is held at lower of cost and NRV. Raw materials are valued at 'standard cost' but we believe there not to be a significant or material variance to actual cost. Provision is made for obsolete, slow­ moving, or defective items where appropriate.

 

Work in progress and finished goods -cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable overheads based on normal level of activity. Provision is made for obsolete, slow-moving, or defective items where appropriate

1.7
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.

1.8
Financial instruments

The company has the exemption from the disclosure requirements in terms of Section 11 paragraphs 11.39 to 11.48A as the equivalent disclosures required by this FRS are included in the consolidated financial statements of the group in which the entity is consolidated.

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 18 -
Basic financial assets

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is nonnally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

 

Financial assets and Liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the company intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

 

With the exception of some hedging instruments, other debt instruments not meeting these conditions are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

 

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

 

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

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.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 19 -
1.9
Hedge accounting

During 2022, H+H UK Limited entered into fixed volume and price gas contracts covering the period 2023 to 2026. Due to a significantly lower demand, not all contracted gas for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 is expected to be used in production and consequently the excess will be sold off to the market at spot prices on a monthly basis, effectively falling outside the exemption of “own use” recognition in accordance with FRS 102 Section 12 (p12.5) for all similar gas contracts entered. Therefore, the hedge accounting principles has been applied for the commodity forward contracts from the day of the breach, being 1 April 2023 (cash flow hedge).

 

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the company documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item along with risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. At the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the company documents whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item.

 

At initial recognition the commodity forward contracts were measured at fair value and a corresponding ‘day one loss’ included in other payables. The ‘day one loss’ is transferred to the income statement upon realisation of the underlying hedged items, whereas the commodity forward contracts are measured at fair value through Other comprehensive income for the part that qualify for hedge accounting and as Special Items in the income statement for the part that is deemed ineffective.

 

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

The fair value movement amounted to £1,325,366 which is recognised in other payables, consisting of £1,101,196 effective part, recognised in other comprehensive income and £224,170 ineffective part, recognised as special items in the profit and loss account. Hedge effectiveness is measured using forecasted production, as well as estimates market gas prices.

 

Any gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss when the hedge relationship ends. This occurs when the hedging instrument expires or no longer meets the hedging criteria, the forecast transaction is no longer highly probable, the hedged debt instrument is derecognised, or the hedging instrument is terminated.

1.10
Taxation
Current tax

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

Deferred tax

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the company's taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that, based on all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

 

Where items recognised in other comprehensive income or equity are chargeable to or deductible for tax purposes the resulting current or deferred tax expense or income is presented in the same component of comprehensive income or equity as the transaction or other event that resulted in the tax expense or income.

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 20 -
1.11
Provisions

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

1.12
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.

1.13
Retirement benefits

The company operates two pension schemes. One provides benefits based on final pensionable pay and the other is a defined contribution scheme.

 

The defined benefit fund was closed to new entrants on 1 June 2007 and closed to the accrual of future service benefits, effective from 31 December 2011. The assets of the fund are held separately from those of the company.

 

The net interest cost on the net defined benefit liability is shown within finance costs. Remeasurement comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on scheme assets (excluding interest) are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis.

 

The company operates a Group Personal Pension Plan (GPPP) for which contributions are based on rules of the scheme and are charged against profits during the year in which contributions are made. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet.

1.14
Leases

Leased assets

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

1.15
Foreign exchange

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

 

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date, unless, in the case of balances relating to trading transactions, there is a related forward contract, in which case the contract rate is used. All exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.

1.16

Interest receivable and similar income

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 21 -
1.17

Related Party Transactions

Disclosures need not be given of transactions entered between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member and so the company has taken advantage of the exemption from disclosing transactions with related parties that are part of the H+H International group.

 

There were no related party transactions which require disclosure.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

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 the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Defined benefit pension

 

The group has obligations to pay pension benefits to certain employees. The cost of these benefits and the present value of the obligation depend on a number of factors, including: life expectancy, salary increases, asset valuations and the discount rate on corporate bonds. Management, supported by an independent actuary, estimates these factors in determining the net pension obligation in the balance sheet. The assumptions reflect historical experience and current trends. There exists no explicit contractual right to a surplus return should contributions from the sponsoring employer exceed the calculated scheme deficit. The carrying value of the net scheme liability for 2023 is £5.4M (2022: £1.5M).

3
Turnover and other revenue
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Other revenue
Interest income
2,975
2,495

Turnover, which is derived wholly from within the UK, relates to the sale of aircrete products.

 

Turnover is stated net of customer rebates and discounts allowed.

4
Exceptional items
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Expenditure
Exceptional item - Cost of sales
6,474
-
Exceptional item - Administrative expenses
486
-
6,960
-
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
4
Exceptional items
(Continued)
- 22 -

Exceptional items consist of various non-recurring expenditures incurred during the year, split between costs of sales and administrative expenses. These relate to one off items in respect of a gas contract, this is explained further in note 1.9.

5
Operating profit
2023
2022
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£'000
£'000
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
1,872
2,549
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(5)
(48)
Amortisation of intangible assets
252
567
6
Auditor's remuneration
2023
2022
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£'000
£'000
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
46
43
For other services
All other non-audit services
21
3
7
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:

2023
2022
Number
Number
Administration
24
23
Production
175
195
Selling
36
35
Total
235
253

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Wages and salaries
1,242
1,061
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 23 -
8
Directors' remuneration
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Remuneration for qualifying services
1,242
1,061
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Remuneration for qualifying services
374
343
9
Interest receivable and similar income
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
2,969
2,413
Other interest income
6
82
Total income
2,975
2,495
10
Interest payable and similar expenses
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Other interest
988
587
11
Taxation
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
-
0
2,575
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
114
64
Total current tax
114
2,639
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
1,601
1,945
Total tax charge
1,715
4,584
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
11
Taxation
(Continued)
- 24 -

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Profit before taxation
3,109
21,430
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.50% (2022: 19.00%)
731
4,072
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
19
627
Adjustments in respect of prior years
114
64
Group relief
(122)
(435)
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances
174
(790)
Defined benefit pension adjustment
(802)
(899)
Deferred tax
1,601
1,945
Taxation charge for the year
1,715
4,584

In addition to the amount charged to the profit and loss account, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income:

2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Deferred tax arising on:
Revaluation of financial instruments treated as cash flow hedges
(275)
-
0
Actuarial differences recognised as other comprehensive income
(1,819)
(1,598)
(2,094)
(1,598)
12
Dividends
2023
2022
2023
2022
Per share
Per share
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
10,000,000 ordinary shares
Final paid
-
0
0.80
-
0
8,000
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 25 -
13
Intangible fixed assets
Software
£'000
Cost
At 1 January 2023
2,071
Additions
55
Disposals
(37)
At 31 December 2023
2,089
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
263
Amortisation charged for the year
252
Disposals
(37)
At 31 December 2023
478
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
1,611
At 31 December 2022
1,808

Contained within the total cost value of £2,089 are £Nil (2022: £206) of items still under construction which have not been amortised in the year.

 

The above figures are rounded to £'000.

14
Tangible fixed assets
Land
Freehold / Leasehold buildings
Plant and equipment
Office equipment
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Cost
At 1 January 2023
12,142
774
76,799
808
90,523
Additions
-
0
-
0
4,234
-
0
4,234
Disposals
(195)
-
0
(7,433)
(627)
(8,255)
At 31 December 2023
11,947
774
73,600
181
86,502
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
9,426
774
51,675
808
62,683
Depreciation charged in the year
270
-
0
1,602
-
0
1,872
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(189)
-
0
(7,432)
(627)
(8,248)
At 31 December 2023
9,507
774
45,845
181
56,307
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
2,440
-
0
27,755
-
0
30,195
At 31 December 2022
2,716
-
0
25,124
-
0
27,840
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
14
Tangible fixed assets
(Continued)
- 26 -

Contained within the total cost value of owned plant and machinery of £73,600 are £11,254 (2022 - £9,109) of items still under construction which have not been depreciated in the year.

 

The total cost of Freehold Land and Buildings £11,947 (2022 - £12,142) can be split as follows: Land £1,005 (2022 - £1,005) and Buildings £10,942 (2022 - £11,137).

 

As stated in note 1.5 Freehold Land is not depreciated.

 

The above figures are rounded to £'000.

15
Financial instruments
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Carrying amount of financial liabilities
Measured at fair value through profit or loss
Derivative financial instrument
1,325
-

Derivative financial instruments recognised only contain the aforementioned commodity forward contracts which are measured at fair value using generally accepted valuation techniques based on observable market prices and forward market rates.

 

No other assets or liabilities are measured at fair value as of 31 December 2023.

16
Stocks
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Raw materials and consumables
4,133
6,140
Finished goods and goods for resale
17,589
2,813
21,722
8,953
17
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£'000
£'000
Trade debtors
3,220
6,871
Corporation tax recoverable
173
-
0
Amounts owed by group undertakings
50,363
47,528
Other debtors
2,547
456
Prepayments and accrued income
328
735
56,631
55,590

Group loans are due for repayment within 5 days of any repayment request issued by the company however, we do not anticipate needing to recall any funds in the next 12 months due to the company's profitable operations.

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 27 -
18
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Trade creditors
17,327
13,035
Amounts owed to group undertakings
5,035
2,432
Corporation tax
-
0
1,039
Other taxation and social security
297
461
Derivative financial instruments
14
1,325
-
0
Other creditors
3,080
2,588
Accruals and deferred income
1,237
1,963
28,301
21,518
19
Provisions for liabilities
2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Onerous Contract
-
290
Movements on provisions:
Onerous Contract
£'000
At 1 January 2023
290
(Credited) / charged to the profit and loss account
(290)
At 31 December 2023
-

Onerous contract provision:

 

An onerous contractual position arose due to a lease of a former operating site in Westbury. The company engaged with the landowner to re-gear the current lease on the site to reduce the lease tenure from 55 years to 7 years (Expiry date: September 2025). During 2023 an agreement was reached to exit the lease earlier, this will complete in 2024.

20
Deferred taxation

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:

Liabilities
Liabilities
2023
2022
Balances:
£'000
£'000
Relating to other timing differences
5,957
4,335
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
20
Deferred taxation
(Continued)
- 28 -
2023
Movements in the year:
£'000
Liability at 1 January 2023
4,335
Credit to profit or loss
(197)
Charge to other comprehensive income
1,819
Liability at 31 December 2023
5,957

The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 5 years and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only where the company bas a legally enforceable right to do so and where the assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity or another entity within the company.

 

There is no expiry date on timing differences, or tax credits.

21
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined benefit schemes

Scheme characteristics and nature of the benefits provided

 

The Principal Employer, H+H UK Limited (the “Company”) operates a final salary defined benefit scheme for its employees. Any purely defined contribution assets and liabilities in this Pension Fund have been excluded. The H+H Celcon Pension Fund (the “Pension Fund”) closed to the future accrual of benefits on 31 December 2011, although some deferred members who are still employed by the Company retain the link to future salary increases on their benefits. Pension benefits are based on historic length of service and final salary. On retirement members can opt for a lump sum and a lower pension. The Pension Fund is managed by the Trustee. The Pension Fund operates within the standard UK regulatory framework for employer-sponsored pension schemes. Funding rates are agreed between the Trustee and the Company, based on a prudent assessment of the Pension Fund liabilities.

Funding policy

Funding arrangements

 

Under regulations, a funding valuation is required to take place every three years. If the valuation shows that the Pension Fund is in deficit, contributions to eliminate the deficit will be payable over an agreed period. Under the Schedule of Contributions agreed as part of the April 2020 actuarial valuation, the Company will pay the following annual deficit recovery contributions in monthly instalments: £2,936 in the year starting April 2020, £4,000 from April 2021, £3,208 from April 2023 and £3,029 from April 2024 to February 2025.

 

For the April 2020 valuation the trustees and employer also agreed a secondary funding objective, which is to be fully funded on an agreed low dependency basis by 5 April 2029. This secondary funding objective allows for contingency contributions to be paid if actual funding falls below expected funding development on the low dependency basis. This expected funding path is based on the funding position at April 2020 on the low dependency basis, the deficit contributions above and expected investment returns at the April 2020 valuation. Contingent contributions are £3.024 million per annum increased by 3% per annum compound (with the first increase in April 2022) less any deficit recovery contributions. Contingent contributions are payable while actual funding is behind the expected development.

 

The above figures are rounded to £'000.

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
21
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 29 -
Other information

Investment strategy

 

Pension Fund investments are in a broad range of asset classes, aimed at producing an acceptable level of risk whilst being able to meet the benefit payments due to Pension Fund members. Some of the Pension Fund’s investments are invested in “Liability Driven Investment” funds, which are designed to match the movements in Scheme liabilities as a result of changes to long-term interest rates and inflation expectations.

 

Risk exposure

 

Since the Pension Fund is a defined benefit arrangement, the benefits payable to fund members are not directly related to the amount of the assets. The Company is exposed to the risk of the Pension Fund’s assets being insufficient to meet the benefits and expenses payable. Risks arise due to uncertain future investment returns, future levels of inflation, and future changes to life expectancy. No amendments, curtailments, or settlements have occurred over the past year.

 

Employer-related assets

 

The value of the Pension Fund’s assets does not include any financial instruments issued by, or any property occupied by, or any other assets used by, the Company.

2023
2022
Key assumptions
%
%
Discount rate
4.50
4.70
Expected rate of salary increases
3.30
3.30
RPI inflation rate
3.30
3.30
Increases to pensions in deferment
3.30
3.30
Mortality assumptions
2023
2022

Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65:

Years
Years
Retiring today
- Males
87.2
87.8
- Females
89.8
90.3
Retiring in 20 years
- Males
86.2
86.9
- Females
88.7
89.2
2023
2022

Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account

£'000
£'000
Net interest on net defined benefit liability/(asset)
2,552
1,620
Other costs and income
(2,558)
(1,702)
Total costs/(income)
(6)
(82)
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
21
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 30 -
2023
2022

Amounts taken to other comprehensive income

£'000
£'000
Actuarial changes related to obligations
6,687
(29,392)
Other gains and losses
588
37,746
Total costs
7,275
8,354

The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the company's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:

2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Present value of defined benefit obligations
61,860
55,962
Fair value of plan assets
(56,420)
(54,385)
Deficit in scheme
5,440
1,577
2023

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations

£'000
Liabilities at 1 January 2023
55,962
Benefits paid
(3,341)
Actuarial gains and losses
6,687
Interest cost
2,552
At 31 December 2023
61,860

The defined benefit obligations arise from plans which are wholly or partly funded.

2023

Movements in the fair value of plan assets

£'000
Fair value of assets at 1 January 2023
54,385
Benefits paid
(3,341)
Contributions by the employer
3,406
Other
1,970
At 31 December 2023
56,420

The actual return on plan assets was £1,970 (2022 - (£36,044).

H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
21
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 31 -
2023
2022

Fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end

£'000
£'000
Diversified growth fund
29,559
26,012
Liability driven investment
19,985
17,400
Cash/other
817
1,569
Absolute return bonds
6,059
9,404
56,420
54,385

 

The company's Group personal pension plan (GPPP) commenced in June 2007 and is a defined contribution scheme. Contributions made by the company are at varying rates between 3.5% and 12% of employees' pensionable salary, according to the rules of the scheme. Employees pay contributions varying between 3% and 5%. The members of the now closed defined benefits scheme have been invited to join a defined contribution scheme.

22
Share capital
2023
2022
2023
2022
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£'000
£'000
Issued and fully paid
10,000,000 ordinary shares of £1 each
10,000,000
10,000,000
10,000
10,000
23
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

On 1 March 2023, a new committed credit facility was agreed with Nordea Danmark, branch of Nordea Abp, Finland, effectively in place 31 March 2023. The agreement has a duration of 3 years. As part of the agreement, there are cross company guarantees between some of the group companies. Those companies are:

 

•    H+H International A/S

•    H+H Polska Sp. Z.o.o.

•    H+H UK Limited

•    H+H Deutschland GmbH

 

 

24
Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2023
2022
£'000
£'000
Within one year
414
628
Between two and five years
224
920
638
1,548
H+H UK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 32 -
25
Ultimate controlling party

The company is a subsidiary undertaking of H+H UK Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Great Britain.

 

The largest and smallest group in which the results of the company are consolidated is that headed by H+H International A/S, incorporated in Denmark, who is the ultimate holding company. The consolidated financial statements of this company are available to the public and may be obtained from their registered office at Lautrupsgade 7, 5th Floor, 2100 Copenhagen 0, Denmark.

 

No other group accounts include the results of the company.

26
Subsequent Events

In March 2024, the company decided to unwind an energy hedge made in 2022. This resulted in a one-off loss in Q1 2024 of £10.7m. A new hedging arrangement has been entered into to cover a proportion of expected gas volumes for the remainder of 2024.

 

There were no other events after the reporting period end date which require disclosure.

2023-12-312023-01-01falseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2024.100Mr S NyeM CarterK HunterP BallC RossiterA SpeddingP Addison-CammP Addison-Cammfalsefalse002476472023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Chairman2023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director22023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director32023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director42023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director52023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director62023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director12023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director72023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Director82023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:RegisteredOffice2023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Agent12023-01-012023-12-31002476472023-12-31002476472022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:Exceptional12023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:Exceptional12022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:HedgingReserve2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:HedgingReserve2022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:RevenueReservesInvestmentFundsOnly2022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:OtherResidualIntangibleAssets2023-12-3100247647core:OtherResidualIntangibleAssets2022-12-3100247647core:Non-standardIntangibleAssetClass1ComponentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2023-12-3100247647core:Non-standardIntangibleAssetClass1ComponentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2022-12-31002476472022-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee2023-12-3100247647core:PlantMachinery2023-12-3100247647core:ComputerEquipment2023-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2022-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee2022-12-3100247647core:PlantMachinery2022-12-3100247647core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-3100247647core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2023-12-3100247647core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2022-12-3100247647core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2023-12-3100247647core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2022-12-3100247647core:ShareCapital2023-12-3100247647core:ShareCapital2022-12-3100247647core:HedgingReserve2023-12-3100247647core:HedgingReserve2022-12-3100247647core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-12-3100247647core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-12-3100247647core:ShareCapital2021-12-3100247647core:HedgingReserve2021-12-3100247647core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2021-12-3100247647core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:Non-standardIntangibleAssetClass1ComponentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:LongLeaseholdAssets2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:PlantMachinery2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:ComputerEquipment2023-01-012023-12-310024764712023-01-012023-12-310024764712022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:UKTax2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:UKTax2022-01-012022-12-310024764722023-01-012023-12-310024764722022-01-012022-12-310024764732023-01-012023-12-310024764732022-01-012022-12-3100247647bus:OrdinaryShareClass12023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:OrdinaryShareClass12022-01-012022-12-3100247647core:Non-standardIntangibleAssetClass1ComponentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2022-12-3100247647core:Non-standardIntangibleAssetClass1ComponentIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillcore:ExternallyAcquiredIntangibleAssets2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2022-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee2022-12-3100247647core:PlantMachinery2022-12-3100247647core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-31002476472022-12-3100247647core:LandBuildingscore:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee2023-01-012023-12-3100247647core:WithinOneYear2023-12-3100247647core:WithinOneYear2022-12-3100247647core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2023-12-3100247647core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2022-12-3100247647bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:FRS1022023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:Audited2023-01-012023-12-3100247647bus:FullAccounts2023-01-012023-12-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP