Company registration number 13085234 (England and Wales)
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 1 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
4
88,542
131,042
Tangible assets
5
66,695
73,925
155,237
204,967
Current assets
Debtors
6
805,397
876,880
Cash at bank and in hand
600,978
456,817
1,406,375
1,333,697
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
7
(510,151)
(540,006)
Net current assets
896,224
793,691
Total assets less current liabilities
1,051,461
998,658
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
8
(45,417)
(74,591)
Net assets
1,006,044
924,067
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
9
300
300
Profit and loss reserves
1,005,744
923,767
Total equity
1,006,044
924,067
The directors of the company have elected not to include a copy of the profit and loss account within the financial statements.true
For the financial year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT
31 MARCH 2024
31 March 2024
- 2 -
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 4 October 2024 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mrs C Thornton-Eckford
Director
Company registration number 13085234 (England and Wales)
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 3 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Bank House, 1 Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2GF.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2
Turnover
Fee income represents revenue earned under a variety of contracts to provide professional services. Revenue is recognised as earned when, and to the extent that, the firm obtains the right to consideration in exchange for its performance under these contracts. It is measured at the fair value of the right to consideration, which represents amounts chargeable to clients, including expenses and disbursements but excluding value added tax.
In respect of long term contracts and contracts for ongoing services, turnover represents the value of work done in the year, including estimates of amounts not invoiced. Turnover in respect of long term contracts and contracts for ongoing services is recognised by reference to stage of completion.
1.3
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of unincorporated businesses over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life, which is 5 years.
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.
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:
Leasehold land and buildings
10% straight line
Fixtures and fittings
10% straight line
Equipment
20% reducing balance
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 4 -
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 and intangible 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.
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
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.
1.7
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
The Company only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade debtors and creditors. These are measured at amortised cost and are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income.
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.
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 5 -
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.
1.8
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.
1.9
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
1.10
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.
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 6 -
1.11
Retirement benefits
The company operates a defined contribution plan for it's 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.
1.12
Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.
1.13
Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2024
2023
Number
Number
Total
53
50
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 7 -
4
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
212,500
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
81,458
Amortisation charged for the year
42,500
At 31 March 2024
123,958
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
88,542
At 31 March 2023
131,042
5
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Fixtures and fittings
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
23,602
18,050
58,967
100,619
Additions
1,829
5,869
7,698
At 31 March 2024
25,431
18,050
64,836
108,317
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
5,802
3,463
17,429
26,694
Depreciation charged in the year
3,479
2,313
9,136
14,928
At 31 March 2024
9,281
5,776
26,565
41,622
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
16,150
12,274
38,271
66,695
At 31 March 2023
17,800
14,587
41,538
73,925
6
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
272,374
336,747
Other debtors
533,023
540,133
805,397
876,880
THORNTON JONES SOLICITORS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
- 8 -
7
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans
102,047
81,191
Trade creditors
30,889
20,708
Corporation tax
116,500
146,500
Other taxation and social security
135,466
135,197
Other creditors
125,249
156,410
510,151
540,006
8
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
45,417
74,591
9
Called up share capital
2024
2023
2024
2023
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary Class A shares of £1 each
55
55
55
55
Ordinary Class B shares of £1 each
45
45
45
45
Ordinary Class C shares of £1 each
100
100
100
100
Ordinary Class D shares of £1 each
100
100
100
100
300
300
300
300