Company Registration No. 01701103 (England and Wales)
Neville Johnson Limited
Annual report and financial statements
for the year ended 30 April 2024
Neville Johnson Limited
Company information
Directors
N J Pailing
G Aylward
L M Quinlan
S P Meyrick
M R Grenier
M R Shaw
Secretary
G Aylward
Company number
01701103
Registered office
Broadoak Business Park
Ashburton Road West
Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1RW
Independent auditor
Saffery LLP
Trinity
16 John Dalton Street
Manchester
M2 6HY
Bankers
Royal Bank of Scotland plc
1 Spinningfields Square
Manchester
M3 3AP
Solicitors
Ward Hadaway LLP
The Observatory
10 Chapel Walks
Manchester
M2 1HL
Neville Johnson Limited
Contents
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 9
Statement of comprehensive income
10
Statement of financial position
11
Statement of changes in equity
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 27
Neville Johnson Limited
Strategic report
For the year ended 30 April 2024
1
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 30 April 2024.
The Company is a leading UK luxury home interior specialist trading under the Neville Johnson brand. The business designs, manufactures, retails and installs bespoke home luxury furniture and staircase renovations and engages with customers online with a focused digital marketing approach.
Business Review
Overall the Company had a positive FY24, in spite of the very challenging macro environment which resulted in sales falling by 3% to £31.2m (2023: £32.3m). This reduction is at the lower end of the overall reduction being seen in the broader home improvement sector and reflects the strength of the Neville Johnson brand and the greater resilience within the customer demographic for the sector Neville Johnson operates in.
From a supply-side perspective, some of the headwinds that were particularly challenging in the prior year (namely labour availability & inflation pressures, significant raw materials & energy inflation, and general inflation) abated and we started to see some commodity-linked deflation. We were also pleased to see the availability of high-quality labour improving during the year.
Our colleagues throughout our showrooms, factories and offices are critical in delivering on our customer promises for exceptional quality and service, and the continued success of the Group. To support our colleagues during the periods of significant consumer and household inflation the Group was pleased to award an annual pay award in April 2023, that for the second year running, was over double the levels previously awarded pre-2020 (the Covid period). Whilst the Directors were pleased to make this annual pay award, they are mindful that our clients are also experiencing challenging times, and with consumer confidence being challenged, future pay awards need to balance these challenges, and they are likely to return to more normalized levels seen pre-2020.
From a demand-side perspective, the headwinds faced in the prior year persisted and in various areas deteriorated in the year. Some of these challenging macro factors that adversely affect consumer confidence and demand included:
Persistent cost of living challenges (albeit CPI inflation did slow from 7.9% in May ’23 to 2.3% in April ’24);
Bank of England interest rates remained at a 16 year high of 5.25% and the anticipated rate cuts in late 2023 were pushed out, causing mortgage rates to rise again in Q1 2024;
Residential property transaction volumes reduced by 20% in 2023 (-20% vs 2019/Pre-Covid);
Continued instability & low confidence in the UK Government;
Continuation of the Russian led war in Ukraine; and
Hamas & Israel war commencing in October 2023, heightening the geopolitical uncertainties.
The Company continues to focus on a digital marketing strategy, generating high quality, cost effective client leads and has supported this with a focused TV campaign for the Neville Johnson business.
Neville Johnson Limited
Strategic report (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
2
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Company uses various financial instruments which comprise borrowings, some cash and liquid resources and various items such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide 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.
Price risk
The Company is exposed to price risk as a result of its operations, which are competitive in nature. However, the directors consider that they are close enough to the market to be able to react quickly to price changes and hence manage the impact on the Company's performance.
Liquidity 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.
The Company continues to maintain adequate cash balances to fund its working capital requirement.
Fixed cost base risk
The Company has a strategy to minimise the risk of carrying fixed costs through committing as much as possible of its expenditure on overheads on a variable basis.
Financial key performance indicators
The Company has a number of key performance indicators used by management in the effective running of the business.
These include:
Monthly measures on generation of leads, orders, turnover and forward order book
Marketing data and efficiency / conversion ratios
Operational margins and efficiencies
Strict cost and overhead controls
Working capital and cash control measures and reporting
Other management KPI's which are confidential to the business include measures on order intake and marketing data and operational efficiencies.
G Aylward
Director
30 September 2024
Neville Johnson Limited
Directors' report
For the year ended 30 April 2024
3
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024.
Principal activities
The Company's principal activity is the marketing, design, manufacture and installation of luxury quality fitted furniture for the home including home studies, lounges, libraries, bedrooms and staircase renovations.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 10.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
N J Pailing
G Aylward
L M Quinlan
S P Meyrick
M R Grenier
M R Shaw
J M Coulthard
(Resigned 20 September 2024)
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions
The Company insures against third party indemnity risks through its Directors' and Officers' (D&O) liability insurance policy.
Post reporting date events
On 10 May 2024, BHID Group Limited, the ultimate parent company of Neville Johnson Limited, was acquired by Hartford Bidco Limited. The directors consider that from 10 May 2024 the ultimate parent undertaking of the company is Hartford Topco Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Future developments
The Company's strategy is to continue to strengthen its position as the leading provider of quality fitted products for the home throughout the UK in addition to evaluating acquisitional opportunities. As the Company primarily drives leads and therefore orders on-line, the business will benefit from both the increased focus by clients on the home and increased digital capability and activity of the Company's target demographics.
Neville Johnson is a long-established provider of quality bespoke fitted home furniture and has a substantial loyal customer base. Its staircase division has a dominant position as the market leader for staircase renovations in its market sector.
The Company has strengthened its position as the 'go to' brand for 'high-end' clients looking to furnish their home with luxury bespoke products.
The business makes substantial investments in new product developments across its brands and has a continual flow of new products being launched to the market, reflecting the latest styles and trends for luxury bespoke fitted furniture for the home.
Auditor
Saffery LLP were appointed as auditor to the company and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
Neville Johnson Limited
Directors' report (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
4
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).
Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies 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 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 directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the company website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Matters covered in the Strategic Report
The business review, analysis of key performance indicators, section 172 statement and assessment of financial risk management is included within the Strategic Report.
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.
Charitable donations
The Company supports a number of national and local charities as well as encouraging employees to support various charity fund raising events.
Charitable donations were £2k in FY24 (FY23: £2k).
Neville Johnson Limited
Directors' report (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
5
Going concern
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of not less than 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
In their consideration of going concern, the directors have reviewed the Group's future cash flow forecasts and profit projections for the period to 30 April 2025, on both a base case and certain sensitised basis, considering the principal risks and uncertainties of the Group.
These forecasts have been prepared based on past experience, the outstanding order book, marketing data and KPI's, market data and expected trading, and they reflect any potential impact of wider market headwinds on trading activity and liquidity. The directors have reviewed these forecasts and have also considered sensitivities in respect of potential downside scenarios and the mitigating actions available to the Group.
Under all scenarios, there was sufficient headroom on covenants and cash headroom. Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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
G Aylward
Director
30 September 2024
Neville Johnson Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Neville Johnson Limited
6
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Neville Johnson Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 30 April 2024 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity 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:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 30 April 2024 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.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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.
Neville Johnson Limited
Independent auditor's report (continued)
To the members of Neville Johnson Limited
7
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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 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, 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.
Neville Johnson Limited
Independent auditor's report (continued)
To the members of Neville Johnson Limited
8
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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.
Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the directors, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the company by discussions with directors and by updating our understanding of the sector in which the company operates.
Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the company include The Companies Act 2006 and UK Tax legislation.
Audit response to risks identified
We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the company's records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the company's policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.
During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through 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.
Neville Johnson Limited
Independent auditor's report (continued)
To the members of Neville Johnson Limited
9
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.
Simon Kite
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Saffery LLP
30 September 2024
Statutory Auditors
Trinity
16 John Dalton Street
Manchester
M2 6HY
Neville Johnson Limited
Statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 April 2024
10
2024
2023
Notes
£000
£000
Turnover
3
31,216
32,288
Cost of sales
(16,444)
(17,155)
Gross profit
14,772
15,133
Distribution costs
(12,254)
(11,762)
Administrative expenses
(1,913)
(2,458)
Operating profit
4
605
913
Interest receivable and similar income
8
9
5
Interest payable and similar expenses
9
(30)
(10)
Profit before taxation
584
908
Tax on profit
10
(81)
(169)
Profit for the financial year
503
739
The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
Neville Johnson Limited
Statement of financial position
As at 30 April 2024
11
2024
2023
Notes
£000
£000
£000
£000
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
974
831
Current assets
Stocks
12
451
453
Debtors
13
22,114
20,604
Cash at bank and in hand
136
785
22,701
21,842
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(21,536)
(21,176)
Net current assets
1,165
666
Total assets less current liabilities
2,139
1,497
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
15
(320)
(227)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
17
67
21
(67)
(21)
Net assets
1,752
1,249
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
19
11
11
Profit and loss reserves
1,741
1,238
Total equity
1,752
1,249
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 30 September 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
G Aylward
Director
Company Registration No. 01701103
Neville Johnson Limited
Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 April 2024
12
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£000
£000
£000
Balance at 1 May 2022
11
499
510
Year ended 30 April 2023:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
739
739
Balance at 30 April 2023
11
1,238
1,249
Year ended 30 April 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
503
503
Balance at 30 April 2024
11
1,741
1,752
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 30 April 2024
13
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Neville Johnson Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Broadoak Business Park, Ashburton Road West, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1RW.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £000.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for financial instruments not measured at fair value; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of BHID Group Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, Broadoak Business Park, Ashburton Road West, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1RW.
1.2
Going concern
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of not less than 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements.true
In their consideration of going concern, the directors have reviewed the Group's future cash flow forecasts and profit projections for the period to 30 April 2029, on both a base case and certain sensitised basis, considering the principal risks and uncertainties of the Group.
These forecasts have been prepared based on past experience, the outstanding order book, marketing data and KPI's, market data and expected trading, and they reflect any potential impact of wider market headwinds on trading activity and liquidity. The directors have reviewed these forecasts and have also considered sensitivities in respect of potential downside scenarios and the mitigating actions available to the Group.
Under all scenarios, there was sufficient headroom on covenants and cash headroom. Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
14
1.3
Turnover
Turnover is recognised when the Group has satisfied its performance obligations to the customer, principally being on the practical completion upon delivery and installation of goods manufactured by the Group at a customer's home. These installations typically do not take a significant period of time and no revenue is recognised until practical completion. All costs relating to provision of any third party goods or services are provided for.
The Group produces bespoke luxury designed products and therefore on installation it transfers the significant risks and rewards. Given the bespoke design & manufacturing nature of our products, a customer does not have a right to return a product, except under very limited conditions covered under our terms of sales. In practice this does not occur and as such, a refund liability is not required.
Turnover is measured at the transaction price received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts and value added tax
1.4
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:
Long-term Leasehold Property
over remainder of the lease
Plant & machinery
7 - 25%
Office equipment
20 - 33%
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 profit or loss.
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 profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
15
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 profit or loss, 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
Stocks
Stocks and work in progress are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell, which is equivalent to net realisable value. Cost includes all costs incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition as follows:
Raw material, consumable and finished goods - purchase cost on a first-in, first-out basis.
Work in progress - cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable overheads based on normal levels of activity.
Net realisable value is based on the estimated selling price less any further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal.
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.7
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.
1.8
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 statement of financial position 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, 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.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
16
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 profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies 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.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
17
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 profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.9
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
1.10
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 income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Where items recognised in other comprehensive income or equity are chargeable to or deductible for tax purposes, the resulting current or deferred tax expense or income is presented in the same component of comprehensive income or equity as the transaction or other event that resulted in the tax expense or income. 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.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
18
1.11
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.
1.12
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.13
Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.
1.14
Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
19
2
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make significant judgements and estimates. The items in the financial statements where these judgements and estimates have been made include:
- Useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets for depreciation.
Critical judgements
Impairment review of intercompany receivables
Annually, or where there are indicators of impairment, the Company considers whether intercompany receivables are impaired. Where an indication of impairment is identified the estimation of recoverable value requires estimation of the recoverable value of the cash generating units (CGUs). This requires estimation of the future cash flows from CGUs and also selection of appropriate discount rates in order to calculate net present value of those cash flows.
At the 30 April 2024 the Company has a receivable balance from fellow subsidiary London Door Company Limited (“LDC”) with a carrying value of £5.6m (2023: £4.9m). During the year LDC continued its successful growth rate with turnover increasing over 4% (2023: 10%). Management is committed to investing in the operations to sustain and continue this impressive growth and as such, the continued investment decreased the operating loss by £246k in the year. In line with FRS 102 Impairment of Assets, Management has assessed the expected future business performance of LDC to determine whether any impairment of the intercompany receivable is required. This assessment involved an assessment by management of the recoverable amount of LDC, relative to the intercompany receivable’s carrying value. Based on management’s assessments, no impairment is required.
The recoverable amount of LDC is a source of significant estimation uncertainty. The recoverable amount was determined using a value-in–use calculation which required the use of assumptions. The calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by the directors covering a five-year period. These cashflows assumed a 18% CAGR in revenues during the five-year period, compared with the 4% (2023: 10%) growth experienced in the current year.
Management of LDC have invested significant resources in refining the operating model of the business to ensure that future growth is profitable growth. Management had tapered growth, reflected in the FY24 turnover growth, until these operational changes were implemented. Management are now confident that these operating model changes are complete and focus has now resumed to capitalising on the very strong growth potential in both the existing London market and nationwide.
Manufacturing commenced in a new 10,000 sqft site in FY23 and the larger manufacturing facility has allowed the Company to operate more efficiently and in a manner that will support the growth assumptions. As a result of the changes Gross Profit margin has improved to 29% (2023: 19%). Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using an estimated long term growth rate of 2.5%.
In addition to the Revenue growth assumption, the key assumption in the value-in-use calculation is the budgeted EBITDA margin. EBITDA margin is forecast to grow to 6.7% over the next five years which is considered by management to be conservative for a business in this industry and in the range expected for a business in the Group. If actual cash flows are not in line with budgeted cash flows, an impairment of the intercompany receivable may result. Actual cashflows would need to be greater than 15% per annum lower than budgeted cashflows, or the discount rate to increase by 220 basis points, for an impairment to be required.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
20
3
Turnover and other revenue
Turnover is attributable to one continuing activity, the marketing, design, manufacture and installation of quality fitted furniture for home studies, lounges, home cinemas, offices, bedrooms and staircases.
All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.
2024
2023
£000
£000
Other revenue
Interest income
9
5
4
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£000
£000
Exchange losses
2
5
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
428
490
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
(36)
Operating lease charges
826
1,010
5
Auditor's remuneration
2024
2023
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£000
£000
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
19
23
For other services
Taxation compliance services
4
All other non-audit services
3
-
7
6
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2024
2023
Number
Number
Production and installation
89
97
Sales, marketing and design
104
116
Administration
23
23
Total
216
236
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
6
Employees (continued)
21
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2024
2023
£000
£000
Wages and salaries
7,858
8,156
Social security costs
879
946
Pension costs
760
375
9,497
9,477
7
Directors' remuneration
2024
2023
£000
£000
Remuneration for qualifying services
696
737
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
136
66
832
803
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 5 (2023 - 5).
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2024
2023
£000
£000
Remuneration for qualifying services
232
223
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
10
10
8
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£000
£000
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
9
5
9
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£000
£000
Interest on finance leases and hire purchase contracts
30
10
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
22
10
Taxation
2024
2023
£000
£000
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
106
129
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(71)
27
Total current tax
35
156
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
46
38
Effect of tax rate change on opening balance
(25)
Total deferred tax
46
13
Total tax charge
81
169
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2024
2023
£000
£000
Profit before taxation
584
908
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 19.49%)
146
177
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
3
3
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(71)
27
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
1
(25)
Fixed asset differences
2
(21)
Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes in tax rates
8
Taxation charge for the year
81
169
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
23
11
Tangible fixed assets
Long-term Leasehold Property
Plant & machinery
Office equipment
Total
£000
£000
£000
£000
Cost
At 1 May 2023
578
1,636
1,639
3,853
Additions
14
420
138
572
Disposals
(66)
(71)
(137)
At 30 April 2024
526
1,985
1,777
4,288
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 May 2023
508
1,218
1,296
3,022
Depreciation charged in the year
22
198
208
428
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(65)
(71)
(136)
At 30 April 2024
465
1,345
1,504
3,314
Carrying amount
At 30 April 2024
61
640
273
974
At 30 April 2023
70
418
343
831
The carrying value of land and buildings comprises:
2024
2023
£000
£000
Long leasehold
61
70
The net book value of tangible fixed assets includes £418k (2023: £268k) in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
12
Stocks
2024
2023
£000
£000
Raw materials and consumables
303
271
Work in progress
148
182
451
453
Stocks are stated after provisions for impairment of £65k (2023: £48k).
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
24
13
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£000
£000
Trade debtors
621
476
Amounts owed by group undertakings
20,151
17,995
Other debtors
776
1,299
Prepayments and accrued income
566
834
22,114
20,604
Amounts owed by group undertakings are repayable on demand, unsecured and bear no interest.
The trade debtors balance includes a provision for impairment of £85k (2023: £201k).
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£000
£000
Obligations under finance leases
16
105
58
Payments received on account
3,861
6,039
Trade creditors
1,904
2,884
Amounts owed to group undertakings
14,369
10,690
Corporation tax
56
98
Other taxation and social security
521
578
Other creditors
11
7
Accruals and deferred income
709
822
21,536
21,176
Amounts owed to group undertakings are repayable on demand, unsecured and bear no interest.
Net obligations under hire purchase contracts are secured against the assets to which they relate.
15
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£000
£000
Obligations under finance leases
16
320
227
Net obligations under hire purchase contracts are secured against the assets to which they relate.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
25
16
Finance lease obligations
2024
2023
Future minimum lease payments due under finance leases:
£000
£000
Within one year
105
58
In two to five years
320
227
425
285
17
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2024
2023
Balances:
£000
£000
Fixed asset timing differences
124
64
Short term timing differences
(57)
(43)
67
21
2024
Movements in the year:
£000
Liability at 1 May 2023
21
Charge to profit or loss
46
Liability at 30 April 2024
67
18
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£000
£000
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
760
375
The company operates a defined contribution 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 are detailed above. Contributions totalling £123k (2023: £139k) were payable to the fund at the Statement of Financial Position date and are included in creditors.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
26
19
Share capital
2024
2023
2024
2023
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£000
£000
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
11,110
11,110
11
11
There is a single class of ordinary shares. There are no restrictions on dividends and the repayment of capital.
20
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities
The company is subject to a joint bank guarantee with its parent undertaking, the BHID Group Limited and its subsidiaries. The contingent liability at 30 April 2024 was £7,250k (2023: £8,000k).
21
Operating lease commitments
Lessee
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2024
2023
£000
£000
Land and buildings
Within one year
396
489
Between two and five years
1,367
1,808
In over five years
990
1,900
2,753
4,197
2024
2023
£000
£000
Other
Within one year
221
322
Between two and five years
130
204
351
526
22
Capital commitments
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements amounted to £20k (2023: £339k).
23
Related party transactions
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption within FRS 102 (section 33) and has not disclosed transactions with fellow group undertakings. Management determine that key management personnel are the directors of the Company whose remuneration is disclosed in note 7.
Neville Johnson Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 30 April 2024
27
24
Ultimate controlling party
As at 30 April 2024 the directors consider that the ultimate parent undertaking of the Company is BHID Group Limited which is registered in England and Wales. The Third Alcuin Fund Limited Partnership (a fund controlled by Alcuin Capital Partners LLP) hold a 49% shareholding in BHID Group Limited. The immediate parent undertaking is Neville Johnson Offices Limited which is registered in England and Wales.
On 10 May 2024, BHID Group Limited, the ultimate parent company of Neville Johnson Limited, was acquired by Hartford Bidco Limited. The directors consider that from 10 May 2024 the ultimate parent undertaking of the company is Hartford Topco Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. The Third Alcuin Fund Limited Partnership continue to be deemed to be the ultimate controlling party.
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