Caseware UK (AP4) 2023.0.135 2023.0.135 The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' 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 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 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 for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently; make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and 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 to 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 corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements and other information included in Directors' Reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.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 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 intend either to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 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. Based on our understanding of the company and its industry, we considered that non-compliance with the following laws and regulations might have a material effect on the financial statements: employment regulation, health and safety regulation, and anti-money laundering regulation. To help us identify instances of non-compliance with these laws and regulations, and in identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect to non-compliance, our procedures included, but were not limited to: Inquiring of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance, as to whether the company is in compliance with laws and regulations, and discussing their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations; Inspecting correspondence, if any, with relevant licensing or regulatory authorities; Communicating identified laws and regulations to the engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and Considering the risk of acts by the company which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the preparation of the financial statements, such as tax legislation, pension legislation, the Companies Act 2006. In addition, we evaluated the directors' and management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements, including the risk of override of controls, and determined that the principal risks were related to posting manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance, management bias through judgements and assumptions in significant accounting estimates, revenue recognition (which we pinpointed to the cut-off assertion), and significant one-off or unusual transactions. Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to: Making enquiries of the directors and management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; Gaining an understanding of the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud; Discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of fraud; and Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.2023-12-31The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the Company's Balance Sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include 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 Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments. Other financial assets Other financial assets, which includes investments in equity instruments which are not classified as subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the recognised transaction price. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with the changes in fair value being recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Where other financial assets are not publicly traded, hence their fair value cannot be measured reliably, they are measured at cost less impairment. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instruments any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after the deduction of all its liabilities. Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans and other loans 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 receipts 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 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.During the year retirement benefits were accruing to Nil directors (2022: Nil) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes. The value of the Company's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £Nil (2022: £Nil). The directors consider that the board of directors comprise the key management personnel of the Company. The total of directors remuneration was £Nil (2022: £Nil).207241124398100541567false782023-01-01falseThe principal activities of the Company are the provision of crane hire and associated services and the sale of cranes.falsefalse 03297132 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 2023-12-31 03297132 2022-12-31 03297132 2022-01-01 03297132 4 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 4 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 5 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 5 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 d:CompanySecretary1 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:Director1 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:Director2 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:RegisteredOffice 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Buildings 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Buildings 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Buildings 2022-12-31 03297132 e:Buildings e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:LandBuildings 2023-12-31 03297132 e:LandBuildings 2022-12-31 03297132 e:PlantMachinery 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:PlantMachinery 2023-12-31 03297132 e:PlantMachinery 2022-12-31 03297132 e:PlantMachinery e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:MotorVehicles 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:MotorVehicles 2023-12-31 03297132 e:MotorVehicles 2022-12-31 03297132 e:MotorVehicles e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OfficeEquipment 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OfficeEquipment 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OfficeEquipment 2022-12-31 03297132 e:OfficeEquipment e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:ComputerEquipment 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:ComputerEquipment 2023-12-31 03297132 e:ComputerEquipment 2022-12-31 03297132 e:ComputerEquipment e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment 2022-12-31 03297132 e:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Goodwill 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Goodwill 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Goodwill 2022-12-31 03297132 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 03297132 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2022-12-31 03297132 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2022-12-31 03297132 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 03297132 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2022-12-31 03297132 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2023-12-31 03297132 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2022-12-31 03297132 e:ReportableOperatingSegment1 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:ReportableOperatingSegment1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 e:UKTax 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:UKTax 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 e:ShareCapital 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:ShareCapital 2023-12-31 03297132 e:ShareCapital 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 e:ShareCapital 2022-12-31 03297132 e:ShareCapital 2022-01-01 03297132 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-12-31 03297132 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 03297132 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-12-31 03297132 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-01-01 03297132 e:FinancialAssetsAmortisedCost 2023-12-31 03297132 e:FinancialAssetsAmortisedCost 2022-12-31 03297132 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-12-31 03297132 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2022-12-31 03297132 d:FRS102 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:Audited 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:FullAccounts 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 d:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 03297132 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 03297132 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:WithinOneYear 2022-12-31 03297132 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2023-12-31 03297132 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2022-12-31 03297132 e:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2023-12-31 03297132 e:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2022-12-31 03297132 e:OtherDeferredTax 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OtherDeferredTax 2022-12-31 03297132 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 03297132 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2022-12-31 03297132 e:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 03297132 e:OtherPropertyPlantEquipment e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2022-12-31 03297132 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 03297132 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2022-12-31 03297132 f:PoundSterling 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 xbrli:shares iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure



















Sparrow Crane Hire Limited

Registered number: 03297132
Annual report and
 financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2023

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
A G Sparrow 
T R Sparrow 




Company secretary
P Sparrow



Registered number
03297132



Registered office
Ashmead Road
Keynsham

Bristol

BS31 1SX




Independent auditors
Forvis Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

90 Victoria Street

Bristol

BS1 6DP





 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic Report
1
Directors' Report
2 - 3
Independent Auditors' Report
4 - 7
Statement of Comprehensive Income
8
Balance Sheet
9
Statement of Changes in Equity
10
Statement of Cash Flows
11
Analysis of Net Debt
12
Notes to the Financial Statements
13 - 28


 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Introduction
 
Sparrow Crane Hire Limited provides a comprehensive crane hire service extensively throughout the West Country, the Midlands and South Wales with a diverse fleet of cranes, ranging from mobile cranes, mini tower cranes and small crawler cranes. The company is also a market leader in industry approved training schemes run from its in-house bespoke training school.

Business review
 
The results of Sparrow Crane Hire Limited are set out on pages 8 to 28, and show a profit on ordinary activities before tax of £1,208,357 (2022: £913,021). 
The Shareholders' funds total £7,278,112 (2022: £6,456,168).
The performance of the company during 2023 is in line with shareholders' expectations.
Sparrow Crane Hire Limited continues to maintain excellent business relationships with both its customers and suppliers.
The general growth in the wider economy, and specifically the construction industry, continues to benefit Sparrow Crane Hire Limited.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
As stated above, there is a correlation between the construction industry and the performance of the company.
Sparrow Crane Hire Limited’s customers increase their demand for its products when the construction industry is buoyant – however the reverse is also true.
Sparrow Crane Hire Limited continues to look for ways in reducing its dependency on the construction industry by diversifying into other industries.

Financial key performance indicators
 
The managing director reviews the company’s KPI’s on both a monthly and quarterly basis.
KPI’s reviewed include Gross Profit percentages by Product Group, Debtors Days, Cash and Treasury Management functions, together with quarterly comparisons between forecast and actual performances.

Other key performance indicators
 
Non-financial KPI’s reviewed include Crane Utilisation Rates, ‘Strike Rates’, ie the percentage of enquiries and quotes resulting in orders, quality of service standards being continually assessed, head count control and Health & Safety performance.


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



T R Sparrow
Director

Date: 8 October 2024

- 1 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE 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 Strategic Report, the Directors' 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 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 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 for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

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 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 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 corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements and other information included in Directors' Reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Results and Dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £821,944 (2022: £857,918). The directors do not propose the payment of a dividend.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

A G Sparrow 
T R Sparrow 

- 2 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE 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'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's auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There are no significant events affecting the Company following the year end. 

Auditors

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

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





T R Sparrow
Director

Date: 8 October 2024

- 3 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sparrow Crane Hire Limited (the ‘Company’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows, Analysis of Net Debt  and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

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

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
 
Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Directors’ 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.
- 4 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

Other information (continued)
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 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 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 directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
the directors were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the Directors’ Report.

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 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 intend either to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
- 5 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

Based on our understanding of the company and its industry, we considered that non-compliance with the following laws and regulations might have a material effect on the financial statements: employment regulation, health and safety regulation, and anti-money laundering regulation.

To help us identify instances of non-compliance with these laws and regulations, and in identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect to non-compliance, our procedures included, but were not limited to:
Inquiring of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance, as to whether the company is in compliance with laws and regulations, and discussing their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations;
Inspecting correspondence, if any, with relevant licensing or regulatory authorities;
Communicating identified laws and regulations to the engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and
Considering the risk of acts by the company which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.  

We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the preparation of the financial statements, such as tax legislation, pension legislation, the Companies Act 2006. 

In addition, we evaluated the directors' and management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements, including the risk of override of controls, and determined that the principal risks were related to posting manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance, management bias through judgements and assumptions in significant accounting estimates, revenue recognition (which we pinpointed to the cut-off assertion), and significant one-off or unusual transactions. 

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:
Making enquiries of the directors and management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
Gaining an understanding of the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud;
Discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of fraud; and
Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls.
- 6 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of the audit report

This report is made solely to the Company's members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the company's members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.




Jonathan Marchant (Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of
Forvis Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
90 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6DP

8 October 2024
- 7 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
 £
£

  

Turnover
 4 
11,487,751
11,971,814

Cost of sales
  
(6,369,330)
(6,821,016)

Gross profit
  
5,118,421
5,150,798

Distribution costs
  
(592,480)
(676,430)

Administrative expenses
  
(3,091,558)
(3,345,615)

Operating profit
 5 
1,434,383
1,128,753

Interest payable and similar expenses
 9 
(226,026)
(215,732)

Profit before tax
  
1,208,357
913,021

Tax on profit
 10 
(386,413)
(55,103)

Profit for the financial year
  
821,944
857,918

There were no recognised gains and losses for 2023 or 2022 other than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.

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

The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

- 8 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 03297132

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Intangible assets
 11 
10,000
10,000

Tangible assets
 12 
11,513,398
11,049,582

  
11,523,398
11,059,582

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 13 
1,220,121
1,434,985

Cash at bank and in hand
 14 
2,263,514
1,521,478

  
3,483,635
2,956,463

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
(3,737,580)
(3,734,081)

Net current liabilities
  
 
 
(253,945)
 
 
(777,618)

Total assets less current liabilities
  
11,269,453
10,281,964

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 16 
(2,386,895)
(2,607,763)

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 19 
(1,604,446)
(1,218,033)

  
 
 
(1,604,446)
 
 
(1,218,033)

Net assets
  
7,278,112
6,456,168


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 20 
2
2

Profit and loss account
 21 
7,278,110
6,456,166

  
7,278,112
6,456,168


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




T R Sparrow
Director

Date: 8 October 2024

The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

- 9 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

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


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£

At 1 January 2022
2
5,598,248
5,598,250


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
857,918
857,918


Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-


Total comprehensive income for the year
-
857,918
857,918


Total transactions with owners
-
-
-


At 1 January 2023
2
6,456,166
6,456,168


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
821,944
821,944


Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-


Total comprehensive income for the year
-
821,944
821,944


Total transactions with owners
-
-
-


At 31 December 2023
2
7,278,110
7,278,112


- 10 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023
2022
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
821,944
857,918

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of intangible assets
-
5,000

Depreciation of tangible assets
1,409,247
1,396,610

Profit on disposal of tangible assets
(449,924)
(170,345)

Interest paid
226,026
215,732

Taxation charge
386,413
55,103

Decrease/(increase) in debtors
134,864
(138,444)

Decrease in amounts owed by participating ints
80,000
115,000

Increase in creditors
137,282
211,449

Corporation tax received
-
56,879

Net cash generated from operating activities

2,745,852
2,604,902


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(2,599,120)
(3,088,168)

Sale of tangible fixed assets
1,175,981
948,801

HP interest paid
(226,026)
(215,732)

Net cash from investing activities

(1,649,165)
(2,355,099)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of other loans
(150,000)
(150,000)

Repayment of/new finance leases
(204,651)
238,181

Net cash used in financing activities
(354,651)
88,181

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
742,036
337,984

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,521,478
1,183,494

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
2,263,514
1,521,478


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
2,263,514
1,521,478

2,263,514
1,521,478


The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

- 11 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 

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

1,521,478

742,036

2,263,514

Debt due within 1 year

(539,621)

148,299

(391,322)

Finance leases

(4,372,050)

204,651

(4,167,399)


(3,390,193)
1,094,986
(2,295,207)

The notes on pages 13 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

- 12 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.


General information

Sparrow Crane Hire Limited is a private company limited by shares, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 03297132. The Registered Office is Ashmead Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1SX.  The principal activities of the Company are the provision of crane hire and associated services and the sale of cranes.

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 presentation currency of the Company is Sterling and the financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The period of the current financial information is the year ended 31 December 2023 and the comparative information relates to the year ended 31 December 2022.

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

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Going concern

The company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Directors' Report. 
The company has considerable financial resources together with a number of customers and suppliers across different industries. As a consequence, the directors believe that the company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook.
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

- 13 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.3

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the Company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

 
2.4

Leased assets: the Company as lessee

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Assets acquired by finance lease are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Assets acquired by hire purchase are depreciated over their useful lives. Finance leases are those where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership are assumed by the company. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period.

 
2.5

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

- 14 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.6

Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in the year in which they are incurred.

 
2.7

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

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

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

 
2.8

Current and deferred taxation

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

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

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

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

- 15 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.9

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 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 Statement of Comprehensive Income over its useful economic life.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

 
2.10

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.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets 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:

Freehold property
-
2%
Cranes
-
8%
Motor vehicles
-
25%
Plant and machinery
-
25%
Computer equipment
-
33%

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 the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 
2.11

Debtors

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

- 16 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.12

Cash and cash equivalents

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

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

 
2.13

Creditors

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

 
2.14

Provisions for liabilities

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

 
2.15

Financial instruments

The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

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

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include 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 Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

- 17 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.15
Financial instruments (continued)

Other financial assets

Other financial assets, which includes investments in equity instruments which are not classified as subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the recognised transaction price. Such assets are subsequently measured at fair value with the changes in fair value being recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Where other financial assets are not publicly traded, hence their fair value cannot be measured reliably, they are measured at cost less impairment.

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 Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Financial liabilities

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

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans and other loans 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 receipts 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 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.


3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

There are no significant accounting estimates applied to the preparation of these financial statements.

- 18 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4.


Turnover

2023
2022
£
£

Income
11,487,751
11,971,814

11,487,751
11,971,814


All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.


5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2023
2022
£
£

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
1,409,247
1,396,610

Other operating lease rentals
111,733
110,887


6.


Auditors' remuneration

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


2023
2022
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's financial statements
15,500
15,500
- 19 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7.


Employees

Staff costs were as follows:


2023
2022
£
£

Wages and salaries
3,432,639
3,196,322

Social security costs
355,844
401,196

Cost of defined contribution scheme
82,634
79,936

3,871,117
3,677,454


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


        2023
        2022
            No.
            No.







Administration
12
19



Direct Wages
55
59

67
78


8.


Directors' remuneration



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

The value of the Company's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £Nil (2022: £Nil).

The directors consider that the board of directors comprise the key management personnel of the Company. The total of directors remuneration was £Nil (2022: £Nil).


9.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2023
2022
£
£


Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
226,026
215,732

226,026
215,732

- 20 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10.


Taxation


2023
2022
£
£



Current tax on profits for the year
-
-


Total current tax
-
-

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
376,007
55,103

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
10,406
-

Total deferred tax
386,413
55,103


Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
386,413
55,103

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

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

2023
2022
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
1,208,357
913,021


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.52% (2022 - 19%)
342,917
173,474

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
521
21,850

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods - deferred tax
10,405
-

Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes in tax rates
22,251
13,225

Fixed asset differences
10,319
(153,446)

Total tax charge for the year
386,413
55,103


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.

- 21 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11.


Intangible assets




Goodwill

£



Cost


At 1 January 2023
25,000



At 31 December 2023

25,000



Amortisation


At 1 January 2023
15,000



At 31 December 2023

15,000



Net book value



At 31 December 2023
10,000



At 31 December 2022
10,000



- 22 -

 


 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED


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


12.


Tangible fixed assets






Land and buildings
Cranes
Motor vehicles
Office equipment
Plant and machinery
Computer equipment
Total

£
£
£
£
£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2023
660,514
17,205,073
645,891
10,750
337,607
35,483
18,895,318


Additions
-
2,028,790
516,958
6,000
43,674
3,698
2,599,120


Disposals
-
(2,444,151)
(102,178)
-
-
-
(2,546,329)



At 31 December 2023

660,514
16,789,712
1,060,671
16,750
381,281
39,181
18,948,109



Depreciation


At 1 January 2023
93,514
6,864,775
542,559
10,750
300,623
33,515
7,845,736


Charge for the year on owned assets
-
1,268,548
117,866
1,250
20,167
1,416
1,409,247


Disposals
-
(1,718,094)
(102,178)
-
-
-
(1,820,272)



At 31 December 2023

93,514
6,415,229
558,247
12,000
320,790
34,931
7,434,711



Net book value



At 31 December 2023
567,000
10,374,483
502,424
4,750
60,491
4,250
11,513,398



At 31 December 2022
567,000
10,340,298
103,332
-
36,984
1,968
11,049,582

- 23 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

           12.Tangible fixed assets (continued)




The net book value of land and buildings may be further analysed as follows:


2023
2022
£
£

Freehold
567,000
567,000

567,000
567,000


The net book value of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, included above, are as follows:


2023
Restated
2022
£
£



Cranes
10,263,594
10,206,869

Motor vehicles
466,528
103,332

10,730,122
10,310,201


13.


Debtors

2023
2022
£
£


Trade debtors
1,106,326
1,237,031

Amounts owed by joint ventures and associated undertakings
-
80,000

Other debtors
9,225
11,653

Prepayments and accrued income
104,570
106,301

1,220,121
1,434,985



14.


Cash and cash equivalents

2023
2022
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
2,263,514
1,521,478

2,263,514
1,521,478


- 24 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2023
2022
£
£

Other loans
375,000
525,000

Trade creditors
560,432
696,526

Amounts owed to other participating interests
85,000
85,000

Corporation tax
699
699

Other taxation and social security
622,159
338,376

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
1,780,504
1,764,287

Other creditors
44,603
55,918

Accruals and deferred income
269,183
268,275

3,737,580
3,734,081


2023
2022
£
£

Other taxation and social security

PAYE/NI control
106,057
131,695

VAT control
516,102
206,681

622,159
338,376



16.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

2023
2022
£
£

Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
2,386,895
2,607,763

2,386,895
2,607,763


Secured loans
The bank loans were secured by an unlimited debenture over all assets of the Company. There was an unlimited first legal charge over the land on the North East side of Ashmead Road, Keynsham. Interest on the bank loan was charged at 3.5% above the base rate and interest on the mortgage was charged at 1.75% above the base rate. At the year end the base rate was 0.75%. In addition to this, there are personal guarantees for £100,000 in place. 
Invoice financing with RBS is still being used in the current year. The amount owed to the Company by RBS at the balance sheet date is £81,837 (2022: £121,169).
The other loan was between Gordon Sparrow Limited and Sparrow Crane Hire Limited.
The hire purchase liabilities are secured on the assets acquired.

- 25 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17.


Hire purchase and finance leases


Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

2023
2022
£
£


Within one year
1,639,943
1,627,273

Between 1-5 years
2,386,895
2,607,763

4,026,838
4,235,036


18.


Financial instruments

2023
2022
£
£

Financial assets


Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost
3,379,065
2,770,162




Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost comprise trade debtors, other debtors and cash and cash equivalents.

- 26 -

 
SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19.


Deferred taxation




2023


£






At beginning of year
(1,218,033)


Charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income
(386,413)



At end of year
(1,604,446)

The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

2023
2022
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
2,728,844
2,223,448

Short term timing differences
(4,081)
(3,655)

Losses and other deductions
(1,120,317)
(1,001,760)

1,604,446
1,218,033


20.


Share capital

2023
2022
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



200 (2022 - 200) ordinary shares of £0.01 each
2
2



21.


Reserves

Profit & loss account

Profit and loss account represents reserves that have been accumulated through the normal course of trade.


22.


Pension commitments

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 amounted to £84,692 (2022: £80,425). Contributions totalling £16,322 (2022: £14,621) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

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SPARROW CRANE HIRE LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

23.


Commitments under operating leases

The Company had no commitments under non-cancellable operating leases at the balance sheet date.


24.


Related party transactions

Key management personnel
All directors and certain senior employees who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company are considered to be key management personnel. Total remuneration is respect of these three individuals is £193,482 (2022: £151,088).
Related party transactions
The director, Mr A G Sparrow, is also a director of Alatas UK Limited. During the year ended 31 December 2023 the company entered into the following transactions with Alatas UK Limited:
- Sales £500 (2022: £49,106)
- Purchases £Nil (2022: £Nil)
- Debtors at 31 December 2023 £Nil (2022: £69)  

Mr T R Sparrow is also a director of Starlifter Cranes Limited. During the year ended 31 December 2023 the company did not enter into any transactions with Starlifter Cranes Limited: 
- Debtors at 31 December 2023 £Nil (2022: £80,000).

As at the year end, there was £85,000 (2022: £85,000) remaining with regards a director loan account balance with the estate of Mr G Sparrow (dec'd). Notional interest is accruing on this balance £Nil (2022: £Nil).  

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