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Registered number: 06419282










MERIDIAN READING LIMITED










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

COMPANY INFORMATION


Director
M Janmohamed 




Company secretary
C Broulidakis



Registered number
06419282



Registered office
Crowne Plaza Reading East
Wharfedale Road

Winnersh Triangle

Reading

Berkshire

RG41 5TS




Independent auditors
James Cowper Kreston Audit
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

Reading Bridge House

George Street

Reading

Berkshire

RG1 8LS





 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Director's report
3 - 4
Independent auditors' report
5 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Statement of cash flows
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 22


 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Business review
 
The results of the period and financial position of the company are as shown in the annexed financial statements.
Turnover, margin and net profit are the main measures used to monitor the performance of the company. 
In the face of evolving market dynamics, Meridian Reading Limited continues to navigate challenges and opportunities to ensure its sustained growth and financial resilience. Our strategic focus for the current year, with an eye on margin protection and cost control, encompasses seberal key areas to drive our success:
Margin Protection and Cost Controls: With a vigilant approach to margin protection and cost controls, we aim to optimize operational efficiency and enhance profitability. Our comprehensive cost management strategy will be embedded across all facets of the organization to ensure prudent resource allocation and sustainable financial performance.

Financial Resilience and Debt Management: Maintaining low leverage and effective debt management remain paramount. While the Company has fixed its cost of debt at favorable rates, we will proactively monitor and manage upcoming financial obligations, such as the gas contract renewal, ensuring minimal impact on our overall financial performance.

Staff Retention and Development: Our commitment to retaining top talent and nurturing their growth is unwavering. By fostering a supportive and engaging work environment, we aim to attract, retain, and develop skilled professionals who contribute to our enduring success.

Supply Chain Protection and Resilience: We recognize the importance of a robust supply chain. Through strategic partnerships and risk mitigation strategies, we will fortify our supply chain against disruptions, ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction.

Energy Conservation Initiatives: Embracing sustainable practices, we will implement energy conservation initiatives that not only contribute to environmental stewardship but also result in operational efficiencies and cost savings.

Diversified Revenue Centers: To mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations, we will continue our focus on multiple revenue streams. This approach will enhance our ability to navigate challenges in specific market segments while capitalizing on opportunities in others.

Liquidity Reserves for Economic Uncertainties: As a proactive measure, we will maintain substantial liquidity reserves to safeguard against economic downturns and unforeseen circumstances. This approach ensures our ability to weather uncertainties and invest in growth during opportune times.

Market Segmentation and Corporate Strength: While the leisure market segment poses challenges due to inflationary headwinds, we remain poised to leverage our strength in the corporate segment. This balanced approach will allow us to optimize revenue generation and navigate market shifts effectively.

In Conclusion, Meridian Reading Limited's strategic direction for the current year underscores a holistic approach to sustainable growth, resilient operations, and prudent financial management. By prioritising margin protection, cost controls and embracing strategic initiatives across various facets of the business, we are confident in our avulity to thrive in a dynamic business landscape. This strategic focus is aligned with our commitment to delivering value to shareholders, sustaining a motivated workforce and ensuring long-term success of the company.
 

Page 1

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The company uses various financial instruments including cash and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the company's operations. 
The existence of these financial instruments exposes the company to a number of financial risks which are described in more detail below.
The main risks arising from the company's financial statements is cash flow risk. The company seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably.


This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.



M Janmohamed
Director

Date: 18 September 2024

Page 2

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The director presents his report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Director's responsibilities statement

The director is responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Director's report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
 
Company law requires the director to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the director has elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. Under company law the director must not approve the financial statements unless he is 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 director is required to:


select suitable accounting policies for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The director is 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 to enable him to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006He is 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.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the comapny is that of operating a hotel.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £1,455,371 (2022 - £1,055,029).

Director

The director who served during the year was:

M Janmohamed 

Disclosure of information to auditors

The director at the time when this Director's report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as he is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware, and

he has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.



Page 3

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Auditors

The auditorsJames Cowper Kreston Auditwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
 





M Janmohamed
Director

Date: 18 September 2024

Page 4

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Meridian Reading Limited (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows, the Statement of changes in equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


In our opinion the financial statements:


give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.


Basis for opinion


We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 director's 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 director 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 Auditors' report thereon. The director is responsible for the other information contained within the Annual ReportOur 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.


Page 5

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MERIDIAN READING LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:


the information given in the Strategic report and the Director's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Strategic report and the Director's report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.


Matters on which we are required to report by exception
 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Director's report.


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


adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of director's remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Director's responsibilities statement set out on page 3, the director is 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 director determines 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 director is 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 director either intends to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.


Page 6

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MERIDIAN READING LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue 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. 
 
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. 
 
The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 
The specific procedures for this engagement that we designed and performed to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud, were as follows:

Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims;
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance to identify any material instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
Performing audit work to address the risk of irregularities due to management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for evidence of bias.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor's report.
 


Page 7

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MERIDIAN READING LIMITED (CONTINUED)


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 2006Our 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 Auditors' 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.





Darren O'Connor BSc(Hons) FCCA ACA (Senior statutory auditor)
  
for and on behalf of
James Cowper Kreston Audit
 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
  
Reading Bridge House
George Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 8LS

25 September 2024
Page 8

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
7,829,615
7,270,868

Cost of sales
  
(712,075)
(642,943)

Gross profit
  
7,117,540
6,627,925

Administrative expenses
  
(5,475,881)
(5,374,359)

Operating profit
 5 
1,641,659
1,253,566

Interest receivable and similar income
 8 
180,295
106,151

Profit before tax
  
1,821,954
1,359,717

Tax on profit
 9 
(366,583)
(304,688)

Profit for the financial year
  
1,455,371
1,055,029

There was no other comprehensive income for 2023 (2022:£NIL).

The notes on pages 13 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 06419282

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 10 
1,745,996
2,035,921

  
1,745,996
2,035,921

Current assets
  

Stocks
 11 
28,695
30,063

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 12 
10,409,437
8,894,021

Cash at bank and in hand
 13 
846,206
252,168

  
11,284,338
9,176,252

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 14 
(1,462,481)
(1,070,952)

Net current assets
  
 
 
9,821,857
 
 
8,105,300

Total assets less current liabilities
  
11,567,853
10,141,221

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 15 
(216,375)
(245,114)

  
 
 
(216,375)
 
 
(245,114)

Net assets
  
11,351,478
9,896,107


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 16 
100
100

Profit and loss account
 17 
11,351,378
9,896,007

  
11,351,478
9,896,107


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 18 September 2024.




M Janmohamed
Director

The notes on pages 13 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£

At 1 January 2023
100
9,896,007
9,896,107



Profit for the year
-
1,455,371
1,455,371


At 31 December 2023
100
11,351,378
11,351,478


The notes on pages 13 to 22 form part of these financial statements.


STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£

At 1 January 2022
100
8,840,978
8,841,078



Profit for the year
-
1,055,029
1,055,029


At 31 December 2022
100
9,896,007
9,896,107


The notes on pages 13 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
1,455,371
1,055,029

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of tangible assets
308,117
254,193

Loss on disposal of tangible assets
-
119,679

Interest received
(180,265)
(106,151)

Taxation charge
366,583
304,688

Decrease/(increase) in stocks
1,368
(5,491)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(57,017)
150,923

(Increase) in amounts owed by related companies
(1,459,559)
(2,487,461)

Increase in creditors
334,590
123,219

Corporation tax (paid)/received
(298,343)
-

Net cash generated from operating activities

470,845
(591,372)


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(18,192)
(48,881)

Interest received
180,265
106,151

Net cash from investing activities

162,073
57,270


Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
632,918
(534,102)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
206,797
740,899

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
839,715
206,797


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
846,206
252,168

Bank overdrafts
(6,491)
(45,371)

839,715
206,797


The notes on pages 13 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.


General information

Meridian Reading Limited is a private company, limited by shares and incorporated in England (registered number 06419282). The company's principal place of business is Crowne Plaza Reading East, M4 J10, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Reading, RG41 5TS.

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Company's accounting policies (see note 3).

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

  
2.2

Turnover

Turnover is primarily derived from hotel operations, including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales. Turnover is recognised when rooms are occupied and food and beverage is sold.

 
2.3

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Plant and equipment
-
15% reducing balance

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.4

Operating leases: the Company as lessee

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term, unless another systematic basis is representative of the time pattern of the lessee's benefit from the use of the leased asset.

Page 13

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.5

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.

At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.6

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.7

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

In the Statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Company's cash management.

 
2.8

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 
2.9

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.

 
2.10

Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
 
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

Page 14

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.11

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date
 
 
2.12

Financial instruments

The company only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in ordinary shares.

Page 15

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
The company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates, will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions made by the company and the risk of material adjustments has been carefully considered to ensure compliance with the requirements under FRS 102.
The following have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements. 
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values, where appropriate. The actual lives of the asset and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. Residual value assessments consider issues such as the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.
Taxation
The company establishes provisions based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorities. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience with previous tax submissions. Management estimation is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that can be recognised, based upon likely timing and level of future taxable profits together with an assessment of the effect of future tax planning strategies.


4.


Turnover

The whole of the turnover is attributable to the principal activity. 

All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.


5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2023
2022
£
£

Depreciation
308,117
254,193

Other operating lease rentals
503,000
745,013

Page 16

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6.


Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the Company obtained the following services from the Company's auditors:


2023
2022
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's financial statements
10,175
9,000

Fees payable to the Company's auditors in respect of:

Taxation compliance services
1,800
1,500


7.


Employees

Staff costs were as follows:


2023
2022
£
£

Wages and salaries
2,049,967
1,756,820

Social security costs
191,050
169,186

Pension
8,888
10,193

2,249,905
1,936,199


The average monthly number of employees, including the director, during the year was as follows:


        2023
        2022
            No.
            No.







Employees
86
83


8.


Interest receivable

2023
2022
£
£


Bank and other interest receivable
180,295
106,151

180,295
106,151

Page 17

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9.


Taxation


2023
2022
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
395,322
107,549


Total current tax
395,322
107,549

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(28,739)
197,139

Total deferred tax
(28,739)
197,139


Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
366,583
304,688

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is lower than (2022 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.52% (2022 - 19%). The differences are explained below:

2023
2022
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
1,821,954
1,359,717


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.52% (2022 - 19%)
428,534
258,346

Effects of:


Other timing differences
(1,700)
47,313

Capital allowances for year in excess of depreciation
(743)
(628)

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
-
138

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
-
(481)

Group relief
(59,508)
-

Total tax charge for the year
366,583
304,688


Factors that may affect future tax charges

The main rate of corporation tax will rise from 19% to 25% from 1 April 2023. On this basis, deferred tax is provided at the future rate of 25%.

Page 18

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10.


Tangible fixed assets





Plant and machinery

£



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2023
3,012,216


Additions
18,192



At 31 December 2023

3,030,408



Depreciation


At 1 January 2023
976,295


Charge for the year on owned assets
308,117



At 31 December 2023

1,284,412



Net book value



At 31 December 2023
1,745,996



At 31 December 2022
2,035,921


11.


Stocks

2023
2022
£
£

Finished goods and goods for resale
28,695
30,063

28,695
30,063


Page 19

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12.


Debtors

2023
2022
£
£


Trade debtors
90,450
38,694

Amounts owed by related companies
10,058,372
8,598,813

Other debtors
9,931
8,227

Prepayments and accrued income
250,684
248,287

10,409,437
8,894,021



13.


Cash and cash equivalents

2023
2022
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
846,206
252,168

Less: bank overdrafts
(6,491)
(45,371)

839,715
206,797



14.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2023
2022
£
£

Bank overdrafts
6,491
45,371

Trade creditors
435,674
294,166

Corporation tax
205,009
108,030

Other taxation and social security
313,527
227,290

Other creditors
501,780
396,095

1,462,481
1,070,952


Page 20

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15.


Deferred taxation




2023
2022


£

£






At beginning of year
(245,114)
(47,975)


Charged to profit or loss
28,739
(197,139)



At end of year
(216,375)
(245,114)

The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

2023
2022
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
(216,375)
(245,114)

(216,375)
(245,114)


16.


Share capital

2023
2022
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



100 (2022 - 100) Ordinary shares of £1.00 each
100
100



17.


Reserves

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss account represents the cumulative profit available for distribution to shareholders.


18.


Pension commitments

The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company  in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund and amounted to £8,888 (2022 - £10,193). Contributions totalling £1,678 (2022 - £179) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors. 

Page 21

 
MERIDIAN READING LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 December 2023 the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:

2023
2022
£
£


Not later than 1 year
500,000
500,000

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
791,667
1,291,667

1,291,667
1,791,667

The company also has a franchise from Six Continents Hotels Inc. The franchise agreement states that a fixed monthly charge of £1,917 (2022: £1,806) is payable, together with a charge equal to 8% (2022: 8%) of room revenue. 


20.


Related party transactions

At the year end, the following balances were outstanding from/(due to) companies under common ownership. 


2023
2022
£
£

Meridian Leisure Management Limited
2,217,937
1,102,281
Reading Star Limited
7,840,435
7,496,532
10,058,372
8,598,813


21.


Controlling party

The company is under the immediate control of Onyx Securities Limited which holds 100% (2022: 100%) of the company's issued share capital. The shares of Onyx Securities Limited are held by an Isle of Man based trust, Venus 2.

Page 22