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Registered number: 06244221









J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED









ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
J C Parish 
R Parish 




Company secretary
J C Parish



Registered number
06244221



Registered office
Office 10
Billingsgate Market

Trafalgar Way

Poplar

London

E14 5ST




Independent auditors
Barnes Roffe LLP
Chartered Accountants  
Statutory Auditor

Leytonstone House

Leytonstone

London

E11 1GA





 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Group strategic report
 
1
Directors' report
 
2 - 3
Independent auditor's report
 
4 - 7
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
 
8
Consolidated balance sheet
 
9
Company balance sheet
 
10
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
 
11
Company statement of changes in equity
 
12
Consolidated statement of cash flows
 
13
Consolidated analysis of net debt
 
14
Notes to the financial statements
 
15 - 30


 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Introduction
 
We aim to present a balanced and comprehensive review of the development and performance of our business during the year and its position at the year end. Our review is consistent with the size and non-complex nature of our business and is written in the context of the risks and uncertainties we face. 

Business review
 
The directors are pleased with the group's performance for the year. Although turnover has declined slightly, we have managed to maintain a consistent margin despite rising inflation, particularly in fuel costs. The Group remains in a strong financial position and is well-prepared for future challenges.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The Group is subject to the same general risks and uncertainties as any other business, for example, the impact of natural disasters, changes in general economic conditions including currency and interest rate fluctuations andthe impact of competition.
We do not consider there to be any principal risks and uncertainties that are specific to us.

Financial key performance indicators
 
To measure the performance of the Group in the year we look at the turnover, gross profit and profit before tax. These are key indicators of how our business has performed.
                                               
2023                    2022
Turnover                               £38,028,129        £39,386,332
Gross Profit                          £3,876,366          £4,114,892
Profit Before Tax                   £1,400,391          £1,790,973


This report was approved by the board on 26 September 2024 and signed on its behalf.



J C Parish
Director

Page 1

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Group strategic report, the Directors' report and the consolidated 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 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 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 the Group and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period.

 In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:


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

make judgments 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 Group will continue in business.

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 the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £1,057,186 (2022 - £1,434,747).

The directors do not recommend the payment of a final dividend. 

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

J C Parish 
R Parish 

Future developments

The directors do not believe that the business will change significantly in the foreseeable future.

Page 2

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company and the Group's auditors are unaware, and

the director 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 and the Group's auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events affecting the Group since the year end.

Auditors

The auditorsBarnes Roffe LLPwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board on 26 September 2024 and signed on its behalf.
 





J C Parish
Director

Page 3

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of J. Bennett (Holdings) Limited (the 'parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 December 2023, which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company 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 Group's and of the parent Company's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of the Group's 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 Group 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 directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.


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


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


Page 4

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The directors are 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.

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 Group strategic report and the Directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Group strategic report and the Directors' 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 Group and the parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group strategic report or the Directors' report.

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

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

Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 2, 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 Group's and the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 5

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) 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 Auditors' 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 Group financial statements.

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.

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:
 
Ensuring that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the Group through discussions with directors, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the relevant sector;
The specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial
statements or the operations of the Group, are as follows - Companies Act 2006, FRS 102, Employment legislation and Tax legislation;
We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
Laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team at the planning meeting, and the audit team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
 
Making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non - compliance with laws and regulations;
Reviewing the financial statements and testing the disclosures against supporting documentation;
Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected trends or anomalies;
Inspecting and testing journal entries to identify unusual or unexpected transactions; and
Assessing whether judgement and assumptions made in determining significant accounting estimates were indicative of management 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 Auditors' report.

Page 6

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) 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.




Andrew May ACCA (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of
Barnes Roffe LLP
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Leytonstone House
Leytonstone
London
E11 1GA

26 September 2024
Page 7

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
38,028,129
39,386,332

Cost of sales
  
(34,151,763)
(35,271,440)

Gross profit
  
3,876,366
4,114,892

Distribution costs
  
(246,766)
(266,775)

Administrative expenses
  
(2,218,816)
(2,057,144)

Operating profit
 5 
1,410,784
1,790,973

Interest receivable and similar income
 8 
876
-

Interest payable and similar charges
 9 
(11,269)
-

Profit before taxation
  
1,400,391
1,790,973

Tax on profit
 10 
(343,205)
(356,226)

Profit for the financial year
  
1,057,186
1,434,747

Profit for the year attributable to:
  

Owners of the parent Company
  
1,057,186
1,434,747

Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
  

Owners of the parent Company
  
1,057,186
1,434,747

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

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 06244221

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Intangible assets
 12 
144,169
185,363

Tangible assets
 13 
25,285
32,190

  
169,454
217,553

Current assets
  

Stocks
  
84,523
108,091

Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 15 
-
90,000

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
3,331,430
3,951,586

Cash at bank and in hand
 16 
5,717,911
5,643,228

  
9,133,864
9,792,905

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 17 
(3,840,335)
(4,825,735)

Net current assets
  
 
 
5,293,529
 
 
4,967,170

Total assets less current liabilities
  
5,462,983
5,184,723

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred taxation
 19 
(3,821)
(5,365)

Net assets
  
5,459,162
5,179,358


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 20 
75
75

Capital redemption reserve
 21 
24
24

Profit and loss account
 21 
5,459,063
5,179,259

Equity attributable to owners of the parent Company
  
5,459,162
5,179,358

  
5,459,162
5,179,358


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 26 September 2024.




J C Parish
Director

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 06244221

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Investments
 14 
1,628,485
1,628,485

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
99
99

Cash at bank and in hand
 16 
561,577
561,577

  
561,676
561,676

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 17 
(1,930,062)
(1,930,062)

Net current liabilities
  
 
 
(1,368,386)
 
 
(1,368,386)

  

  

Net assets
  
260,099
260,099


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 20 
75
75

Capital redemption reserve
 21 
24
24

Profit and loss account brought forward
  
260,000
560,000

Profit for the year
  
777,382
1,244,115

Other changes in the profit and loss account

  

(777,382)
(1,544,115)

Profit and loss account carried forward
  
260,000
260,000

  
260,099
260,099


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 26 September 2024.


J C Parish
Director

The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 

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


Called up share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to owners of parent Company
Total equity

£
£
£
£
£


At 1 January 2022
87
12
5,288,627
5,288,726
5,288,726


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
1,434,747
1,434,747
1,434,747


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(1,244,115)
(1,244,115)
(1,244,115)

Purchase of own shares
-
12
(300,000)
(299,988)
(299,988)

Shares cancelled during the year
(12)
-
-
(12)
(12)



At 1 January 2023
75
24
5,179,259
5,179,358
5,179,358


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
1,057,186
1,057,186
1,057,186


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(777,382)
(777,382)
(777,382)


At 31 December 2023
75
24
5,459,063
5,459,162
5,459,162


The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 

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


Called up share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£


At 1 January 2022
87
12
560,000
560,099


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
1,244,115
1,244,115


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(1,244,115)
(1,244,115)

Purchase of own shares
-
12
(300,000)
(299,988)

Shares cancelled during the year
(12)
-
-
(12)



At 1 January 2023
75
24
260,000
260,099


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
777,382
777,382


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
(777,382)
(777,382)


At 31 December 2023
75
24
260,000
260,099


The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
1,057,186
1,434,747

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of intangible assets
41,194
41,194

Depreciation of tangible assets
12,094
15,154

Interest paid
11,269
-

Interest received
(876)
-

Taxation charge
343,205
356,226

Decrease/(increase) in stocks
23,568
(10,180)

Decrease/(increase) in debtors
710,156
(275,202)

(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(808,445)
1,099,723

Corporation tax (paid)
(521,704)
(459,697)

Net cash generated from operating activities

867,647
2,201,965


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(5,189)
(2,399)

Interest received
876
-

Net cash from investing activities

(4,313)
(2,399)

Cash flows from financing activities

Purchase of ordinary shares
-
(300,000)

Dividends paid
(777,382)
(1,244,115)

Interest paid
(11,269)
-

Net cash used in financing activities
(788,651)
(1,544,115)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
74,683
655,451

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
5,643,228
4,987,777

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
5,717,911
5,643,228


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
5,717,911
5,643,228


The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023




At 1 January 2023
Cash flows
At 31 December 2023
£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

5,643,228

74,683

5,717,911


The notes on pages 15 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.


General information

J.Bennett (Holdings) Limited ("the Company") is a private company limited by shares, incorporated in England and Wales. Its registered office is Office 10, Billingsgate Market, Trafalgar Way, Poplar, London, E14 5ST.

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 Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Balance sheet, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
In accordance with the transitional exemption available in FRS 102, the Group has chosen not to retrospectively apply the standard to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to FRS 102, being 01 January 2014.

 
2.3

Going concern

The directors are not aware of any circumstances likely to arise which may cause the going concern basis to be inappropriate.

 
2.4

Revenue

Turnover is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have transferred to the buyer, the amount of turnover can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Group and the costs incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. This is considered to be on despatch of the goods. Revenue is measured at fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes.

Page 15

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.5

Intangible assets

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the acquirer’s interest in the fair value of the Group's share of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis to the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income over its useful economic life of 20 years. 

 
2.6

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.

The Group adds to the carrying amount of an item of fixed assets the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred, if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the Group. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. Repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Plant and machinery
-
10% straight line
Fixtures and equipment
-
15-25% straight line

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.

 
2.7

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

 
2.8

Stocks

Cost includes the purchase price, including duties, transport and handling directly attributable to bringing consumables to their present location and condition. Stock is recognised as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognised.

 
2.9

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment.

Page 16

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.10

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.

 
2.11

Financial instruments

Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's Balance sheet when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, 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.

Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. 

Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.

If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.

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 Group after the deduction of all its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans, other loans and loans due to fellow group companies are initially measured at their transaction price after transaction costs. When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if the payment is
Page 17

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.11
Financial instruments (continued)

due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

 
2.12

Creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price.

 
2.13

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.

 
2.14

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an Annual General Meeting.

 
2.15

Operating leases: the Group as lessee

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

 
2.16

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Group operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Group 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 Group in independently administered funds.

Page 18

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.17

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 and the Group operate and generate 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.

 
2.18

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

Page 19

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3.


Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Estimates and judgments 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.
Judgments in applying accounting policies
The Group does not consider there to be any critical judgments in applying accounting policies.
Accounting estimates and assumptions
The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:
(i) Impairment of debtors
The Group makes an estimate of the recoverable value of trade and other debtors. When assessing impairment of trade and other debtors, management considers factors including the current credit rating of the debtor, the ageing profile of debtors and historical experience. See note 15 for the net carrying amount of the debtors.


4.


Turnover

The whole of the turnover is attributable to the wholesale of fish. 

Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2023
2022
£
£

United Kingdom
37,718,420
38,833,220

Rest of Europe
309,709
553,112

38,028,129
39,386,332



5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2023
2022
£
£

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
12,094
15,154

Amortisation of intangible assets, including goodwill
41,194
41,194

Operating lease rentals
45,495
45,219

Fees payable to the Group's auditors for the audit of the Group's annual financial statements
19,000
18,000

Page 20

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6.


Employees

Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:


Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£


Wages and salaries
1,262,203
1,137,329

Social security costs
144,988
123,365

Cost of defined contribution scheme
201,117
44,684

1,608,308
1,305,378


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


        2023
        2022
            No.
            No.







Production
27
26



Administration
5
5

32
31


7.


Directors' remuneration

2023
2022
£
£

Directors' emoluments
65,660
75,490

Group contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
154,000
-

219,660
75,490


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 2 directors (2022 - 3) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.


8.


Interest receivable and similar income

2023
2022
£
£


Other interest
876
-

Page 21

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9.


Interest payable and similar charges

2023
2022
£
£


Other interest
11,269
-


10.


Taxation


2023
2022
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
344,766
357,204

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
(17)
-


344,749
357,204


Total current tax
344,749
357,204

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(1,544)
(978)

Total deferred tax
(1,544)
(978)


Tax on profit
343,205
356,226
Page 22

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
 
10.Taxation (continued)


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 25% (2022 - 19%). The differences are explained below:

2023
2022
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
1,400,391
1,790,973


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2022 - 19%)
350,098
340,285

Effects of:


Non-tax deductible amortisation of goodwill and impairment
10,298
7,827

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
4,512
8,114

Difference due to a change in tax rates
(21,686)
-

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
(17)
-

Total tax charge for the year
343,205
356,226


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.


11.


Dividends

2023
2022
£
£


Dividends declared and paid
777,382
1,244,115

Post year end and prior to the approval of the accounts, dividends of £364,000 (2022 - £417,382) were declared.

Page 23

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12.


Intangible assets

Group and Company





Goodwill

£



Cost


At 1 January 2023
823,870



At 31 December 2023

823,870



Amortisation


At 1 January 2023
638,507


Charge for the year on owned assets
41,194



At 31 December 2023

679,701



Net book value



At 31 December 2023
144,169



At 31 December 2022
185,363



Page 24

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13.


Tangible fixed assets

Group






Plant and machinery
Fixtures and fittings
Total

£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2023
44,803
88,881
133,684


Additions
-
5,189
5,189



At 31 December 2023

44,803
94,070
138,873



Depreciation


At 1 January 2023
22,072
79,422
101,494


Charge for the year on owned assets
4,085
8,009
12,094



At 31 December 2023

26,157
87,431
113,588



Net book value



At 31 December 2023
18,646
6,639
25,285



At 31 December 2022
22,731
9,459
32,190

Page 25

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14.


Fixed asset investments

Company





Investments in subsidiary companies

£



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2023
1,628,485



At 31 December 2023
1,628,485





Subsidiary undertakings


The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Class of shares

Holding

Jayben Limited
Ordinary
100%
J.Bennett (Billingsgate) Limited*
Ordinary
100%

*J.Bennett (Billingsgate) Limited is a 100% subsidiary of Jayben Limited.
The subsidiary companies were incorporated in England & Wales. The registered office of the subsidiary companies is Office 10, Billingsgate Market, Trafalgar Way, Poplar, London, E14 5ST.
All subsidiaries have been included in the consolidation.

The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 31 December 2023 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertakings were as follows:

Name
Aggregate of share capital and reserves
Profit
£
£

Jayben Limited
265,402
777,382

J.Bennett (Billingsgate) Limited*
6,551,213
1,098,363

Page 26

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15.


Debtors

Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Due after more than one year

Other debtors
-
90,000
-
-


Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Due within one year

Trade debtors
3,214,223
3,843,110
-
-

Other debtors
48,475
44,157
99
99

Prepayments and accrued income
68,732
64,319
-
-

3,331,430
3,951,586
99
99



16.


Cash and cash equivalents

Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
5,717,911
5,643,228
561,577
561,577



17.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Trade creditors
3,493,904
4,323,103
-
-

Amounts owed to group undertakings
-
-
1,930,062
1,930,062

Corporation tax
180,249
357,204
-
-

Other taxation and social security
56,018
57,383
-
-

Other creditors
55,824
62,383
-
-

Accruals and deferred income
54,340
25,662
-
-

3,840,335
4,825,735
1,930,062
1,930,062


Page 27

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

18.


Financial instruments

Group
Group
Company
Company
2023
2022
2023
2022
£
£
£
£

Financial assets

Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
5,717,911
5,643,228
561,577
561,577

Trade and other debtors
3,262,698
3,889,517
99
99

8,980,609
9,532,745
561,676
561,676


Financial liabilities

Trade and other creditors
3,604,068
4,411,148
1,930,062
1,930,062


19.


Deferred taxation


Group



2023
2022


£

£






At beginning of year
5,365
6,343


Charged to profit or loss
(1,544)
(978)



At end of year
3,821
5,365






The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£

Accelerated capital allowances
3,821
5,365

Page 28

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20.


Share capital

2023
2022
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



750 (2022 - 750) Ordinary shares of £0.10 each
75
75

There are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends and the repayment of capital.



21.


Reserves

Capital redemption reserve

The capital redemption reserve is a result of repurchase of own shares.

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss account represents accumulated profits and losses of the Company since incorporation less dividends paid.


22.


Pension commitments

The Group operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. The pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Group to the funds in respect of the year and amounted to £201,117 (2022 - £44,684). At the year end there were contributions outstanding of £6,658 (2022 - £7,172).


23.


Commitments under operating leases

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


Group
Group
2023
2022
£
£

Not later than 1 year
1,067
2,072
Page 29

 
J. BENNETT (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

24.


Related party transactions

Company
The Company is exempt from disclosing related party transactions with companies that are wholly owned within the Group.
The Company's directors had an interest in dividends of £527,382 
(2022 - £689,126)
Group
During the year the Group made sales to other related companies of £730,915 (2022 - 1,129,121) and was owed £70,856 (2022 - £295,179) at the year end. 

 
Page 30