Registration number:
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Contents
Limited liability partnership information |
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Balance Sheet |
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Notes to the Financial Statements |
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Limited liability partnership information
Designated members |
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Registered office |
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Accountants |
Hazlewoods LLP |
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
(Registration number: OC311802)
Balance Sheet as at 30 April 2024
Note |
2024 |
2023 |
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Fixed assets |
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Intangible assets |
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Tangible assets |
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Current assets |
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Stocks |
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Debtors |
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Cash and short-term deposits |
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Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year |
( |
( |
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Net current assets |
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Total assets less current liabilities |
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Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year |
( |
( |
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Provisions for liabilities |
( |
( |
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Net assets attributable to members |
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Represented by: |
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Loans and other debts due to members |
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Members' capital classified as a liability |
2,742,090 |
1,914,545 |
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2,742,090 |
1,914,545 |
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Total members' interests |
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Loans and other debts due to members |
2,742,090 |
1,914,545 |
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2,742,090 |
1,914,545 |
For the year ending 30 April 2024 the LLP was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, as applied to LLPs, relating to small entities.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to LLPs subject to the small LLPs regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006, as applied to LLPs.
These financial statements have been delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to LLPs subject to the small LLPs regime, as applied to LLPs, and the option not to file the Profit and Loss Account has been taken.
The members acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, as applied to LLPs by the Limited Liability Partnerships (Accounts and Audit) (Application of Companies Act 2006) Regulations 2008 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements of Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership (registered number OC311802) were approved by the
.........................................
K M Thomas
Designated member
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
General information |
The place of registration of the LLP is England and Wales under the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2000.
The address of the registered office is:
Queens Chambers
2 North Street
Newport
NP20 1TE
Accounting policies |
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 1A - 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except for, where disclosed in these accounting policies, certain items that are shown at fair value.
The presentational currency of the financial statements is pounds sterling, being the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the LLP operates. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.
Going concern
After reviewing the LLP's forecasts and projections, the members have a reasonable expectation that the LLP has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The LLP therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
Judgements
In the application of the LLP's accounting policies, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. |
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Bad debt provision - due to the nature of the business, there are high levels of trade debtors at the year end, and therefore a risk that some of these balances may be irrecoverable. A bad debt review is carried out, where debts are assessed and provided against when the recoverability of these balances is considered to be uncertain. The carrying amount is £262,464 (2023 - £221,762).
Amounts recoverable on contracts - The process of assessing amounts recoverable on contracts requires various estimates and judgements to be made. Fee earners are required to record time spent on client assignments and this is used as the basis for the amounts recoverable on contracts estimate. A year end report of time on all assignments is circulated to fee earners to identify likely recoverable amounts. The carrying amount is £1,443,900 (2023 - £1,346,094).
Provision for client claims - the provision is based on a review of potential claims and an assessment of any potential settlements that are considered likely as a result of these. The carrying amount is £95,000 (2023 - £70,000).
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Revenue recognition
Fee income represents the fair value of services provided during the year on client assignments. Fair value reflects the amounts expected to be recoverable from clients based on time spent, skills provided and expenses incurred, and excludes VAT. Income is recognised as contract activity progresses and the right to consideration is secured, expect where the final outcome cannot be assessed with reasonable certainty.
Income in respect of contingent fee assignments is recognised in the period when the contingent event occurs and collectability of the fee is assured.
Unbilled income on individual client assignments is included as amounts recoverable on contracts within debtors.
Members' remuneration and division of profits
The profits of the LLP are automatically divided among the members in accordance with the agreed profit share arrangements.
A member's share of the profit or loss for the year is accounted for as an allocation of profits.
Taxation
The taxation payable on the LLP's profits is the personal liability of the members, although payment of such liabilities is administered by the LLP on behalf of its members. Consequently, neither LLP taxation nor related deferred taxation is accounted for in these financial statements. Sums set aside in respect of members' tax obligations are included in the balance sheet within loans and other debts due to members, or are set against amounts due from members as appropriate.
Goodwill
Positive goodwill is capitalised, classified as an asset on the balance sheet and amortised on a straight line basis over its useful economic life. It is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year following the acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. They are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.
The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.
Amortisation
Amortisation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful
life.
Asset class |
Amortisation method and rate |
Debenture |
Over its useful life |
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful
life.
Asset class |
Depreciation method and rate |
Office equipment |
10%-33% straight line |
Fixtures and fittings |
10%-33% straight line |
Work in progress
Work in progress is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Net realisable value is based on selling price less anticipated costs to completion and selling costs. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from clients for services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. All trade debtors are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted cost of cash expected to be received. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the debtors.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the LLP does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and all are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted amount of cash expected to be paid.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the limited liability partnership has an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that the limited liability partnership will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Members' interests
Amounts due to members after more than one year comprises provisions for annuities to current members and certain loans from members which are not repayable within twelve months of the balance sheet date.
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the LLP after deducting all of its liabilities. Where shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the LLP is presented as a liability on the balance sheet. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expenses in the profit and loss account.
Recognition and Measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Impairment of financial assets
Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss as described below.
A non financial asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the estimated recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.
The recoverable amount of goodwill is derived from measurement of the present value of the future cash flows of the cash-generating units ('CGUs') of which the goodwill is a part. Any impairment loss in respect of a CGU is allocated first to the goodwill attached to that CGU, and then to other assets within that CGU on a pro-rata basis.
Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised. Where a reversal of impairment occurs in respect of a CGU, the reversal is applied first to the assets (other than goodwill) of the CGU on a pro-rata basis and then to any goodwill allocated to that CGU.
For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of an impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.
For financial assets carried at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the best estimate of the amount that would be received for the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date.
Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired financial asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.
Particulars of employees |
The average number of persons employed by the LLP during the year was
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Intangible fixed assets |
Goodwill |
Debenture |
Total |
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At 1 May 2023 and at 30 April 2024 |
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Amortisation |
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At 1 May 2023 |
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Charge for the year |
- |
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At 30 April 2024 |
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Net book value |
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At 30 April 2024 |
- |
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At 30 April 2023 |
- |
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Tangible fixed assets |
Fixtures and fittings |
Office equipment |
Total |
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Cost |
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At 1 May 2023 |
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Additions |
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At 30 April 2024 |
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Depreciation |
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At 1 May 2023 |
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Charge for the year |
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At 30 April 2024 |
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Net book value |
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At 30 April 2024 |
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At 30 April 2023 |
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Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Debtors |
2024 |
2023 |
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Trade debtors |
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Amounts recoverable on contracts |
1,443,900 |
1,346,094 |
Other debtors |
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Prepayments and accrued income |
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3,997,518 |
3,631,399 |
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year |
2024 |
2023 |
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Bank loans |
260,000 |
324,093 |
Trade creditors |
429,567 |
427,160 |
Other creditors |
747,713 |
679,938 |
Accruals and deferred income |
581,414 |
472,448 |
Hire purchase |
21,203 |
- |
Taxation and social security |
248,516 |
219,233 |
2,288,413 |
2,122,872 |
Creditors amounts falling due within one year includes the following liabilities, on which security has been given by the LLP:
2024 |
2023 |
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Bank loans |
260,000 |
324,093 |
Bank loans and overdrafts are secured by an cross guarantee between Harding Evans LLP, Harding Evans Legal Services Limited and Harding Evans Services Limited which is supported by a fixed and floating charge over the undertaking and all property and assets, present and future.
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured by the assets to which they relate.
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year |
2024 |
2023 |
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Bank loans |
281,667 |
549,579 |
Hire purchase |
33,572 |
- |
315,239 |
549,579 |
Creditors amounts falling due after more than one year includes the following liabilities, on which security has been given by the LLP:
2024 |
2023 |
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Bank loans |
281,667 |
549,579 |
Harding Evans Limited Liability Partnership
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024
Provisions |
Client claims provision |
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At 1 May 2023 |
70,000 |
Increase in existing provisions |
25,000 |
As at 30 April 2024 |
95,000 |
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Financial commitments, guarantees and contingencies |
Amounts not provided for in the balance sheet
The total amount of financial commitments not included in the balance sheet is £
The total amount of guarantees not included in the balance sheet is £107,770 (2023 - £111,443). The LLP has provided a cross guarantee to secure bank overdrafts and bank loans of Harding Evans Legal Services Limited and Harding Evans Services Limited.
Amounts disclosed in the balance sheet
Included in the balance sheet are guarantees of £2,521,816 (2023 - £1,640,875). This guarantee is for the designated members' capital which is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the LLP dated 4 September 2019.