The directors present the strategic report for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2023.
Our vision is to be the UK's first choice for affordable, high quality, artisan bread. Unbeatable for quality, service, innocation and value for money. We want to raise the standard of bread eaten in the UK.
We understand that to make great bread takes time and care. With this time comes deeper and bolder flavours, and more open textures.
We specialise in Sourdough and long fermentation.
We strive to use only the highest quality ingredients and source them from the UK where possible.
We make this quality affordable by combining traditional bakery skills with modern manufacturing methods. We focus on prospering in the space between small-scale quality artisan bakers and high scale plant bakers - by capturing the best of both worlds.
We value loyal customers and employees and want to be recognised as both a great supplier and a great place to work.
In 2023, our growth has accellerated further with sales increasing by £20.5m (44.2%) to £66.8m for the year.
This has been driven by two main contributors:
Jason's Sourdough brand has grown by 115% which was a result of additional supermarket distribution, product development, and organic sales growth in existing channels.
Recovering the remaining price inflation which increased significantly in 2022 in part due to the Russia Ukraine conflict. The latter half of 2023 saw much more stable supply base.
Our gross margin increased considerably by 21.8% compared to 2022, to 27.5%. Throughout 2023 we invested heavily in automation at our Glenfield site. This combined with the additional volume has created significant economies of scale. Furthermore, existing product development has been a key area of focus helping to improve gross margins with recipe innovation, and waste and giveaway improvement.
Overall, our operating profit grew by 237% in 2023. This is a result of our increased sales volume and gross margin as noted above, offset by further investment in our overhead (mainly labour) to help keep pace with our growing business. Jason’s Sourdough is now the market leader sourdough brand in the UK with continual increase in market penetration and frequency of purchases by its loyal customer base. It has become an established and trusted brand within the bakery industry.
2024 has started in similar fashion, with sales continuing to grow significantly because of the factors identified above. We have also seen stabilisation in our raw material cost base due to market conditions settling over the course of 2023. We have continued to invest strategically in our operations, technology, and brand development to support future growth and enhance competitiveness in the market. To support this, we have secured a lease on a new bakery in Glenfield, on the same site as our current Glenfield operation which will open in the first half of 2025.
In terms of financial position, the group continues to operate with low financial leverage. Total external debt as at 29 December 2023 was £1.3m which equates to a 0.13 External Debt: EBITDA ratio.
The principal risks and uncertainties faced by the group have remained broadly consistent from the prior year.
Firstly, our ability to pass on cost inflation in a timely matter is more fundamental now than ever, We continue to work hard to ensure we can mitigate this where appropriate and remain true to our core alue which is being unbeatable for quality, service, and value for money.
Secondly, our ability to attract and retain the best quality people in a difficuly labour market is pivotal. If we do not achieve this, we will struggle to achieve our ambitious growth plans.
Each year the directors deliver a detailed plan prepared in accordance with the overarching long-term business strategy. The strategy is focused on delivering high quality, artisan bread products, at scale. We will invest in modern manufacturing methods where appropriate while not detracting from the artisanal nature of the product. We focus on prospering in the space between small-scale quality artisan bakers and high scale plant bakers.
The directors have prioritised the groups employee’s by acting in accordance with our core operating values:
Facilitating a quarterly “how are we doing?” forum where all departments are represented to feedback directly to directors on areas we could improve and taking appropriate actions.
To believe in the potential of everyone and provide an environment that supports personal development. Specifically, we invest in national vocational qualifications in baking for those individuals prospering and wanting to develop. In 2023, we also setup an apprenticeship scheme, taking on 18 apprentice bakers to commence their focused training and development, to achieve a recognised qualification in the baking industry.
To offer a working environment and appropriate remuneration that allows the group to retain and develop our talent.
Investing in additional HR resources to strengthen the relationship between the business and its employees and ensure our employees receive the appropriate guidance and support in consistently applying our principles and policies.
Circulating regular employee surveys to aid understanding of employee satisfaction in the workplace and to make efforts to improve on any suggestions or recommendations.
The directors have worked in partnership with the group’s suppliers by:
Keeping price negotiation simple and reliable; and
Working on end-to-end value chain initiatives whereby opportunities are identified to improve the supply chain for the benefit of all parties.
The directors have promoted positive relations with the group’s customers by:
Closely collaborating with customers on developing new and innovative products to fill specific range gaps they require.
To work on efficiency initiatives (which can be economical or environmental) whereby savings are shared equally between partners involved.
The directors have promoted and acted in accordance with the group’s core values on community and environment by:
Eliminating all non-recyclable packaging from our products.
Working with the UK’s largest and longest-running food distribution charity, Fare Share, we donated 68 tonnes of product in 2023.
Giving back to the local community by continuing our sponsorship arrangement with local Junior football team “Glenfield United”.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2023.
The results for the 52 week period are set out on page 11.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the 52 week period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The director's continue to invest time and money into research and development of the group's baked goods to continue to provide quality products to its customers.
The group's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests.
Information about matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the group's performance.
There is no employee share scheme at present, but the directors are considering the introduction of such a scheme as a means of further encouraging the involvement of employees in the company's performance.
Azets were appointed as auditor to the group and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
Streamlined energy & carbon reporting (SECR)
The Company is obligated within the Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) Framework (established by Companies (Directors’ Report)) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018.
In accordance with this, the directors report the following energy use and emissions data for the 52 week period 29th December 2023.
The group has followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. The group has also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2020 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per £million of turnover, the recommended ratio for the sector.
The group follows a proactive approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling the company’s carbon footprint. Key examples of projects that have or are planned to be undertaken by the business includes installation of energy efficient lighting within the offices, factory and external areas of the site, installation of electric vehicle charging points to encourage greener travel.
The group will continue to drive energy efficiency and limiting carbon emissions through seeking out more environmentally methods of production and working.
The group has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of research and development.
We have audited the financial statements of Geary's Bakeries Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2023 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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 Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent 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 group's and 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 other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial 52 week period for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept 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.
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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 parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above and on the Financial Reporting Council’s website, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.
We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. This includes consideration of the risk of acts by the entity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included:
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims as well as actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
Assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the entity through enquiry and inspection;
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
Performing audit work over the risk of management bias and override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of potential bias.
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 of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
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 an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s loss for the year was £456,398 (2022 - £829,671 loss).
Geary's Bakeries Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 25, Hayhill Industrial Estate, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 8LD.
The group consists of Geary's Bakeries Holdings Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
These financial statements are for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2023. The comparative accounting period are for the 52 weeks ended 30 December 2022.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Geary's Bakeries Holdings Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 29 December 2023. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have reviewed ongoing profitability and cash generation of the entity extensively. The directors have produced forecasts demonstrating a reasonable expectation 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.
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.
Research and development expenditure is expensed to the profit and loss account in the year in which it is incurred.
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 recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible 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 and compared to the carrying amount in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, and impairment loss is recognised in the profit and lsos account unless the asset is ccarreid at a revalued amout where the impairment loss is a revaluation decrease.
The group 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 group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and 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, 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.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
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 group after deducting all of its 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.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group 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 group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. 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 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 if, and only if, there is 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.
When employees have rendered service to the group, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the 52 week period was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
In the period ended 29th December 2023 all directors were remunerated from Geary's Bakeries Limited.
The actual charge/(credit) for the 52 week period can be reconciled to the expected charge for the 52 week period based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
Assets held under hire purchase contracts are secured against the assets to which they relate.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 29 December 2023 are as follows:
The registered office address of the above subsidary is the same as the company's registered office address as given in the company information page of these financial statements.
Amounts owed to group undertakings are repayable on demand, unsecured and bear no interest.
Other loans includes long-term loan notes and sale and leaseback arrangements. Sale and leaseback arrangements are repayable by monthly instalments by 31st October 2024 and carry a fixed rate of interest of 3.14%. They are secured by a fixed charge over the assets to which they relate. Long-term loan notes were fully settled during the period.
Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is 4 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
There are three classes of ordinary shares. There are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends and the repayment of capital.
The profit and loss reserve comprises retained profits and losses for the current period.
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
Group
During the period, remuneration totalling £549,249 (2022: £29,613) was paid to close family of key management personnel.
Rental charges or £400,000 (2022: £400,000) were paid to entities under the control of key management personnel.
A balance of £Nil (2022: £415) is owed to key management personnel at the period end.
At the period end, the group owes loan noates totalling £Nil (2022: £2,772,492) to key management personnel, £Nil (2022: £2,955,789) to close family of key management and £Nil (2022: £1,463,392) to entities under the control of key management.
During the period the group paid the following amounts of loan note interest to related parties:
Key management personnel - £1,552,108 (2022: £310,107)
Close family of key management - £6,440,378 (2022: £316,276)
Entities under the control of key management - £Nil (2022: £160,021)
Company
At the period end, the company owes loan notes totalling £Nil (2022: £2,772,492) to key management personnel, £Nil (2022: £2,955,789) to close family of key management and £Nil (2022: £1,463,392) to entities under the control of key management.
During the period the company paid the following amounts of loan note interest to related parties:
Key management personnel - £1,552,108 (2022: £310,107)
Close family of key management - £6,440,378 (2022: £316,276)
Entities under the control of key management - £Nil (2022: £160,021)
The company acts as a guarantor for the sale and finance leaseback liabilities of its subsidiary undertaking.
The company has taken advantage of the exemption offered by FRS 102 from the requirement to disclose transactions between wholly owned subsidiaries.