REGISTERED NUMBER: |
STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
FOR |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
FOR |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
Page |
Company Information | 1 |
Strategic Report | 2 |
Report of the Directors | 5 |
Report of the Independent Auditors | 7 |
Income Statement | 11 |
Other Comprehensive Income | 12 |
Balance Sheet | 13 |
Statement of Changes in Equity | 15 |
Cash Flow Statement | 16 |
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | 17 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 18 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
COMPANY INFORMATION |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
DIRECTORS: |
SECRETARY: |
REGISTERED OFFICE: |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
AUDITORS: |
Chartered Accountants |
and Statutory Auditors |
Windover House |
St. Ann Street |
Salisbury |
SP1 2DR |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 30 September 2023. |
REVIEW OF BUSINESS |
The year ended 30 September 2023 saw global economic uncertainties and high interest meaning that the company had to deal with a difficult trading environment. However, despite the negative impacts on the economy, the company has seen growth in turnover and and maintained a high level of profitability, especially from its specialist logistics and installation division, Bishopsgate. The company also has a high level of ongoing storage revenue. Overall the company remains in a strong and stable position with significant cash reserves and no bank loans. |
The directors and management continue to monitor operational and overhead costs to identify opportunities for cost cutting measures whilst maintaining the company's high standards of customer service. |
In the context of the Key Performance Indicators mentioned below, when taking into account the impact of the pandemic, the directors are satisfied with the company's performance in the financial year. |
Key performance indicators |
2023 | 2022 |
Turnover | £33,936,794 | £30,636,527 |
Gross profit % | 47.2% | 46.0% |
EBITDA % | 21.1% | 23.7% |
Profit before tax % | 17.1% | 17.9% |
The directors assess the performance of the business by reference to two main measurements seeking to achieve an EBITDA of 15% and a PBIT of 10%. The board regularly meet to consider management accounts and to compare actual results to the stated financial objectives and budgets. |
Health and safety, employees and environment |
The company aims to identify, assess and control occupational health hazards and, where practicable, to eliminate work related diseases. Every new case of an occupational disease is reported. |
The directors believe that every work-related incident, illness and injury is preventable. Every new case of a work related injury is reported to the board, including outcomes of and corrective action resulting from regular Health and Safety inspections. |
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES |
The directors consider the main financial risks to the business as being the volatility in the commercial and residential property market resulting from interest rate movements. The group seeks to limit these business risks by offering on-site storage facilities to generate recurring income and by diversifying into other areas such as value-added distribution services. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT |
The Directors of the Company have complied with their duty to promote the success of the company for the benefits of its stakeholders whilst having regard to the matters set out in Section 172 (1) (a)-(f) of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors have done this in various ways which are listed below: |
Stakeholder Engagement |
The Directors consider the key stakeholders to be customers, suppliers, staff, and shareholders. The Company through its directors and senior management teams engages with each stakeholder on a regular basis at the appropriate level of frequency depending upon their specific requirements. |
Principle decisions |
Principle decisions are defined as those that are material to the company and also to the above stakeholder groups. During the year, the company has taken a number of operational and strategic decisions which the Directors consider are for the benefit of the Company, with a view to promoting its long-term success and sustainability. |
Engaging with suppliers, customers, staff, shareholders and others |
During the financial year, the Directors and Senior Management teams have endeavoured to foster the company's mutually beneficial business relationships with stakeholders with the company. This was achieved through positive interactions during meetings both virtual and physical, written communications and telephone calls. |
The Company has many different suppliers. The Directors ensure that the company acts responsibly when sourcing commodities and services from suppliers. Our suppliers are critical partners in the company's commitment to deliver high levels of service to our customers and a competitive price which reflects the level of service we provide. |
The company takes pride in paying its suppliers and taxes in a timely manner. |
The company also takes pride in paying its staff well and normally above market rates as it wants the best people and understands the benefits of having a very high employee retention rate. The company will continue to involve many members of staff in the equity structure of the company as it understands the importance of the sense of shared ownership amongst its participants. |
EMPLOYEES |
Arrangements exist to ensure employee involvement in matters of concern to them and also to provide employees with all relevant information. |
It is the company's policy that people with disabilities should have the same consideration as others with respect to recruitment, retention and personal development. Depending on their skills and abilities, they enjoy the same career prospects as other employees and the same scope for realising potential. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS |
On 31 December 2023 the company's Bishopsgate Specialist Installations division was demerged from the company. Please see note 21 to the financial statements for further details. |
The company is continuing to perform well in difficult economic conditions and is in a strong and stable position. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 30 September 2023. |
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY |
The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of specialist moving, distribution, warehousing, removals and storage. |
DIVIDENDS |
An interim dividend of £1,000,000 was paid during the year and the directors recommend that no final dividend be paid. |
EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR |
Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. |
DIRECTORS |
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 October 2022 to the date of this report. |
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES |
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. |
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: |
- | select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
- | make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
- | state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; |
- | prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. |
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. |
STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS |
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the company's auditors are unaware, and each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
AUDITORS |
The auditors, Fawcetts LLP, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
Opinion |
We have audited the financial statements of Ward Thomas Removals Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the Income Statement, Other Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and Notes to the Cash Flow Statement, Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). |
In our opinion the financial statements: |
- | give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 30 September 2023 and of its 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 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 directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors, but does not include the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon. |
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. |
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 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. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 |
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: |
- | the information given in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
- | the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
Matters on which we are required to report by exception |
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Report of the Directors. |
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: |
- | adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or |
- | the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or |
- | certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or |
- | we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. |
Responsibilities of directors |
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page five, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. |
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements |
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. |
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities and fraud |
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations we consider the following: |
- | the nature of the industry/sector, control environment and financial performance; |
- |
results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risk of irregularities; |
- | any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the company's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to: |
- | identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; |
- | detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and |
- | the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;. |
- | the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. |
As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following area: revenue and profit recognition. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. |
We have also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act and tax legislation. |
Audit response to risk identified |
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue and profit recognition, stock valuation, estimation techniques and management override of controls as key matters related to the potential risk of fraud or material misstatement. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following: |
- | reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements; |
- | enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims; |
- | performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; |
- | performing substantive procedures to ascertain the completeness, existence, valuation and, rights and obligations of stocks as at the year-end; |
- | understanding the entity's revenue recognition policies and how they are applied, including the relevant controls and processes and performing a walk-through to validate our understanding; |
- | performing analytical procedures to compare revenue recognised against expectations, past results, and management forecasts, and investigated material divergences by obtaining corroborative evidence; |
- | reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing any correspondence with HMRC; and |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED |
- |
in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. |
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. |
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. |
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors. |
Use of our report |
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in a Report of the Auditors and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. |
for and on behalf of |
Chartered Accountants |
and Statutory Auditors |
Windover House |
St. Ann Street |
Salisbury |
SP1 2DR |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
INCOME STATEMENT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ |
TURNOVER |
Cost of sales |
GROSS PROFIT |
Administrative expenses |
OPERATING PROFIT |
Interest receivable and similar income |
5,869,822 | 6,076,251 |
Amounts written off investments | 4 | - | 555,570 |
5,869,822 | 5,520,681 |
Interest payable and similar expenses | 5 |
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION | 6 |
Tax on profit | 7 |
PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ |
PROFIT FOR THE YEAR |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | - | - |
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
BALANCE SHEET |
30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Intangible assets | 9 |
Tangible assets | 10 |
Investments | 11 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 12 |
Cash at bank |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 13 |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES | 16 |
NET ASSETS |
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
Called up share capital | 17 |
Share premium | 18 |
Capital redemption reserve | 18 |
Retained earnings | 18 |
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
BALANCE SHEET - continued |
30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
Called up | Capital |
share | Retained | Share | redemption | Total |
capital | earnings | premium | reserve | equity |
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
Balance at 1 October 2021 |
Changes in equity |
Total comprehensive income | - | - |
Balance at 30 September 2022 |
Changes in equity |
Dividends | - | ( |
) | - | - | ( |
) |
Total comprehensive income | - | - |
Balance at 30 September 2023 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
CASH FLOW STATEMENT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ |
Cash flows from operating activities |
Cash generated from operations | 1 |
Interest paid | ( |
) |
Interest element of hire purchase payments paid |
( |
) |
( |
) |
Tax paid | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Net cash from operating activities |
Cash flows from investing activities |
Purchase of tangible fixed assets | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Sale of tangible fixed assets |
Interest received |
Net cash from investing activities | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
Capital repayments in year | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Equity dividends paid | ( |
) |
Net cash from financing activities | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
2 |
1,995,128 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 2 | 1,670,234 | 1,912,205 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
1. | RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Profit before taxation |
Depreciation charges |
Profit on disposal of fixed assets | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Amounts written off investments | - | 555,570 |
Finance costs | 66,562 | 34,551 |
Finance income | (29,213 | ) | (2,455 | ) |
7,149,516 | 7,226,153 |
Increase in trade and other debtors | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Decrease in trade and other creditors | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Cash generated from operations |
2. | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
The amounts disclosed on the Cash Flow Statement in respect of cash and cash equivalents are in respect of these Balance Sheet amounts: |
Year ended 30 September 2023 |
30.9.23 | 1.10.22 |
£ | £ |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,670,234 | 1,912,205 |
Year ended 30 September 2022 |
30.9.22 | 1.10.21 |
£ | £ |
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,912,205 | 1,995,128 |
3. | ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS |
At 1.10.22 | Cash flow | At 30.9.23 |
£ | £ | £ |
Net cash |
Cash at bank | 1,912,205 | (241,971 | ) | 1,670,234 |
1,912,205 | ( |
) | 1,670,234 |
Debt |
Finance leases | (3,179 | ) | 3,179 | - |
(3,179 | ) | 3,179 | - |
Total | 1,909,026 | (238,792 | ) | 1,670,234 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
1. | STATUTORY INFORMATION |
Ward Thomas Removals Limited is a |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the company. |
Preparation of consolidated financial statements |
The financial statements contain information about Ward Thomas Removals Limited as an individual company and do not contain consolidated financial information as the parent of a group. The company is exempt under Section 400 of the Companies Act 2006 from the requirements to prepare consolidated financial statements as it and its subsidiary undertakings are included by full consolidation in the consolidated financial statements of its parent, Master Removers Group 2019 Ltd, 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB. |
Turnover |
Turnover represents net invoiced sales of goods and services, excluding value added tax. |
Goodwill |
Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of goodwill paid in connection with the acquisition of a business over its estimated useful life. The goodwill arising on companies acquired prior to 30 September 2005 is being amortised over 20 years. Goodwill arising on all subsequent acquisitions is being amortised over 3 years. |
Intangible assets |
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Freehold and leasehold property | - |
Plant and machinery | - |
Motor vehicles | - |
Expenditure on fixed assets is capitalised except for expenditure incurred on the replacement of assets of low value with a short life. Repair, renovation and replacement expenditure is written off as expenditure in the profit and loss account. The cost of fixed assets is their purchase cost, together with any incidental costs of acquisition. |
Investments in subsidiaries |
Investments in subsidiary undertakings are recognised at cost less any provision for impairment. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Taxation |
Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. |
Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted. |
Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. |
Deferred tax |
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. |
Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. |
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the company's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate. |
Hire purchase and leasing commitments |
Assets held under hire purchase agreements are capitalised and disclosed under tangible fixed assets at their fair value. The capital element of future payments is treated as a liability and the interest is charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis. |
Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged against profits on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. |
Financial instruments |
The company only enters into basic financial instruments and transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities such as trade and other debtors and creditors, loans from banks and other third parties, and loans to and from related parties. |
Debt instruments (other than those wholly repayable or receivable within one year), including loans and other debtors and creditors, are initially measured at the present value of future cash flows and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Debt instruments that are payable or receivable within one year, typically trade creditors and debtors, are measured initially and subsequently, at the undiscounted amount of the cash, or other consideration, expected to be paid or received. However, if the arrangements of a short-term instrument constitute a financing transaction, such as the payment of a trade debt deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate or, in the case of an outright short-term loan, not at market rate, the financial asset or liability is measured, initially, at the present value of the future cash flow discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument and subsequently at amortised cost. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Exceptional items |
The company classifies certain one-off charges or credits that have a material impact on the financial results as ‘exceptional items’. These are disclosed separately to provide further understanding of the financial performance of the company. |
3. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Wages and salaries |
Social security costs |
Other pension costs |
The average number of employees during the year was as follows: |
2023 | 2022 |
Sales and administration staff | 64 | 60 |
Operations staff | 241 | 239 |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Directors' remuneration |
Directors' pension contributions to money purchase schemes |
The number of directors to whom retirement benefits were accruing was as follows: |
Money purchase schemes |
4. | AMOUNTS WRITTEN OFF INVESTMENTS |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Amount written off investments | - | 555,570 |
During the prior year the company wrote down its investment in Lawrence Astridge Removals Limited due to the poor performance of that company. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
5. | INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Other interest |
Hire purchase |
6. | PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION |
The profit is stated after charging/(crediting): |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Depreciation - owned assets |
Depreciation - assets on hire purchase contracts |
Profit on disposal of fixed assets | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Goodwill amortisation |
Auditors' remuneration |
7. | TAXATION |
Analysis of the tax charge |
The tax charge on the profit for the year was as follows: |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Current tax: |
UK corporation tax |
Deferred tax |
Tax on profit |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
7. | TAXATION - continued |
Reconciliation of total tax charge included in profit and loss |
The tax assessed for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below: |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Profit before tax |
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of (2022 - |
Effects of: |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Group relief | (252,932 | ) | (187,489 | ) |
Movement on deferred tax | 443,151 | 256,258 |
Effect of changes in the tax rate | (93,103 | ) | - |
Total tax charge | 1,128,036 | 1,063,475 |
8. | DIVIDENDS |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Ordinary shares shares of £1 each |
Interim |
9. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Goodwill |
£ |
COST |
At 1 October 2022 |
and 30 September 2023 |
AMORTISATION |
At 1 October 2022 |
Amortisation for year |
At 30 September 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 30 September 2023 |
At 30 September 2022 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
10. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Freehold |
and |
leasehold | Plant and | Motor |
property | machinery | vehicles | Totals |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 October 2022 |
Additions |
Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 30 September 2023 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 October 2022 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 30 September 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 30 September 2023 |
At 30 September 2022 |
Included within the net book value of fixed assets is £nil (2022 £20,451) in respect of assets held under hire purchase agreements. |
The net book value of fixed assets includes a further £1,933,357 (2022 £1,823,376) in respect of assets under hire purchase agreements the liabilities for which are included included in the financial statements of the immediate parent company, Master Removers Group Ltd. |
11. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
Shares in |
group | Unlisted |
undertakings | investments | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 October 2022 |
and 30 September 2023 | 1,457,092 |
PROVISIONS |
At 1 October 2022 |
and 30 September 2023 | 1,220,379 | - | 1,220,379 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 30 September 2023 | 236,713 |
At 30 September 2022 | 236,713 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
11. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued |
The company's investments at the Balance Sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following: |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Aggregate capital and reserves |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Aggregate capital and reserves |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
11. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London, NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Aggregate capital and reserves |
Registered office: 141 Acton Lane, London,NW10 7PB |
Nature of business: |
% |
Class of shares: | holding |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Aggregate capital and reserves | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Loss for the year | ( |
) | ( |
) |
12. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Trade debtors |
Due from group companies | 20,972,413 | 18,936,685 |
Other debtors |
Prepayments |
13. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Hire purchase contracts (see note 14) |
Payments on account |
Trade creditors |
Owed to group companies | 604,683 | 2,109,691 |
Corporation tax |
Social security and other taxes |
Other creditors |
Accruals and deferred income |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
14. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
Minimum lease payments fall due as follows: |
Hire purchase contracts |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Net obligations repayable: |
Within one year |
Non-cancellable operating | leases |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Within one year |
Between one and five years |
In more than five years |
15. | SECURED DEBTS |
The following secured debts are included within creditors: |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Hire purchase contracts | - | 3,179 |
Amounts due under hire purchase agreements are secured on their associated assets. |
16. | PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Deferred tax | 1,013,043 | 569,892 |
Deferred |
tax |
£ |
Balance at 1 October 2022 |
Charge to Income Statement during year |
Balance at 30 September 2023 |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
17. | CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL |
Allotted, issued and fully paid: |
Number: | Class: | Nominal | 2023 | 2022 |
value: | £ | £ |
Ordinary shares | £1 | 2,882,694 | 2,882,694 |
Ordinary shares | £0.01 | 1,493 | 1,493 |
2,884,187 | 2,884,187 |
18. | RESERVES |
Capital |
Retained | Share | redemption |
earnings | premium | reserve | Totals |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
At 1 October 2022 | 21,249,781 |
Profit for the year | - | - |
Dividends | ( |
) | - | - | ( |
) |
At 30 September 2023 | 24,925,005 |
19. | PENSION COMMITMENTS |
The company makes payments to a defined contribution pension scheme on behalf of certain employees. The contributions payable are charged to the profit and loss account as they fall due and amounted to £218,325 during the year (2022 £181,872). There were no prepaid or outstanding contributions at the year end. |
20. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
The company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', not to disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group. |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Key management personnel compensation | 143,490 | 119,500 |
Key management personnel pension contributions | 4,321 | 4,789 |
21. | POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS |
On 31 December 2023 the company's Bishopsgate Specialist Installation division was demerged from the company into the newly formed Bishopsgate NewCo Ltd. Net assets of £1,171,440 were transferred in exchange for 100% of the issued share capital in Bishopsgate NewCo Ltd. The shareholding in Bishopsgate NewCo Ltd was subsequently transferred to the parent company by way of a dividend in specie. |
WARD THOMAS REMOVALS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05167541) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 |
22. | ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY |
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Master Removers Group Limited. |
The ultimate parent company during the year ended 30 September 2023 was Master Removers Group 2019 Ltd. |
In the opinion of the directors, no one individual has control of the ultimate parent, Master Removers Group 2019 Ltd. |
On 6 February 2024 Master Removers Group 2023 Limited became the ultimate parent company. |