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Registered number: 03243797










Biachem Group Limited










Annual report and financial statements

For the year ended 30 November 2023

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Company Information


Director
R W H Beaumont 




Company secretary
A W Beaumont



Registered number
03243797



Registered office
30-32 Ludgate Hill

London

EC4M 7DR




Independent auditors
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

37 St Margaret's Street

Canterbury

Kent

CT1 2TU





 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Contents



Page
Group strategic report
 
1 - 2
Director's report
 
3
Director's responsibilities statement
 
4
Independent auditors' report
 
5 - 8
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
 
9
Consolidated balance sheet
 
10
Company balance sheet
 
11
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
 
12
Company statement of changes in equity
 
12
Consolidated statement of cash flows
 
13
Notes to the financial statements
 
14 - 29


 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Group strategic report
For the year ended 30 November 2023

Introduction
 
The group is engaged in chemical sales in the UK and overseas. The Directors are pleased with the overall results for 2023 considering the continued global economic uncertainty. The group is focused on steady growth of its core activities.

Business review
 
The credit risk is minimised by the extensive use of credit insurance and very experienced credit management. The group has some exposure to foreign currency, but the risk is reduced by use of forward currency contracts.
The group results were as follows:
Turnover - £19.8m (2022: £16.6)
Profit before tax - £4.1m (2022: £4.3m)

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The principal risk to the group is the declining manufacturing sector in the UK economy but the sales remain strong in a competitive market.
Foreign currency risk
The group has exposure to foreign currencies; Euros, US dollars and Chinese Yuan but the risk is hedged with FX contracts.
Credit, Cash flow and liquidity risk
The group’s credit risk is well spread and the liquidity remains very strong. The relatively high cash balances are earmarked for future expansion through acquisition.
The group's operations are conducted so they comply with all legal requirements such as environmental and health and safety legislation.

Financial key performance indicators
 
To help monitor the group’s performance the following KPIs are used:
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Page 1

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Group strategic report (continued)
For the year ended 30 November 2023

Other key performance indicators
 
Turnover in 2023 increased by 19% over the previous year to £19.8m, the balance of exports to home trade remained similar. The profit before tax of £4.1m was down up by 6% on 2022. The Balance sheet on page 10 shows that the company’s financial position remains strong.
Future Developments
The group has a very positive cash flow and intends to expand with new products and through acquisition.


This report was approved by the board on 13 August 2024 and signed on its behalf.



A W Beaumont
Secretary

Page 2

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Director's report
For the year ended 30 November 2023

The director presents his report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2023.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £3,111,784 (2022 - £3,475,413).

During the year, the company paid dividends totalling £100,000 (2022 - £1,360,963). The directors do not recommend the payment of a further dividend.

Director

The director who served during the year was:

R W H Beaumont 

Future developments

For information regarding the future developments of the Group please see the Strategic report. 

Disclosure of information to auditors

The director at the time when this Director's report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company and the Group's auditors are unaware, and

he has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company and the Group's auditors are aware of that information.

Auditors

The auditorsKreston Reeves LLPwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board on 13 August 2024 and signed on its behalf.
 





R W H Beaumont
Director

Page 3

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Director's responsibilities statement
For the year ended 30 November 2023

The director is responsible for preparing the Group strategic report, the Director's report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the director to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the director has elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. Under company law the director must not approve the financial statements unless he is satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

 In preparing these financial statements, the director is required to:

select suitable accounting policies for the Group's financial statements 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 Group will continue in business.

The director is 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 the Group and to enable him to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006He is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Page 4

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Independent auditors' report to the members of Biachem Group Limited
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Biachem Group Limited (the 'parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the year ended 30 November 2023, which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated balance sheet, the Company balance sheet, the Consolidated statement of cash flows, the Consolidated statement of changes in equity, the Company statement of changes in equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe 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 Group's and of the parent Company's affairs as at 30 November 2023 and of the Group's profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion


We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 director's 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 Group's or the parent 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 director 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 Auditors' report thereon. The director is responsible for the other information contained within the Annual ReportOur 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.

Page 5

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Independent auditors' report to the members of Biachem Group Limited (continued)


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

the information given in the Group strategic report and the Director's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Group strategic report and the Director's report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group strategic report or the Director's report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of director's 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 Director's responsibilities statement set out on page 4, the director is 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 director determines 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 director is responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the director either intends to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 6

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Independent auditors' report to the members of Biachem Group Limited (continued)


Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' 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 Group 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:

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud
Based on our understanding of the group and industry, and through discussion with the directors and other management (as required by auditing standards), we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to health and safety, anti-bribery and employment law. We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, taxation, and pension legislation. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to manipulate levels of reported revenue and/or expenditure. Audit procedures performed by the group engagement team and component auditors included:
• Discussions with management and assessment of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with   laws and regulations and fraud, and review of the reports made by management; and
• Discussions with management and specific consideration of the safeguarding of stock held at outsourced   warehouses; and
• Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships, that may indicate    risks of material misstatement due to fraud; and
• Confirmation of related parties with management, and review of transactions throughout the period to    identify any previously undisclosed transactions with related parties outside the normal course of     business; and
• Performing analytical procedures with automated data analytics tools on the UK trading subsidiaries   Biachem Limited and Biachem Specialities Limited to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships,
 including related party transactions, that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.
• Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any manual entries made at the year end for financial    statement preparation.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
 
Page 7

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Independent auditors' report to the members of Biachem Group Limited (continued)



As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the director.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the director's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our Auditors' report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our Auditors' report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statementsWe are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

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 2006Our 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 Auditors' 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.




Peter Manser FCA DChA (Senior statutory auditor)
  
for and on behalf of
Kreston Reeves LLP
 
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
  
Canterbury

14 August 2024
Page 8

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
19,757,311
16,633,377

Cost of sales
  
(14,582,571)
(11,026,508)

Gross profit
  
5,174,740
5,606,869

Administrative expenses
  
(1,625,835)
(1,388,264)

Operating profit
 5 
3,548,905
4,218,605

Interest receivable and similar income
 9 
506,657
74,933

Profit before taxation
  
4,055,562
4,293,538

Tax on profit
 10 
(943,778)
(818,125)

Profit for the financial year
  
3,111,784
3,475,413

  

Currency translation differences
  
12,584
(8,962)

Other comprehensive income for the year
  
12,584
(8,962)

Total comprehensive income for the year
  
3,124,368
3,466,451

Profit for the year attributable to:
  

Owners of the parent Company
  
3,111,784
3,475,413

  
3,111,784
3,475,413

The notes on pages 14 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
Biachem Group Limited
Registered number: 03243797

Consolidated balance sheet
As at 30 November 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 13 
261,095
93,630

  
261,095
93,630

Current assets
  

Stocks
 15 
2,191,296
3,018,725

Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 16 
136,800
136,800

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
3,345,991
3,879,741

Current asset investments
 17 
2,000,000
-

Cash at bank and in hand
  
10,515,491
10,261,595

  
18,189,578
17,296,861

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
(1,959,276)
(3,978,493)

Net current assets
  
 
 
16,230,302
 
 
13,318,368

Total assets less current liabilities
  
16,491,397
13,411,998

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred taxation
 19 
(63,690)
(8,659)

  
 
 
(63,690)
 
 
(8,659)

Net assets
  
16,427,707
13,403,339


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 20 
72
72

Share premium account
 21 
63,196
63,196

Capital redemption reserve
 21 
75,007
75,007

Foreign exchange reserve
 21 
(12,641)
(25,225)

Profit and loss account
 21 
16,302,073
13,290,289

  
16,427,707
13,403,339


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 13 August 2024.




R W H Beaumont
Director

The notes on pages 14 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
Biachem Group Limited
Registered number: 03243797

Company balance sheet
As at 30 November 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Investments
 14 
237,321
237,321

  
237,321
237,321

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
45,735
1,193,472

  
45,735
1,193,472

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
(100,000)
(1,247,737)

Net current liabilities
  
 
 
(54,265)
 
 
(54,265)

Total assets less current liabilities
  
183,056
183,056

  

  

Net assets
  
183,056
183,056


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 20 
72
72

Share premium account
 21 
63,196
63,196

Capital redemption reserve
 21 
75,007
75,007

Profit and loss account brought forward
  
44,781
44,781

Profit for the year
  
100,000
1,360,963

Other changes in the profit and loss account

  

(100,000)
(1,360,963)

Profit and loss account carried forward
  
44,781
44,781

  
183,056
183,056


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 13 August 2024.


R W H Beaumont
Director

The notes on pages 14 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 November 2023


Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Foreign exchange reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£
£
£


At 1 December 2021
68
-
75,007
(16,263)
11,175,839
11,234,651



Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
3,475,413
3,475,413

Currency translation differences
-
-
-
(8,962)
-
(8,962)

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
-
(1,360,963)
(1,360,963)

Shares issued during the year
4
63,196
-
-
-
63,200



At 1 December 2022
72
63,196
75,007
(25,225)
13,290,289
13,403,339



Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
3,111,784
3,111,784

Currency translation differences
-
-
-
12,584
-
12,584

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
-
(100,000)
(100,000)


At 30 November 2023
72
63,196
75,007
(12,641)
16,302,073
16,427,707


The notes on pages 14 to 29 form part of these financial statements.


Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 November 2023


Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£
£


At 1 December 2021
68
-
75,007
44,781
119,856



Profit for the year
-
-
-
1,360,963
1,360,963

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
(1,360,963)
(1,360,963)

Shares issued during the year
4
63,196
-
-
63,200



At 1 December 2022
72
63,196
75,007
44,781
183,056



Profit for the year
-
-
-
100,000
100,000

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
(100,000)
(100,000)


At 30 November 2023
72
63,196
75,007
44,781
183,056


The notes on pages 14 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2023
2022
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
3,111,784
3,475,413

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of tangible assets
44,544
30,686

Profit on disposal of tangible assets
(40,650)
-

Interest received
(506,657)
(74,933)

Taxation charge
943,778
818,125

Decrease/(increase) in stocks
827,429
(1,630,774)

Decrease/(increase) in debtors
568,965
(2,401,960)

(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(918,816)
1,860,207

Corporation tax (paid)
(876,625)
(851,877)

Foreign exchange difference
12,584
(8,962)

Net cash generated from operating activities

3,166,336
1,215,925


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(212,009)
(39,979)

Sale of tangible fixed assets
40,650
-

Investment in fixed term deposits
(2,000,000)
-

Net cash from investing activities

(2,171,359)
(39,979)

Cash flows from financing activities

Issue of ordinary shares
-
(176)

Dividends paid
(1,247,738)
(50,025)

Interest received
506,657
74,933

Net cash used in financing activities
(741,081)
24,732

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
253,896
1,200,678

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
10,261,595
9,060,917

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
10,515,491
10,261,595


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
10,515,491
10,261,595

10,515,491
10,261,595


The notes on pages 14 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

1.


General information

Biachem Group Limited is a limited liability company incorporated in England and Wales. The company's registered number is 03243797. The address of the registered office is 30-32 Ludgate Hill, London, England, EC4M 7DR. 
The principal activities of the Group are that of the import and distribution of chemicals. 

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgement in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements.

The financial statements are presented to the nearest Pound.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Balance sheet, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
In accordance with the transitional exemption available in FRS 102, the Group has chosen not to retrospectively apply the standard to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to FRS 102, being 01 December 2014.

 
2.3

Going concern

In the opinion of the directors, there are no factors in existence that would result in the group not being considered as a going concern. 

Page 14

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.4

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the Group has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Group retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

 
2.5

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

The Group adds to the carrying amount of an item of fixed assets the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred, if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the Group. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. Repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Plant and machinery
-
18% to 30% straight line
Office equipment
-
12.5% straight line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.6

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

Page 15

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.7

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Where payments are made to suppliers to secure the title of the stock before it being physically delivered to the Group, those payments are treated as goods in transit and held within stock.

At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.8

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.9

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

In the Consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management.

 
2.10

Financial instruments

The Group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's Balance sheet when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, 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 trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, 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.

Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.
 
Page 16

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.10
Financial instruments (continued)


Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. 

Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.

If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instruments any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after the deduction of all its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans, other loans and loans due to fellow group companies are initially measured at their transaction price after transaction costs. When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

 
2.11

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 17

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.12

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

On consolidation, the results of overseas operations are translated into Sterling at rates approximating to those ruling when the transactions took place. All assets and liabilities of overseas operations are translated at the rate ruling at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on translating the opening net assets at opening rate and the results of overseas operations at actual rate are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 
2.13

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

 
2.14

Operating leases: the Group as lessee

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 
2.15

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Group operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Group has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Group in independently administered funds.

 
2.16

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

Page 18

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.17

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company and the Group operate and generate income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits;
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met; and
Where they relate to timing differences in respect of interests in subsidiaries, associates, branches and joint ventures and the Group can control the reversal of the timing differences and such reversal is not considered probable in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 
2.18

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

 
2.19

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.

Page 19

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires the director to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that can affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities, and the results for the year. The nature of estimation is such though that actual outcomes could differ significantly from those estimates. 
The following are the Group's key sources of estimation uncertainty:
Lease commitments
The Group has entered into a lease commitment (see note 24) in respect of property. The classification of this lease as either financial or operating lease requires the directors to consider whether the terms and conditions of the lease are such that the Group has acquired the risks and rewards associated with the ownership of the underlying asset. 


4.


Turnover

An analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:


2023
2022
£
£

Distribution of chemicals
19,757,311
16,633,377

19,757,311
16,633,377


Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2023
2022
£
£

United Kingdom
18,477,605
15,670,806

Rest of Europe
1,279,706
962,571

19,757,311
16,633,377



5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2023
2022
£
£

Exchange differences
(638)
8,692

Other operating lease rentals
77,659
55,750

Page 20

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

6.


Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the Group obtained the following services from the Company's auditors:


2023
2022
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the consolidated and parent Company's financial statements
12,600
12,000


7.


Employees

Staff costs, including director's remuneration, were as follows:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£


Wages and salaries
1,009,140
914,028
-
-

Social security costs
129,544
110,534
-
-

Cost of defined contribution scheme
28,799
17,735
-
-

1,167,483
1,042,297
-
-


The average monthly number of employees, including the director, during the year was as follows:



Group
Group
Company
Company
        2023
        2022
        2023
        2022
            No.
            No.
            No.
            No.









Employees, including directors
12
11
1
1


8.


Director's remuneration

2023
2022
£
£

Director's emoluments
88,546
86,760

88,546
86,760


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to no directors (2022 - NIL) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

Page 21

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

9.


Interest receivable

2023
2022
£
£


Other interest receivable
506,657
74,933

506,657
74,933


10.


Taxation


2023
2022
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
888,747
821,877


888,747
821,877


Total current tax
888,747
821,877

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
55,031
(3,752)

Total deferred tax
55,031
(3,752)


Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
943,778
818,125

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2022 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23% (2022 - 19%). The differences are explained below:

2023
2022
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
4,055,562
4,293,538


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23% (2022 - 19%)
932,779
815,772

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
2,966
1,243

Capital allowances for year in excess of depreciation
(48,186)
-

Depreciation for the year in excess of capital allowances
-
3,813

Other timing differences leading to an increase (decrease) in taxation
55,031
(3,752)

Other differences leading to an increase (decrease) in the tax charge
1,188
1,049

Total tax charge for the year
943,778
818,125

Page 22

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023
 
10.Taxation (continued)


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.


11.


Dividends

2023
2022
£
£


Ordinary shares
100,000
1,360,963

100,000
1,360,963


12.


Intangible assets

Group 





Goodwill

£



Cost


At 1 December 2022
380,201



At 30 November 2023

380,201



Amortisation


At 1 December 2022
380,201



At 30 November 2023

380,201



Net book value



At 30 November 2023
-



At 30 November 2022
-



Page 23

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

13.


Tangible fixed assets

Group






Plant and machinery
Office equipment
Total

£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 December 2022
319,022
437
319,459


Additions
212,009
-
212,009


Disposals
(90,778)
-
(90,778)



At 30 November 2023

440,253
437
440,690



Depreciation


At 1 December 2022
225,392
437
225,829


Charge for the year on owned assets
44,544
-
44,544


Disposals
(90,778)
-
(90,778)



At 30 November 2023

179,158
437
179,595



Net book value



At 30 November 2023
261,095
-
261,095



At 30 November 2022
93,630
-
93,630


14.


Fixed asset investments

Company





Investments in subsidiary companies

£



Cost or valuation


At 1 December 2022
237,321



At 30 November 2023
237,321




Page 24

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

Subsidiary undertakings


The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Registered office

Class of shares

Holding

Biachem Limited
United Kingdom
Ordinary
100%
Biachem Europe (Distribution) Limited
Ireland
Ordinary
100%
Biachem Specialities Limited
United Kingdom
Ordinary
100%
Biachem Services Limited
United Kingdom
Ordinary
100%
Biachem France SARL
France
Ordinary
100%

The principal activity of all the above companies is chemical imports and distribution, with the exception of Biachem Services Limited which is dormant.
The registered office of the companies incorporated in the United Kingdom is 30-32 Ludgate Hill, London, EC4M 7DR.
The registered office of Biachem Europe (Distribution) Limited is 35 Beechwood Park, Pollerton, Carlow, R93V205. 
The registered office of Biachem France is 19 Avenue d'Italie, 75013, Paris.

The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 30 November 2023 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertakings were as follows:

Name
Aggregate of share capital and reserves
Profit/(Loss)
£
£

Biachem Limited
14,251,587
2,586,212

Biachem Europe (Distribution) Limited
509,072
68,658

Biachem Specialities Limited
1,616,632
146,607

Biachem Services Limited
100
-

Biachem France SARL
97,978
40,629


15.


Stocks

Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£

Finished goods and goods for resale
2,191,296
3,018,725

2,191,296
3,018,725


Page 25

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

16.


Debtors

Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Due after more than one year

Other debtors
136,800
136,800
-
-

136,800
136,800
-
-


Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Due within one year

Trade debtors
3,002,663
3,717,109
-
-

Amounts owed by group undertakings
-
-
45,735
1,193,472

Other debtors
135,148
83,338
-
-

Prepayments and accrued income
208,180
79,294
-
-

3,345,991
3,879,741
45,735
1,193,472



17.


Current asset investments

Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£

Fixed term deposits
2,000,000
-

2,000,000
-



18.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Trade creditors
967,829
1,839,284
-
-

Corporation tax payable
119,606
65,697
-
-

Other taxation and social security
743,411
776,396
-
-

Other creditors
100,000
1,247,808
100,000
1,247,737

Accruals and deferred income
28,430
49,308
-
-

1,959,276
3,978,493
100,000
1,247,737


Page 26

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

19.


Deferred taxation


Group



2023


£






At beginning of year
(8,659)


Utilised in year
(55,031)



At end of year
(63,690)

Company


2023






At end of year
-
The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£

Accelerated capital allowances
(63,690)
(8,659)

(63,690)
(8,659)


20.


Share capital

2023
2022
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



7,177 (2022 - 7,177) Ordinary shares of £0.01 each
72
72



21.


Reserves

Share premium account

The share premium account contains the additional paid-in capital in excess of the nominal value of issued ordinary shares.

Capital redemption reserve

The capital redemption reserve relates to amounts paid for the buy back of the company's own shares. 

Profit and loss account

This reserve comprises all current and prior period retained profits and losses after deducting any distributions made to the company's shareholders.

Page 27

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023
22.


Analysis of net debt




At 1 December 2022
Cash flows
At 30 November 2023
£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

10,261,595

253,896

10,515,491

Fixed term deposits

-

2,000,000

2,000,000


10,261,595
2,253,896
12,515,491


23.


Pension commitments

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Group to the fund and amount to £28,799 (2022: £17,735). There were no amounts outstanding at the year end (2022: £Nil).


24.


Commitments under operating leases

At 30 November 2023 the Group had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:


Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£

Not later than 1 year
51,104
18,583

51,104
18,583
The Company had no commitments under non-cancellable operating leases at the balance sheet date.


25.


Transactions with the director

Included in the prior year's creditors was an amount owing to the director, in respect of dividends declared in that year totalling £1,078,801 which were unpaid at 30 November 2022. There was no interest being charged to the Company on this amount owed to the director.  These dividends were paid in full to the director during the current year so there was no amount owed at 30 November 2023.
The director also has an interest free loan facility of £10,000 with one of the group companies.  During the year, he withdrew £9,400 under this facility.  At the year end, the balance owed to that company was £9,900 (2022: £500).

Page 28

 
Biachem Group Limited
 

 
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2023

26.


Related party transactions


2023
2022
£
£

Dividends paid to the director
-
1,078,801
Dividends paid to key management personnel
-
160,376
Dividends paid to external entities controlled by the director
100,000
121,785
Loans repayable by the director
9,900
500
Loans repayable by key management personnel
136,800
136,800
Interest received on loans repayable by key management personnel
2,736
2,714
Interest accrued on loans repayable by key management personnel
2,010
1,777
Ordinary shares issued to key management personnel
-
63,200

The total compensation paid to key management personnel of the Group amount to £780,497 (2022: £699,048).
Dividends declared in the prior year payable to key management personnel totalling £97,176 were unpaid at 30 November 2022. There was no interest being charged to the Company in respect of these amounts owing to key management personnel.  These dividends were paid in full to the director during the current year so there was no amount owed at 30 November 2023.
Dividends declared payable to external entities controlled by the director totalling £100,000 remain unpaid at 30 November 2023 (2022: £71,760). There is no interest being charged to the Company in respect of these amounts owing to external entities controlled by the director.
In respect of the loan repayable by key management personnel of £136,800, interest is being charged to key management personnel at the HMRC actual official rate. Interest was paid by key management personnel of £2,736 in the year. Interest totalling £2,010 has been accrued at the year end.
There were no other related party transactions during the year or the prior year, other than with wholly owned group Companies which have not been disclosed in accordance with Section 33.1A of Financial Reporting Standard 102.


27.


Controlling party

The company and group are ultimately controlled by R W H Beaumont. 

Page 29