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REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953 (England and Wales)















STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

FOR

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)






CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023




Page

Company Information 1

Strategic Report 2

Report of the Directors 6

Report of the Independent Auditors 8

Income Statement 12

Other Comprehensive Income 13

Balance Sheet 14

Statement of Changes in Equity 15

Cash Flow Statement 16

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 17

Notes to the Financial Statements 18


ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED

COMPANY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023







DIRECTORS: A J S Field
A J B Jackson
J Pumphrey
S E Azira
J B Woods





SECRETARY: A J S Field





REGISTERED OFFICE: Railview Lofts
19c Commercial Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3XE





REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953 (England and Wales)





AUDITORS: LMDB Limited
t/a LMDB Accountants
Statutory Auditors
Railview Lofts
19c Commercial Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3XE

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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

REVIEW OF BUSINESS
The principal activity of the Company in the year under review was that of the marketing and sale of fragrances, cosmetics and related products and services.

The key financial and other performance indicators during the year were as follows:

Total turnover for the year increased by 12.3% and, under difficult trading conditions, only the Premium Brands division grew its business year on year. This was further impacted by the mutual termination of a major contract within the Beauty and Wellness division and a careful review and consolidation of the brands in the Niche division, in line with the Company's strategy. Total turnover generated on brands managed under a management services agreement increased by 20.9%.

Whilst not recognised in the financial statements of the Company, if the turnover of third parties, for which the Company received a fee under a management services agreement was included, total turnover for which the Company had responsibility increased by 24.6% year on year.

With the increase in turnover, there was however a reduction in gross margin as the impact of higher volume lower margin business continued. As a result, whilst gross profit increased by 10.5% year over year in real terms, as a percentage of reported turnover, gross profit fell to 39.5% from 40.1%.

The Company continues to focus on its ongoing drive towards more profitable business and business less dependent on Christmas and other such promotional periods typical within the fragrance market. The Company has continued to broaden its distribution into non fragrance, beauty, health and wellness related products to support this strategy.

Salary costs increased by 9.1% during the year when pay awards were made during July. This reflected the ongoing restructuring of the business, as its strategy developed, and the promotion of staff in key areas to secure the required resources. It also reflected the ongoing cost of living crisis where this was built into pay awards, as opposed to making a one-off payment as the Company had provided during the previous year. It further recognised the need to review the Company's pay structure and to ensure market salaries were being paid to secure continuity of employment in key areas. The Company also made provision for a significant 'thank you' payment awarded to key staff which was paid in April 2024.

The Company made an operating profit in the year of £1,628k compared to an operating profit in the previous year of £1,601k, an improvement of only 1.7%. This reflects the stabilisation of the business after its recovery in 2022 and allowed for a much larger apportionment of profits, more than those targeted to be shared with key employees within the business. Operating profit as a percentage of reported turnover was 9.7% in 2023, down from 10.8% in 2022. The Company has remained focused on its longer-term future and has continued to develop its plans in line with the goals and objectives of its strategic plan.

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Overall, administrative expenses increased by 14.7% with significant increases in salaries, as mentioned above, and in staff benefits in all categories and areas. Further increases were incurred in brand operating costs and motor expenses, with increases in vehicle allowances across the board, and in equipment repair and maintenance. Establishment costs increased by 5% in the areas of insurance and lighting and heating costs of the Company's property.

Net profit before tax increased by 4% year on year. Bank charges fell significantly year on year as the Company further reduced its overdraft facilities as cash reserves increased and no new loans were taken on. The Company generated £35k in interest receivable as a result of positive cash balances during the year. The Company covered its currency risk through appropriate currency buying initiatives. Profit after tax for the financial year was flat in line with results achieved in 2022.

The Company ended the year with net current assets of £3,264k against net current assets of £2,478k a year ago, an increase of 31.7.%. Debtors were well managed and no bad debts occurred during the year. Stock levels were well controlled and were reduced by 48% year over year, as inventory management was improved significantly. Cash reserves increased threefold from £1,012k in 2022 to £3,037k at the end of 2023.

Shareholders funds increased by 17% to £5,392k from £4,600k at the end of 2022, due to profit after tax for the year of £1,272k and payment of dividends of £480k. Retained earnings at the end of 2023 rose to £3,971k, an increase of 25.4%.

The Directors are extremely pleased with the results for the year. Brexit continues to have a negative influence for the business with challenges in the logistics and UK compliance areas, which take up a disproportionate amount of time, money and effort to manage effectively. The Directors are very proud of their employees who performed exceptionally well during what was, once again, a very challenging but rewarding year.

The Board continues to develop its skills and abilities and enhanced communication within the business as the company turns its focus on achieving the goals and objectives of its longer-term strategic plans.

The Jim Jackson Educational and Enabling Foundation (JJEEF), set up in memory of Jim Jackson, co-founder and former joint managing director of the Company, continued its support of disadvantaged young persons and had a significant number of individuals benefiting from that support during 2023. The charity continues to evolve and has gained from contributions from the Company and its employees, external donations and support and donations from within the beauty industry. At the end of the year, the charity had significant reserves and was in an excellent position to continue to support the needs of existing and new beneficiaries during 2024.


ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The Company's business is linked to the retail environment in which its customers operate. The changing economic conditions impact the buying behaviour of the end consumer and this is reflected in the performance of the business. During 2023, retail sales for the company grew by 20.4% and this was, once again, dominated by the Chains sector, which grew by 20.8% and represented 62% of the total retail business for the Company. E-commerce retail sales grew by only 4.3%, representing 11.1% of total retail sales of the Company, as the trend for online purchases declined generally. Department store retail business continued its recovery and grew by 14.2%, representing 10.4% of total retail sales; Travel Retail retail sales grew 39.6% year on year, representing 16.1% of total retail business. Independent business retail sales represented only 0.4% of total retail sales but declined by 6.8% year on year.

The Company purchases stock in several currencies and does not currently hedge this risk. Prices are based on determining an appropriate average rate of exchange over the next twelve months. This is monitored on a regular basis and extreme increases in the rates can be mitigated by an increase in wholesale prices. The nature of products sold and the distribution through which they are sold allows the company to do this at relatively short notice and with little impact on turnover and profitability.

The Company is effective in managing its debtors through the regular review of payment profiles and behaviour and on credit information acquired, resulting in changes to or withdrawal of credit facilities as appropriate. The Company does not insure its debts and believes that the current methods and processes adopted provide it with the ability and flexibility to react quickly to the needs of its customers and to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The incidence of debts having to be written off continues to be minimal.

Cashflow is monitored on a regular basis due to the nature of the business and the importance of trade at Christmas which continues to account for a major part of the company's turnover. The company has appropriate banking facilities in place and has the full support of its bankers. Effective management of cash and creditors is measured through an analysis of the credit rating assigned to the Company by major credit rating agencies. This has continued to improve over the last 12 months. The Company has no loans but retains an appropriate overdraft facility to ensure there are no short term cash implications. The level of the facility has been reduced and is under review each year.

The impact of leaving the EU at the end of 2020 continued to be felt during the year in all areas of the business. The resource and expenses required to meet new compliance requirements were very significant and will continue to be so in the future as further divergence between EU and UK legislation arises. The Company believes these challenges will continue in the future but is confident that it can continue to meet the new requirements and will ensure adequate resources are available to assist in this area.

The ongoing situation in the Ukraine continues to be monitored by the Company and action has been taken where possible to help and assist employees with families and friends in the region. The impact of supply issues arising from the Ukraine is also carefully assessed, although largely out of the hands of the Company, and communication with its brands is ongoing to determine the impact on supply and fulfilment within the UK and Ireland markets and to examine alternatives.


ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The general increase in the cost of living experienced by employees and consumers alike, including increased utility bills, food and drink and interest rates affecting mortgages and home buying remains a major concern for the Company, even with signs that inflation is falling and interest rates may be cut during 2024. The Company is doing everything possible to help employees facing major challenges arising from this situation. The Board continues to monitor this situation and will consider further support if necessary and affordable. The Company continues to manage and review all overheads within the business. As a result, the Company has been conservative with its budgets and forecasts for the year ahead and is managing all the activities in the business with extreme caution and vigilance as the impact of the current economic situation evolves further.

With all the uncertainty and challenges facing the business, the Company reviews its risk register regularly and it is a standing agenda item at all Executive and Board Meetings.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:





A J S Field - Secretary


7 August 2024

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of the marketing and sale of fragrances, cosmetics and related products and services.

DIVIDENDS
The total distribution of dividends for the year ended 31 December 2023 will be £ 480,000 .

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Directors continue to monitor the performance of the Company against its rolling long-term strategic plan, which is updated on a regular basis. The many challenges of operating in the distribution and brand management sectors are well recognised and the company strives to improve its margin and control its costs through greater efficiencies in the way it operates and in the systems and processes it uses.

The Directors are committed to supporting the local community by embracing start-up businesses in the area and helping a selection of small, local charities and good causes. They are equally committed to the business benefits of working and trading responsibly, with sound ethics and integrity, exploring the Aspects carbon footprint and endeavouring to improve and offset it wherever and whenever they can.

The Directors acknowledge that, to maintain the consistent profitability and positive cashflow delivered in recent years, it will continue to be very challenging but with the support of the key stakeholders in the business they believe that growth will be achievable and targets will be met.

The Company actively seeks new brands and business opportunities with improved margin opportunities and it is now structured appropriately to support and grow existing business and has secured the resources necessary to achieve this.

The Directors remain confident of a successful and prosperous future for the company.

DIRECTORS
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 January 2023 to the date of this report.

A J S Field
A J B Jackson
J Pumphrey
S E Azira
J B Woods


ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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;
- 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 or she ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:



A J S Field - Secretary


7 August 2024

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Aspects Beauty Company Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 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 31 December 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
ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY 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, 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
ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY 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.

- Enquiry of management and those charged with governance on the actual and potential litigation and claims, and also any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness; 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.
- Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.
- Professional scepticism in the course of the audit and with audit sampling in material audit areas.

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 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.

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED


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.




Mr Stuart Andrew Murray FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of LMDB Limited
t/a LMDB Accountants
Statutory Auditors
Railview Lofts
19c Commercial Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3XE

7 August 2024

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £    £   

TURNOVER 16,711,622 14,882,234

Cost of sales 10,114,853 8,910,590
GROSS PROFIT 6,596,769 5,971,644

Administrative expenses 4,968,690 4,370,621
OPERATING PROFIT 5 1,628,079 1,601,023

Interest receivable and similar income 34,931 -
1,663,010 1,601,023

Interest payable and similar expenses 6 37 4,187
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION 1,662,973 1,596,836

Tax on profit 7 390,610 331,730
PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1,272,363 1,265,106

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £    £   

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR 1,272,363 1,265,106


OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
- 122,782
Income tax relating to other comprehensive
income

-

(30,695

)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE
YEAR, NET OF INCOME TAX

-

92,087
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE
YEAR

1,272,363

1,357,193

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

BALANCE SHEET
31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £    £    £    £   
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 9 - -
Tangible assets 10 2,270,578 2,280,553
Investments 11 402 402
2,270,980 2,280,955

CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 12 957,070 1,418,659
Debtors 13 2,200,280 2,405,391
Cash at bank 3,037,050 1,012,354
6,194,400 4,836,404
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 14 2,930,033 2,357,599
NET CURRENT ASSETS 3,264,367 2,478,805
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 5,535,347 4,759,760

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES 16 143,037 159,813
NET ASSETS 5,392,310 4,599,947

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 17 112 112
Share premium 18 336 336
Revaluation reserve 18 1,283,108 1,295,430
Capital redemption reserve 18 137,211 137,211
Retained earnings 18 3,971,543 3,166,858
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 5,392,310 4,599,947

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 7 August 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:



A J B Jackson - Director


ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Called up
share Retained Share
capital earnings premium
£    £    £   
Balance at 1 January 2022 112 2,343,676 -

Changes in equity
Issue of share capital - - 336
Dividends - (480,000 ) -
Total comprehensive income - 1,265,106 -
Transfer - 38,076 -
Balance at 31 December 2022 112 3,166,858 336

Changes in equity
Dividends - (480,000 ) -
Total comprehensive income - 1,272,363 -
Transfer - 12,322 -
Balance at 31 December 2023 112 3,971,543 336
Capital
Revaluation redemption Total
reserve reserve equity
£    £    £   
Balance at 1 January 2022 1,241,419 137,211 3,722,418

Changes in equity
Issue of share capital - - 336
Dividends - - (480,000 )
Total comprehensive income 92,087 - 1,357,193
Transfer (38,076 ) - -
Balance at 31 December 2022 1,295,430 137,211 4,599,947

Changes in equity
Dividends - - (480,000 )
Total comprehensive income - - 1,272,363
Transfer (12,322 ) - -
Balance at 31 December 2023 1,283,108 137,211 5,392,310

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £    £   
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 1 3,049,506 908,590
Interest paid (37 ) (4,187 )
Tax paid (540,801 ) (160,395 )
Net cash from operating activities 2,508,668 744,008

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (47,902 ) (54,789 )
Sale of tangible fixed assets 8,999 500
Interest received 34,931 -
Net cash from investing activities (3,972 ) (54,289 )

Cash flows from financing activities
Loan repayments in year - (197,918 )
Share issue - 336
Equity dividends paid (480,000 ) (480,000 )
Net cash from financing activities (480,000 ) (677,582 )

Increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,024,696 12,137
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year

2

1,012,354

1,000,217

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2 3,037,050 1,012,354

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS
2023 2022
£    £   
Profit before taxation 1,662,973 1,596,836
Depreciation charges 47,893 38,910
Loss/(profit) on disposal of fixed assets 985 (500 )
Finance costs 37 4,187
Finance income (34,931 ) -
1,676,957 1,639,433
Decrease/(increase) in stocks 461,589 (273,548 )
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other debtors 205,111 (658,445 )
Increase in trade and other creditors 705,849 201,150
Cash generated from operations 3,049,506 908,590

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 31 December 2023
31.12.23 1.1.23
£    £   
Cash and cash equivalents 3,037,050 1,012,354
Year ended 31 December 2022
31.12.22 1.1.22
£    £   
Cash and cash equivalents 1,012,354 1,000,217


3. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.1.23 Cash flow At 31.12.23
£    £    £   
Net cash
Cash at bank 1,012,354 2,024,696 3,037,050
1,012,354 2,024,696 3,037,050
Total 1,012,354 2,024,696 3,037,050

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. STATUTORY INFORMATION

Aspects Beauty Company Limited is a private company, limited by shares , registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Company Information page.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).


2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Going concern
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 under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions
The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":

the requirement of paragraph 33.7.

Preparation of consolidated financial statements
The financial statements contain information about Aspects Beauty Company 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, Aspects Beauty Group Limited, Railview Lofts, 19c Commercial Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3XE.

Turnover
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes.

Turnover represents amounts invoiced by the company from the sale of fragrances, provision of staffing and agency fees payable.

Turnover is measured at fair value of the consideration received or receivable net of returns, discounts, and value added tax.

The company recognises turnover when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, the company retains no continuing control over the goods, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the company.

Interest income is recognised when received.

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Goodwill
Goodwill, being the amount paid in connection with the acquisition of a business in 1994, has been fully amortised.

Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Freehold land and buildings - 20% on cost, 10% on cost and 2% on cost
Fixtures and fittings - 20% on cost
Computer equipment - 25% on cost and 20% on cost

Freehold land is not depreciated. Freehold buildings consist of a Grade II listed building. The directors have reviewed the estimated useful life of freehold buildings and consider this to be 50 years. Depreciation is therefore charged to write down the value of freehold buildings to estimated residual value on a straight line basis over 50 years.

The directors have adopted a policy of regular revaluation in relation to the freehold property. At each revaluation date, the expected life and residual value, based on the prices prevailing at the time of acquisition, are assessed on the basis of information available at that time. An independent valuer carries out a formal revaluation when it is deemed appropriate by management of Aspects. Any permanent diminution in value identified on revaluation is charged to the profit and loss account.

Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Trade and other debtors and creditors are classified as basic financial instruments and measured at initial recognition at transaction price. Debtors and creditors are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. A provision is established when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as basic financial instruments and comprise cash at bank, short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less and bank overdrafts which are an integral part of the company's cash management.

Financial liabilities issued by the company are classified in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability. Interest bearing bank loans, overdrafts and other loans which meet the criteria to be classified as basic financial instruments are initially recorded at the present value of cash payable to the bank, which is ordinarily equal to the proceeds received net of direct issue costs. These liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Financial assets are de-recognised when:
- the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled; or
- the company transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset; or
- the company, despite having retained some but not all significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

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

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.


ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
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.

Investments in subsidiaries
Investments in group companies are stated at cost less any identified impairment. An impairment review is undertaken annually by the directors.

Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at an average rate of exchange during the financial year, or at predetermined rates as defined in contracts. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.

3. EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS

20232022
££
Wages and salaries5,996,8475,207,638
Social security costs628,590583,428
Other pension costs193,762171,180
6,819,1995,962,246

The average number of employees during the year was as follows:
20232022

Direct13599
Admin2930
164129

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. DIRECTORS' EMOLUMENTS
2023 2022
£    £   
Directors' remuneration 998,199 896,845
Directors' pension contributions to money purchase schemes 44,750 38,125

The number of directors to whom retirement benefits were accruing was as follows:

Money purchase schemes 3 3

Information regarding the highest paid director is as follows:
2023 2022
£    £   
Emoluments etc 233,837 211,540
Pension contributions to money purchase schemes 20,000 18,500

5. OPERATING PROFIT

The operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

2023 2022
£    £   
Depreciation - owned assets 47,893 38,910
Loss/(profit) on disposal of fixed assets 985 (500 )
Auditors' remuneration 15,750 14,430
Operating leases 10,834 15,385

6. INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES
2023 2022
£    £   
Bank interest - 620
Bank loan interest 37 3,567
37 4,187

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 407,386 309,851

Deferred tax (16,776 ) 21,879
Tax on profit 390,610 331,730

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 1,662,973 1,596,836
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of
23.521% (2022 - 19%)

391,148

303,399

Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 559 468
Enhanced capital allowances (99 ) (3,123 )
Change in tax rate (998 ) 30,986
Total tax charge 390,610 331,730

Tax effects relating to effects of other comprehensive income

2022
Gross Tax Net
£    £    £   
Revaluation of freehold property 122,782 (30,695 ) 92,087

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. DIVIDENDS
2023 2022
£    £   
A Ordinary shares of £1 each
Interim - 240,000
A ordinary shares of 1p each
Interim 480,000 240,000
480,000 480,000

9. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Goodwill
£   
COST
At 1 January 2023
and 31 December 2023 217,695
AMORTISATION
At 1 January 2023
and 31 December 2023 217,695
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 -
At 31 December 2022 -

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Freehold Fixtures
land and and Computer
buildings fittings equipment Totals
£    £    £    £   
COST OR VALUATION
At 1 January 2023 2,453,937 96,560 231,599 2,782,096
Additions - 29,888 18,014 47,902
Disposals - (16,011 ) (13,117 ) (29,128 )
At 31 December 2023 2,453,937 110,437 236,496 2,800,870
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2023 256,624 47,245 197,674 501,543
Charge for year 16,122 14,895 16,876 47,893
Eliminated on disposal - (6,244 ) (12,900 ) (19,144 )
At 31 December 2023 272,746 55,896 201,650 530,292
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 2,181,191 54,541 34,846 2,270,578
At 31 December 2022 2,197,313 49,315 33,925 2,280,553

Included in cost or valuation of land and buildings is freehold land of £ 232,108 (2022 - £ 232,108 ) which is not depreciated.

Cost or valuation at 31 December 2023 is represented by:

Freehold Fixtures
land and and Computer
buildings fittings equipment Totals
£    £    £    £   
Valuation in 2022 2,453,937 - - 2,453,937
Cost - 110,437 236,496 346,933
2,453,937 110,437 236,496 2,800,870

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued

If freehold land and buildings had not been revalued they would have been included at the following historical cost:

2023 2022
£    £   
Cost 894,182 894,182
Aggregate depreciation 164,933 161,242

Value of land in freehold land and buildings 75,000 75,000

Freehold land and buildings were valued on an open market value basis on 14 October 2022 by Stiles Harold Williams .

In reporting this revaluation, the directors have taken into consideration the physical condition of the freehold land and buildings and the market conditions which existed during the period from the company's year end to the date of valuation. Having taken all relevant factors into account, in the directors' opinion, there has been no material change in value during this period.

11. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Unlisted
investments
£   
COST
At 1 January 2023
and 31 December 2023 402
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2023 402
At 31 December 2022 402

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued

The company's investments at the Balance Sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following:

Team Beauty Limited
Registered office: Railview Lofts, 19c Commercial Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3XE
Nature of Business: Dormant

%
Class of shares: holding
Ordinary 100.00

Perfume Anorak Limited
Registered office: Railview Lofts, 19c Commercial Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3XE
Nature of Business: Dormant

%
Class of shares: holding
Ordinary 100.00



12. STOCKS
2023 2022
£    £   
Finished goods and goods for resale 957,070 1,418,659

13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
£    £   
Trade debtors 1,631,668 1,430,024
Other debtors 38,695 27,874
Prepayments and accrued income 529,917 947,493
2,200,280 2,405,391

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
£    £   
Trade creditors 1,404,114 912,613
Amounts owed to group undertakings 319 319
Corporation tax 176,436 309,851
Social security and other taxes 190,393 147,715
Other creditors 46,925 55,157
Accruals and deferred income 1,111,846 931,944
2,930,033 2,357,599

15. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
2023 2022
£    £   
Within one year 8,452 12,016
Between one and five years 4,551 13,003
13,003 25,019

16. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES
2023 2022
£    £   
Deferred tax 143,037 159,813

Deferred
tax
£   
Balance at 1 January 2023 159,813
Accelerated capital allowances (16,776 )
Balance at 31 December 2023 143,037

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Allotted, issued and fully paid:
Number: Class: Nominal 2023 2022
value: £    £   
11,000 A ordinary 1p 110 110
201 B ordinary 1p 2 2
112 112

The holders of both A and B ordinary shares are entitled to attend and vote at meetings and to participate in profits and assets of the company.

18. RESERVES
Capital
Retained Share Revaluation redemption
earnings premium reserve reserve Totals
£    £    £    £    £   

At 1 January 2023 3,166,858 336 1,295,430 137,211 4,599,835
Profit for the year 1,272,363 - - - 1,272,363
Dividends (480,000 ) - - - (480,000 )
Transfer 12,322 - (12,322 ) - -
At 31 December 2023 3,971,543 336 1,283,108 137,211 5,392,198

19. ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANY

Aspects Beauty Group Limited is regarded by the directors as being the company's ultimate parent company.

Consolidated accounts incorporating the results of the company are prepared by the company's parent Aspects Beauty Group Limited (No:12153034), registered office:

Railview Lofts
19c Commercial Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex BN21 3XE

Consolidated accounts can be obtained from Companies House.

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.

ASPECTS BEAUTY COMPANY LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02882953)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Other related parties

Donations of £150,461 has been made in the period to the Jim Jackson Education and Enabling Foundation CIO. The charity shares key management personnel with the company.

21. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

In the directors opinion the ultimate controlling party during the period was J A Hill by virtue of her shareholding in the ultimate parent company.