The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The Group supplies products to the window and door market, primarily catering to fabricators who manufacture door sets and bi-fold doors. We also serve small to medium-sized customers by providing door blanks prepped for locks, hinges, and hardware, with a range of colours and glazing options available.
In 2023, the company benefited from enhanced cost initiatives and control measures, which contributed to significant financial and internal control improvements. Gross profit increased from 9.74% to 19.10% year on year. The 2022 figures were heavily influenced by stock adjustments necessitated by the implementation of the Oracle system. By 2023, inventory control, cost management, and system familiarity had stabilised, leading to improved financial performance.
Administration expenses decreased from £5 million to £3.9 million, driven by various factors, including notable year-on-year movements. In 2022, a significant foreign exchange loss of £0.5 million was recorded, while in 2023, FX losses were limited to £1,000. Additionally, 2022 saw a one-off stock write-off of £0.9 million.
In Q4 2023, we adjusted our purchasing strategy in response to extended lead times from our door supplier in China. To counteract the delays in shipping caused by regional political tensions and to support the growth of our customer base, we increased our Goods in Transit liability. This change resulted in a year-on-year impact of £1.5 million on our balance sheet.
Our parent company, ODL Inc., headquartered in Michigan, USA, continues to support our UK operations and is committed to our success as we strive to become the leading door supplier in the UK market.
Employee engagement is of utmost importance at ODL. As part of our commitment to fostering a positive work environment, we conduct confidential annual surveys using the "Great Place to Work" platform. We are pleased to announce that ODL has once again been certified as a "Great Place to Work."
In 2024, we extended our business plan horizon from three to five years. The Senior Leadership Team at ODL Europe Ltd has updated its five-year business plan, setting clear strategic objectives that will guide the company's growth and development.
To achieve our goals, the company's directors have carefully reviewed and refined our financial and non-financial key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs will be crucial in monitoring and assessing the company's progress toward its targets. In addition to financial goals such as EBITDA, turnover, and operating profit, the new business plan prioritizes non-financial measures, including quality and health and safety. This focus is intended to enhance customer satisfaction and ensure a safe and productive work environment.
The management of the business and execution of the company's strategy are subject to several risks, including:
Market trends and the cost-of-living crisis;
Economic and political uncertainty;
Supply chain pricing and reliability;
Labour availability; and,
Competitor activities.
The Group benefits from strong commercial relationships with several key customers and suppliers. The loss of these relationships could materially impact our trading results. We mitigate these risks through an ethos of open communication, trust, and collaboration with suppliers, customers, and employees.
The Group is committed to staying at the forefront of the industry by proactively adapting to customer needs, market dynamics, and technological advancements. Our dedication to excellence drives us to invest in innovative projects that foster continuous improvement across our product range and customer service.
The Group's key performance indicators are Turnover, Gross Profit and EBITDA.
|
| 2023 | 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Turnover (£) | 16,017,400 | 15,397,475 | |
Gross profit (£) | 3,059,814 | 1,499,626 | |
Gross profit (%) | 19.10% | 9.74% | |
EBITDA (£) |
| (486,064) | (3,211,933) |
EBITDA (%) | (3.03%) | (20.86%) |
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The results for the year are set out on page 8.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Following the merger of MHA Moore & Smalley with MHA, the company's independent auditor has now become MHA. A resolution to reappoint MHA as independent auditor will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.
The group has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the group's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of future developments.
Qualified opinion
We have audited the financial statements of ODL Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows 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).
Basis for qualified opinion
Owing to limitations in the group's records following a change in accounting systems in the prior year, the predecessor auditor was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence in respect of the cost of sales value of £13,897,849. Consequently, they were unable to conclude whether cost of sales were materially misstated or determine whether any adjustments to cost of sales, or any related balances, were necessary.
Whilst we have been able to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence that the cost of sales figure for the year ended 31 December 2023 is free from material misstatement, our opinion for the current period financial statements is also modified, due to the limitations imposed upon the prior year audit surrounding cost of sales as we are unable to quantify any material misstatement to related balances which may impact the current year. Our audit opinion on the current period's financial statements is also modified because of the possible effects of this matter on the comparability of the current period's figures and the corresponding figures.
In addition, were any adjustment to the cost of sales balances or related balances in the prior year to be required, the strategic report would also need to be amended.
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 group and parent 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 group's and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
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.
As described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, we were unable to satisfy ourselves concerning the cost of sales value of £13,897,849 in the prior year and its subsequent impact in the current
year on related balances. We have concluded that where the other information refers to the cost of sales balance or related balances, it may be materially misstated for the same reason.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
Except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, 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.
Except for the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, in the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
In respect solely of the limitation on the audit work relating to cost of sales in the prior year, as described within the basis for qualified opinion above:
we have not obtained all the information and explanations that we considered necessary for the purpose of our audit relating to the prior year; and
we were unable to determine whether adequate accounting records had been kept in the prior year.
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:
returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us in the current year; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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 parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the parent 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.
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, is detailed below:
Enquiries with management about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
Enquiries with management about any known or suspected instances of fraud within the business;
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates;
Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including thorough testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness;
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and legal and professional expenditure to identify any evidence of ongoing litigation or enquiries; and,
Auditing risk of fraud in revenue, including testing sales transactions and revenue cut off to ensure revenue is complete in the financial statements and recognised in the correct accounting period.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
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.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 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.
The notes on pages 14 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 14 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 14 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £0 (2022 - £144,463 loss).
The notes on pages 14 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 14 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 14 to 31 form part of these financial statements.
ODL Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 1 Brook Road, Bootle, L20 4XP.
The group consists of ODL Holdings Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
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 £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The 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 for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements:
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 consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company ODL Holdings Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2023. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.
If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.
The Directors have considered current trading performance and forecasts for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing the 2023 financial statements.
The Directors have carried out a thorough review of the businesses trade activities, profitability and cashflows. In addition, ODL Inc, the ultimate parent undertaking, has provided a letter of support for at least 12 months from the signing of these financial statements. The Directors have received sufficient evidence to show that ODL Inc have the means to support the company if necessary. After making detailed enquiries and forecasting, the directors have formed a judgment, at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a strong expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.
Turnover is the revenue arising from the sale of goods. It is stated at the fair value of the consideration receivable, net of value added tax, rebates and discounts. Turnover is recognised at the point that the goods are dispatched.
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 recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group 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.
The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.
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.
The group 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 group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and 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, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, 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.
All of the Group's assets are considered basic 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.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group 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.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its 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.
All of the Group's liabilities are considered basic financial liabilities.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group 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 group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred 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 group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
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 if, and only if, there is 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.
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.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
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 leased asset are consumed.
In the application of the group’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.
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Where necessary, provisions for slow moving and obsolete stock are made. Calculation of these provisions requires judgements to be made. The provisions are based on both the age and use of the stock.
At each balance sheet date, management undertake a review of the outstanding trade debtor balances and estimate the balance that should either be impaired or provided against. This calculation is based on the financial position of the customers, the historical speed of payment and any ongoing discussions.
The useful economic life of tangible fixed assets is judged at the point of purchase and reviewed at each financial reporting date. The company depreciates its tangible assets over their estimated useful lives. The estimates of the useful lives of assets is based on historic performance as well as expectations about future use and therefore requires estimates and assumptions to be applied.
Anticipated costs for repairs and refunds for a specific line of products are provided for. The calculation is based on an analysis of historic data and costs incurred after the balance sheet date to develop an expectation for future costs.
Exceptional items relate to adjustments to reconcile stock count differences following the implementation of a new ERP system in the prior year.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 1 (2022 - 1).
The actual charge/(credit) for the year can be reconciled to the expected credit for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
From 1 April 2023 the government have enacted changes to the corporation tax rate, increasing the main tax rate to 25%. For companies where financial year ends straddle two tax years, pre and post the increase of corporation tax to 25%, profits are apportioned in the ratio to account for the number of months under 19% taxation rate and 25% rate. The effective tax rate for the period ended 31 December 2023 is therefore 23.52%.
During the year, the ultimate worldwide Parent Company, ODL Incorporated gifted plant and machinery to the UK subsidiary ODL Europe Limited. The assets are bespoke machines, designed by ODL Incorporated between 15 August 2009 - 15 December 2012 with a historical manufactured cost of $1,316,084 which had been fully depreciated before being transferred over.
There is no active market for the resale of these assets as such their fair value can not be reliably measured; in line with accounting policy at note 1.7 of the financial statements, these assets have been transferred in at £nil net book value.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2023 are as follows:
Registered office addresses (all UK unless otherwise indicated):
Aperture Solutions Limited had not traded was dissolved on 2 January 2024.
At the year end, provisions for stock were £464,970 (2022: £842,838). Furthermore, there were stock write offs to the amount of £Nil (2022: £854,289) in the year. See note 4 for further detail.
Amounts owed to group undertakings are unsecured. interest free and repayable on demand.
On 4th March 2022 the subsidiary company ODL Europe Limited received a loan from the ultimate worldwide parent company ODL Incorporated for the sum of $3,350,000. At the year end the outstanding balance was £2,261,148 (2022 - £3,266,849) the loan is unsecured and repayable on demand. There is no set repayment date and interest is charged on the first date of each applicable period and adjusted monthly on the first business date of each period hereafter at LIBOR plus 1% per annum.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
The deferred tax asset is in relation to losses and other deductions in the year and are expected to reverse within the foreseeable future. The deferred tax liability set out above relates to accelerated capital allowances and are expected to reverse over the same period as the assets it relates to are depreciated.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
The group and company ordinary shares, which carry no right to fixed income, each carry the right to vote at the general meeting of the company.
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
The subsidiary company purchased goods from ODL Building Materials Manufacturing Corp of Suzhou amounting to £513,342 (2022: £504,072). At the year end £53,621 (2022: £Nil) was owed to ODL Building Materials Manufacturing Corp of Suzhou. This can be found within amounts owed to group undertakings within creditors due within one year, note 16 of the financial statements.
Also included within amounts owed to group undertakings, note 16 of the financial statements, is a balance of £4,355,918 (2023 - £3,975,053) owed to ODL Incorporated, of which there are no set repayment terms and no interest is charged.
The subsidiary also purchased goods from ODL Incorporated amounting to £222,718 (2022: £19,685). At the year end £Nil (2022: £Nil) was owed to ODL Incorporated regarding trade balances.
On 4 March 2022 the subsidiary company received a formalised loan from ODL Incorporated of $3,350,000. The balance is repayable on demand and interest is charged at LIBOR plus 1% per annum. Interest payable to ODL Incorporated amounted to £173,720 (2022: £92,651). At the year end £2,261,148 (2022: £3,266,846) was owed to ODL Incorporated regarding this loan. This can be found within other borrowings, notes 16 and 17 of the financial statements.