REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131 (England and Wales) |
MERS INS LIMITED |
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT, |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131 (England and Wales) |
MERS INS LIMITED |
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT, |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
CONTENTS OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
Page |
Company Information | 1 |
Group Strategic Report | 2 |
Report of the Directors | 3 |
Report of the Independent Auditors | 5 |
Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings | 9 |
Consolidated Balance Sheet | 10 |
Company Balance Sheet | 11 |
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement | 12 |
Notes to the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement | 13 |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 15 |
MERS INS LIMITED |
COMPANY INFORMATION |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
DIRECTORS: |
REGISTERED OFFICE: |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
AUDITORS: |
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor |
15-17 Church Street |
Stourbridge |
West Midlands |
DY8 1LU |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
The directors present their strategic report of the company and the group for the year ended 31 December 2023. |
REVIEW OF BUSINESS |
The principal activity of the company during the year in review continues to be that of a holding company and the wider group activities continue to be acting as an Insurance Intermediary selling personal line insurance, predominantly motor, to the general public. |
Our ongoing commitment is to be a customer centric organisation. In order to support and enhance our customer journey this year, the directors have focussed on harnessing technology to develop and implement customer portals. These portals allow customers greater flexibility to transact with us at times to suit them and their personal circumstances. Efficiencies have been optimised at every given opportunity, to ensure that manpower is located where the customers need it most which helps guide them and help them achieve great outcomes with a strong focus on first call resolution. |
The leadership team continues to mature following earlier focus on recruitment, the benefits of which become more evident by the delivery of projects on a more agile basis. These in turn support the short, medium and long-term objectives of the group. |
However, it is always pleasing to report that this year saw the company deliver further improvements in customer loyalty as well as writing a balanced book in soft market conditions. This long-term, prudent approach will protect the longevity of its insurer panel and underwriting performance. |
The group was solvent and compliant with FCA regulations throughout the year and at 31 December 2023. |
Looking ahead, the group will seek to optimise its existing expertise to expand the business model into new and emerging sectors and grow by acquisition, where it is felt this will be of benefit to our customer base. The group forecasts growth in profit for the next financial year as the market continues to adjust and stabilise post-pandemic and significant regulatory changes become embedded across the insurance industry. |
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES |
Given the systemic nature and impact of Covid 19 it has, and continues to produce globally challenging market conditions. |
As with previous years, the principal uncertainty that the group faces is the vagaries of the insurance market. This external challenge is always present across the market and is therefore always a risk to general market forces and trends. |
The directors are of the opinion that beyond those noted above, there are no additional risks attributable to the group which need to be highlighted other than normal commercial risks. |
Risks to the business are reported and reviewed at regular meetings of the directors and risk mitigation strategies implemented as appropriate. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. |
DIVIDENDS |
The total distribution of dividends for the year ended 31 December 2023 will be £ 200,000 . |
DIRECTORS |
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 January 2023 to the date of this report. |
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES |
The directors are responsible for preparing the Group 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), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 the group and of the profit or loss of the group 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 and the group's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and the group 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 the group 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 group's auditors are unaware, and each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the group's auditors are aware of that information. |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
AUDITORS |
The auditors, Folkes Worton LLP, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
MERS INS LIMITED |
Opinion |
We have audited the financial statements of Mers Ins Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Company Balance Sheet, Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and Notes to the Consolidated 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 group's and of the parent company affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of the group's profit for the year then ended; |
- | have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and |
- | have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. |
Basis for opinion |
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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 group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. |
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the 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 Group 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 |
MERS INS 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 Group 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 Group 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 group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group Strategic Report or the 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 by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or |
- | the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or |
- | certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or |
- | we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. |
Responsibilities of directors |
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page three, 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 group's and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
MERS INS LIMITED |
Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements |
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. |
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
Based on our understanding of the group, the company and their industry, we identified the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as Companies Act 2006. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements and determined that the principal risks were related to: |
- Revenue recognition; |
- Management override of controls; |
- Management bias in accounting estimates and judgements; and |
- Non-disclosure of transactions and balances with related parties. |
In response to the above identified risks, audit procedures were designed to enable us to arrive at appropriately drawn conclusions. These audit procedures include; |
- Documentation of the invoice recording processes and agreement of a sample of income from source to the nominal entries; |
- Review and challenging of journal entries, in particular unusual transactions and account combinations; |
- Challenging of assumptions and judgements made by management in their assessment of significant accounting estimates; |
- Review of the list of related parties, discussion with management and review of the records of account; and |
- Discussions with management, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud |
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely it would be for the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards to identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remains a risk of not detecting irregularities as these may include collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. |
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
MERS INS 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. |
for and on behalf of |
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor |
15-17 Church Street |
Stourbridge |
West Midlands |
DY8 1LU |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ |
TURNOVER | 3 | 10,532,087 | 10,033,447 |
Administrative expenses | 10,370,267 | 9,768,438 |
OPERATING PROFIT | 5 | 161,820 | 265,009 |
Interest receivable and similar income | 25,211 | 6,230 |
187,031 | 271,239 |
Interest payable and similar expenses | 6 | 20,145 | 15,247 |
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION | 166,886 | 255,992 |
Tax on profit | 7 | 87,445 | 34,273 |
PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR |
Retained earnings at beginning of year | 1,688,120 | 1,766,401 |
Dividends | 9 | (200,000 | ) | (300,000 | ) |
RETAINED EARNINGS FOR THE GROUP AT END OF YEAR |
1,567,561 |
1,688,120 |
Profit attributable to: |
Owners of the parent | 79,441 | 221,719 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET |
31 DECEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Intangible assets | 10 | 1,517,489 | 1,457,917 |
Tangible assets | 11 | 131,916 | 72,238 |
Investments | 12 | - | - |
1,649,405 | 1,530,155 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 13 | 4,717,420 | 4,288,163 |
Cash at bank | 355,690 | 617,580 |
5,073,110 | 4,905,743 |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 14 | 5,104,239 | 4,737,778 |
NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS | (31,129 | ) | 167,965 |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
1,618,276 |
1,698,120 |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due after more than one year | 15 | 40,715 | - |
NET ASSETS | 1,577,561 | 1,698,120 |
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
Called up share capital | 18 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
Retained earnings | 19 | 1,567,561 | 1,688,120 |
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS | 1,577,561 | 1,698,120 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 9 September 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: |
Mr R Dornan - Director |
Mr M Woods - Director |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET |
31 DECEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Intangible assets | 10 |
Tangible assets | 11 |
Investments | 12 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Cash at bank |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 14 |
NET CURRENT LIABILITIES | ( |
) | ( |
) |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
Called up share capital | 18 |
Retained earnings |
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS |
Company's profit for the financial year | 200,000 | 300,000 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Notes | £ | £ |
Cash flows from operating activities |
Cash generated from operations | 1 | 233,272 | 930,684 |
Interest paid | (7,523 | ) | (10,838 | ) |
Interest element of hire purchase payments paid | (12,622 | ) | (4,409 | ) |
Tax paid | 57,426 | 32,757 |
Net cash from operating activities | 270,553 | 948,194 |
Cash flows from investing activities |
Purchase of intangible fixed assets | (265,000 | ) | (265,000 | ) |
Purchase of tangible fixed assets | (16,492 | ) | (49,239 | ) |
Interest received | 25,211 | 6,230 |
Net cash from investing activities | (256,281 | ) | (308,009 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
Capital repayments in year | (42,862 | ) | (32,058 | ) |
Amount introduced by directors | 647,020 | 287,160 |
Amount withdrawn by directors | (680,320 | ) | (222,000 | ) |
Equity dividends paid | (200,000 | ) | (300,000 | ) |
Net cash from financing activities | (276,162 | ) | (266,898 | ) |
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | (261,890 | ) | 373,287 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 2 | 617,580 | 244,293 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | 2 | 355,690 | 617,580 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 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 | 166,886 | 255,992 |
Depreciation charges | 281,654 | 245,870 |
Finance costs | 20,145 | 15,247 |
Finance income | (25,211 | ) | (6,230 | ) |
443,474 | 510,879 |
Increase in trade and other debtors | (522,388 | ) | (169,310 | ) |
Increase in trade and other creditors | 312,186 | 589,115 |
Cash generated from operations | 233,272 | 930,684 |
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 | 355,690 | 617,580 |
Year ended 31 December 2022 |
31/12/22 | 1/1/22 |
£ | £ |
Cash and cash equivalents | 617,580 | 244,293 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
3. | ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS |
Other |
non-cash |
At 1/1/23 | Cash flow | changes | At 31/12/23 |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Net cash |
Cash at bank | 617,580 | (261,890 | ) | 355,690 |
617,580 | (261,890 | ) | 355,690 |
Debt |
Finance leases | (4,338 | ) | 42,862 | (119,412 | ) | (80,888 | ) |
(4,338 | ) | 42,862 | (119,412 | ) | (80,888 | ) |
Total | 613,242 | (219,028 | ) | (119,412 | ) | 274,802 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
1. | STATUTORY INFORMATION |
Mers Ins Limited is a |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions |
The group has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions 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 3.17(d); |
• | the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c); |
• | the requirement of paragraph 33.7. |
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty |
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. |
Revenue recognition |
Turnover represents net retained brokerage, commissions and charges earned during the year for insurance services rendered. Brokerage, commissions and charges are taken to the profit and loss account at the inception date of the policy. No provision is made for adjustments to brokerage which may arise from future events such as policy cancellation, extention or amendment as these adjustments are considered to be immaterial. |
Goodwill |
Intellectual property |
Intellectual property is initially measured at cost. After initial recognition intellectual property is measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Intellectual property is being amortised evenly over its estimated useful life of ten years. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Computer equipment | - |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Taxation |
Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. |
Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted. |
Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. |
Deferred tax |
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. |
Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. |
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. |
Hire purchase and leasing commitments |
Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts or finance leases are capitalised in the balance sheet. Those held under hire purchase contracts are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Those held under finance leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives or the lease term, whichever is the shorter. |
The interest element of these obligations is charged to profit or loss over the relevant period. The capital element of the future payments is treated as a liability. |
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the group's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate. |
Insurance debtors and creditors |
The company acts as agent in broking the insurable risks of clients and is not liable as a principle for premiums due to underwriters or for claims payable to clients. Notwithstanding the legal relationship with clients and underwriters, the company has followed a generally accepted accounting practice for insurance intermediaries by showing debtors, creditors and cash balances relating to insurance business as assets and liabilities of the company itself. |
In the ordinary course of insurance broking business, settlement is required to be made with insurance intermediaries or insurance companies on the basis of the net balance due to or from them rather than the amount due to or from the individual third parties which they represent. |
In accordance with FRS 102, assets and liabilities may not be offset unless net settlement is legally enforceable. Accordingly, insurance debtors and creditors are shown gross within these financial statements. |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Consolidation |
The consolidated group financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the company and all group undertakings. These are adjusted, where appropriate, to conform to group accounting policies.Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method and goodwill on consolidation is capitalised and written off over a maximum of 20 years from the year of acquisition. The results of companies acquired or disposed of are included in the group profit and loss account after or up to the date that control passes respectively. As a consolidated profit and loss account is published, a separate profit and loss account for the parent company is omitted from the group financial statements by virtue of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. |
3. | TURNOVER |
The turnover and profit before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the group. |
Turnover arises from net insurance brokerage, commissions and charges. The whole turnover is from activities undertaken in the United Kingdom. |
4. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Wages and salaries | 2,714,211 | 2,879,189 |
Social security costs | 249,285 | 264,378 |
Other pension costs | 84,592 | 55,334 |
3,048,088 | 3,198,901 |
The average number of employees during the year was as follows: |
2023 | 2022 |
Directors | 2 | 2 |
Accounts, administration and other | 31 | 38 |
Technical | 56 | 65 |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Directors' remuneration | - | - |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
5. | OPERATING PROFIT |
The operating profit is stated after charging: |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Other operating leases | 199,244 | 197,772 |
Depreciation - owned assets | 28,828 | 34,882 |
Depreciation - assets on hire purchase contracts | 47,398 | 32,061 |
Goodwill amortisation | 132,428 | 132,428 |
Intellectual property amortisation | 73,000 | 46,500 |
Auditors' remuneration | 22,830 | 22,683 |
6. | INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Bank loan interest | 7,523 | 10,838 |
Hire purchase interest | 12,622 | 4,409 |
20,145 | 15,247 |
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 | 88,704 | 36,904 |
Deferred tax | (1,259 | ) | (2,631 | ) |
Tax on profit | 87,445 | 34,273 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
7. | TAXATION - continued |
Reconciliation of total tax charge included in profit and loss |
The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below: |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Profit before tax | 166,886 | 255,992 |
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.521 % (2022 - 19 %) |
39,253 |
48,638 |
Effects of: |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes | 3,754 | 1,369 |
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances | 57,488 | 30,559 |
Finance lease repayments | (13,050 | ) | (6,929 | ) |
Research and development enhanced deductions - current year | - | (39,364 | ) |
enhanced deductions - prior |
Total tax charge | 87,445 | 34,273 |
8. | INDIVIDUAL INCOME STATEMENT |
As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Income Statement of the parent company is not presented as part of these financial statements. |
9. | DIVIDENDS |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Interim | 200,000 | 300,000 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
10. | INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Group |
Intellectual |
Goodwill | property | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 January 2023 | 2,648,553 | 465,000 | 3,113,553 |
Additions | - | 265,000 | 265,000 |
At 31 December 2023 | 2,648,553 | 730,000 | 3,378,553 |
AMORTISATION |
At 1 January 2023 | 1,589,136 | 66,500 | 1,655,636 |
Amortisation for year | 132,428 | 73,000 | 205,428 |
At 31 December 2023 | 1,721,564 | 139,500 | 1,861,064 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 December 2023 | 926,989 | 590,500 | 1,517,489 |
At 31 December 2022 | 1,059,417 | 398,500 | 1,457,917 |
11. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Group |
Computer |
equipment |
£ |
COST |
At 1 January 2023 | 1,491,619 |
Additions | 135,904 |
At 31 December 2023 | 1,627,523 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 January 2023 | 1,419,381 |
Charge for year | 76,226 |
At 31 December 2023 | 1,495,607 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 December 2023 | 131,916 |
At 31 December 2022 | 72,238 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
11. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued |
Group |
Fixed assets, included in the above, which are held under hire purchase contracts are as follows: |
Computer |
equipment |
£ |
COST |
At 1 January 2023 | 39,041 |
Additions | 119,412 |
Transfer to ownership | (39,041 | ) |
At 31 December 2023 | 119,412 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 January 2023 | 31,447 |
Charge for year | 47,398 |
Transfer to ownership | (39,041 | ) |
At 31 December 2023 | 39,804 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 December 2023 | 79,608 |
At 31 December 2022 | 7,594 |
12. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
Company |
Shares in |
group |
undertakings |
£ |
COST |
At 1 January 2023 |
and 31 December 2023 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 December 2023 |
At 31 December 2022 |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
12. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued |
The company owns 100% of the ordinary A shares in Premium Choice Limited. |
Premium Choice Limited owns 100% of the ordinary shares in A Choice Limited, Riders Choice Limited and Van Insurance Direct Services Limited. |
13. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
Group |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Trade debtors | 2,009,882 | 1,772,380 |
Other debtors | 2,238,117 | 2,069,905 |
Tax | - | 94,390 |
Deferred tax asset | 3,890 | 2,631 |
Prepayments and accrued income | 465,531 | 348,857 |
4,717,420 | 4,288,163 |
Deferred tax asset |
Group |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Deferred tax | 3,890 | 2,631 |
14. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
Group | Company |
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Hire purchase contracts (see note 16) | 40,173 | 4,338 |
Trade creditors | 3,164,179 | 3,407,887 |
Amounts owed to group undertakings | - | - |
Tax | 88,644 | 36,904 |
Social security and other taxes | 64,122 | 64,844 |
Other creditors | 217,124 | 188,381 |
Directors' current accounts | 31,860 | 65,160 | - | - |
Accruals and deferred income | 1,498,137 | 970,264 |
5,104,239 | 4,737,778 |
Hire purchase contracts are secured by a legal charge on the assets to which they relate. |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
15. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR |
Group |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Hire purchase contracts (see note 16) | 40,715 | - |
Hire purchase contracts are secured by a legal charge on the assets to which they relate. |
16. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
Minimum lease payments fall due as follows: |
Group |
Hire purchase contracts |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Gross obligations repayable: |
Within one year | 46,630 | 4,968 |
Between one and five years | 42,744 | - |
89,374 | 4,968 |
Finance charges repayable: |
Within one year | 6,457 | 630 |
Between one and five years | 2,029 | - |
8,486 | 630 |
Net obligations repayable: |
Within one year | 40,173 | 4,338 |
Between one and five years | 40,715 | - |
80,888 | 4,338 |
17. | DEFERRED TAX |
Group |
£ |
Balance at 1 January 2023 | (2,631 | ) |
Provided during year | (1,259 | ) |
Balance at 31 December 2023 | (3,890 | ) |
MERS INS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07349131) |
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
18. | CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL |
Allotted, issued and fully paid: |
Number: | Class: | Nominal | 2023 | 2022 |
value: | £ | £ |
Ordinary | £1 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
19. | RESERVES |
Group |
Retained |
earnings |
£ |
At 1 January 2023 | 1,688,120 |
Profit for the year | 79,441 |
Dividends | (200,000 | ) |
At 31 December 2023 | 1,567,561 |
20. | CONTINGENCIES |
There is a cross company guarantee between Premium Choice Limited, Premium Choice Properties Limited and Mers Ins Limited, supported by a legal charge in place over all the company's assets dated 4 January 2021 in favour of Barclays Security Trustee Limited. |
21. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
M Woods and R Dornan are also directors of Premium Choice Properties Limited. During the year Premium Choice Properties Limited charged rent of £178,560 (2022: £178,560) and recharged costs of £Nil (2022: £Nil) to Premium Choice Limited. Premium Choice Limited recharged costs of £Nil (2022: £Nil) to Premium Choice Properties Limited during the year, amounts owed by Premium Choice Properties Limited to the group at the year end was of £2,234,829 (2022: £2,066,827). |
R Dornan is a director and shareholder of RMJD Limited, included within other debtors are amounts owed by RMJD Limited of £3,078 (2022: £3,078). |
During the year the group purchased intellectual property from the company directors for £265,000 (2022: £265,000), meaning a combined total of £730,000. |
The company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 102 s33.1A and has not disclosed in its consolidated accounts any transactions or balances between group entities which have been eliminated on consolidation. |