The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 30 November 2023.
In our Accounts for the trading period to November 2022 we reported on the lifting of a sense of gloom following the pandemic with a positive message about our hopes and aspirations for the coming year. A year later and we are pleased to report that our confidence was well placed and the green shoots of recovery we thought were visible matured into full blown opportunities.
Our market place witnessed a huge surge in merger and take over activity with many smaller independent contractors struggling with new ways of working, new beaurocracy and new demands from clients ever more engaged in the pursuit of a sustainable way of working. Larger corporations, desperate for increased turnover, acquired many of these struggling organisations and the number of truly independent service providers bringing innovation and real change to the market diminished further. This stagnation meant that our offering continued to really stand out from the crowd and we were able to produce a set of numbers it would be difficult not to be proud of.
The continued program of focus on teamwork and integration of processes meant that we were efficient at delivering exceptionally high standards of work on site while consistently looking for innovation and progress. We introduced a new range of cleaning agents to the majority of our contracts delivering cleaning services using bacteria, being more cost effective, more time efficient and more environmentally friendly.
Once again, our Sales team outperformed our expectations, our Operations team grew with our Key Account Manager role continued in its development to better support and mentor our colleagues on the ground and our Head Office teams worked efficiently and diligently to ensure our back of house operations ran smoothly. In particular our expanded Credit Control process ensured that our outstanding debt level was never a drain on our liquidity and we operated largely without recourse to our banking facility.
Our Manchester office has also been a huge success with portfolio wins across a wide range of Northern locations including Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool.
With the on-going situation in the Ukraine, global inflation running well above all forecasts and more than 10% increases in Living Wage rates we knew the trading period would be difficult and demanding. We targeted our relationships with our client base as being of critical importance and worked exceptionally hard in ensuring we were considered a strategic and essential partner to all. When it came to annual reviews of charges we were open and honest about our expectations and we were largely supported by clients allowing us to increase charges to levels that protected our margins. There remains significant pressure on pay rates with a restricted labour pool really biting, but we are an employer of choice and our reputation for caring for our colleagues at all levels means that we are regularly approached by industry experienced staff looking for an opportunity to grow with a worthy company.
The situation in Israel at the end of this period caused considerable concern as super powers appeared to take opposing views and we wait to see the full effects of their actions. When supply chains are threatened we always anticipate increases in costs whether in raw materials or fuel prices but, at the moment, these have not yet filtered through to us.
We also renewed our lease on our existing office premises in Battersea as well as taking a new lease on the unit next to our current ones. Three months of works to fit out and then knock through to join up with our existing space means we now have the room and facilities to allow for continued expansion and development, secure with a new three-year lease. We did look at alternative locations but found nothing that offered anything like what we already have for up to double our current expenditure, so securing a new lease and acquiring more space is a significant de-risking.
In 2022 we reported a 38% increase in the value of our Sales as we came out of the pandemic and Furlough schemes. Given the results from 2020 and 2021 perhaps it wasn’t surprising to see a surge as demand picked up and people returned to work.
In this light our increase in the value of Sales in 2023 in excess of 25% at marginally under £6m in the financial year is quite outstanding and confirms the points raised earlier.
Expansion into new markets, into new geographical locations and with more efficient processes means that we are well placed to exploit the opportunities that arise. Our Royal Warrant is forecast to be renewed for another five years in the coming months and we already know that this is a major selling tool.
With our head office facilities secured with a new three-year lease, which includes expanded space, we are well set to continue to our growth.
Our commitment to developing our ESG team to further set us apart from our marketplace, as well as our unique and expanded Implementations Team, who are dedicated to starting each new instruction, further demonstrate the measures we have invested in to ensure we remain true market leaders.
In 2023 we expanded our Health & Safety team and set targets for the completion of independent Quality Audits to be carried out on all sites with our clients. The Operations team conduct monthly structured reviews with clients, using Ipad based technology, allowing our teams to audit contracts, score our performance and raise issues as and when they occur. The Audits provide us with a clear and demonstrable evidence based trail of standards delivered and clients’ approval.
Our London fleet of nearly 30 vehicles is 88% fully electric while we continue to search for an electric option for the heavy-duty vans, we use to carry specialist equipment; in time these too will be fully electric.
Achieving Gold standard in Investors in People early in this period was a huge coup for our Human Resources and Training colleagues and is a highly regarded and universally accepted independent verification of the way in which we continue to look after our teams as we operate in a very cost-conscious industry.
Reporting on a set of figures that demonstrate an increase of pre-tax profits of over 30% on the previous period shows the rude health we are in. Our market offering is being well received and our investment in our people, processes and procurement is massively paying off.
Relationships with colleagues at every level are solid and respectful. Our Leadership team provides a voice for all staff to be heard at Board level and we are thrilled to report that staff turnover, at every level, remains incredibly low as the team ethos is so strong. Last year we reported Staff Retention rates of 96% and we celebrated with seven colleagues who had all achieved 14 years employment with the company.
In April 2023 we published our Gender Pay Gap figures and were delighted that our Median Gender Pay Gap had reduced from 2.8% in 2022 to 2.5% in 2023 as we continue to employ, promote and reward on merit rather than any other characteristic.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2023.
The results for the year are set out on page 9.
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:
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.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Richard Anthony be reappointed as auditor of the group will be put at a General Meeting.
As the group has not consumed more than 40,000 kWh of energy in this reporting period, it qualifies as a low energy user under these regulations and is not required to report on its emissions, energy consumption or energy efficiency activities.
We have audited the financial statements of Greenzone Group of Companies Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 30 November 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
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
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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
The group and parent company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant:
The Companies Act 2006
Financial Reporting Standard 102
UK tax legislation
UK employment legislation
UK health and safety legislation
General Data Protection Regulations
We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
We understood how the group and company are complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making inquiries of management and those responsible for legal and compliance procedures.
The engagement partner assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with these laws and regulations. The assessment did not identify any issues in this area.
We assessed the susceptibility of the entity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
Identifying and assessing the measures management has in place to prevent and detect fraud,
Understanding how those charged with governance considered and addressed the potential for override of controls or other inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process,
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant estimates, and
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted with unusual account combinations.
As a result of the above procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential existed within the recording and recognition of revenue.
Our procedures in this respect were focused on the origination of revenue and directed towards ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the same by undertaking testing on a sample basis of the revenue items to ensure that sales had been recorded correctly and in the appropriate accounting period. We consider that the work we undertook in this regard was considered capable of detecting irregularities and fraud within the sales cycle.
Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulations. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. Therefore, if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring to fraud other than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission, or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the group and parent 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 group and 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 group and parent company and its members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £0 (2022 - £0 profit).
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
Greenzone Group of Companies Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Ground Floor Cooper House, 316 Regents Park Road, London, United Kingdom, N3 2JX.
The group consists of Greenzone Group of Companies 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 Greenzone Group of Companies 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 30 November 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.
Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services Limited has been included in the group financial statements using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the group profit and loss account and statement of cash flows include the results and cash flows of Greenzone Cleaning & Support Services Limited for the 12 month period to 30 November 2022. The purchase consideration has been allocated to the assets and liabilities on the basis of fair value at the date of acquisition.
The group profit and loss account and statement of cash flows also include the results and cash flows of Nine Elms Concierge Services Limited for the 12 month period to 30 November 2022 and includes the reserves of Greenzone Support Services Limited, a dormant company.
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.
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 and services 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 trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
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.
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 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.
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.
An analysis of the group's turnover is as follows:
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
More information on impairment movements in the year is given in note .
The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 30 November 2023 are as follows:
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. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the group or company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
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.
Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the company for its offices. Leases are negotiated for an average term of three years and rentals are fixed for an average of three years with an option to extend the lease at the prevailing market rate.
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: