Company Registration Number 00038769 (England and Wales)
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr J H Herriman
Mr T Gass
Mr J Munro
Mr AG Simpson
Mr U Dholakia
Mr JS Ruddy
Ms T Lindsay
Mr D Stephenson
Ms C Levoir
(Appointed 8 August 2023)
Mr ID Cottingham
(Appointed 1 October 2023)
Mrs NL Pasek
(Appointed 18 October 2023)
Mr PJ Owen
Secretary
Ms C Levoir
Company number
00038769
Registered office
1 Sylvan Court
Sylvan Way
Southfields Business Park
Basildon
Essex
SS15 6TH
Auditor
Cottons Accountants LLP
Chestnut Field House
Chestnut Field
Rugby
Warwickshire
United Kingdom
CV21 2PD
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
CONTENTS
Page
Directors' report
1
Directors' responsibilities statement
2
Independent auditor's report
3 - 5
Profit and loss account
6
Balance sheet
7
Statement of changes in equity
8
Statement of cash flows
9
Notes to the financial statements
10 - 22
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 1 -

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

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of a professional membership organisation.

Directors

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

Mr J H Herriman
Mr T Gass
Mr P Ramsden
(Resigned 19 July 2023)
Ms LC Baxter
(Resigned 18 October 2023)
Ms J Sampson
(Resigned 20 November 2023)
Mr J Munro
Ms WJ Potts
(Resigned 22 October 2023)
Mr AG Simpson
Mr B Meredith
(Resigned 1 May 2024)
Mr U Dholakia
Mr JS Ruddy
Ms T Lindsay
Mr D Stephenson
Mr R Islam
(Resigned 24 February 2023)
Ms C Levoir
(Appointed 8 August 2023)
Mr ID Cottingham
(Appointed 1 October 2023)
Mrs NL Pasek
(Appointed 18 October 2023)
Mr PJ Owen
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.

Medium-sized companies exemption

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.

On behalf of the board
Mr J H Herriman
Director
5 July 2024
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 2 -

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 surplus or deficit 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.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
- 3 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Trading Standards Institute (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the income and expenditure account, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity, the 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).

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.

Emphasis of matter

We draw attention to Note 16 of the financial statements, which describes that subsequent to the balance sheet date, the remaining trading activities and the assets of the company were transferred to Chartered Trading Standards Institute ("CTSI"). Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

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:

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
- 4 -
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 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.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

 

We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

 

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
- 5 -

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

 

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance.

 

Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

 

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

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.

Mark Palmer BSc BFP FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Cottons Accountants LLP
25 September 2024
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Chestnut Field House
Chestnut Field
Rugby
Warwickshire
United Kingdom
CV21 2PD
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 6 -
2023
2022
£
£
Turnover
852,358
1,221,855
Cost of sales
(64,309)
(200,302)
Gross surplus
788,049
1,021,553
Administrative expenses
(935,704)
(1,236,870)
Other operating income
22,376
48,564
Operating deficit
(125,279)
(166,753)
Interest receivable and similar income
9,666
2,358
Interest payable and similar expenses
64,000
(28,000)
Amounts written off investments
-
(100)
Deficit before taxation
(51,613)
(192,495)
Tax on deficit
37,162
(41,193)
Deficit for the financial year
(14,451)
(233,688)

The income and expenditure account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2023
31 December 2023
- 7 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
6
1,441,825
1,489,663
Investments
7
103
103
1,441,928
1,489,766
Current assets
Debtors
8
248,742
308,425
Cash at bank and in hand
736,098
1,870,776
984,840
2,179,201
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
9
(115,251)
(1,232,000)
Net current assets
869,589
947,201
Total assets less current liabilities
2,311,517
2,436,967
Provisions for liabilities
(79,577)
(79,577)
Net assets excluding pension liability
2,231,940
2,357,390
Defined benefit pension liability
10
-
0
-
0
Net assets
2,231,940
2,357,390
Reserves
Revaluation reserve
13
225,981
225,981
Income and expenditure account
2,005,959
2,131,409
Members' funds
2,231,940
2,357,390

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 5 July 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr J H Herriman
Director
Company registration number 00038769 (England and Wales)
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 8 -
Revaluation reserve
Income and expenditure
Total
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2022
225,981
869,097
1,095,078
Year ended 31 December 2022:
Deficit
-
(233,688)
(233,688)
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial gains on defined benefit plans
-
1,496,000
1,496,000
Total comprehensive income
-
1,262,312
1,262,312
Balance at 31 December 2022
225,981
2,131,409
2,357,390
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Deficit
-
(14,451)
(14,451)
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial gains on defined benefit plans
-
(111,000)
(111,000)
Total comprehensive income
-
(125,451)
(125,451)
Balance at 31 December 2023
225,981
2,005,959
2,231,940
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 9 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
19
(1,166,883)
(6,033,673)
Income taxes refunded/(paid)
22,539
(34,200)
Net cash outflow from operating activities
(1,144,344)
(6,067,873)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
-
0
(45,100)
Interest received
9,666
2,358
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities
9,666
(42,742)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,134,678)
(6,110,615)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,870,776
7,981,391
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
736,098
1,870,776
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 10 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

The Trading Standards Institute is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 1 Sylvan Court, Sylvan Way, Southfields Business Park, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6TH.

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. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
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 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.

1.3
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.

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 property
2% straight line
Fixtures and fittings
25% reducing balance
Computers
33% straight line
Office equipment
25% reducing balance

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 surplus or deficit.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 11 -

Properties whose fair value can be measured reliably are held under the revaluation model and are carried at a revalued amount, being their fair value at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. The fair value of the land and buildings is usually considered to be their market value.

 

Revaluation gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, except to the extent that a revaluation gain reverses a revaluation loss previously recognised in surplus or deficit or a revaluation loss exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains recognised in equity; such gains and losses are recognised in surplus or deficit.

1.4
Fixed asset investments

Interests in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in surplus or deficit.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.5
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 surplus or deficit, 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 surplus or deficit, 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.

1.6
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.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
1.7
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.

Other financial assets

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 surplus or deficit, 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.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through surplus and deficit, 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 surplus or deficit.

 

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 surplus or deficit.

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.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
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.

Other financial liabilities

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 surplus or deficit 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.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.8
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.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
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.

1.9
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.

1.10
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.11
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.

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.

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 TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 15 -
3
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
22,700
8,350
For other services
All other non-audit services
42,973
39,409
4
Employees

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

2023
2022
Number
Number
Total
25
32
5
Impairments

Impairment tests have been carried out where appropriate and the following impairment losses have been recognised in surplus or deficit:

2023
2022
Notes
£
£
In respect of:
Fixed asset investments
7
-
100
Recognised in:
Amounts written off investments
-
100

The impairment losses in respect of financial assets are recognised in other gains and losses in the profit and loss account.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 16 -
6
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold property
Fixtures and fittings
Computers
Office equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023
1,521,177
142,328
45,897
83,194
1,792,596
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
80,824
133,069
45,897
43,142
302,932
Depreciation charged in the year
21,078
9,259
-
0
17,502
47,839
At 31 December 2023
101,902
142,328
45,897
60,644
350,771
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
1,419,275
-
0
-
0
22,550
1,441,825
At 31 December 2022
1,440,353
9,259
-
0
40,051
1,489,663

Land and buildings with a carrying amount of £1,196,012 were revalued to £1,475,000 in 2018, on the basis of market value.

The revaluation surplus is disclosed in note 13.

The following assets are carried at valuation. If the assets were measured using the cost model, the carrying amounts would be as follows:

Freehold property
2023
2022
£
£
Cost
1,450,245
1,450,245
Accumulated depreciation
(320,167)
(300,520)
Carrying value
1,130,078
1,149,725
7
Fixed asset investments
2023
2022
£
£
Shares in group undertakings and participating interests
103
103
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 17 -
8
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
49,344
179,028
Amounts owed by group undertakings
89,013
23,076
Other debtors
110,385
106,321
248,742
308,425
9
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Trade creditors
13,390
28,357
Amounts owed to group undertakings
38,541
103,477
Corporation tax
-
0
14,623
Other taxation and social security
15,952
42,342
Other creditors
47,368
1,043,201
115,251
1,232,000
10
Retirement benefit schemes
2023
2022
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
(7,309)
2,340

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

 

Defined benefit schemes

Certain employees and former employees of the company are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (the LGPS).

 

The LGPS is a defined benefit statutory scheme administered in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013 and currently provides benefits based on career average revalued earnings. Full details of the benefits are as set out in the Regulations and summarised on the LGPS website (www.lgpsregs.org/) and the Fund’s membership booklet (www.lgpsmember.org/).

 

The Pension Fund Committee oversees the management of the Fund whilst the day to day fund administration is undertaken by a team within the administering authority. Where appropriate some functions are delegated to the Fund’s professional advisers.

Valuation

The valuation model has been based on the most recent actuarial valuation as at 31 December 2023 and was updated by Barnett Waddingham to take account of the requirements of FRS 102 in order to assess the liabilities of the schemes at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022. Scheme assets are stated at their market values at the respective balance sheet dates and overall expected rates of return are established by applying published brokers' forecasts to each category of scheme assets.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
10
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 18 -
2023
2022
Key assumptions
%
%
Discount rate
4.60
4.85
Expected rate of increase of pensions in payment
2.75
2.75
Expected rate of salary increases
3.75
3.75
Mortality assumptions
2023
2022

Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65:

Years
Years
Retiring today
- Males
20.7
21
- Females
23.2
23.5
Retiring in 20 years
- Males
22
22.3
- Females
24.7
25

 

2023
2022

Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account

£
£
Current service cost
15,000
44,000
Net interest on net defined benefit liability/(asset)
(64,000)
28,000
Other costs and income
3,000
2,000
Total costs/(income)
(46,000)
74,000
2023
2022

Amounts taken to other comprehensive income

£
£
Actual return on scheme assets
(489,000)
154,000
Less: calculated interest element
212,000
84,000
Return on scheme assets excluding interest income
(277,000)
238,000
Actuarial changes related to obligations
522,000
(3,003,000)
Effect of changes in the amount of surplus that is not recoverable
(134,000)
1,269,000
Total costs/(income)
111,000
(1,496,000)
THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
10
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 19 -

The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the company's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:

2023
2022
£
£
Present value of defined benefit obligations
3,606,000
3,194,000
Fair value of plan assets
(4,741,000)
(4,463,000)
Surplus in scheme
(1,135,000)
(1,269,000)
Restriction on scheme assets
1,135,000
1,269,000
Total liability recognised
-
-

The restriction on scheme assets arises on the basis that it is unlikely that the company will be able to recover the surplus either through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds from the plan.

2023

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations

£
Liabilities at 1 January 2023
3,194,000
Current service cost
15,000
Benefits paid
(279,000)
Contributions from scheme members
6,000
Actuarial gains and losses
522,000
Interest cost
148,000
At 31 December 2023
3,606,000

The defined benefit obligations arise from plans which are wholly or partly funded.

2023

Movements in the fair value of plan assets

£
Fair value of assets at 1 January 2023
4,463,000
Interest income
212,000
Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest)
277,000
Benefits paid
(279,000)
Contributions by the employer
65,000
Contributions by scheme members
6,000
Other
(3,000)
At 31 December 2023
4,741,000

The actual return on plan assets was £489,000 (2022 - £154,000).

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
10
Retirement benefit schemes
(Continued)
- 20 -
2023
2022

Fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end

£
£
Equity instruments
2,758,000
2,511,000
Debt instruments
61,000
284,000
Property
371,000
422,000
Cash
139,000
134,000
Alternative assets
751,000
668,000
Other managed funds
661,000
444,000
4,741,000
4,463,000
11
Deferred taxation

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

Liabilities
Liabilities
2023
2022
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
9,830
-
Revaluations
69,747
79,577
79,577
79,577
There were no deferred tax movements in the year.

 

12
Members' liability

The company is limited by guarantee, not having a share capital and consequently the liability of members is limited, subject to an undertaking by each member to contribute to the net assets or liabilities of the company on winding up such amounts as may be required not exceeding £5.

13
Revaluation reserve
2023
2022
£
£
At the beginning and end of the year
225,981
225,981

The revaluation reserve represents cumulative surpluses arising on the revaluation of freehold property, less a provision for deferred taxation.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 21 -
14
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

The company is part of a group Value added Tax (VAT) registration scheme. As such, the company is liable for the group VAT liability on a joint and several basis. At the year end there was a VAT liability due of £21,365 (2022: £17,109) under this scheme.

15
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

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

2023
2022
£
£
-
0
1,216
16
Events after the reporting date

Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the remaining trading activities and the assets of the company were transferred to Chartered Trading Standards Institute ("CTSI"). CTSI is a Royal Charter company, registered under number RC000879 and is the sole member of The Trading Standards Institute.

17
Related party transactions

The company has taken advantage of the exemption from the requirement to disclose transactions with wholly owned group companies

18
Parent company

The sole member of The Trading Standards Institute is Chartered Trading Institute, a Royal Charter company registered under number RC000879. Its registered office is 1 Sylvan Court, Sylvan Way, Southfields Business Park, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6TH.

THE TRADING STANDARDS INSTITUTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
- 22 -
19
Cash absorbed by operations
2023
2022
£
£
Deficit for the year after tax
(14,451)
(233,688)
Adjustments for:
Taxation (credited)/charged
(37,162)
41,193
Finance costs
(64,000)
28,000
Investment income
(9,666)
(2,358)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
47,839
29,814
Other gains and losses
-
100
Pension scheme non-cash movement
(47,000)
(128,000)
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
59,683
30,426
Decrease in creditors
(1,102,126)
(5,799,160)
Cash absorbed by operations
(1,166,883)
(6,033,673)
2023-12-312023-01-01falseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2024.100Mr J H HerrimanMr T GassMr P OwenMr P RamsdenMs LC BaxterMs J SampsonMr J MunroMs WJ PottsMr AG SimpsonMr B MeredithMr U DholakiaMr JS RuddyMs T LindsayMr D StephensonMr R IslamMr ID CottinghamMrs NL PasekMr PJ OwenMr P J OwenMs C Levoirfalsefalse000387692023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director12023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director22023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director72023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director92023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director112023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director122023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director132023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director142023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:CompanySecretaryDirector12023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director162023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director172023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director182023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:CompanySecretary12023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director42023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director52023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director62023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director82023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director102023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director152023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director32023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Director192023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:RegisteredOffice2023-01-012023-12-31000387692023-12-31000387692022-01-012022-12-3100038769core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-01-012022-12-3100038769core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-01-012023-12-31000387692022-12-3100038769core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-12-3100038769core:FurnitureFittings2023-12-3100038769core:ComputerEquipment2023-12-3100038769core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2023-12-3100038769core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2022-12-3100038769core:FurnitureFittings2022-12-3100038769core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-3100038769core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2022-12-3100038769core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2023-12-3100038769core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2022-12-3100038769core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2023-12-3100038769core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2022-12-3100038769core:RevaluationReserve2023-12-3100038769core:RevaluationReserve2022-12-3100038769core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-12-3100038769core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-12-3100038769core:RevaluationReserve2021-12-3100038769core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2021-12-31000387692022-12-31000387692021-12-3100038769core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-01-012023-12-3100038769core:FurnitureFittings2023-01-012023-12-3100038769core:ComputerEquipment2023-01-012023-12-3100038769core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2023-01-012023-12-3100038769core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2022-12-3100038769core:FurnitureFittings2022-12-3100038769core:ComputerEquipment2022-12-3100038769core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2022-12-3100038769core:WithinOneYear2023-12-3100038769core:WithinOneYear2022-12-3100038769bus:CompanyLimitedByGuarantee2023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:FRS1022023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:Audited2023-01-012023-12-3100038769bus:FullAccounts2023-01-012023-12-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP