The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2023.
The principal activity of the Group is the processing of meat ingredients for the ready meal and boxed meal industries.
The key risk facing the Group is margin management, particularly at times of raw material price fluctuation. The risk is addressed through strong relationships with suppliers and customers.
These strong relationships are with a small number of key suppliers and customers. Whilst recognising this concentration as a risk, the Directors focus on developing the opportunities afforded by the simplicity of these few
relationships. These opportunities include fully understanding customer requirements and working with suppliers to deliver these requirements.
Inflationary pressures continued in 2023 which in turn impacted customer demand. Coming out of 2023 into 2024, these inflationary pressures seem to be stabilising but current worldwide events could impact cost and availability of raw materials and energy prices.
Due to this macro environment within which we operate all businesses need to have adequate liquidity and managing interest rate risk. The Group manages these risks by maintaining sufficient undrawn headroom on its borrowing facility, in conjunction with tight control of working capital and regular forecasting of business performance and cash requirements plus factoring in potential interest rate movements.
The business is well placed to overcome any short term challenges and with the continued backing of Endless LLP, increase its existing footprint into the manufacturing and boxed meal sectors.
Financial key performance indicators are Turnover, Operating Profit and Pre-Tax Profit.
31 December 2023 31 December 2022
£'000 £'000
Turnover 103,510 51,794
Operating Profit 4,996 969
Pre-Tax Profit 341 (593)
The Directors are satisfied with this result.
The business has all accreditations necessary for its pre-eminent position in the ready meal supply chain. These include BRC, Red Tractor, and all necessary major retailer approvals. In addition, there is continuing investment in facilities and in training staff.
In addition to the strong presence in the ready meal supply chain, during 2023 the business has continued to build sales in the box meal market through developing strong relationships and becoming a key partner to the leading suppliers of box meals in the UK.
The impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to be felt globally. The business has felt this through the price inflation particularly in energy and labour costs. Beyond price increases, raw material shortages for a few items were mitigated through sourcing from alternative sources. Apart from price, there was no impact on meat availability.
The Directors are focused on investing in the business to increase sales and maintain profitability along with reducing waste and meeting high environmental standards. The current strategy is proving to be very successful and the directors expect further commercial success in the future, with a plan to continue to invest in the business into 2024/25.
This is an overview of how Directors performed their duty to promote the success of the group under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
Duty to promote the success of the Group
In executing our strategy, Directors must act in accordance with a set of general duties detailed in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006. These general duties include a duty to promote the success of the Group, and specifically, to act in a way that the Director considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Group for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and, in doing so, having regard (amongst other matters) to the:
likely consequences of any decisions in the long-term.
interests of the Group's employees.
need to foster the Group's business relationships with suppliers, customers, and others.
impact of the Group's operations on the community and environment.
desirability of the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
need to act fairly between shareholders of the Group.
This statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018, which require the Group to describe how the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 during the financial year under review. It is noted that the Directors have always acted in accordance with such duties in their decision making and they will continue to do so. Considering the additional disclosure requirements, we have set out in the strategic report how the Directors have fulfilled their duties during the year ended 31 December 2023.
Having regard to the likely consequences of any decisions in the long-term
The Board cultivates strong relationships with key stakeholders so that it is well placed and sufficiently informed to take their considerations into account when making decisions and assessing any likely long-term impact of those decisions. The group’s core strategy is to continue to be the UK’s leading partner for multi-species, value-added B2B protein solutions, focused on exceptional service and quality for our customers and be the best-in-class supplier and this core strategy underpins all Board decisions and the creation of long-term value for all stakeholders.
Having regard to the interest of the Group’s employees
The Board understands that the Group’s employees are fundamental to its long-term success. The health, safety and well-being of the employees are of paramount importance alongside the provision of an ethical workplace. The Group engages in an active way with its employees. Many of the staff work within the factory and senior management regularly complete factory visits to maintain timely interaction.
Having regard to the need to foster the Group's business relationships with suppliers, customers, and others.
Fostering positive business relationships with key stakeholders, such as suppliers and customers is also important to the success of the Group’s businesses. As a result of the group model, engagement with customers is a matter that is largely delegated to the management teams, who know their customers best. The Board has been and continues to be, available to support the business in this area as and when required and will continue to maintain the relationships with key suppliers and customers. The business has heavily invested in their relationships with suppliers and customers throughout the year ended 31 December 2023.
Having regard to the impact of the Group’s operations on the community and environment
In their decision making, the Directors need to have regard to the impact of the Group’s operations on the community and environment. The Board plays a constructive role in tackling issues through engagement and investment.
It is important for the long-term future of our business that we protect and enhance the environment. Climate change will affect how much non-renewable energy is available, and the stakeholders are rightly concerned about the resilience of supplies and are looking to companies to adapt and take the necessary steps to reduce their climate change risk. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and contribution to climate change where economically viable.
Having regards to the desirability of the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
Customer fulfilment and customer satisfaction are essential for us to consistently deliver a high-quality service. The Board recognises that culture, values, and standards are key contributors to how a Group creates and sustains value over the longer-term, to enable it to maintain a reputation for high standards of business conduct which guide and assist in the Board’s decision making, and in doing so, help promote the Group’s success, recognising, amongst other things, the likely consequences of any decision in the long-term and wider stakeholder considerations.
The standards set by the Board mandate certain requirements and behaviours with regards to the activities of the Directors, the Group’s employees and others associated with the Group.
Having regard to the need to act fairly between shareholders of the Group
The members of the Board 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 Group for the benefit of its members as a whole (having regard to the stakeholders and matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act 2006) in the decisions taken during the year ended 31 December 2023.
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 10.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The group's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests.
Information about matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the group's performance.
There is no employee share scheme at present, but the directors are considering the introduction of such a scheme as a means of further encouraging the involvement of employees in the company's performance.
Sumer Auditco Limited were appointed as auditor to the company and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, and deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Under the Companies (Directors' Report) and Limited Liabilities Partnerships (Energy & Carbon Report) Regulations 2019, we are mandated to disclosure our energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. These disclosures are set out below.
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
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per £100,000 of turnover, the recommended ratio for the sector.
As a group, we are continually looking at ways to improve energy efficiency, such as installing LED lighting wherever practical. We are also exploring the possibility of increasing the percentage of renewable energy consumed, from the current 38%, against other forms of energy generation.
We have audited the financial statements of YPM Group 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, the company 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.
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 extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussions with the directors (as required by auditing standards) and discussed with the directors the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, the company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation and taxation legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, the company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: laws related to employment laws, Companies Act 2006 and Health and Safety at Work Act.
Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these procedures we did not become aware of any actual or suspected non-compliance.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined below to detect material misstatement due to fraud:
Matters are discussed amongst the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud
Identifying and assessing the design and effectiveness of controls that management have in place to prevent and detect fraud
Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud following discussions with management and enquiring as to whether management have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
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.
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 £206,123 (2022 - £205,421 loss).
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
YPM Group Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .
The group consists of YPM Group 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 consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company YPM Group 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.
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 represents amounts receivable for goods provided in the period net of VAT and trade discounts.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
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.
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 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.
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.
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.
The group makes an estimate of overrider settlements where they are based on qualifying conditions. In circumstances where these conditions are unlikely to be satisfied, management assesses the commercial implications and makes adjustments on the likelihood of their settlement.
The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets, which are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets.
When calculating the stock provision, management considers the nature and condition of the stock, as well as applying assumptions around anticipated sales of finished goods and future usage of raw materials. The stock provision for this year was £63,713 (2022: £9,812).
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 3 directors in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.
During the previous reporting period the highest paid director exercised his share options that were granted at market value on the day of the grant under an EMI scheme.
There were 100 equity-settled share options granted on the 1st September 2020. During the prior period 15 lapsed and the remaining 85 shares were exercised at the price of £278 per share on the 11th March 2022.
The actual charge 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:
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2023 are as follows:
Registered office addresses (all UK unless otherwise indicated):
Of the amounts falling due within one year a total of £1,436,360 (2022: £663,874) relates to an invoice financing facility held by Yorkshire Premier Meat Limited. The comparative figure includes a loan of £4,000,000 from funds managed by Endless LLP and was secured, bearing interest rate of base +8% and matured in March 2023.
Of the amount falling due after one year £8,837,234 (2022: £5,654,408) relates to management loans and are repayable in 2027, and bears interest rate of base + 8%. The balance also includes £32,207,074 (2022: £13,999,231) is from funds managed by Endless LLP and is secured, bears interest rate of base +8% and matures in March 2027. The remaining balance consists of £3,500,000 of deferred consideration relating to the acquisition of the Smithfield Poultry group.
The debt is listed on The International Stock Exchange.
Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company 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 3 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:
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
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.
On 13 March 2023 the following shares were issued:
607,403 £0.001 Ordinary A Shares were issue for consideration of £607.40
27,789 £0.001 Ordinary B Shares were issue for consideration of £27.79
164,824 £0.001 Ordinary C Shares were issue for consideration of £164.82
On 31 May 2023 19,150 £0.001 Ordinary C Shares were issue for consideration of £19.15.
On 29 November 2023 19,150 £0.001 Ordinary C Shares were issued for consideration of £19.15.
On 14 March 2023 the group acquired 100% percent of the issued capital of Smithfield Poultry Limited.
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: