Company registration number 01815363 (England and Wales)
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
J R A Jarratt
L H Shepherdson
N E Shepherdson
A V Shepherdson
Secretary
Q R Spratt
Company number
01815363
Registered office
Oakmere Toyota
Manchester Road
Northwich
England
CW9 7NA
Auditor
UHY Hacker Young Manchester LLP
St James Building
79 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6HT
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Statement of comprehensive income
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of changes in equity
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 20
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 1 -
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 29 March 2023.
Review of the business
Christopher Neil Limited is a leading family owned multi franchised Dealer operating Mazda/Lotus/Caterham/Morgan/VW. The Company believes the customers are at the heart of everything the company does. The Directors believe that the company’s long-term sustainability is driven by understanding the customer needs and acting in their best interests. Part of the ethos throughout the business is to continue meeting the customer’s expectations in delivering a first-class service especially in the Sports Car Sector.
The business has seen a decrease in trading compared to prior year’s performance. This has decreased by £813K in turnover year on year equating to a £614k reduction in profitability, however the Gross profit per unit remains strong. The constraints in the economy with inflation at a record high and interest rates continuing to rise has been a contributing factor in slowing the market. That coupled with the constraints on new car supply has meant that most sales have come from the Used Car Operation, however this has put added pressure on margins especially in a market where there is a lot of uncertainty and customers not changing their vehicles as frequent. The commitments in terms of motorsport have put added costs into the business which has resulted in a £155k loss for the year. The senior management continue to put a large emphasis on purchasing the right stock that fits the profile for the Brands. The strategy implemented with the investment in motorsport will see an improved performance moving forward. strong accounting controls continue to assist the operational decision making.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The management of the business and the nature of the company's strategy are subject to a number of risks. The directors have set out below the principal risks facing the business.
Manufacturers supply of new and improved products
The company is reliant on new vehicle products from its manufacturer partners. This exposes the company to risks in a number of areas as the company is dependent on its manufacturers/suppliers in respect of:
availability of new vehicle products
quality of new vehicle products
pricing of new vehicle products
The directors are confident that future new products from its manufacturers/suppliers will continue to be competitively priced and high quality and therefore consider that this "manufacturer risk" is minimal. It is, in any case, mitigated by the other core business areas of the company, including used vehicle sales, parts sales and service work.
Used vehicle price variation
Used vehicle prices can decline significantly. As a significant proportion of the business comprises used vehicle sales, these declines can have a material impact on the business. The impact of declines in used vehicle prices can result in reduced profits on sales and also write-downs in the value of used vehicle stock.
Competition
The company competes with other franchised vehicle dealerships, independent used vehicle sellers, private buyers and sellers, internet-based dealers, independent service and repair shops and vehicle manufacturers who have entered the retail market. The company competes for the sale of new and used vehicles, the performance of warranty repairs, non-warranty repairs, routine maintenance business and for the provision of spare parts. The principal competitive factors in service and parts sales are price, familiarity with a manufacturer's brands and models and the quality of customer service.
Company, people and reputation
The company has invested heavily in its people and its reputation over a number of years. It is therefore reliant on these individuals to a degree in delivering the company result and reinforcing the underlying company brand. The company undertakes a regular review of remuneration and packages to ensure that it attracts and retains the best people.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 2 -
Economic downturn
The success of the business is reliant on consumer spending. An economic downturn, resulting in the reduction of consumer spending power will have a direct impact on the income achieved by the company.
In response to this risk senior management aim to keep abreast of economic conditions. In cases of severe economic downturn marketing and pricing strategies are modified to reflect the new market conditions.
L H Shepherdson
Director
6 September 2024
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 3 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 29 March 2023.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the sale on new and used motor vehicles, provision of motor vehicle servicing and repairs and the sales of spare parts and accessories.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 8.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
J R A Jarratt
L H Shepherdson
N E Shepherdson
A V Shepherdson
Financial instruments
The group uses various financial instruments which include bank, financial institution and stocking loans, cash and various items, such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the group's operations. Their existence exposes the group to a number of financial risks.
The main risks arising from the group's financial instruments are interest rate risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. The directors review and agrees policies for managing each of these risks which are summarised below. These policies have remained unchanged from previous years.
Liquidity risk
The company seeks to manage risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs to invest cash assets safely and profitably.
The company's policy throughout the year has been to achieve this objective through the day to day involvement of management in business decisions rather than through setting maximum or minimum liquidity ratios.
Interest rate risk
The company finances its operations through a mixture of bank and other external borrowings. The company's exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is managed by the use of fixed and floating facilities. The balance sheet includes trade debtors and creditors which do not attract interest and are therefore subject to fair value interest rate risk.
Credit risk
The company's principal financial assets are cash and trade debtors. The credit risk associated with the cash is limited as the counterparts have high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. The principal credit risk therefore arises from its trade debtors.
In order to manage credit risk, the directors set credit limits for customers based on a combination of payment history and third party credit references. Credit limits are reviewed by the finance director on a regular basis in conjunction with debt ageing and collection history.
Auditor
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that UHY Hacker Young Manchester LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 4 -
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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 future developments.
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.
On behalf of the board
L H Shepherdson
Director
6 September 2024
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
- 5 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Christopher Neil Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 29 March 2023 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 29 March 2023 and of its loss for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 6 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:
Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, we considered the following:
the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance
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;
the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; and
the matters discussed among the audit engagement team and involving relevant internal specialists, including tax, and industry specialists 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 areas: valuation of used vehicle stocks and recognition of supplier incentives. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 7 -
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 and those charged with governance concerning actual and potential litigation claims;
in addressing the risk of fraud through inappropriate valuation of used vehicle inventory, assessing net realisable value of stock items sold after the year end was above cost or assessing their value with reference to third party data sources if unsold.
in addressing the risk of fraud through inappropriate recording of supplier incentives, ensuring amounts recorded as due were then subsequently acknowledged as such by the supplier;
in assessing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and assessing whether judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of potential bias.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks 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.
In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included the company's FCA regulatory requirements.
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.
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.
Ian McMahon FCCA FMAAT
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of UHY Hacker Young Manchester LLP
6 September 2024
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
St James Building
79 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6HT
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 8 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
14,699,394
15,512,035
Cost of sales
(12,963,642)
(13,232,922)
Gross profit
1,735,752
2,279,113
Administrative expenses
(1,912,581)
(1,750,891)
(Loss)/profit before taxation
(176,829)
528,222
Tax on (loss)/profit
7
22,013
(68,986)
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
(154,816)
459,236
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
29 MARCH 2023
29 March 2023
- 9 -
29 March 2023
31 March 2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
187,852
196,546
Current assets
Stocks
9
3,753,700
2,975,682
Debtors
10
745,557
932,553
Cash at bank and in hand
544,947
1,110,704
5,044,204
5,018,939
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11
(2,888,353)
(2,715,654)
Net current assets
2,155,851
2,303,285
Total assets less current liabilities
2,343,703
2,499,831
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
13
33,033
34,345
(33,033)
(34,345)
Net assets
2,310,670
2,465,486
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
15
10,000
10,000
Profit and loss reserves
16
2,300,670
2,455,486
Total equity
2,310,670
2,465,486
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 6 September 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
L H Shepherdson
Director
Company registration number 01815363 (England and Wales)
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 10 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
Balance at 1 April 2021
10,000
1,996,250
2,006,250
Year ended 31 March 2022:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
459,236
459,236
Balance at 31 March 2022
10,000
2,455,486
2,465,486
Year ended 29 March 2023:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
(154,816)
(154,816)
Balance at 29 March 2023
10,000
2,300,670
2,310,670
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 11 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Christopher Neil Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Oakmere Toyota, Manchester Road, Northwich, England, CW9 7NA.
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:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’: Carrying amounts, interest, income/expense and net gains/losses;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of Christopher Neil Management Services Limited and these financial statements may be obtained from Companies House.
1.2
Going concern
Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3
Turnover
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes.
Sale of motor vehicles, parts and accessories are recognised on the earlier of full payment by, or delivery date to, the customer. Any other manufacturer income in relation to achieving targets is recognised on an accruals basis. Servicing revenue is recognised on the completion of the agreed work.
Turnover from commission's receivable is recognised when the amount can be reliably measured and it is probable that the company will receive the consideration.
1.4
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold land and buildings
4% on cost
Plant and machinery
10-25% on cost
Fixtures and fittings
10% on cost
Motor vehicles
25% on cost
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.
1.5
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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.
1.6
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.
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.
1.7
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the 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.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.9
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.
1.10
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
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.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
1.11
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.
1.12
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.13
Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.
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.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
(Continued)
- 15 -
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.
Stock valuation
Stock valuation is regularly monitored against age profile and market demand. Management use a number of market tools during the appraisal process including Glass’ and CAP valuation guides. The directors maintain oversight of ageing stock profiles and a monthly review of any provision required is performed.
Useful lives of tangible fixed assets
The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives of the assets so these are re-assessed annually and amended when necessary to reflect current estimates. See the accounting policies note for the useful economic lives for each class of assets.
3
Turnover
All turnover arose in the UK.
2023
2022
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Sales of goods
13,721,442
14,704,885
Rendering of services
977,952
807,150
14,699,394
15,512,035
4
Operating (loss)/profit
2023
2022
Operating (loss)/profit for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
12,000
22,876
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
46,798
30,906
Operating lease charges
99,992
108,340
5
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2023
2022
Number
Number
Production and sales staff
30
32
Admin and management
4
4
Total
34
36
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
5
Employees
(Continued)
- 16 -
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2023
2022
£
£
Wages and salaries
1,166,001
1,112,594
Social security costs
144,888
96,687
Pension costs
23,993
19,462
1,334,882
1,228,743
6
Directors' remuneration
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
87,479
78,887
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
881
881
88,360
79,768
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 1 (2022 - 1).
7
Taxation
2023
2022
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
52,669
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(20,701)
Total current tax
(20,701)
52,669
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(1,312)
16,317
Total tax (credit)/charge
(22,013)
68,986
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
7
Taxation
(Continued)
- 17 -
The actual (credit)/charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected (credit)/charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2023
2022
£
£
(Loss)/profit before taxation
(176,829)
528,222
Expected tax (credit)/charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.00% (2022: 19.00%)
(33,598)
100,362
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
218
948
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(20,701)
Group relief
13,882
Depreciation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
(1,253)
401
Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes in tax rates
(315)
8,243
Movement in deferred tax not recognised
(36,993)
Capital allowances
(3,975)
Losses carried back
19,754
Taxation (credit)/charge for the year
(22,013)
68,986
8
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Plant and machinery
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
50,541
247,350
452,194
128,878
878,963
Additions
17,954
4,817
15,333
38,104
At 29 March 2023
50,541
265,304
457,011
144,211
917,067
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
4,132
203,900
394,774
79,611
682,417
Depreciation charged in the year
2,018
13,623
14,476
16,681
46,798
At 29 March 2023
6,150
217,523
409,250
96,292
729,215
Carrying amount
At 29 March 2023
44,391
47,781
47,761
47,919
187,852
At 31 March 2022
46,409
43,450
57,420
49,267
196,546
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 18 -
9
Stocks
2023
2022
£
£
Parts and accessories
82,655
256,658
Vehicle stock
3,671,045
2,719,024
3,753,700
2,975,682
During the period an impairment loss of £31,680 (2022: £123,273) was recognised against stock.
All vehicle stock is pledged as security for the company's vehicle funding and bank facilities.
10
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
648,559
887,327
Corporation tax recoverable
3,054
(17,647)
Other debtors
5,600
Prepayments and accrued income
93,944
57,273
745,557
932,553
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
12
122,937
Trade creditors
1,753,853
1,400,427
Amounts owed to group undertakings
318,424
569,977
Taxation and social security
33,351
71,195
Other creditors
459,226
403,304
Accruals and deferred income
200,562
270,751
2,888,353
2,715,654
Vehicle funding of £1,561,812 (2022: £846,468) included within trade creditors is secured directly over the vehicles to which it relates.
12
Loans and overdrafts
2023
2022
£
£
Bank overdrafts
122,937
Payable within one year
122,937
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
12
Loans and overdrafts
(Continued)
- 19 -
The bank overdraft is secured by a fixed and floating charge over all the assets of the company. In addition there is a inter-company guarantee given by other companies within the group.
13
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2023
2022
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
33,033
34,345
2023
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 April 2022
34,345
Credit to profit or loss
(1,312)
Liability at 29 March 2023
33,033
14
Retirement benefit schemes
2023
2022
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
23,993
19,462
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.
15
Share capital
2023
2022
2023
2022
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
16
Profit and loss reserves
This reserve includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses, less dividends paid.
17
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities
The company provided a cross guarantee in respect of Christopher Neil Management Services Limited. At the balance sheet date there were potential contingent liabilities of £2,836,643 (2022: £1,780,614) respectively.
CHRISTOPHER NEIL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 29 MARCH 2023
- 20 -
18
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
80,000
80,000
Between two and five years
60,000
140,000
140,000
220,000
19
Related party transactions
During the year the company paid rent amounting to £80,000 (2022: £80,000) in respect of a property it has occupied which is owned by a related pension settlement. At 29 March 2023 the company owed £33,333 (2022: £33,333) in rent.
20
Ultimate controlling party
Christopher Neil Management Services Limited is regarded by the directors as being the company's ultimate parent company, by virtue of holding 100% of the issued share capital of the company.
The ultimate parent company shareholding is currently held under the control of the HN Shepherdson Will Trust. The trustees of this trust are deemed to be the ultimate controlling party with 2 of them being beneficiaries.
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