Company Registration No. 09910591 (England and Wales)
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 DECEMBER 2023
31 December 2023
PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
Chartered Accountants
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr D Little
Mr M Haverkamp
(Appointed 8 March 2024)
Mr J Beck
(Appointed 19 March 2024)
Company number
09910591
Registered office
3rd Floor Jackson House
Sibson Road
Sale
England
M33 7RR
Auditor
PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 4
Directors' report
5 - 6
Independent auditor's report
7 - 10
Statement of income and retained earnings
11
Balance sheet
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 21
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 1 -

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

Enterprise Solutions (ES) Business Unit Trading Statement / Business Review

The combined UK business accounts for 16.7% of Group (audited) turnover with UK revenues 8.2% higher year on year, slowing from 60.8% in 2022, reflecting both the continued demand for consultancy services and annual contracts as organisations continue to strengthen their commitment to digital transformation strategies, whilst at the same time reflecting a maturing of the Business Applications market to a more sustainable long-term growth rate following the peaks and troughs following the COVID pandemic and other macro-economic events.

The UK management team continued the heightened level of attention placed on revenue, costs and cash flow forecasts, meeting frequently to provide business updates and to agree corrective actions needed to best manage business growth in a challenging environment.

Throughout the year, HSO continued to recruit to build capacity to meet future demand from the Microsoft Dynamics field, supported by contractors to cover peak demand, whilst investing in new capabilities to meet the fast-changing needs of our marketplace. In particular, we see organisations broadening their investment in Microsoft technologies to encompass Cloud, Data, Integration and Application Modernisation solutions, and HSO has focused recruitment investment in these areas.

Enterprise Solutions entered 2023 with a strong order book and sales pipeline. As noted in the previous report, the management team were conscious that the prospective time to deal closure during the second half of this year might become protracted, due mainly to the uncertainty caused by ongoing macro-economic events, and this turned out to be the case. Whilst HSO continues to be highly competitive due to the depth of its Microsoft skills, the maturity of its industry practices and its reputation in the market, 2023 saw longer decision cycles and more cautious investment decisions, and we see this trend continuing into the first half of 2024.

The business continues to invest in a range of service lines including Microsoft Business Analytics and Microsoft Power Platform. For 2023 an Azure oriented Infrastructure Services service line was created, providing an alternative and complimentary value-add customer service to our Business Applications. A key strategy for 2024 is the continued development of the Industry Market Units whereby go-to-market consultancy and technology propositions are defined by industry. HSO’s traditional Retail, Manufacturing and Distribution sectors were extended in 2023 to include Public Sector and the under-served Professional Services sector and this saw notable successes in Local Government, Policing, Government Arm’s Length Bodies, Legal Practices and Construction, which provide a platform for further growth in 2024.

At the same time, we continued to broaden our footprint in the long-established Manufacturing sector in 2023, consolidating our position in the discrete and process manufacturing sub-sectors, and adding customers in energy, engineering and life sciences. In retail, our successes reflected the changing landscape of the sector as the centre of gravity move from the high street to on-line and industrial estates.

A claim associated with R&D developments under the HMRC Sponsored Research & Development rebate scheme for 2021 was successful, the receipt of which is recognised within Other Income. HSO will not be submitting a similar R&D claim for the 2022 period.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 2 -
Risk Review

Managing risks and uncertainties related to the business is an integral part of management and control. Management and the workforce identify, discuss, and manage risks and challenges that are associated with the respective business, project, customer, or contract continuously. The management culture is very risk averse from a financial and operational point of view. Employees at all levels and roles are supported to call out and register risks as soon they identify them; managing them is our core business.

Our processes include formally reviewing internal and external risks as quickly as possible, including risks facing our customers, their businesses and/or their projects and we manage these accordingly.

We have categorised risks and uncertainties in the following categories:

Strategic

The types of business solutions, applications and services needed by our customers continue to expand rapidly because of changing business environments and in turn shifting technology requirements. New and existing clients alike are investing heavily in agile cloud-based solutions resulting in a steady stream of new project services and support opportunities.

As we exclusively work with state-of-the-art solutions from Microsoft, HSO management invests substantial time and money into HSO's future strategy with Microsoft. Such investment includes expanding our project and support services portfolio, product portfolio and updating skills and knowledge to be a leader in the cloud business applications space. The service lines provide more focus and greater service delivery economies across the various service disciplines, including Unified Operations (D365F&O), Customer Engagement (D365CE) and Managed Services, Business Intelligence/Analytics, Power Platform and Infrastructure Services, resulting in new project and support service revenue streams.

The introduction of Industry Market Units (IMU) capability for our existing Manufacturing, Retail, Distribution, and newer Professional Services and Public Sector markets leverages expertise and IP from across the HSO Group.  Each IMU brings deep Industry expertise to complement existing technical know-how and will straddle the Service Lines to expand and round out solution propositions for each market.

Changes to freedom of movement post Brexit restricted our ability to recruit freely from EU countries during 2023 requiring an increase in Visa sponsorship. However, to help mitigate any potential risk of being able to meet demand, the company provides an array of staff retention initiatives such as technical and soft skills training plus many staff engagement and support programs. Staff attrition fell from 15% to 10% in 2023, aligning to the industry norm with HSO UK achieving 6th position overall and 1st in the technology category in the Enterprise level top 100 Best Companies to work for in 2023, and we were recently named Best Microsoft Partner to Work for 2024.

People

HSO recognises the stresses on our workforce that come with working in such a rapidly changing industry. Our employees constantly need to acquire new skills and tools to meet the fast-changing needs of customers, who themselves are working under more pressure than ever before. HSO’s internal training team supported by the HSO Academy have played a large role in ensuring HSO and our people are the most skilled in the industry and at the forefront of innovation.

HSO has always given the highest priority to employee wellbeing. The management team continues its focus on and investment in communication, sustainable working, learning and development, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, community, and mental health support.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 3 -
Financial

HSO Enterprise Solutions continues to work to improve professional services profitability, thus reducing the dependency on software license revenue and margins to deliver positive EBIT. Across our consulting engagements, we take full advantage of the offerings of the HSO Global Services team which provide packaged solutions which can be embedded into our consultancy services, for example Testing as a Service (TaaS). The continued development of templates, accelerators and HSO-developed IP also provides the dual benefit of providing more cost-effective solutions for our customers at a higher margin.

HSO checks the financial position of potential customers before engaging and contracting. However, financial checks alone do not always tell the whole story. Reading signals such as a change of CIO, CFO or CEO sometimes indicates more than balance sheets do.

HSO continues to focus on cash flow and collections, reducing the overall exposure on receivables. Improvements include involving resources that are close to the customer (project managers, account managers) to support timely collections and building good relationships with our customers' finance departments.

The company has no loans or credit lines; therefore, a change in interest rates would have no impact.

Operational

Our services revenues are the result of projects or annual contracts. Larger projects or contracts may represent up to 10% of the total service revenue; therefore, project or contract related risks need to be limited and distributed.

Our delivery approach and methodology is to organise projects into multiple Business Releases, each with its own scope, time and budget. Our project contracts or statements of work are based on phases within each Business Release, providing a clear definition of project deliverables.

Business Releases are further divided into phases including Diagnostic, Analysis, Design, Develop, Deliver, Deploy and Operation. Our methodology is supported by tools, systems and templates to control project risks. Optimisation of our approach and methodology is a continuous process as is investment in templates to accelerate and standardise deliverables.

Going Concern Statement

The company has adequate financial resources along with a diverse spread of customers. There is no over reliance on any single customer. The directors have prepared forecasts for this business, considering any change in trading position since the year end. Consequently, they believe that the company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite an uncertain economic environment. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.

Section 172 (1) Statement
Introduction

As directors of HSO, we are dedicated to promoting the success of the group for the benefit of its members as a whole, while considering the interests of our stakeholders. This statement outlines how we have fulfilled our duties under Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.

Long-term Decision Making

We prioritise sustainable growth and innovation. Our strategic decisions, such as investing in advanced technologies and expanding our service offerings, are made with a long-term perspective to ensure HSO’s continued success and competitiveness in the technology sector.

Employee Interests

Our employees are our greatest asset. We have implemented comprehensive training programs, competitive compensation packages, and a supportive work environment to foster their growth and well-being. Regular feedback sessions and employee surveys help us understand and address their needs.

Business Relationships

Maintaining strong relationships with our suppliers, customers, and partners is crucial. We engage in regular dialogue with our key stakeholders to ensure mutual benefits and address any concerns promptly. Our customer-centric approach drives us to continuously improve our products and services.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 4 -
Community and Environment
We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and contributing positively to the communities we operate in. Our sustainability initiatives include reducing carbon emissions, promoting recycling, and supporting local community projects. We also adhere to ethical sourcing practices.
High Standards and Business Conduct
Integrity and transparency are at the core of our business conduct. We have robust governance frameworks and compliance programs in place to ensure we operate ethically and in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations. Our Code of Conduct guides our employees in maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Fair Treatment of Members
We strive to act fairly between members of the group. Our communication with shareholders is transparent and timely, ensuring they are well-informed about the group's performance and strategic direction. We encourage active shareholder engagement and consider their feedback in our decision-making processes.
Conclusion
In fulfilling our duties under Section 172, we remain dedicated to balancing the interests of our stakeholders while driving the long-term success of HSO. We believe that this approach not only benefits our members but also contributes to the broader societal good.

On behalf of the board

Mr D Little
Director
19 September 2024
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 5 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Principal activities

The company specialises in implementing and integrating ERP & CRM solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics365, Microsoft Dynamics Customer Engagement, Office 365 and Microsoft Azure. It is working for national and multinational enterprises in retail, distribution, manufacturing and services.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 11.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £1,035,368. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

Directors

The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

Mr A McNay
(Resigned 1 April 2024)
Mr D Little
Mr M Haverkamp
(Appointed 8 March 2024)
Mr J Beck
(Appointed 19 March 2024)
Disabled persons

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the company continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the company that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

Employee involvement

The company'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 company'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.

Auditor

The auditor, PM+M Solutions for Business LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

Energy and carbon report

During the year, the company consumed 1.9m kWh (2022 - 1.73m kWh) of energy.

 

There were no direct emissions of CO2.

 

The volume of CO2 equivalent produced through indirect emissions by the purchase of electricity was 11 tonnes (2022 - 11 tonnes) and fuel consumed for transport not owned by the group was 769 tonnes (2022 - 847 tonnes).

 

The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per employee. This was 2.33 metric tonnes CO2e per employee in 2023 (2022: 2.49).

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 6 -
Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

 

 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

On behalf of the board
Mr D Little
Director
19 September 2024
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- 7 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of HSO Enterprise Solutions Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of income and retained earnings, the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The 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:

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- 8 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

 

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- 9 -

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

 

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we have considered the following:

 

 

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas: timing of recognition of commercial income, posting of unusual journals and complex transactions; and manipulating the Company's performance profit measures and other key performance indicators to meet remuneration targets and externally communicated targets. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

 

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included UK Companies Act, employment law, health and safety regulations, pensions legislation and tax legislation.

 

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
- 10 -

Audit response to risks identified

Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

 

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 the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve 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 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.

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.

Daniel Bowles FCCA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
19 September 2024
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 11 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
58,076,325
54,319,804
Cost of sales
(15,721,252)
(14,326,773)
Gross profit
42,355,073
39,993,031
Administrative expenses
(40,914,348)
(34,542,438)
Other operating income
89,989
500,950
Operating profit
4
1,530,714
5,951,543
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
-
0
(3,334)
Profit before taxation
1,530,714
5,948,209
Tax on profit
9
(332,378)
(1,129,919)
Profit for the financial year
1,198,336
4,818,290
Retained earnings brought forward
11,772,707
6,954,417
Dividends
10
(1,035,368)
-
0
Retained earnings carried forward
11,935,675
11,772,707

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
31 December 2023
- 12 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Current assets
Debtors
11
20,245,912
19,138,589
Cash at bank and in hand
3,548,468
6,399,701
23,794,380
25,538,290
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
12
(11,858,704)
(13,765,582)
Net current assets
11,935,676
11,772,708
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
15
1
1
Profit and loss reserves
11,935,675
11,772,707
Total equity
11,935,676
11,772,708
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 19 September 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr D Little
Director
Company registration number 09910591 (England and Wales)
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

HSO Enterprise Solutions Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 3rd Floor, Jackson House, Sibson Road, Sale M33 7RR.

1.1
Accounting convention

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

 

 

The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of HSO UK Holding Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, 3rd Floor Jackson House, Sibson Road, Sale, England, M33 7RR.

1.2
Going concern

The company has adequate financial resources along with a diverse spread of customers. There is no over reliance on any single customer. The directors have prepared forecasts for this business, considering the change in trading position since the year end. Consequently, they believe that the company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic environment. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these 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.

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
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.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.5
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. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

 

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

 

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies, 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.

 

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.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.6
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

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.

1.7
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Any unpaid at the reporting end date are included within creditors.

1.8
Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

1.9
Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 16 -
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

The main areas of judgement that have a risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are in relation to Trade debtor provisions, see note 11 for carrying amount. All estimates and assumptions surrounding the impairment of Trade debtor balances are based on past knowledge and current commercial awareness.

3
Turnover
2023
2022
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Software
4,721,045
3,923,870
Services
53,355,280
50,395,934
58,076,325
54,319,804
2023
2022
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
58,076,325
54,319,804
4
Operating profit
2023
2022
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Exchange losses
145,631
56,527
Operating lease charges
388,478
535,531
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 17 -
5
Auditor's remuneration
2023
2022
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
25,250
15,000
For other services
Audit-related assurance services
1,000
-
0
Taxation compliance services
5,000
4,500
6,000
4,500
6
Directors' remuneration
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
334,505
352,035
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
10,959
6,793
345,464
358,828

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (2022 - 1).

Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2023
2022
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
167,400
202,956
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
10,959
6,793
7
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:

2023
2022
Number
Number
Services
301
181
Software
5
-
Sales
19
13
Management
7
4
Administration
20
8
Total
352
206
HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
7
Employees
(Continued)
- 18 -

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2023
2022
£
£
Wages and salaries
25,457,348
15,954,922
Social security costs
2,974,941
1,976,023
Pension costs
951,058
557,376
29,383,347
18,488,321
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2023
2022
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
-
0
3,334
9
Taxation
2023
2022
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
373,939
1,132,617
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(32,802)
(966)
Total current tax
341,137
1,131,651
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(8,759)
(1,732)
Total tax charge
332,378
1,129,919

From the 1 April 2023 the effective tax rate is 25%. During the year the effective tax rate was 23.5%.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
9
Taxation
(Continued)
- 19 -

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2023
2022
£
£
Profit before taxation
1,530,714
5,948,209
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.52% (2022: 19.00%)
360,024
1,130,160
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
5,729
1,407
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(32,802)
(966)
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
(518)
(416)
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
(55)
(266)
Taxation charge for the year
332,378
1,129,919
10
Dividends
2023
2022
£
£
Final paid
1,035,368
-
0
11
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
16,709,383
16,052,972
Corporation tax recoverable
650,439
-
0
Amounts owed by group undertakings
671,234
1,411,690
Other debtors
69,441
1,876
Prepayments and accrued income
2,121,738
1,657,133
20,222,235
19,123,671
Deferred tax asset (note 13)
23,677
14,918
20,245,912
19,138,589

The amounts owed by group undertakings have no fixed repayment terms and are interest free.

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 20 -
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Trade creditors
1,940,206
1,937,431
Amounts owed to group undertakings
4,167,464
4,284,766
Corporation tax
-
0
224,943
Other taxation and social security
1,983,040
2,707,818
Other creditors
708,012
1,547,426
Accruals and deferred income
3,059,982
3,063,198
11,858,704
13,765,582

The amounts owed to group undertakings have no fixed repayment terms and are interest free.

 

There is a fixed and floating charge over all the assets and undertakings of the company.

13
Deferred taxation

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:

Assets
Assets
2023
2022
Balances:
£
£
Short term timing differences
23,677
14,918
2023
Movements in the year:
£
Asset at 1 January 2023
(14,918)
Credit to profit or loss
(8,759)
Asset at 31 December 2023
(23,677)

 

14
Retirement benefit schemes
2023
2022
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
951,058
557,376

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

At the balance sheet date, the total outstanding pension contributions were £246,001 (2022: 141,453).

HSO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 21 -
15
Share capital
2023
2022
2023
2022
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
1
1
1
1
16
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

On 11 October 2019, a fixed and floating charge over all assets of the company was created by Wilmington Trust (London) Limited.

17
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2023
2022
£
£
Within one year
350,314
350,314
Between two and five years
628,886
979,200
979,200
1,329,514
18
Related party transactions

During the year, the company paid salaries and benefits to connected parties of a Director. The aggregate amounts recognised in the financial statements was £115,745. These transactions were conducted at a market rate on an arms length basis.

 

The company is exempt from disclosing transactions with wholly owned companies within it's own group, under FRS 102 paragraph 33.11.

20
Ultimate controlling party

The company's parent is HSO UK Holding Limited, incorporated in England and Wales. The parent company of the smallest group that includes the company and for which group financial statements are prepared is HSO UK Holding Limited. Consolidated financial statements of the group can be requested from HSO UK Holding Limited, 3rd Floor Jackson House, Sibson Road, Sale, England, M33 7RR.

The company's ultimate controlling shareholder is Peter Ter Maaten.

 

The parent company of the largest group that includes the company and for which group financial statements are prepared is HSO Group BV. Consolidated financial statements of the group can be requested from HSO UK Holding Limited, 3rd Floor Jackson House, Sibson Road, Sale, England, M33 7RR.

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