Company registration number 00909852 (England and Wales)
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr I Gilston
Mrs C Gilston
Mr J Wheeler
Mr N Atkinson
Company number
00909852
Registered office
Aston Way
Moss Side Development Park
Leyland
PR26 7UX
Auditor
MHA
Richard House
9 Winckley Square
Preston
PR1 3HP
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Directors' responsibilities statement
5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 8
Statement of income and retained earnings
9
Balance sheet
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 25
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 1 -

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

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the provision of cleaning, security and facilities management services.

Analysis of Development and Performance

With a turnover for the year of £20,917,750, this represents an increase of £3,523,913 over 2022 or 20%. The increase was due to a number of new contracts having been secured and the strong retention of existing contracts. The company places much emphasis on contract retention, thus ensuring new contract wins and their respective turnover is not diluted by contract losses.

 

Operating profit of £478,380 was £111,677 ahead of last year and was a reflection of the company having tight control of its costs and ensuring its sales objectives were achieved.

 

The company is happy to report that its sales growth has continued into 2024, with the first 4 months of the year showing an increase in sales of £74,288 over the same period in 2023.

 

As per the previous year, the company’s gross margin was impacted by the fact that some contracts were invoiced by ASG on behalf of Aston Industrial Cleaning and Maintenance Limited (AICM) a related company (this formerly being the Maintenance and Industrial Cleaning Division of ASG and now a separate business). Whilst AICM carries out the work, due to previous contractual arrangements in place, ASG raises the invoices for which AICM in turn invoices ASG. The value of AICM work in 2023 represented £3,602,706. There is no margin applied by ASG to AICM on such work which does dilute the company’s gross margin as a consequence. However, this arrangement will have ceased as from August 2024.

 

With the company being well ahead of its sales and profit forecasts for the first 4 months of 2024, it is confident that it will end the year with an improved sales and profit position over 2023 and will carry its 2024 successes into 2025 where it is confident of continuing its upward trend in sales and profit growth.

Key performance indicators

Turnover compared to 2022 has increased by £3,523,913 or 20.25%

Profit before tax compared to 2022 has increased by £90,113 or 27.29%

Profit after tax compared to 2022 has decreased by £15,502 due to the write off of previous intercompany support for a previous division Lixall that is now a separate company.

 

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 2 -
Description of Principal Risks and Uncertainties

 

Legislative and regulatory risk

 

Legislative risk is managed by the directors on a continual basis with all contracts having the facility written into them that allows Aston Services Group Limited to pass on any costs that occur due to government legislation.

Actions of competitors

 

The directors believe the policy of tendering competitively but realistically on price, as well as offering an excellent service delivery with highly skilled staff will underpin the company’s future growth and profits.

Financial risk

 

The company continues to have the full support of its bankers and directors in addition to a substantial personal guarantee from Ian Gilston the company’s chairman.

 

Future Developments

The company’s positive performance and progress in annual sales growth has been recognised by the market and as a consequence has attracted the attention of one of the country’s leading facilities management companies, Atlas FM.

 

ASG has agreed to be acquired and merged into Atlas FM. The move will provide a much bigger infrastructure from which ASG will be able to benefit and take advantage of to further accelerate its growth and market share.

 

The decision to be acquired by Atlas FM matches ASG’s objectives of continued investment in its business and people. ASG believes that it has found the right partner in Atlas FM - a company whose origins date back 38 years offering a wide range of services across the UK. The Atlas FM culture is completely aligned with that of ASG’s and therefore offers a very exciting future ahead for all concerned.

 

The proposed completion date for the sale of the business is likely to be shortly after the accounts have been signed.

 

 

On behalf of the board

Mr I Gilston
Director
31 July 2024
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 3 -

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

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 9.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £301,575. The directors do not recommend payment of a further 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 I Gilston
Mrs C Gilston
Mr J Wheeler
Mr N Atkinson
Financial instruments
Liquidity risk

The company manages its borrowing requirements in order to minimise interest expense, whilst ensuring the company has sufficient liquid resources to meet the operating needs of the business.

Interest rate risk

The company is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on bank overdrafts and loans. The Board reviews the exposure to interest rate risk on a regular basis to reduce exposure to changes in interest rates.

Credit risk

Credit terms are offered to customers with an average credit term of approximately 45 days across the board, but are subject to credit verification procedures before services commence and there is regular credit control monitoring.

Disabled persons

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the company continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the company that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

Employee involvement

The company's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests.

 

Information about matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the company's performance.

 

There is no employee share scheme at present, but the directors are considering the introduction of such a scheme as a means of further encouraging the involvement of employees in the company's performance.

Auditor

Following the merger of MHA Moore & Smalley with MHA, the company's independent auditor has now become MHA. A resolution to reappoint MHA as independent auditor will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 4 -
Strategic report

The company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of development and performance and principal risks and uncertainties.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Medium-sized companies exemption

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.

On behalf of the board
Mr I Gilston
Mr N Atkinson
Director
Director
31 July 2024
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 5 -

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.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
- 6 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Aston Services Group Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of income and retained earnings, the balance sheet 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.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 7 -

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

 

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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 8 -

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.

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.

Damian Walmsley BA FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of MHA, Statutory Auditor
Preston, United Kingdom
31 July 2024
2024-07-31
MHA is the trading name of MacIntyre Hudson LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC312313)
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 9 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
20,917,751
17,393,838
Cost of sales
(18,253,091)
(15,232,557)
Gross profit
2,664,660
2,161,281
Administrative expenses
(2,210,117)
(1,823,863)
Other operating income
23,837
29,285
Operating profit
4
478,380
366,703
Interest receivable and similar income
7
9,594
458
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(67,687)
(36,987)
Profit before taxation
420,287
330,174
Tax on profit
9
(171,445)
(65,830)
Profit for the financial year
248,842
264,344
Retained earnings brought forward
245,019
305,675
Dividends
10
(301,575)
(325,000)
Retained earnings carried forward
192,286
245,019

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

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2023
31 December 2023
- 10 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Goodwill
11
4,168
5,210
Tangible assets
12
436,528
434,377
440,696
439,587
Current assets
Stocks
13
30,000
15,000
Debtors
14
4,666,606
3,882,385
Cash at bank and in hand
55,918
134,652
4,752,524
4,032,037
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(4,856,848)
(3,951,186)
Net current (liabilities)/assets
(104,324)
80,851
Total assets less current liabilities
336,372
520,438
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(83,778)
(202,261)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
19
60,208
73,058
(60,208)
(73,058)
Net assets
192,386
245,119
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
21
100
100
Profit and loss reserves
192,286
245,019
Total equity
192,386
245,119

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 31 July 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr I  Gilston
Mr N  Atkinson
Director
Director
Company registration number 00909852 (England and Wales)
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Aston Services Group Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Aston Way, Moss Side Development Park, Leyland, PR26 7UX.

1.1
Accounting convention

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

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

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

 

 

The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of Hardy Group Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from Companies House.

1.2
Going concern

The directors have considered the financial position of the company at 31 December 2023, management information to date and forecasts for atrue period of 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. They have also considered the forthcoming sale of the group to the Atlas FM group and its impact on the business.

 

The directors have received a letter from Atlas FM Group Limited confirming that the Company’s business will continue as usual following the sale to Atlas FM Group, and that Atlas FM Group will offer any financial support which may be required for a period of a minimum of 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.

Taking into account all of the above, they consider that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
1.3
Turnover

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenue from industrial cleaning contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably.

 

Unbilled revenue from contracts represents the value of the work done in the year, including estimates of amounts not invoiced. Unbilled revenue is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract.

1.4
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a business and is being amortised over a reduced period of five years, being the Directors' estimate of the useful economic life of the asset.

1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and machinery
25% reducing balance
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
25% reducing balance
Motor vehicles
25% reducing balance

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
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.7
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.

1.8
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

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

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

 

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

 

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
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.

Classification of financial liabilities

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

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and loans from fellow group companies, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

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

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Other financial liabilities

Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.

 

Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.10
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

1.11
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

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

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.14
Leases

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

 

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 16 -
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.

Critical judgements

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Trade debtor recoverability

At each balance sheet date, management undertake an assessment of the recoverability of trade debtors based upon their knowledge of the customers, ageing of the balances outstanding and previous write off history. Where necessary, an impairment is recorded as a doubtful debt.

 

The actual level of debt collected may differ from the estimated level of recovery.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.

Depreciation of fixed assets

The depreciation rate used for fixed assets owned by the business is management's best estimate at acquisition of the useful economic life of each asset type held by the business. Upon disposal, the profit or loss on each asset is recognised in the profit and loss account in the year of disposal. Management review these figures on a global basis to ensure that assets are not being under- or over-depreciated.

 

 

3
Turnover and other revenue

An analysis of the company's turnover is as follows:

2023
2022
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Revenue from rendering of services
17,315,045
13,343,700
Recharges to related companies
3,602,706
4,050,138
20,917,751
17,393,838
2023
2022
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
9,594
458
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 17 -
4
Operating profit
2023
2022
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
15,900
14,500
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
148,216
84,459
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets held under finance leases
18,349
29,449
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(5,219)
1,942
Amortisation of intangible assets
1,042
1,303
Operating lease charges
105,763
109,727
5
Employees

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

2023
2022
Number
Number
Directors
4
5
Administrative and office staff
13
13
Operatives and other staff
666
558
Total
683
576

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2023
2022
£
£
Wages and salaries
11,897,085
9,315,555
Social security costs
937,456
749,478
Pension costs
244,367
171,699
13,078,908
10,236,732
6
Directors' remuneration
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
222,997
197,597
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
2,627
4,533
225,624
202,130

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (2022 - 4).

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6
Directors' remuneration
(Continued)
- 18 -
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
106,486
103,310
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2023
2022
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
-
0
458
Other interest income
9,594
-
0
Total income
9,594
458
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2023
2022
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
16,471
13,543
Interest on invoice finance arrangements
49,368
21,051
Interest on finance leases and hire purchase contracts
1,848
2,393
67,687
36,987
9
Taxation
2023
2022
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
184,295
26,965
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
-
0
(4,261)
Total current tax
184,295
22,704
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(12,850)
43,126
Total tax charge
171,445
65,830
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
9
Taxation
(Continued)
- 19 -

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
£
£
Profit before taxation
420,287
330,174
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.52% (2022: 19.00%)
98,852
62,733
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
74,231
5,316
Tax effect of income not taxable in determining taxable profit
(877)
(8,308)
Adjustments in respect of prior years
-
0
(4,261)
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
(761)
10,350
Taxation charge for the year
171,445
65,830
10
Dividends
2023
2022
£
£
Final paid
301,575
325,000
11
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
203,363
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
198,153
Amortisation charged for the year
1,042
At 31 December 2023
199,195
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
4,168
At 31 December 2022
5,210
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 20 -
12
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023
468,473
132,296
327,913
928,682
Additions
105,763
10,401
62,730
178,894
Disposals
(20,564)
-
0
-
0
(20,564)
At 31 December 2023
553,672
142,697
390,643
1,087,012
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
244,444
78,508
171,353
494,305
Depreciation charged in the year
95,478
22,358
48,729
166,565
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(10,386)
-
0
-
0
(10,386)
At 31 December 2023
329,536
100,866
220,082
650,484
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
224,136
41,831
170,561
436,528
At 31 December 2022
224,029
53,788
156,560
434,377

The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.

2023
2022
£
£
Motor vehicles
69,418
88,346
13
Stocks
2023
2022
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
30,000
15,000
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 21 -
14
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
3,867,016
2,998,968
Corporation tax recoverable
30,318
30,318
Amounts owed by group undertakings
(146)
206,429
Other debtors
613,108
350,236
Prepayments and accrued income
156,310
296,434
4,666,606
3,882,385
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
17
55,556
55,556
Obligations under finance leases
18
26,513
26,760
Trade creditors
484,584
556,540
Corporation tax
184,352
27,331
Other taxation and social security
1,067,882
1,008,282
Other creditors
2,860,154
2,124,073
Accruals and deferred income
177,807
152,644
4,856,848
3,951,186

Included within creditors due within one year is a hire purchase liability which is secured over the assets of the company.

 

Included within other creditors due within one year is invoice financing of £1,086,202 (2022: £976,018) secured over the trade debtors of the company.

 

Included within bank loans due within one year £55,556 (2022: £55,556) is a CBILs loan which is secured 80% by the Government and is also secured over the assets of the company and a guarantee provided by a company under common control.

16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
17
68,256
121,572
Obligations under finance leases
18
15,522
11,933
Other creditors
-
0
68,756
83,778
202,261
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
(Continued)
- 22 -

Included within creditors due after more than one year is a hire purchase liability which is secured over the assets of the company.

 

Included within bank loans due after more than one year £68,256 (2022: £121,572) is a CBILs loan which is secured 80% by the Government and is also secured over the assets of the company and a guarantee provided by a company under common control.

17
Loans and overdrafts
2023
2022
£
£
Bank loans
123,812
177,128
Payable within one year
55,556
55,556
Payable after one year
68,256
121,572

 

18
Finance lease obligations
2023
2022
Future minimum lease payments due under finance leases:
£
£
Within one year
26,513
38,693
In two to five years
15,522
-
0
42,035
38,693

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company for certain motor vehicles and items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is 3 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

19
Deferred taxation

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:

Liabilities
Liabilities
2023
2022
Balances:
£
£
ACAs
69,640
81,126
Pension contributions
(9,432)
(8,068)
60,208
73,058
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
19
Deferred taxation
(Continued)
- 23 -
2023
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2023
73,058
Credit to profit or loss
(12,850)
Liability at 31 December 2023
60,208

The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 3 years and relates to accelerated capital allowances, tax losses and other short term timing differences that are expected to mature within the same period.

20
Retirement benefit schemes
2023
2022
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
244,367
171,699

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

21
Share capital
2023
2022
2023
2022
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
100
100
100
100
22
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

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
£
£
Within one year
21,352
21,352
Between two and five years
25,836
47,188
47,188
68,540
ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 24 -
23
Events after the reporting date

The shareholders of the parent company of Aston, Hardy Group, have accepted an offer for their shares from Atlas FM Group Limited. This deal is likely to be completed shortly after the signing of these financial statements but does not have any implications for the year ended 31 December 2023 but will lead to a change of ownership from the acquisition date.

24
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties

During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:

Category
Description of
Income
Expenditure
transaction
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
Other related parties
Direct costs
-
0
-
0
3,602,706
3,343,924
Other related parties
Management charge
-
0
-
0
44,000
48,000
Other related parties
Rental charge
-
0
-
0
37,500
37,500
Other related parties
Purchases
-
0
-
0
328,832
110,092
Other related parties
Hire of fixed assets
23,837
29,285
-
0
-
0
Balances with related parties

The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:

Category
Amounts owed by
Amounts owed to
related parties
related parties
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
Entities under common control
132,481
300,789
660,741
307,487
Other information

No guarantees have been given or received.

 

The company has taken advantage of the exemption permitted under Section 33 'Related Party Disclosures' paragraph 33.1A from disclosing transactions with fellow group companies.

ASTON SERVICES GROUP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 25 -
25
Directors' transactions

Advances or credits have been granted by the company to its directors as follows:

 

Description
% Rate
Opening balance
Amounts advanced
Interest charged
Amounts repaid
Closing balance
£
£
£
£
£
Loan to director
2.25
114,795
423,267
7,409
(116,000)
429,471
Loan to director
2.25
-
40,000
651
-
40,651
Loan to director
2.25
-
100,000
1,535
-
101,535
114,795
563,267
9,595
(116,000)
571,657
26
Ultimate controlling party

The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hardy Group Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales. The smallest and largest group into which the company is consolidated is that of Hardy Group Limited, the ultimate parent company. Copies of the consolidated accounts for this group are available and can be obtained from Companies House.

 

The ultimate controlling party is the director, Mr I Gilston.

27
Key management personnel

The directors consider that they are the key management personnel and their remuneration is disclosed in note 6.

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