Company registration number NI028483 (Northern Ireland)
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Balance sheet
1
Notes to the financial statements
2 - 9
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2023
31 December 2023
- 1 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
3
11,728,148
11,942,686
Investment property
4
14,375,000
14,375,000
26,103,148
26,317,686
Current assets
Stocks
4,534
12,885
Debtors
5
385,411
222,317
389,945
235,202
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
6
(1,331,564)
(975,500)
Net current liabilities
(941,619)
(740,298)
Total assets less current liabilities
25,161,529
25,577,388
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
7
(7,897,534)
(8,396,427)
Provisions for liabilities
(1,639,631)
(1,644,888)
Net assets
15,624,364
15,536,073
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
8
1,506,592
1,506,592
Share premium account
9
4,841
4,841
Revaluation reserve
9
4,147,390
4,162,419
Profit and loss reserves
9
9,965,541
9,862,221
Total equity
15,624,364
15,536,073
The directors of the company have elected not to include a copy of the profit and loss account within the financial statements.true
These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 28 May 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr D Mulholland
Director
Company registration number NI028483 (Northern Ireland)
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 2 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Bar Library Services Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 91 Chichester Street, Belfast, BT1 3JQ.
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 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.
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, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
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. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that it is probable will be recovered.
1.4
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies (Continued)
- 3 -
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold land and buildings
2% Straight line
Leasehold improvements
2% Straight line or 15% Reducing balance
Fixtures and fittings
15% Reducing balance
Computers
33% Straight line
Freehold land is not depreciated.
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
Investment properties
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. Changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.
Where fair value cannot be achieved without undue cost or effort, investment property is accounted for as tangible fixed assets
1.6
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.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
1.7
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
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.
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies (Continued)
- 4 -
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.8
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, 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.
1.9
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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.
1.10
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
1.11
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies (Continued)
- 5 -
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.
1.12
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.
1.13
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.
1.14
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.15
Leases
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies (Continued)
- 6 -
1.16
Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
2
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2023
2022
Number
Number
Total
6
6
3
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Leasehold improvements
Fixtures and fittings
Computers
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
11,250,000
2,971,131
3,815,055
594,857
18,631,043
Additions
82,024
64,688
146,712
Disposals
(1,785,344)
(1,785,344)
At 31 December 2023
11,250,000
2,971,131
2,111,735
659,545
16,992,411
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
332,500
2,474,335
3,427,139
454,383
6,688,357
Depreciation charged in the year
210,000
13,705
47,673
88,403
359,781
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(1,783,875)
(1,783,875)
At 31 December 2023
542,500
2,488,040
1,690,937
542,786
5,264,263
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
10,707,500
483,091
420,798
116,759
11,728,148
At 31 December 2022
10,917,500
496,796
387,916
140,474
11,942,686
Freehold land and buildings with a carrying amount of £10,707,500 (2022 - £10,917,500) have been pledged to secure borrowings of the company.
Land and buildings were revalued as part of a professional valuation at 21 May 2021 by chartered surveyors from Lisney, Belfast. The valuation was prepared in accordance with the RICS Valuation - Professional Standards and was prepared on an open market basis. The directors are not aware of any material change in value since the last valuation was carried out.
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3
Tangible fixed assets (Continued)
- 7 -
If revalued assets were stated on an historical cost basis rather than a fair value basis, the total amounts included would have been as follows:
2023
2022
£
£
Cost
10,498,576
10,498,576
Accumulated depreciation
(3,938,466)
(3,743,495)
Carrying value
6,560,110
6,755,081
4
Investment property
2023
£
Fair value
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
14,375,000
The fair value of the investment property has been arrived at on the basis of a professional valuation carried out at May 2021 by chartered surveyors from Lisney, who are not connected with the company. The valuation was made on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties.
5
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
34,733
1,157
Other debtors
49,400
49,400
Prepayments and accrued income
301,278
171,760
385,411
222,317
6
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
736,396
515,470
Trade creditors
220,581
107,070
Corporation tax
67,785
48,443
Other taxation and social security
64,902
83,706
Other creditors
53,298
48,274
Accruals and deferred income
188,602
172,537
1,331,564
975,500
Bank loans and overdrafts are secured as disclosed in the following note.
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 8 -
7
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2023
2022
£
£
Bank loans
2,494,000
3,451,068
Government grants
29,169
30,177
Other creditors
5,374,365
4,915,182
7,897,534
8,396,427
Aggregated bank loans of £3,210,000 (2022: £3,926,000) are secured by a debenture over the assets and undertakings of the company, a first legal charge over the company's land and buildings and investment property, an assignment of rental income, and a circular guarantee from the company and The Executive Council of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland in the sum of £250,000.
8
Called up share capital
2023
2022
2023
2022
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary 'A' shares of £1 each
2
2
2
2
Ordinary 'B' shares of 10p each
15,065,900
15,065,900
1,506,590
1,506,590
15,065,902
15,065,902
1,506,592
1,506,592
9
Reserves
Share premium
The share premium account reflects the premium received on shares issued by the company.
Revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve arises as a result of the company's policy of revaluing land & buildings on a regular basis. The revaluation reserve is recorded net of deferred tax. Each year the depreciation net of the release of deferred tax on any uplift on the valuation is transferred from profit and loss reserves to the revaluation reserve.
Profit and loss reserves
The profit and loss account represents the retained earnings of the company and includes non-distributable reserves of £5,318,146 (2022: £5,318,146) arising on the revaluation of the company's investment property.
10
Audit report information
As the income statement has been omitted from the filing copy of the financial statements, the following information in relation to the audit report on the statutory financial statements is provided in accordance with s444(5B) of the Companies Act 2006:
The auditor's report was unqualified.
Senior Statutory Auditor:
Mr Nigel Moore FCA
Statutory Auditor:
GMcG BELFAST
Date of audit report:
28 May 2024
BAR LIBRARY SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 9 -
11
Operating lease commitments
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, as follows:
2023
2022
£
£
147,922
211,317
12
Related party transactions
The company was under the control of its directors throughout the current and previous year. The directors as shareholders act as nominees for the Executive Council of the Inn of Court of Northern Ireland (the Executive Council).
Bar Library Services Limited charged the Executive Council rental income of £1,800,000 (2022: £1,800,000) during the year. The company also paid £245,670 (2022: £231,291) to the Executive Council in relation to the recharge of salary costs of employees who work for both organisations.
At the balance sheet date the company owed an amount of £5,374,365 (2022: £4,915,182) to the Executive Council. Interest of £266,602 (2022: £133,607) was charged on the amount during the year at a rate of Base Rate plus 1%.
There were no other transactions with related parties undertaken such as are required to be disclosed under FRS 102.
2023-12-312023-01-01false28 May 2024CCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2024.100No description of principal activityThis audit opinion is unqualifiedMr D MulhollandMr P Coll KCfalsefalseNI0284832023-01-012023-12-31NI0284832023-12-31NI0284832022-12-31NI028483core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-12-31NI028483core:LeaseholdImprovements2023-12-31NI028483core:FurnitureFittings2023-12-31NI028483core:ComputerEquipment2023-12-31NI028483core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2022-12-31NI028483core:LeaseholdImprovements2022-12-31NI028483core:FurnitureFittings2022-12-31NI028483core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-31NI028483core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2023-12-31NI028483core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2022-12-31NI028483core:Non-currentFinancialInstrumentscore:AfterOneYear2023-12-31NI028483core:Non-currentFinancialInstrumentscore:AfterOneYear2022-12-31NI028483core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2023-12-31NI028483core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2022-12-31NI028483core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2023-12-31NI028483core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2022-12-31NI028483core:ShareCapital2023-12-31NI028483core:ShareCapital2022-12-31NI028483core:SharePremium2023-12-31NI028483core:SharePremium2022-12-31NI028483core:RevaluationReserve2023-12-31NI028483core:RevaluationReserve2022-12-31NI028483core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-12-31NI028483core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-12-31NI028483core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShares2023-12-31NI028483core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShares2022-12-31NI028483bus:Director12023-01-012023-12-31NI028483core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-01-012023-12-31NI028483core:LeaseholdImprovements2023-01-012023-12-31NI028483core:FurnitureFittings2023-01-012023-12-31NI028483core:ComputerEquipment2023-01-012023-12-31NI0284832022-01-012022-12-31NI028483core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2022-12-31NI028483core:LeaseholdImprovements2022-12-31NI028483core:FurnitureFittings2022-12-31NI028483core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-31NI0284832022-12-31NI028483core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments12023-12-31NI028483core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments12022-12-31NI028483bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2023-01-012023-12-31NI028483bus:SmallCompaniesRegimeForAccounts2023-01-012023-12-31NI028483bus:FRS1022023-01-012023-12-31NI028483bus:Audited2023-01-012023-12-31NI028483bus:Director22023-01-012023-12-31NI028483bus:FullAccounts2023-01-012023-12-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP