The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 January 2024.
The results of the Group for the year show a profit on ordinary activities before tax of £513,416 (2023 loss £217,613) a 0.76% net profit margin (2023 -0.30%) after an increase in the year end stock provision of £844,000 as we continue in the 2024/25 financial year within the group to manage through historical excess stock levels in certain areas of the wider business. The overall performance of the Group for the year will be covered in the following sections respectively:
Annual trading conditions
Strengthening balance sheet
Strategic focus
Annual trading conditions
The current year was an exciting year for the Umbro brand on pitch with West Ham winning the UEFA Europa Conference League against Fiorentina in Prague, in the first half of the financial year with the brand getting exposure throughout their journey in the competition, reaching an international audience both on pitch to a capacity of up to 50,000 people as well as the related media coverage.
We started the 23/24 football season with an exciting new addition to our sponsorship division, which strategically allowed us to work with the world’s greenest football club, Forest Green Rovers FC to provide them with match kit, training wear and off-field kit which aligns with their club strategy and is an exciting step for the Umbro brand to work with the only vegan football club in the world.
Hearts of Midlothian football club celebrated their 150th anniversary during the 23/24 football season. We were excited to work with the club to create a 3rd kit design for the event with an oversized club crest developed to represent the first heart worn from 1874.
The start of the football season was followed by the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France in the second half of the financial year with the brand getting international exposure throughout the competition, with England Rugby narrowly finishing in 3rd place after losing by a single point to South Africa in the semi final.
These events allowed us to reach a wider audience with the Umbro brand and an increase in sales of 28% on prior year which leads nicely into the brands milestone year next financial year where the Umbro brand is celebrating its 100 years of Umbro, in April 2024.
Off pitch the group continued to work on consolidation and improving efficiency, with a key focus on stock holding and stock turnover, successfully reducing comparable stock days to 114 (2023: 133).
Strengthening balance sheet
With a year of profitable trading for the group and continued focus in the organisation in the 2024/25 financial year as we work towards a strategy of achieving a benchmark return on investment, the company has made some difficult decisions over the year to protect the business to ensure long term success. In the current financial year, we have recognised £325,000 of a deferred tax asset on balance sheet which was sitting off balance sheet due to the performance of the business in previous years. There is a further deferred tax asset of £1,060,704 that is unrecognised at the year end.
The business has accelerated capital loan repayments to its RLS loan in the financial year by £800,000 and further accelerated capital repayments have been made post year end as part of our strategy for achieving a benchmark return on investment as we work towards minimising the burden of borrowing costs on the Group while managing cash reserves in the wider business.
In the current financial year, following the settlement of the legal case referred to in the 2023 accounts, the group's shareholding in GL Dameck Limited increased to 100% and it now directly holds its investment in Diamond Icons Ltd (24.5% shareholding).
Strategic focus
The Groups strategic focus over the last 12 months within all areas of the business has been consolidation and efficiency within the Group as we work towards achieving a benchmark return on investment. There have been a number of steps taken in the year, including a focus on cost reduction, while we continue to navigate our way through the challenging economic conditions within the UK/EU retail sector.
As part of these steps the group completed a full restructure on the 31st of January 2024 to help strengthen the strategic focus of each brand and re-organise resources to ensure we are operating efficiently and effectively in the current economic environment and managing our risks appropriately.
The effect of the restructure on the subsidiary GL Dameck Limited is that its remaining operations now focus on one brand, Umbro, and any assets or liabilities related to the other brands transferred as part of the reorganisation to its co-subsidiaries Amplified Clothing Ltd and Ardblair Sports Importers Limited.
On 19th March 2024 the exclusive Umbro Professional Team Sports sub-license agreement with Castore was announced creating a partner in this groundbreaking elite sports relationship. Castore’s technology-led approach combined with Umbro’s century of authenticity in sports enables both partners to increase visibility on the field of play, whilst providing consumers with first class kit design and innovation.
At the date of signing the accounts, the UK economy continues to be impacted by the after effects of the pandemic; energy price rises; War in Ukraine; interest rate rises; and the UK cost of living crisis and an annual inflation below average. The business experienced further increases in services and supply prices for the year squeezing margins and overall profitability.
During 2023 the company welcomed a steady reduction of shipping rates as the container prices returned for the first time since 2019 to pre covid shipping costs. At the end of the financial year in January 2024, we saw a dramatic increase in shipping rates, which continues to rise over 2024 as the company navigate the instability in global supply chain, which has a number of fragile links, where disruption to one of these can have a global impact, and as a result an increase in prices including but not limited to
geopolitical instability around the Red Sea
Increase in demand
Port closures
Labour shortages
Lack of new shipping containers.
The group, in line with businesses in many industries, has been impacted by these measures but as demonstrated in the profitability, they are taking steps to manage this and working towards increasing the return on investment for the period to Jan 25.
The group finances its short to medium term funding requirements through a combination of third-party bank funding (a group net nil overdraft facility across various group companies), invoice discounting, import loan facilities and a government backed loan. The Group has taken a number of measures following detailed focus on the profitability within each segment in the business and continues to review and react to the changing environment to ensure it continues to grow the strength of the business with each change.
The group has completed a base case forecast based on its continued bank facilities which have the group repaying some of the external debt early post balance sheet date, as the business is committed to reducing its reliance on debt in the current economic environment. To the date of signing we had repaid £1,683,961 early on our government backed loan from available Group funds. A reverse stress test is not considered appropriate given headroom in place. There is of course a credit risk associated with the group’s debtor book but the directors have some credit insurance in place, have diversified the risk where possible and continue to monitor closely.
Based on the above, the directors are confident that the actions and strategies in place, results in the group and company being able to mitigate business threats as they arise.
In reviewing the Groups performance, management regularly review and, at brand level, consider the Groups sales achievements, forward order levels, purchasing costs including production, importing, storage and distribution and profit generation. At corporate level the Group reviews revenues, overall profitability, working capital and cashflow on a regular basis.
Key performance indicators:
| 2024 | 2023 |
|
Turnover (£000’s) | 66,197 | 71,429 | Total sales |
Gross profit | 46.7% | 48.4% | Gross profit/turnover |
Profit/(Loss) before taxation (£’000’s) | 513 | (218) | (loss)/profit before taxation |
EBITDA to turnover (%) | 3.0% | 1.8% | EBITDA/turnover |
Other Key performance indicators:
With the exception of the financial key performance indicators listed above, there are no other key performance indicators of the Group.
The board of directors of Dameck Holdings Group consider, both individually and together, that they have acted in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole (having regard to the stakeholders and matters set out in 172(1)(a) to (f) Companies Act 2006) in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to:
the likely consequences of any decisions in the long-term
the interests of the Group’s employees
the need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others
the impact of the company’s operation on the community and environment
the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
the need to act fairly as between shareholders of the Company.
The directors fulfil these duties through the following:
Risk management
As we grow, we have approved a business plan to January 2025 to allow the board to manage and evaluate the business, to ensure we can control both our resources and costs to meet the continued growth within the business. Our business and risk environment evolves with the growing economic and regulatory changes we face. It is therefore vital that we effectively identify, evaluate, manage and mitigate the risks we face, and that we continue to develop and adapt our approach to risk management to meet the Group’s needs.
For details of our principal risks and uncertainties and how we manage our risk environment, please see page 1.
Our People
The Group is committed to being a responsible business. People are at the heart of our business and for our business to succeed we need to manage our people’s performance and develop and bring through talent while ensuring we operate as efficiently as possible. We must also ensure we share common values that inform and guide our behaviour so we achieve our goals in the right way.
Business Relationships
Our continued growth of the Group is driven off the development and nurturing of existing relationships together with the expansion of new relationships both with customers, suppliers and business partners.
Community and Environment
The Group continues to support its people to create positive change for the people and communities with which we interact. We try to minimise our environmental impact and the Group have taken measures to utilise alternative carbon neutral sources of energy within the Groups head office and continues to monitor opportunities to limit our environmental impact. The company has actively participated in charitable donations of excess, out of season and out of licence stock product to encourage the reuse of product that otherwise may have contributed to landfill.
Shareholders
As the Board of Directors, our intention is to behave responsibly toward our shareholders and treat them fairly and equally, so they too may benefit from the successful delivery of our plan.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2024.
The results for the year are set out on page 10.
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:
MMG Chartered Accountants were re-appointed as auditor to the company and group and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
The group has followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. The group has also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2020 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting
We have audited the financial statements of Dameck Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 January 2024 which comprise the group profit and loss account, 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 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 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.
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 our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the 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.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the company and industry in which it operates, and considered the risk of acts by the company that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.
We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be the override of controls by management, the misstatement of revenue and presentation of the consolidated results. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included:
- Enquiry of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities.
- Testing of the appropriateness and correct authorisation of journal entries and any other significant transactions outside the ordinary course of business including those entered into with related parties.
- Review of significant estimates to ensure there is no indication of management bias.
- Testing the completeness and correct allocation of revenue in the year.
- Review and testing of the consolidation journals.
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.
The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities
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 18 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 18 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 18 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 18 to 42 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 loss for the year was £256,899 (2023 - £407,987 loss).
The notes on pages 18 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 18 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 18 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
Dameck Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is Yard Road, Blairgowrie, Scotland, PH10 6NW.
The group consists of Dameck 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, unless otherwise stated in the accounting policies below. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Dameck 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 January 2024. 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 subsidiary companies ASI Brands Limited and Addict Holdings Limited are exempt from the requirement of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit of financial statements under section 479A.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account returns, trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer;
the entity retains no continuing involvement or control over the goods;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the group; and
when the specific criteria relating to each of the entity's sales channels have been met.
The specific criteria of the entity's sales channels are described below.
Sale of goods - retail
Turnover from the sale of retail goods is recognised on sale to the customer, which is considered the point of delivery.
Sale of goods - internet based transactions
Turnover from the sale of goods via the internet is recognised when the risks and rewards of the goods is passed to the customer. For goods that are delivered to the customer this is the point of acceptance of the goods by the customer, and for 'click and collect' transactions this is the point of collection by the customer.
Sale of goods - wholesale
Turnover from wholesale sales is recognised when the risks and rewards of the goods is passed to the customer, which is usually at the point of dispatch of the goods.
Interest income
Interest income is recognised using the effective interest rate method.
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.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
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.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
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 group enters into foreign exchange forward contracts in order to manage its exposure to foreign exchange risk.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting end date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset, whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised as a financial liability.
The group designates certain hedging instruments, including derivatives, embedded derivatives and non-derivatives, as either fair value or cash flow hedges. At the inception of the hedge relationship, the group documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item along with the risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. At the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the company documents whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.
For derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
Any gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss when the hedge relationship ends. This occurs when the hedging instrument expires or no longer meets the hedging criteria, the forecast transaction is no longer highly probable, the hedged debt instrument is derecognised, or the hedging instrument is terminated.
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.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
Sponsorship costs
The group sponsors a number of sports teams from which it then generates wholesale turnover.
The sponsorship costs for these relationships are recognised in accordance with the teams' season to which they relate. Costs are split into two parts, apparel and advertising rights, with the former being determined by the calculation of a fair gross margin for each club based on estimated sales and the balance being allocated to advertising rights. The relevant costs are allocated on the following basis:
Apparel rights - these costs are spread over the period in which apparel sales occurred;
Advertising rights - these costs are allocated to the period in which their benefit is deemed to be received.
Related party transactions
The group discloses transactions with related parties which are not wholly owned within the same group. Where appropriate, transactions of a similar nature are aggregated unless, in the opinion of the directors, separate disclosure is necessary to understand the effect of the transactions on the group financial statements.
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.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors have made the following judgements:
Determine whether leases entered into by the company, either as lessor or lessee, are operating leases or finance leases. These decisions consider the duration of the lease and whether the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred from the lessor to the lessee on a lease by lease basis.
Consider whether there are any indications of impairment to tangible and intangible assets. Factors taken into consideration include the economic viability and expected future financial performance of the asset where it is a component of a larger cash generating unit.
Determine the apportionment of sponsorship costs into apparel costs and advertising costs. These decisions depend on such factors as the calculation of a fair gross margin for each club and other such factors as detailed in the terms and conditions of each individual agreed contract.
Intangible assets relating to licence fees are recognised when a payment is made to secure the licence fee for a number of years. The intangible asset is then amortised over the useful life of the agreed licence which is typically five to seven years.
The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account expected residual values where appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. In assessing asset lives factors such as technological innovation, product life cycles and maintenance programmes are taken into account. Residual value assessments consider factors such as current and future market conditions, the expected remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.
Recoverability of trade debtors are evaluated and provisions for doubtful debts are made where appropriate. Provisions are based on experience, the age of debt, customer relations and payment history. The actual level of debt collected may differ from the estimated level of recovery and can therefore impact future operating results.
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value (NRV). Cost is calculated by establishing the cumulative value of the weighted average purchase price, the cost of duty, commission and shipping. These costs are reassessed regularly. NRV is calculated as the resale price less any expected further sales costs and discounts.
The stock provision is calculated using estimates and judgements by management. The provision is calculated to provide for prior season stock, slow moving stock, stock selling at a loss and out of license products.
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The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
No directors are accruing any post employment benefits and no directors are members of the company defined contribution scheme.
The directors have considered the key management personnel of the business and have concluded that the key management personnel are limited to the board of directors.
The actual credit for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge/(credit) for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
The group entered into an arrangement with a third party relating to its sponsorship business.
During the year, the group acquired the 7.69% minority interest holding in GL Dameck Limited so that it now owns the entire issued share capital in that subsidiary.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 January 2024 are as follows:
Registered office addresses (all UK unless otherwise indicated):
The parent company, Dameck Holdings Limited, has provided guarantees under s479 Companies Act 2006 in respect of the following subsidiary companies:
ASI Brands Limited, company registration number SC167312; and,
Addict Holdings Limited, company registration number 06818474.
The subsidiaries are therefore exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act relating to the audit of their financial statements.
Details of associates at 31 January 2024 are as follows:
On 21 September 2023 the group acquired 500 ordinary shares in Diamond Icon Limited. Income is recognised in line with the equity accounting method.
Financial instruments measured at fair value through the Statement of Comprehensive Income comprise cash flow hedges of foreign currency forward contracts recognised as derivative financial instruments.
Stock is held after provisions for impairment of £1,773,149(2023 - £1,044,205). The movement on the stock provision is recognised through cost of sales.
At 31 January 2024 the group increased its stock provision as a result of an overstock following the Covid-19 period and a subsequent change in trade for 2 of its brands.
No stock is held by the parent company.
Bank Security
The company is party to a multilateral agreement with its bankers for guarantees provided in respect of the bank borrowings of Ardblair Sports Importers Limited, Dameck Holdings Limited, GL Dameck Limited, Diamond Sports Retail Limited, Swallowtail Lifestyle Limited and ASI Brands Limited.
HSBC Bank PLC holds a floating charge over all the assets of the companies within the facility in respect of loans and a security over trade debtors in respect of the invoice finance facility.
Bank loans
Included within bank loans is a RLS loan with a balance of £3,633,332 (2023: £7,000,000) at the year end. This loan is repayable in monthly instalments of £116,667 over 5 years following a 12 month capital payment holiday and interest is being charged a 4.25% over the Bank of England base rate.
The group has a Trade Import line facility with HSBC Bank PLC for a total value of of £6,000,000 (2023: £6,000,000) to assist the company with its overseas purchases. Interest is charged at 2.95% above the Bank of England base rate. The facility balance at 31 January 2024 was £771,881 (2023: £2,196,061) and is included in bank loans above.
Other loans
Other loans represent the invoice finance facility in place with HSBC. The group has a facility of £7,500,000 (2023: £7,500,000) of which £1,110,052 (2023: £1,277,534) was drawn down at the year end. The facility carries an interest charge of 2.45% above the Bank of England base rate and the facility is secured over trade debtors.
Bank overdrafts
Bank overdrafts represent the overdraft facility in place with HSBC. The company is part of a group which have a net nil overdraft facility in place with HSBC. The group was utilising £5,872,316 (2023: £4,644,192) of the facility at the year end.
Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is four years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
Deferred tax is not recognised in respect of tax losses of £4,250,816 and a deferred tax asset of £1,060,704 has not been recognised on these losses as it is not probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or future taxable profits in the near future..
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.
At the reporting end date there were letters of credit outstanding to the value of £750,777 (2023 - £762,216).
The group sponsor a number of football teams over the season. Through the sponsorship agreement, there are performance bonuses which are payable on meeting certain conditions by the end of the football season in June. The quantum of the bonus is dependent on the individual agreement, relevant league level and the performance of the club over the season. No provision is included in these financial statements in relation to these agreements as these conditions have not been met.
The group is currently involved in a dispute with HMRC over previous import duties paid by the group. The group are of the opinion that these import duties amounting to £234,797, of which £127,154 has been paid to date, were not actually due as the payments were in relation to buying commission which would not attract import duty. The group are liaising with professional advisors and they are in the process of appealing the decision, which was initially upheld by HMRC, with the case now due to be heard at First Tier Tribunal.
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:
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
The directors are of the opinion that all other related party transactions are conducted under normal market conditions and on an arm's length basis.