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COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER:
NI626538
Year ended 29 February 2024
Independent auditor's report to the member |
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Consolidated statement of comprehensive income |
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Consolidated balance sheet |
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Consolidated statement of changes in equity |
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Company statement of changes in equity |
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Notes to the financial statements |
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Year ended 29 February 2024
This strategic report is addressed to, and written for, the members of
Seopa Holdings Limited
with the aim of providing a fair review of our business development, performance, and position at the current time. In producing this review, we aim to present a view that is balanced and comprehensive and that is consistent with the size and complexity of our business. The review is written in the context of the risks and uncertainties facing our business. This strategic report is split into sections: 1. About the Group 2. Vision and strategy 3. Financial review 4. Key performance indicators 5. Principal risks and uncertainties About the Group We are Seopa Holdings Limited
, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We own Seopa Ltd ("Seopa"), also based in Belfast, which has operations in Romania; Apricot Insurance Services Ltd ("Apricot"), based in Northern Ireland; and Wilson Insurance Brokers SRL, based in Romania. Seopa has been in business for 21 years, pioneering online price comparison technology. Today, we continue to specialise in the development, operation, and marketing of intelligent price comparison technologies. Seopa's Quotezone.co.uk and CompareNI.com platforms enable consumers and SMEs to compare quotes and offers from hundreds of providers in numerous verticals. Seopa also partners with some of the UK's leading businesses in the financial services, insurance, energy, and media industries, giving them the ability to offer an additional range of comparison products to their users and consequently add value. to their businesses. Each year Seopa's systems generate millions of quotes for UK consumers and companies. Apricot is an insurance broker, combining traditional methods of providing insurance to customers alongside an online offering at www.apricotinsurance.co.uk. Wilson Insurance Brokers provides online general and life insurance brokerage to customers in Romania. The company operates the online platform Asigurari.ro, enabling customers to compare insurance products online. The Group's performance is underpinned by sustained profitability and prudent financial management, allowing us to invest in the research, development, and operation of new technologies, offering our talented staff ongoing opportunities to grow with a focus on delivering excellence. Vision and strategy Since our inception, we have built a culture across the Group that is important to us. Our name encompasses our values: Smart We are innovative and strategic. We find better ways to do things. Efficient We maximise productivity and value for money. We minimise waste and duplication. Open We are one team - diverse, loyal and respectful. We welcome new ideas, challenge and change. Passionate We are ambitious, positive and driven. We celebrate the success of our companies and colleagues. Accountable We are responsible, trustworthy and dependable. We do what we say we will. These core values continue to guide our business and have proven to be a robust component of our Group culture and performance, acting as a constant throughout our evolving growth. We have a strong sense of purpose and take pride in the value that we bring to our customers, our business partners, and our people as we work each day to pursue our strategic vision - "To help the world find better deals". Highlights Seopa This financial year marked another period of continued growth for the company, with increases in customer numbers, revenue, and profits. Staying true to our strategic growth model, we evolved and enhanced our systems to help even more consumers find better deals-quickly, easily, and reliably. Across the Group, we expanded our comparison panels by adding numerous new insurance providers, offering customers greater choice and enabling them to select the right products for their needs-a service we are particularly proud to provide in a market where motor insurance premiums reached record highs. We maintained a strong focus on data-driven operations as a core component of our business growth strategy, developing new analytical tools and data products to better serve our customers and business partners while creating a competitive advantage for Seopa. As part of Seopa's commitment to innovation, we undertook several research and development projects, achieving significant advancements across the business. Of particular note was the creation and successful rollout of a proprietary machine learning powered customer acquisition system, which has delivered substantial efficiency improvements in our marketing operations. Coupled with our proprietary fraud detection systems, this innovation has enabled us to service a higher volume and improved quality of of customers through Seopa's platforms. Our data-driven initiatives have also provided valuable insights into customer behaviour, empowering our product, marketing, and partnerships teams to drive better outcomes and deliver even greater value to all stakeholders. This year, we embraced the use of AI-driven platforms across various areas of the business, including marketing, HR, and legal. We also invested in AI technologies to support our developers, data science, and QA teams in a range of activities-from managing routine tasks to solving complex technical challenges-significantly enhancing their efficiency. With our teams already benefiting from these advancements, we continue to explore new, impactful applications for AI, ensuring our technical solutions remain robust and secure. Seopa's commitment to security was further strengthened with the deployment of a cutting-edge cybersecurity system across our entire IT estate. This advanced solution leverages machine learning and behavioural analytics to detect and neutralise a wide range of security threats, including ransomware. Our systems are safeguarded by a dedicated team of security professionals, providing 24/7 real-time monitoring through a follow-the-sun model, with the capability to intervene during critical incidents to to ensure uninterrupted protection. Additionally, Seopa reached a significant milestone by completing our multi-year project to upgrade all customer-facing systems. Leveraging modern UI frameworks and an API-driven architecture, this upgrade allows us to concentrate on further enhancing our foundational architecture, unlocking new opportunities to scale the business more efficiently and rapidly. As in previous years, Seopa continued to refine and expand our internal tools and systems, leveraging technology to support every aspect of our business operations. By streamlining processes and automating routine tasks, we empower our staff to focus on adding genuine value in their roles. These advancements not only boost efficiency but also contribute to a more fulfilling and motivating work environment, enabling our people to make a meaningful impact in their work. Apricot Insurance Apricot is committed to getting customers the right insurance at the right price, every time. The company continues to undergo a strategic transformation, led by the introduction of data enrichment and improving customers' online journeys on the company's online platform. This has led to improved customer feedback and reduced cancellation rates. Consequently, with the development of strategic partnerships, revenues increased by 98%. With the growth in the company's book of business, we expect to see further improvement in the company's financial performance in the future. Wilson Insurance Brokers The year saw Wilson Insurance Brokers continuing on its strategic mission to modernise Romania's online insurance market. Whilst the financial highs of the prior year were not matched, the company continued to invest in technological solutions to improve its offerings to customers and partners and the company continues to contribute to the Group's performance. Changing Market Conditions United Kingdom Throughout the financial year, UK car insurance premiums surged significantly, with the average cost of a private, fully comprehensive policy rising by approximately 29% in Q3 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This increase was driven by factors including higher repair costs, more frequent claims, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes, such as the Financial Conduct Authority's 2022 ban on "price walking," which reshaped industry pricing strategies. In response, drivers became more proactive, increasingly turning to comparison websites and shopping around to mitigate the impact of rising premiums. The increased demand for motor insurance comparison, combined with various other advances across the business-including improvements in operations, marketing techniques, technologies, and product line enhancements-led to substantial growth in our customer base and revenue during the period. During this timeframe, the energy market continued to face challenges, with wholesale energy prices fluctuating and remaining elevated for much of the period. While there were some signs of stabilisation towards the latter part of the year, many energy suppliers were largely unable to offer significantly competitive tariffs. As a result, energy switching activity remained subdued during this reporting period. Although, by the financial year end, the market has shown early signs of potential recovery, it has yet to return to pre-crisis levels of competitiveness. Romania Evolving consumer behaviours and digital transformation are changing the insurance market in Romania. Price comparison platforms are seen to enhance competition and transparency. Consumer awareness of price comparison websites is growing and this presents opportunities for the company to grow. Corporate Social Responsibility United Kingdom In September 2023, our two-year sponsorship of the Belfast City Marathon concluded, during which we supported the Air Ambulance charity through our ChallengeRod fundraising initiative. Building on this success, we undertook research, including surveys of both our customers and staff, to ensure our future initiatives align with the priorities of the communities we serve and those of our team. This research revealed the challenges faced by local clubs and teams, many of which were under significant financial pressure and at risk of closure. Both customers and staff emphasised the crucial role these groups play in fostering community wellbeing and cohesion, while also highlighting the need for greater support. In response, we developed the CompareNI Fish4Funds initiative, launching in spring 2024, to provide targeted assistance to local clubs, teams, and groups across Northern Ireland. The program actively involves both customers and staff in the nomination process, fostering a shared commitment to community impact. In addition, our Fintech Scholarship, which is now in its fourth year, has continued to support students across the UK. Designed to address recruitment challenges in the fintech sector, the program raises awareness of career opportunities through a research-based competition. Successful candidates receive financial support and participate in industry-related work experience at Seopa, equipping them with valuable skills and insights for their future careers. Romania During the year the Group supported a local charity. Regulation & Compliance United Kingdom Seopa and Apricot have continued to meet their legal and regulatory obligations whilst improving their internal systems to more efficiently keep abreast of all compliance matters. For example, Seopa has prepared for and embedded FCA rules and guidance in areas such as Consumer Duty, General Insurance Pricing Practices, Product Governance (including the assessment of fair value in our services), Operational Resilience rules and complied with all FCA reporting requirements this year. Seopa continues to be ISO 27001 certified, and all staff have received training in respect to regulatory compliance and information security in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and good practice recommendations. Romania Wilson Insurance Brokers is authorised by the Financial Supervision Authority in Romania. As with our UK companies, Wilson Insurance Brokers must comply with a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to protect consumers. Wilson Insurance Brokers is committed to that regulatory framework, by providing clear and concise information on our insurance products to customers, ensuring customer data is held securely and having robust compliance policies in place. People Our people remain integral to our business success, and their wellbeing continues to be a key priority. The success of our hybrid working model in Group companies reflects the strength of our processes, culture, and management framework. These elements have enabled employees to effectively work from home while also having the option to collaborate and connect in our offices, fostering both productivity and engagement. Across the Group, we have strengthened our commitment to training, with focused knowledge and skills development programs tailored to equip employees across all levels for greater success in their roles. Particular emphasis was placed on business development and account management teams, ensuring they are empowered to meet evolving business demands. At Apricot, staff have been supported in completing professional examinations with the Chartered Insurance Institute, which promotes a better understanding of insurance products and industry, benefitting not only our business and staff career progression, but Apricot's customers. We also enhanced our employee benefits and increased awareness of the support available, particularly those that promote health and wellbeing. These improvements have helped our team members maximise their overall remuneration and benefit packages while prioritising their physical and mental health. By investing in our people, we continue to nurture a resilient, skilled, and motivated workforce that drives our ongoing success. Awards Seopa was recognised as a Deloitte Best Managed Company for the eighth consecutive year, demonstrating the company's commitment to business excellence and its capabilities across areas such as innovation, operations, and strategy - now a Platinum level Best Managed Company, for the second year running. Our team at Apricot were winners of Belfast Chamber's Festive Fit Challenge 2023! Financial Review Our financial results for the year show that our continued focus on our strategy is delivering strong performance. Group operating profit for the year ended 29th February 2024 increased by 70% to £2.8M (2023 - £1.7M). Group turnover for the year totalled £26.2M, an increase of 45% (2023 - £18.0M). Across the Group, the rising cost of living, particularly higher insurance premiums, has made consumers more price-sensitive, driving increased customer traffic to our platforms. Our financial success this year is also a result of strategic investments across the Group, including IT infrastructure, customer journey enhancements, system and panel development, staff skills training, and other initiatives. These combined efforts have strengthened our offerings and contributed significantly to our improved financial performance over the year The year was not without its challenges. The Group's gross profit margin declined from 41% in 2023 to 37% as a consequence of increased costs as we drove to provide the best possible experience to customers. Inflation also affected our cost base, with administrative expenses increasing to £7.0M (2023 - £5.7M). An improvement in financial market conditions saw the value of investments held by the Group, which are used to fund continued growth and day to day working capital requirements, bounce back from a loss in 2023 of £246k to a gain of £605k in the current year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and taxation (EBITDA) were £4.15M (2023 - £2.05M). Not only did our profits improve during the year, but our cash flow performance also strengthened. Cash flows from operating activities generated £3.2M (2023 - £1.8M). Group bank finance facilities stood at £651k at the year end, compared to £235k at the end of 2023 financial year. The Group's balance sheet shows net assets of £21M, up from £19.9M at 28th February 2023. This illustrates our commitment to the long term financial strength of the Group, which will permit further investment in our business. We measure our success through KPIs, which can be found in the following section. Key Performance Indicators We consider that our financial KPIs are those that communicate to the members the financial performance and strength of the Group as a whole. These KPIs comprise: - Return on capital employed - Group turnover - Group gross profit percentage Return on Capital Employed Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is used as a measure of the returns the Group companies are realising from the capital they employ. The ratio can also be seen as representing the efficiency with which capital is being utilised to generate revenue. Group ROCE (excluding interest) for 2024 was 12%, compared to 8% in 2023. Group Turnover Group turnover in the period under review was £26.2M compared to £18.0M in 2022/23. Group Gross Profit Percentage The Group achieved a gross profit margin of 37%, compared with 41% in 2023. Principal Risks and Uncertainties Like any business, we face risks and uncertainties which we review and monitor on our risk registers in order to limit any potential adverse impact on our financial performance. These risks include: Business risk We are subject to various elements of business risk, such as - Responding to change - Data management - Regulatory compliance - Business interruption, including cyber security - Reputational damage - Product and technological innovation - Talent management We continually monitor developments in our industry in each of our operating environments, and further afield, in order to ensure that we evolve and develop adaptive people and technologies which mean we are at the forefront of business change. We rely on data to operate and are fully aware that this asset must be protected and managed. If we fail to look after the data in our possession, this could damage our reputation, result in loss to our stakeholders, our business and regulatory sanctions. We monitor our data management system to ensure it meets current and possible future risks. Nearly all of activities across the Group are subject to regulation. If we fail to meet our legal or regulatory obligations, this may lead to unsatisfactory outcomes for our customers and we may be subject to financial penalties or restrictions on our business activities, which would have an adverse impact on our financial results. We have a robust regulatory and legal compliance structure, and staff are trained accordingly. To exist, our companies must provide a reliable service. Across the Group, we continue to invest in our IT systems, which we view as being fundamental to future growth. Seopa Ltd is ISO27001 certified for data handling and data security. We guard our reputation zealously and have invested significantly in the development of our brands. A threat to any of companies' good names may arise through our own actions or indirectly as a consequence of the actions of our staff or partners. We have a strong corporate culture, which continues to have senior management involved in day-to-day operations, have a low level of risk tolerance, and have policies and procedures that mitigate against the risk of reputational damage. We aim to be at the forefront of technological change in our sector, combining our talent and technologies to ensure there is continual investment in research and development. We value our people. Any loss of key personnel represents a risk to our business. We strive to make all our Group companies fulfilling places to work. We encourage openness and we recognise that our staff have different time clocks, external responsibilities and social commitments, so we offer flexible working hours. We are enhancing the relationships between business teams and technical support teams and continually monitor market trends. We want our staff to realise their potential in line with our culture and vision, with performance management processes in place. We prioritise people development, combining in house talent and with strong external recruits. Price risk Price risk arises on business revenues and also on financial instruments, such as - Pricing pressures on deals with panel members - Investment values. We continually engage with our customers to offer innovative service and innovative pricing arrangements, develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships, and monitor the competitive environment in our sector. We regularly review revenue performance and adapt our relationships with our customers. Group owned investment in property is exposed to price risk whereby fluctuations in the property market could affect its value. However, we have no intention to sell in the short-term. Listed investments held by the Group, with a fair value of £17.7m for example, are exposed to price risk but this exposure is within the Group's risk appetite. We obtain professional advice to ensure that our investment portfolio is adequately diversified to reduce risk exposure. Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that our counterparties, such as our customers, will not be able to settle their obligations due to us within agreed payment terms. Financial assets which potentially expose us to credit risk include trade debtors and cash and cash equivalents. We have a large number of customers across the Group, without significant reliance being placed on any single customer. Our teams review and manage customer credit exposure. Our policies are aimed at minimising losses arising from credit risk and require that deferred terms are only granted to customers who demonstrate appropriate credit worthiness. Details of the Group's debtors are shown in Note 17 to the financial statements. Liquidity risk Liquidity risk is the risk that we will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with our financial liabilities. Liquidity risk management involves maintaining sufficient cash reserves. We carefully manage liquidity, forecasting liquidity requirements, and mitigate liquidity risk by managing cash generation. Trade debtors are aged and monitored. Liquidity ratios are reviewed. Funding requirements for future capital expenditure are planned. Cash flow risk Cash flow risk is the risk of exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability such as future interest payments on a variability rate debt. Prudent financial management principals continue, the results of which will be used to finance the trading operations, working capital and research and development activities of the Group, as well as strengthening future growth. Currency risk Our functional currency is the pound sterling. We are exposed to currency risk in our overseas branch and subsidiary, and certain costs supplied to us by overseas based suppliers. Presently, in terms of the Group, the revenues and overheads denominated in foreign currencies are limited. Nonetheless, we have procedures in place to currency exposure in order to mitigate this risk as much as possible. Economic climate The global economy remained under pressure throughout the year under review, with ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine, continuing to drive volatility in energy markets, elevate commodity prices, and contribute to persistently high inflation in the UK. These factors have further deepened the UK's cost of living crisis, impacting households and businesses alike. The Bank of England raised the base rate further during the year, reaching 5.25% by February 2024 - the highest level in over 15 years. While this move was aimed at curbing inflation, it has increased borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, adding to financial pressures and posing potential challenges for the UK property market and wider economic growth. In Romania, the economy is experiencing modest growth combined with fiscal challenges, with government budgetary deficits. Inflation is expected to remain above the government's target rate, so central bank interest rates cuts have been paused. Consequently, as in the UK, businesses are facing challenges to growth and consumers are experiencing cost of living pressures. This challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical climate has implications for our business, our staff, and other stakeholders across the Group. Whilst our business model continues to demonstrate resilience, we remain vigilant in assessing and addressing the potential impacts of these conditions. Our management teams will continue to closely monitor the economic landscape, ensuring we take proactive steps to adapt to emerging challenges while protecting the interests of our employees, partners, and customers.
Future Outlook Across the Group, our business model has proven to be robust and our strategy, values and vision have guided the business successfully throughout its growth. As we move forward as a Group, we will continue to grow our teams and invest in their personal development. We will continue to embrace innovation, investing in research and development projects and data science initiatives to inform our decision making and improve our consumer and partner offerings. We will grow and evolve our comparison systems through the addition of new product providers and updated system features to ensure our customers are empowered with the information they need to make informed decisions on their financial purchases. We expect to see sales growth across the Group in the coming year as a result of our continued investment and commitment to our staff, partners and end users.
This report was approved by the board of directors on 28 November 2024 and signed on behalf of the board by:
Registered office: |
Floor 4 Blackstaff Studios |
8-10 Amelia Street |
Belfast |
Northern Ireland |
BT2 7GS |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
The director presents his report and the financial statements of the group for the year ended
29 February 2024
.
Director
The director who served the company during the year was as follows:
Dividends
Particulars of recommended dividends are detailed in note 13 to the financial statements.
Future developments
We aim to continue our expansion into new markets, developing inter-relationships, whilst cementing our existing relationships by offering more services to our existing customers. Further investment in talent and technology is planned to drive growth.
Financial instruments
Details of financial instruments are provided in the strategic report.
Research and development
Research and development plays a vital role in supporting Seopa's activities, with constant development of new and appreciably improved processes and products through the resolution of technological uncertainty.
Overseas branches
The group has a branch, as defined in section 1046(3) of the Companies Act 2006, outside the UK as follows:
- Timisoara, Romania
Disclosure of information in the strategic report
The group has chosen to include the following information in its strategic report which is required to be stated in the director's report: - Principal risks and uncertainties
Director's responsibilities statement
The director is responsible for preparing the strategic report, director's report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the director to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the director has elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the director must not approve the financial statements unless he is satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and the company and the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the director is required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The director is responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. He is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Auditor
Each of the persons who is a director at the date of approval of this report confirms that:
-
so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the group and the company's auditor is unaware; and - they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the group and the company's auditor is aware of that information.
The auditor is deemed to have been re-appointed in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board of directors on
28 November 2024
and signed on behalf of the board by:
Registered office: |
Floor 4 Blackstaff Studios |
8-10 Amelia Street |
Belfast |
Northern Ireland |
BT2 7GS |
|
Independent Auditor's Report to the Member of
Seopa Holdings Limited |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Seopa Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 29 February 2024 which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, balance sheet, consolidated statement of changes in equity, company statement of changes in equity, consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: - give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent company's affairs as at 29 February 2024 and of the group's profit for the year then ended; - have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; - have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
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 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 director's 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 or the 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 director 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 director is responsible for the other information. 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. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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 the audit:
-
the information given in the strategic report and the director's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
-
the strategic report and the director's report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the director's 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 director's remuneration specified by law are not made; or - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of the director
As explained more fully in the director's responsibilities statement, the director is 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 director determines 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 director is responsible for assessing the group's and 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 director either intends to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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: Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows: - the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations; - we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with trustees and other management; -we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and - identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by: - making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and - considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we: -performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships; - tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; and - assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in note 3 were indicative of potential bias. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to: - agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; - reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and - enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: - Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. - Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the group's internal control. - Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the director. - Conclude on the appropriateness of the director's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the group's or the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the group or the parent company to cease to continue as a going concern. - Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. - Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company's member, 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 member 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 member as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
John Magee |
(Senior Statutory Auditor) |
|
For and on behalf of |
Aubrey Campbell & Company |
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor |
631 Lisburn Road |
Belfast |
BT9 7GT |
|
28 November 2024
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
|
2024 |
2023 |
Note |
£ |
£ |
Turnover |
4 |
26,207,758 |
18,021,436 |
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales |
16,492,343 |
10,665,749 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
Gross profit |
9,715,415 |
7,355,687 |
|
|
|
Administrative expenses |
7,051,807 |
5,784,265 |
Other operating income |
5 |
106,373 |
25,514 |
|
|
------------ |
------------ |
Operating profit |
6 |
2,769,981 |
1,596,936 |
|
|
|
|
Gain/(loss) on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
604,990 |
(
245,600) |
Other interest receivable and similar income |
10 |
326,378 |
238,352 |
Interest payable and similar expenses |
11 |
– |
14 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
Profit before taxation |
3,701,349 |
1,589,674 |
|
|
|
|
Tax on profit |
12 |
846,222 |
262,579 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
Profit for the financial year |
2,855,127 |
1,327,095 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency retranslation |
(
9,230) |
4,170 |
User defined other comprehensive income movement 1 |
1 |
(
1)
|
User defined other comprehensive income movement 2 |
– |
4,908
|
|
------- |
------- |
Other comprehensive income for the year |
(
9,229) |
9,077 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
2,845,898 |
1,336,172 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
Profit for the financial year attributable to:
The owners of the parent company |
2,815,214 |
1,177,077 |
Non-controlling interests |
39,913 |
150,018 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
2,855,127 |
1,327,095 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to:
The owners of the parent company |
2,805,985 |
1,186,154 |
Non-controlling interests |
(
39,913) |
(
150,018) |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
2,845,898 |
1,336,172 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
All the activities of the group are from continuing operations.
Consolidated Balance Sheet |
|
29 February 2024
Fixed assets
Intangible assets |
14 |
673,873 |
781,665 |
Tangible assets |
15 |
342,062 |
460,448 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
1,015,935 |
1,242,113 |
|
|
|
|
Current assets
Debtors |
17 |
7,213,424 |
5,641,654 |
Financial Assets measured at Fair Value through Profit or Loss |
18 |
17,742,312 |
14,953,145 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
3,070,250 |
2,101,940 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
28,025,986 |
22,696,739 |
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
20 |
4,976,498 |
2,692,882 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
Net current assets |
23,049,488 |
20,003,857 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
Total assets less current liabilities |
24,065,423 |
21,245,970 |
|
|
|
|
Provisions |
21 |
429,446 |
240,991 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
Net assets |
23,635,977 |
21,004,979 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
|
|
|
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital |
27 |
20 |
20 |
Other reserves |
28 |
1,387,282 |
822,474 |
Profit and loss account |
28 |
22,248,640 |
20,182,463 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent company |
23,635,942 |
21,004,957 |
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interests |
35 |
22 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
23,635,977 |
21,004,979 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
|
|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the medium companies regime.
These financial statements were approved by the
board of directors
and authorised for issue on
28 November 2024
, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Company registration number:
NI626538
29 February 2024
Fixed assets
Intangible assets |
14 |
509,983 |
535,829 |
Fixed asset investments |
16 |
404,396 |
404,396 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
914,379 |
940,225 |
|
|
|
|
Current assets
Debtors |
17 |
249,775 |
218,506 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
31,938 |
4,043 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
281,713 |
222,549 |
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
20 |
402,955 |
382,811 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Net current liabilities |
121,242 |
160,262 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Total assets less current liabilities |
793,137 |
779,963 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Net assets |
793,137 |
779,963 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
|
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital |
27 |
20 |
20 |
Profit and loss account |
28 |
793,117 |
779,943 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Shareholder funds |
793,137 |
779,963 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
|
The profit for the financial year of the parent company was £
188,174
(2023: £
75,163
).
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the medium companies regime.
These financial statements were approved by the
board of directors
and authorised for issue on
28 November 2024
, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Company registration number:
NI626538
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
|
Called up share capital |
Other reserves |
Profit and loss account |
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent company |
Non-controlling interests |
Total |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
At 1 March 2022 |
20 |
909,229 |
19,034,554 |
19,943,803 |
4 |
19,943,807 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year |
|
|
1,177,077 |
1,177,077 |
150,018 |
1,327,095 |
Other comprehensive income for the year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency retranslation |
– |
– |
4,170 |
4,170 |
– |
4,170 |
|
User defined other comprehensive income movement 1 |
– |
(122,217)
|
122,216
|
(1)
|
– |
(1)
|
|
User defined other comprehensive income movement 2 |
– |
4,908
|
– |
4,908
|
– |
4,908
|
|
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income |
12 |
– |
30,554 |
(
30,554) |
– |
– |
– |
|
---- |
--------- |
------------- |
------------- |
--------- |
------------- |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
– |
(
86,755) |
1,272,909 |
1,186,154 |
150,018 |
1,336,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid and payable |
13 |
– |
– |
(
125,000) |
(
125,000) |
– |
(
125,000) |
Dividends to non-controlling interests |
– |
– |
– |
– |
(150,000)
|
(150,000)
|
|
---- |
--------- |
------------- |
------------- |
--------- |
------------- |
Total investments by and distributions to owners |
– |
– |
(
125,000) |
(
125,000) |
(
150,000) |
(
275,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 28 February 2023 |
20 |
822,474 |
20,182,463 |
21,004,957 |
22 |
21,004,979 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued) |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
|
Called up share capital |
Other reserves |
Profit and loss account |
Equity attributable to the owners of the parent company |
Non-controlling interests |
Total |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Profit for the year |
|
|
2,815,214 |
2,815,214 |
39,913 |
2,855,127 |
Other comprehensive income for the year: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency retranslation |
– |
(
131) |
(
9,099) |
(
9,230) |
– |
(
9,230) |
|
User defined other comprehensive income movement 1 |
– |
753,252
|
(753,251)
|
1
|
– |
1
|
|
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income |
12 |
– |
(
188,313) |
188,313 |
– |
– |
– |
|
---- |
--------- |
------------- |
------------- |
--------- |
------------- |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
– |
564,808 |
2,241,177 |
2,805,985 |
39,913 |
2,845,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid and payable |
13 |
– |
– |
(
175,000) |
(
175,000) |
– |
(
175,000) |
Dividends to non-controlling interests |
– |
– |
– |
– |
(39,900)
|
(39,900)
|
|
---- |
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
--------- |
Total investments by and distributions to owners |
– |
– |
(
175,000) |
(
175,000) |
(
39,900) |
(
214,900) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
---- |
------------ |
------------- |
------------- |
-------- |
------------- |
At 29 February 2024 |
20 |
1,387,282 |
22,248,640 |
23,635,942 |
35 |
23,635,977 |
|
---- |
------------ |
------------- |
------------- |
-------- |
------------- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company Statement of Changes in Equity |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
|
Called up share capital |
Profit and loss account |
Total |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
At 1 March 2022 |
20 |
829,780 |
829,800 |
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year |
|
75,163 |
75,163 |
|
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
– |
75,163 |
75,163 |
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid and payable |
13 |
– |
(
125,000) |
(
125,000) |
|
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
Total investments by and distributions to owners |
– |
(
125,000) |
(
125,000) |
|
|
|
|
At 28 February 2023 |
20 |
779,943 |
779,963 |
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year |
|
188,174 |
188,174 |
|
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
– |
188,174 |
188,174 |
|
|
|
|
Dividends paid and payable |
13 |
– |
(
175,000) |
(
175,000) |
|
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
Total investments by and distributions to owners |
– |
(
175,000) |
(
175,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
At 29 February 2024 |
20 |
793,117 |
793,137 |
|
---- |
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit for the financial year |
2,855,127 |
1,327,095 |
|
|
|
Adjustments for: |
|
|
Depreciation of tangible assets |
32,474 |
40,135 |
Amortisation of intangible assets |
351,282 |
359,082 |
Government grant income |
(
100,000) |
(
19,411) |
(Gain)/loss on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
(604,990) |
245,600 |
Other interest receivable and similar income |
(
326,378) |
(
238,352) |
Interest payable and similar expenses |
– |
14 |
Loss on disposal of tangible assets |
95,432 |
– |
Unrealised foreign currency (gains)/loss |
(9,882) |
10,237 |
Tax on profit |
846,222 |
262,579 |
Accrued expenses/(income) |
154,674 |
(
124,361) |
Other operating cash flows |
– |
(150) |
|
|
|
Changes in: |
|
|
Trade and other debtors |
(
1,890,243) |
(
532,009) |
Trade and other creditors |
1,496,088 |
278,241 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
Cash generated from operations |
2,899,806 |
1,608,700 |
|
|
|
Interest paid |
– |
(
14) |
Interest received |
326,378 |
238,352 |
Tax paid |
(
71,908) |
(
27,748) |
|
------------ |
------------ |
Net cash from operating activities |
3,154,276 |
1,819,290 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets |
(
9,582) |
(
17,478) |
Proceeds from sale of tangible assets |
1 |
– |
Purchase of intangible assets |
(
243,490) |
(
246,594) |
Purchases of other investments |
(
12,132,637)
|
(
1,921,780)
|
Proceeds from sale of other investments |
9,948,459 |
482,104 |
|
------------- |
------------ |
Net cash used in investing activities |
(
2,437,249) |
(
1,703,748) |
|
------------- |
------------ |
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings |
(
50,009) |
149,773 |
Government grant income |
100,000 |
19,411 |
Dividends paid |
(
175,000) |
(
125,000) |
Dividends to non-controlling interests |
(39,900)
|
(150,000)
|
|
------------- |
------------ |
Net cash used in financing activities |
(
164,909) |
(
105,816) |
|
------------- |
------------ |
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
552,118 |
9,726 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
1,867,302 |
1,857,576 |
|
|
------------ |
------------ |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
19 |
2,419,420 |
1,867,302 |
|
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
|
Notes to the Financial Statements |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
1.
General information
The company is a private company limited by shares, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is Floor 4 Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, BT2 7GS, Northern Ireland.
2.
Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland'.
3.
Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
Seopa Holdings Ltd ("the company") and its subsidiaries (together "the group") specialise in the development, operation and marketing of intelligent price comparison technologies in the UK and in Romania, operating with a number of recognised brand names. The group and individual financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention, as modified by the recognition of certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The preparation of consolidated and separate financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the group and company's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed below. The company has taken advantage of the exemption in section 408 of the Companies Act from presenting its individual profit and loss account. The group and company's functional and presentation currency is the pound sterling.
Comparative information
Prior period comparative information is included for narrative and descriptive information if it is relevant to understanding the current period’s financial statements. Where the director has considered that reclassification of prior period information presents a better understanding to the current period's financial statements, the relevant prior period balances have been restated.
Going concern
The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are reflected in the financial statements. The Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through cash generation from customers, managing suppliers and, where necessary, bank facilities. Whilst the Group continues to grow and strengthen its financial position, it remains that sluggish growth in the wider UK economy and general economic uncertainty cannot be ignored and, like many other businesses, it has affected our customers, from whom we ultimately source our revenue, and our partners, who assist in the generation of that revenue, and how we work. We will continue to provide best service and value to our customers to help them with cost of living pressures, work with our partners, and invest in our staff and business model. However, we expect further internal and external cost pressures in forthcoming periods arising from future employment cost increases announced in the recent budget by the UK government. Nonetheless, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, and after making enquiries, the director has a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Group, therefore, continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
Disclosure exemptions
The parent company satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has been taken of the following reduced disclosures available under FRS 102: (a) Disclosures in respect of each class of share capital have not been presented. (b) No cash flow statement has been presented for the company. (c) Disclosures in respect of financial instruments have not been presented. (d) Disclosures in respect of share-based payments have not been presented. (e) No disclosure has been given for the aggregate remuneration of key management personnel. (f) Apricot Insurance Services Limited (NI607078) is exempt from the requirements of this Act relating to the audit of accounts under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006.
Consolidation
The group consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the company and all of its subsidiary undertakings made up to 28th February. A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. Where the group owns less than 50% of the voting powers of an entity but controls the entity by virtue of an agreement with other investors which give it control of the financial and operating policies of the entity, it accounts for that entity as a subsidiary. Where a subsidiary has different accounting policies to the group, adjustments are made to those subsidiary financial statements to apply the group’s accounting policies when preparing the consolidated financial statements. Any subsidiary undertakings sold or acquired during the year are included up to, or from, the dates of change of control or change of significant influence respectively. Where control of a subsidiary is lost, the gain or loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement. The cumulative amounts of any exchange differences on translation, recognised in equity, are not included in the gain or loss on disposal and are transferred to retained earnings. The gain or loss also includes amounts included in other comprehensive income that are required to be reclassified to profit or loss but excludes those amounts that are not required to be reclassified. Where control of a subsidiary is achieved in stages, the initial acquisition that gave the group control is accounted for as a business combination. Thereafter where the group increases its controlling interest in the subsidiary the transaction is treated as a transaction between equity holders. Any difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest acquired is recognised directly in equity. No changes are made to the carrying value of of assets, liabilities or provisions for contingent liabilities. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. Adjustments are made to eliminate the profit or loss arising on transactions with associates to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity
.
Non-controlling interests
Minority interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity. Minority interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the minority’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.
The proportions of profit or loss and changes in equity allocated to the owners of the parent and to the minority interests are determined on the basis of existing ownership interests and do not reflect the possible exercise or conversion of options or convertible instruments.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant Judgements To be a key judgement, the subject matter must relate to something other than assumptions about the future or making estimates and typically relate to significant issues in applying accounting standards where management applied judgement in situations where a different judgement might have led to a materially different accounting treatment. The judgements (apart from those involving estimations) that management has made in the process of applying the group and company accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are as follows: Going concern In order to assess whether it is appropriate for the group and company to be reported as a going concern, the director applies judgement, having undertaken appropriate enquiries and having considered the business
activities and the group and company's principal risks and uncertainties. In arriving at this judgement there are a large number of assumptions and estimates involved. This includes management's expectations of revenue, EBITDA, timing and quantum of future capital expenditure and estimates and cost of future funding. Certain subsidiaries must also maintain a minimum level of capital for regulatory purposes. Leases The director must determine whether leases entered into by the group and company either as a lessor or a lessee are operating or finance leases. These decisions depend on an assessment of whether the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred from the lessor to the lessee on a lease by lease basis. Software Intellectual Property and Website development costs All software and website related ongoing maintenance costs and research costs are written off to the profit and loss account in the period in which they are incurred. Software intellectual property and website development costs generated internally by the group and company may be capitalised as intangible assets, which is an identifiable non monetary asset without physical substance with a finite life, only if all of the following can be demonstrated: - the technical feasibility of completing the software or website, so that it will be available for use or sale; - the group and company has an intention to complete the software or website and use or sell it; - the group and company has an ability to use or sell the software or website; - it is probable that the software or website will generate future economic benefits, and the output from the software or website has a market or will be useful to the group and company; - the group and company has adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development of the software or website and has the ability to use or sell it; and - the costs attributable to the development of the software or website can be measured reliably. Assessing the above criteria involves a significant degree of judgement. The group and company operate in a fast moving technological environment which can render previously sound development work on software or websites out of date, and drawing the line between research costs and development costs is often difficult. Therefore, unless clearly meeting all the criteria, the group and company chooses to write off any website development costs in the period in which whey are incurred. Software intellectual property is capitalised where all the criteria are met. Under the group and company's previous accounting framework, website development costs meeting the criteria of assets were classified as tangible fixed assets. These website assets costs were fully depreciated at the time of transition to FRS 102, having no carrying value. Consequently, as there was no material difference between classification of these costs between tangible and intangible fixed assets, no reclassification was effected at the date of transition to FRS 102. Share based payments Certain group companies have granted cash-settled share-based payments to certain employees as a long term incentive plan to retain talent. The participants in the plan are required to own shares in the company's concerned and settlement is conditional upon a future liquidity event, after which certain "waterfall" provisions determine the ultimate amount received by each employee. The costs for the cash-settled share payments are based on the fair value of the share rights at the end of the reporting period. These payments are reported as employee costs with a corresponding movement in a liability in the statement of financial position up until settlement. The director has assessed that the probability of achieving the conditions is such that the fair value of the rights is nil. Non-controlling interests Non-controlling interests are defined as the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Equity is the residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all its liabilities. The group accounts are ordinarily required to measure and present non-controlling interest in the profit or loss of consolidated subsidiaries for the reporting period separately from the interest of the owners of the parent and measure and present non-controlling interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries separately from the parent shareholders' equity in them. The company has controlling interests in all its subsidiaries. There are, however, non-controlling interests in those subsidiaries who hold shares in those companies. One such company is Seopa Limited. Whilst Seopa Holdings Limited
owns 80% of the issued share capital of Seopa Limited, 20% of the share capital is owned by key management personnel of Seopa Limited as part of a share based payment plan. The shares held by the key management personnel are subject to restrictions which means that unless a certain exit event is triggered and, in the event of that event occurring, the proceeds from that event are at least £30,000,000 plus the value of investments in Seopa Limited, those shareholders will not be entitled to what would, superficially be, their percentage interest in the assets of Seopa Limited after deducting all its liabilities. At the reporting date, Seopa Limited's balance sheet does not surpass that financial threshold. Accordingly, the director has considered if the group accounts should measure and present non-controlling interest in the profit or loss of Seopa Limited for the reporting period and measure and present non-controlling interest in the net assets of Seopa Limited. Given that the financial threshold at which the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited would be entitled to a share of the net assets has not been met, in the director's judgement the measurement of the non-controlling interest in the group financial statements for the consolidated statement of financial position, is nil. The measurement value applied to the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is the dividend paid to non-controlling interests in Seopa Limited during the period. Dividends paid to the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited during the period are reflected in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. Non-controlling interests in other subsidiaries where there are no conditions around share capital are accounted for in the normal manner. Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty Accounting estimates and assumptions are made concerning the future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actual outcome. They are, by nature, subjective and result in a risk that a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities may be required as a result of changes in those assumptions or estimates in the next period. The key estimates that management has made in the process of applying the group and company's accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are as follows: Impairment Goodwill is tested for impairment in accordance with the accounting policy for goodwill set out below. The recoverable amount of goodwill is determined based on value in use. This calculation requires the use of estimates and projections. Investment property valuation The carrying value of the group's investment property is based upon the director's review of its fair value. Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. In this instance, the review is based upon values of similar properties offered for sale in the area in which the investment property is located. This assessment may be different to that of a professional valuer. Depreciation The group and company's balance sheet reflects a tangible fixed asset class which is subject to depreciation. Depreciation rates are based upon the expected economic lives of the related tangible fixed assets. Any variation in the useful economic lives of the asset class will have an impact on the balance sheet and financial position of the company. The useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets are uncertain and, therefore, the actual economic life of an asset may be shorter or longer than expected. There have been no significant revisions to the estimated lives during the current financial year. Bad debts The group and company assess whether there is objective evidence of impairment of any financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost - these include trade debtors. If there is objective evidence of impairment, the group and company recognises a bad debt in its statement of income immediately. However, it in making that assessment, events may subsequently occur which could indicate that a trade debtor has become impaired, or a previously impaired debt has become recoverable.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and comprises commissions and other income derived from the group's activities, earned net of trade discounts, VAT and similar taxes. Revenues, such as insurance and financial product related commissions, are recognised based on traffic months, when the outcome of the transactions which generate revenue can be estimated reliably and will probably result in cash flows to the company. Such revenue is usually generated by invoicing customers most of whom subsequently pay by inter bank transfer. Provision is made for credit notes based upon review of subsequent months' credit notes to check the month in which the corresponding amount of revenue was recognised and if the conditions to recognise the credit note liability existed at the period end. Interest income and dividend income from investments is recognised when the right to receive such income is established. Rental income is recognised when receivable. Revenue from the rendering of services is measured by reference to the stage of completion of the service transaction at the end of the reporting period provided that the outcome can be reliably estimated. When the outcome cannot be reliably estimated, revenue is recognised only to the extent that it is probable the expenses recognised will be recovered.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts, when applicable, are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Income tax
The taxation expense represents the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax recognised in the reporting period. Tax is recognised in profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, tax is recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. Current tax is recognised on taxable profit for the current and past periods. Current tax is measured at the amounts of tax expected to pay or recover using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. Provision is made, where appropriate, on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Unrelieved tax losses and other 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. Full provision for deferred tax assets and liabilities is provided at current tax rates on differences that arise between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and their recognition in the tax computation. Deferred tax is provided on movements in the fair value of investment property using the tax rates and allowances that are expected to apply on the sale of the investment property. Deferred tax is provided on financial assets held at fair value, which are not subject to to current tax, using the tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. Neither current tax nor deferred tax assets or liabilities are subject to discounting.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction or at a contracted rate. At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the profit and loss account. The trading results of an overseas branch are translated into sterling at the average monthly exchange rates. The assets and liabilities of the overseas branch are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The trading results of group undertakings are translated into sterling at the average exchange rates for the year. The assets and liabilities of the overseas subsidiary are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange adjustments arising from the retranslation of opening net investments and from the translation of the profits or losses at average rates are recognised in ‘Other comprehensive income’ and allocated to non-controlling interest as appropriate.
Operating leases
Lease payments are recognised as an expense over the lease term on a straight-line basis. The aggregate benefit of lease incentives is recognised as a reduction to expense over the lease term, on a straight-line basis.
Lease income is recognised in profit or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term. The aggregate cost of lease incentives are recognised as a reduction to income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Costs, including depreciation, incurred in earning the lease income are recognised as an expense. Any initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging the operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the lease and recognised as an expense over the lease term on the same basis as the lease income.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the difference between the fair value of the consideration given on the acquisition of a business and the aggregate fair value of the separate net assets acquired. At acquisition, goodwill is measured at cost. Goodwill is amortised through the profit and loss account in equal instalments over its estimated economic life over 5 years on a straight line basis. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year following acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is taken into consideration when that part of the business which caused the initial entry is subsequently sold or closed, in determining the profit or loss on the disposal.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are capitalised at cost. They are amortised using the straight-line basis over their useful lives of 5 years, as stated below. Where factors, such as technological advancement or changes in market price, indicate that residual value or useful life have changed, the residual value, useful life or amortisation rate are amended prospectively to reflect the new circumstances. Intangible assets acquired as part of an acquisition of a business are capitalised separately from goodwill if the fair value can be measured reliably on initial recognition. However, unless the intangible asset has a market value, this fair value is limited to an amount that does not create or increase any negative goodwill, which may arise on the acquisition. Internally generated intangible assets are only recognised where they have a readily ascertainable market value. In all cases intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The group owns and develops software and related intellectual property which is used on a continuing basis by the group and company. Costs associated with maintaining computer software are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products and related intellectual property controlled by the group may be recognised as intangible assets when the following criteria are met: - it is technically feasible to complete the software so that it will be available for use; - management intends to complete the software and use or sell it; - there is an ability to use or sell the software; - it can be demonstrated how the software will generate probable future economic benefits; - adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software are available; and - the expenditure attributable to the software during its development can be reliably measured. Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period.
Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows:
|
Goodwill |
- |
20% straight line |
|
Intellectual property |
- |
20% straight line |
|
|
|
|
If there is an indication that there has been a significant change in amortisation rate, useful life or residual value of an intangible asset, the amortisation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes the original purchase price, costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its intended use, dismantling and restoration costs. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in profit or loss. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation increase accumulated in equity in respect of that asset. Where a revaluation decrease exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains accumulated in equity in respect of that asset, the excess is recognised in profit or loss. Tangible assets are derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected. On disposal, the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount is recognised in profit or loss. Website development costs Costs relating to the development of websites under the group's previous accounting regime were, and remain, capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Such costs were measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. At the date of transition to FRS 102, as the website development costs were fully depreciated, they were not reclassified as intangible fixed assets and, therefore, remain classified as tangible fixed assets.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
|
Land and buildings |
- |
5% straight line |
|
Alterations to short leasehold buildings |
- |
5% straight line |
|
Plant and machinery |
- |
25% reducing balance |
|
Website development costs |
- |
25% straight line |
|
|
|
|
The residual values and useful lives of tangible fixed assets are reviewed, and adjusted, if necessary, at the end of each reporting period. Such changes are accounted for prospectively. The carrying values of assets are reviewed for impairment in periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Investment property
Investment property is property held by the group to earn rentals or for capital appreciation, or both. Investment property is initially recorded at cost, which includes purchase price and any directly attributable expenditure. Investment property is revalued to its fair value at each reporting date and any changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss. Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction.
Investments
Investment in subsidiaries are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
Investments in associates
Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, whereby the investment is initially recognised at the transaction price and subsequently adjusted to reflect the group's share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate.
Investments in joint ventures
Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, whereby the investment is initially recognised at the transaction price and subsequently adjusted to reflect the group's share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the joint venture.
Impairment of fixed assets
At each balance sheet date non-financial assets not carried at fair value are assessed to determine whether there is an indication that the asset (or asset’s cash generating unit) may be impaired. If there is such an indication the recoverable amount of the asset (or asset’s cash generating unit) is compared to the carrying amount of the asset (or asset’s cash generating unit). The recoverable amount of the asset (or asset’s cash generating unit) is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Value in use is defined as the present value of the future cash flows before interest and tax obtainable as a result of the asset’s (or asset’s cash generating unit’s) continued use. These cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax discount rate that represents the current market risk free rate and the risks inherent in the asset. If the recoverable amount of the asset (or asset’s cash generating unit) is estimated to be lower than the carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised in the profit and loss account, unless the asset has been revalued when the amount is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent of any previously recognised revaluation. Thereafter any excess is recognised in profit or loss. If an impairment loss is subsequently reversed, the carrying amount of the asset (or asset’s cash generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only to the extent that the revised carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation or amortisation) had no impairment loss been recognised in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in the profit and loss account. Goodwill is allocated on acquisition to the cash generating unit expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Goodwill is included in the carrying value of cash generating units for impairment testing.
Government grants
Grants are accounted for under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Under the accrual model, government grants relating to revenue are recognised on a systematic basis over the periods in which the company recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs are recognised in income in the period in which it becomes receivable. Grants relating to expenditure on tangible fixed assets are credited to the profit and loss account at the same rate as the depreciation on the assets to which the grant relates. The deferred element of grants is included in creditors as deferred income and not deducted from the carrying amount of the asset.
Holiday pay accrual
A liability is recognised to the extent of any unused holiday pay entitlement which has accrued at the balance sheet date and carried forward to future periods. This is measured at the undiscounted salary cost of the future holiday entitlement so accrued at the balance sheet date.
Related party transactions
The group discloses transactions with related parties which are not wholly owned within the same group. Where appropriate, transactions of a similar nature are aggregated unless, in the opinion of the directors, separate disclosure is necessary to understand the effect of the transactions on the group financial statements.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the group or company has an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that the entity will be required to transfer economic benefits in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably. Provisions are recognised as a liability in the balance sheet and the amount of the provision as an expense. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations might be small. Provisions are initially measured at the present value of the estimated expenditures required to settle the obligation at the reporting date and subsequently reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate of the amount that would be required to settle the obligation. Any adjustments to the amounts previously recognised are recognised in profit or loss unless the provision was originally recognised as part of the cost of an asset.
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new ordinary shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Financial instruments
A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset or financial liability. It includes cash, trade debtors and creditors, equity investments and borrowings. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Basic financial instruments include cash and bank balances, trade debtors and creditors, and borrowings. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction (where, for example, payment is deferred beyond normal business terms or is financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate), where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Such assets are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Amortised cost is the amount at which a financial asset (or financial liability) is measured at initial recognition minus principal repayments, plus or minus the cumulative amortisation using the effective interest method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, and minus any reduction (directly or through the use of an allowance account) for impairment or non-collectability. The effective interest rate, which is determined on the basis of the carrying amount of the financial asset (or financial liability) at initial recognition, is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts over the expected life of the financial asset or financial liability or, when appropriate, a shorter period, to the carrying amount of the financial instrument. 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. Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, a liability settled, or an equity instrument granted would be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. 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. Investments in unit trusts and discretionary managed funds held by the group, which are publicly traded, are measured at fair value. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Any reversals of impairment are recognised in profit or loss immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Financial assets are derecognised when (a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled; or (b) substantially all the risks and rewards of the ownership of the asset are transferred to another party; or (c) despite having retained some significant risks and rewards of ownership, control of the asset has been transferred to another party who has the practical ability to unilaterally sell the asset to an unrelated third party without imposing additional restrictions. Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, 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 receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. 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. Accounts 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. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the liability is extinguished, that is when the contractual obligation is discharged, cancelled or expires. 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.
Distributions to equity holders
Dividends and other distributions to the group’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the financial statements in the period in which the dividends and other distributions are approved by the shareholders. These amounts are recognised in the statement of changes in equity.
Defined contribution plans
The group operates a number of defined contribution pension plans for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the group has no further payment obligations. The contributions are recognised as an expense when they are due. Any amounts not paid are shown in creditors in the balance sheet. The assets of the pension plans are held separately from the group in independently administered funds.
Short term employee benefits
The company provides short term benefits including holiday pay to their employees. These are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is received.
Share-based payments
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase in equity. This is based upon the company's estimate of the shares or share options that will eventually vest which takes into account all vesting conditions and non-market performance conditions, with adjustments being made where new information indicates the number of shares or share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates.
Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model. All market conditions and non-vesting conditions are taken into account when estimating the fair value of the shares or share options. As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, no adjustment is made irrespective of whether market or non-vesting conditions are met.
Where the terms of an equity-settled transaction are modified, an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been modified. In addition, an expense is recognised for any increase in the fair value of the transaction, as measured at the date of modification.
Where an equity-settled transaction is cancelled or settled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation or settlement, and any expense not yet recognised in profit or loss is expensed immediately.
Cash-settled share-based payment transactions are measured at the fair value of the liability. Until the liability is settled, the fair value of the liability is re-measured at each reporting date and at the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss for the period.
4.
Turnover
Turnover arises from:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Rendering of services |
26,207,758 |
18,021,436 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
|
|
The turnover is derived from classes of businesses and geographical markets that substantially differ from each other. An analysis of each is given below:
Geographical markets
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
United Kingdom |
25,279,773 |
16,981,520 |
Overseas |
927,985 |
1,039,916 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
26,207,758 |
18,021,436 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
|
|
Business classes
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Insurance intermediation |
26,207,758 |
18,021,436 |
|
------------- |
------------- |
|
|
|
5.
Other operating income
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Rental income |
5,963 |
5,385 |
Government grant income |
100,000 |
19,411 |
Other operating income |
410 |
718 |
|
--------- |
-------- |
|
106,373 |
25,514 |
|
--------- |
-------- |
|
|
|
6.
Operating loss
Operating profit or loss is stated after charging/crediting:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Amortisation of intangible assets |
351,282 |
359,082 |
Depreciation of tangible assets |
32,474 |
40,135 |
Loss on disposal of tangible assets |
95,432 |
– |
Impairment of trade debtors |
92,382 |
72,811 |
Foreign exchange differences |
(
40,688) |
(
5,201) |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
7.
Auditor's remuneration
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements |
26,750 |
33,625 |
|
-------- |
-------- |
|
|
|
Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates for other services:
Other non-audit services |
83,213 |
80,676 |
|
-------- |
-------- |
|
|
|
8.
Staff costs
The average number of persons employed by the group during the year, including the director, amounted to:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
No. |
No. |
Administrative staff |
15 |
11 |
Management staff |
6 |
7 |
Number of other staff |
76 |
65 |
|
---- |
---- |
|
97 |
83 |
|
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
The aggregate payroll costs incurred during the year, relating to the above, were:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Wages and salaries |
3,653,181 |
2,924,839 |
Social security costs |
290,171 |
251,137 |
Other pension costs |
228,073 |
235,222 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
4,171,425 |
3,411,198 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
9.
Director's remuneration
The director's aggregate remuneration in respect of qualifying services was:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Remuneration |
39,761 |
11,358 |
Company contributions to defined contribution pension plans |
54,167 |
64,167 |
|
-------- |
-------- |
|
93,928 |
75,525 |
|
-------- |
-------- |
|
|
|
The number of directors who accrued benefits under company pension plans was as follows:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
No. |
No. |
Defined contribution plans |
1 |
1 |
|
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
10.
Other interest receivable and similar income
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Interest on cash and cash equivalents |
20,311 |
17,722 |
Corporation tax interest received |
15,648 |
6,278 |
Other interest receivable and similar income |
290,419 |
214,352 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
326,378 |
238,352 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
11.
Interest payable and similar expenses
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Other interest payable and similar charges |
– |
14 |
|
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
12.
Tax on profit
Major components of tax income
Current tax:
UK current tax income |
783,630 |
316,084 |
Adjustments in respect of prior periods |
(
167,785) |
(
106,474) |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Total UK current tax |
615,845 |
209,610 |
|
|
|
Foreign current tax income |
41,922 |
14,869 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Total current tax |
657,767 |
224,479 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of timing differences |
188,455 |
38,100 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
Tax on profit |
846,222 |
262,579 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
Reconciliation of tax expense
The tax assessed on the profit on ordinary activities for the year is lower than (2023: lower than) the
standard rate of corporation tax in the UK
of
25
% (2023:
19
%).
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation |
3,701,349 |
1,589,674 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
Profit on ordinary activities by rate of tax |
925,337 |
302,038 |
Effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
(
21,391) |
78,036 |
Effect of capital allowances and depreciation |
29,234 |
5,977 |
Effect of revenue exempt from tax |
(
207,650) |
(
105,783) |
Unused tax losses |
220,600 |
100,736 |
Deferred tax movement |
188,455 |
38,100 |
Foreign tax charge |
41,922 |
14,869 |
Prior year under/over provision |
(167,785)
|
(106,474)
|
Enhanced tax relief |
(
162,500)
|
(
64,920)
|
|
------------ |
------------ |
Tax on profit |
846,222 |
262,579 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
13.
Dividends
Dividends paid during the year (excluding those for which a liability existed at the end of the prior year):
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Dividends on equity shares |
175,000 |
125,000 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
14.
Intangible assets
Group |
Goodwill |
Intellectual property |
Total |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Cost |
|
|
|
At 1 March 2023 |
516,730 |
1,571,996 |
2,088,726 |
Additions |
– |
243,490 |
243,490 |
|
--------- |
------------ |
------------ |
At 29 February 2024 |
516,730 |
1,815,486 |
2,332,216 |
|
--------- |
------------ |
------------ |
Amortisation |
|
|
|
At 1 March 2023 |
270,894 |
1,036,167 |
1,307,061 |
Charge for the year |
81,946 |
269,336 |
351,282 |
|
--------- |
------------ |
------------ |
At 29 February 2024 |
352,840 |
1,305,503 |
1,658,343 |
|
--------- |
------------ |
------------ |
Carrying amount |
|
|
|
At 29 February 2024 |
163,890 |
509,983 |
673,873 |
|
--------- |
------------ |
------------ |
At 28 February 2023 |
245,836 |
535,829 |
781,665 |
|
--------- |
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
|
Company |
Intellectual property |
|
£ |
Cost |
|
At 1 March 2023 |
1,571,996 |
Additions |
243,490 |
|
------------ |
At 29 February 2024 |
1,815,486 |
|
------------ |
Amortisation |
|
At 1 March 2023 |
1,036,167 |
Charge for the year |
269,336 |
|
------------ |
At 29 February 2024 |
1,305,503 |
|
------------ |
Carrying amount |
|
At 29 February 2024 |
509,983 |
|
------------ |
At 28 February 2023 |
535,829 |
|
------------ |
|
|
15.
Tangible assets
Group |
Freehold property |
Land and buildings |
Plant and machinery |
Fixtures and fittings |
Investment properties |
Total |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 Mar 2023 |
351,343 |
120,865 |
212,458 |
253,544 |
85,000 |
1,023,210 |
Additions |
– |
– |
9,582 |
– |
– |
9,582 |
Disposals |
– |
(
120,865) |
– |
– |
– |
(
120,865) |
Other movements |
– |
– |
(
124) |
– |
– |
(
124) |
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
------------ |
At 29 Feb 2024 |
351,343 |
– |
221,916 |
253,544 |
85,000 |
911,803 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
------------ |
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 Mar 2023 |
122,083 |
25,432 |
161,703 |
253,544 |
– |
562,762 |
Charge for the year |
17,446 |
– |
15,028 |
– |
– |
32,474 |
Disposals |
– |
(
25,432) |
– |
– |
– |
(
25,432) |
Other movements |
– |
– |
(
63) |
– |
– |
(
63) |
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
------------ |
At 29 Feb 2024 |
139,529 |
– |
176,668 |
253,544 |
– |
569,741 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
------------ |
Carrying amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 29 Feb 2024 |
211,814 |
– |
45,248 |
– |
85,000 |
342,062 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
------------ |
At 28 Feb 2023 |
229,260 |
95,433 |
50,755 |
– |
85,000 |
460,448 |
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
------------ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The company has no tangible assets.
Group owned investment property is measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in the consolidated profit or loss. The fair value of the investment property has been assessed and subsequently increased by the director, after comparing the property's net book values at the date of the statement of financial position, to those of similar properties in the area. Accordingly, the director is satisfied that the value of this property is accurately reflected, at its fair value, at the date of the statement of financial position. An independent professional valuation has not been obtained by the director
.
Tangible assets held at valuation
In respect of tangible assets held at valuation, aggregate cost, depreciation and comparable carrying amount that would have been recognised if the assets had been carried under the historical cost model are as follows:
Group |
Long leasehold property |
|
£ |
At 29 February 2024 |
|
Aggregate cost |
176,870 |
Aggregate depreciation |
(63,673) |
|
--------- |
Carrying value |
113,197 |
|
--------- |
|
|
At 28 February 2023 |
|
Aggregate cost |
176,870 |
Aggregate depreciation |
(60,136) |
|
--------- |
Carrying value |
116,734 |
|
--------- |
|
|
16.
Fixed asset investments
The group has no fixed asset investments.
Company |
Shares in group undertakings |
|
£ |
Cost |
|
At 1 March 2023 |
926,276 |
Additions |
475,000 |
|
------------ |
At 29 February 2024 |
1,401,276 |
|
------------ |
Impairment |
|
At 1 March 2023 |
521,880 |
Impairment losses |
475,000 |
|
------------ |
At 29 February 2024 |
996,880 |
|
------------ |
|
|
Carrying amount |
|
At 29 February 2024 |
404,396 |
|
------------ |
At 28 February 2023 |
404,396 |
|
------------ |
|
|
Subsidiaries, associates and other investments
Details of the investments in which the parent company has an interest of 20% or more are as follows:
|
Class of share |
Percentage of shares held |
Subsidiary undertakings |
|
|
Seopa Ltd |
Ordinary |
80 |
Wilson Insurance Brokers SRL |
Ordinary |
99.99 |
Apricot Insurance Services Ltd |
Ordinary |
100 |
|
|
|
The registered office of Seopa Ltd is Floor 4 Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, BT2 7GS.
The registered office of Wilson Insurance Brokers SRL is Municipiul Timisoara, Strada Lazar Gheorghe, Nr. 24, SAD 21, Camera2 SI Camera 3, Scara B, Etaj 3, Judet Timis.
The registered office of Apricot Insurance Services Limited is Floor 2 Blackstaff Studios, 8-10 Amelia Street, Belfast, BT2 7GS.
17.
Debtors
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Trade debtors |
2,915,967 |
2,077,661 |
60,000 |
35,400 |
Amounts owed by group undertakings |
– |
– |
62,605 |
62,605 |
Prepayments and accrued income |
2,822,259 |
1,700,901 |
– |
– |
Corporation tax repayable |
– |
361,857 |
107,282 |
107,279 |
Other debtors |
1,475,198 |
1,501,235 |
19,888 |
13,222 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
--------- |
--------- |
|
7,213,424 |
5,641,654 |
249,775 |
218,506 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
|
|
18.
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or
loss
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Other investments |
17,742,312 |
14,953,145 |
– |
– |
|
------------- |
------------- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in unit trusts and discretionary managed funds held by the company as financial assets are measured at fair value based upon their surrender values with all gains or losses brought through the profit and loss account.
The total amount invested in the assets, within group companies, at the reporting date, at cost, amounted to £16,198,847 (2023 - £14,015,495). During the year, there was an overall fair value gain of £604,990 (2023 - overall fair value loss £245,600).
19.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following:
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
Cash at bank and in hand |
3,070,250 |
2,101,940 |
Bank overdrafts |
(
650,830) |
(
234,638) |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
2,419,420 |
1,867,302 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
20.
Creditors:
amounts falling due within one year
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Bank loans and overdrafts |
650,830 |
234,638 |
– |
– |
Trade creditors |
2,588,180 |
1,467,615 |
21,362 |
19,113 |
Accruals and deferred income |
518,121 |
320,063 |
65,292 |
63,681 |
Corporation tax |
224,002 |
– |
– |
– |
Social security and other taxes |
779,859 |
377,177 |
– |
– |
Director loan accounts |
146,577 |
196,586 |
46,030 |
46,030 |
Other creditors |
– |
26,855
|
– |
– |
Other creditors |
68,929 |
69,948 |
270,271 |
253,987 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
--------- |
--------- |
|
4,976,498 |
2,692,882 |
402,955 |
382,811 |
|
------------ |
------------ |
--------- |
--------- |
|
|
|
|
|
A Group company's bank holds a personal guarantee from Mr. G. Wilson
.
21.
Provisions
Group |
Deferred tax (note 22) |
|
£ |
At 1 March 2023 |
240,991 |
Additions |
189,178 |
Other movements 1 |
(
723)
|
|
--------- |
At 29 February 2024 |
429,446 |
|
--------- |
|
|
The company does not have any provisions.
22.
Deferred tax
The deferred tax included in the balance sheet is as follows:
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Included in provisions (note 21) |
429,446 |
240,991 |
– |
– |
|
--------- |
--------- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
The deferred tax account consists of the tax effect of timing differences in respect of:
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Accelerated capital allowances |
9,571 |
9,429 |
– |
– |
Fair value adjustment of financial assets |
419,875 |
231,562 |
– |
– |
|
--------- |
--------- |
---- |
---- |
|
429,446 |
240,991 |
– |
– |
|
--------- |
--------- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
23.
Employee benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in profit or loss as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £
173,906
(2023: £
171,055
).
24.
Share-based payments
A group company has granted cash-settled share-based payments to certain employees as a long term incentive plan to retain talent. The participants in the plan are required to own shares in the company and settlement is conditional upon a future liquidity event, after which certain "waterfall" provisions determine the ultimate amount received by each employee.
The costs for the cash-settled share payments are based on the fair value of the share rights at the end of the reporting period. These payments are reported as employee costs with a corresponding movement in a liability in the statement of financial position up until settlement.
The group has assessed that the probability of achieving the conditions is such that the fair value of the rights is nil.
25.
Government grants
The amounts recognised in the financial statements for government grants are as follows:
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
|
|
|
Recognised in other operating income:
Government grants recognised directly in income |
100,000 |
19,411 |
– |
– |
|
--------- |
-------- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
26.
Financial instruments
The carrying amount for each category of financial instrument is as follows:
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss |
17,742,312 |
14,953,145 |
– |
– |
|
------------- |
------------- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost
|
Group |
|
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost |
7,058,036 |
5,127,428 |
|
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
|
Group |
|
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost |
3,972,637 |
2,315,705 |
|
|
------------ |
------------ |
|
|
|
|
27.
Called up share capital
Issued, called up and fully paid
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
No. |
£ |
No. |
£ |
Ordinary shares of £ 1 each |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
---- |
---- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
28.
Reserves
Called-up share capital - represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued
. Other reserves - The company has controlling interests in all its subsidiaries. There are, however, non-controlling interests in those subsidiaries who hold shares in those companies. Details of the accounting treatment for non controlling interests can be found at note 3 of the financial statements. Certain non controlling interests paid a share premium as part of the share based payment plan. However, their shares are subject to restrictions which means that unless a certain exit event is triggered and, in the event of that event occurring, the proceeds from that event are at least £30,000,000 plus the value of investments in that subsidiary company, those shareholders will not be entitled to any proceeds. The company's articles of association do not place an obligation to pay the shareholders any amounts if the threshold is not met, including the original issue price of the shares. At the reporting date, the subsidiary company balance sheet does not surpass the financial threshold and, therefore, the share premium has not been treated as either a financial obligation of the group nor equity interest of non controlling interests. Rather, this has been reflected as an other reserve of Seopa Holdings Ltd in the group financial statements. Other reserves also include a fair value reserve which includes the unrealised gains on investments held by companies within the group, after provision for deferred taxation
. Profit and loss account - includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses
.
29.
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests are defined as the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Equity is the residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all its liabilities. The group accounts are ordinarily required to measure and present non-controlling interest in the profit or loss of consolidated subsidiaries for the reporting period separately from the interest of the owners of the parent and measure and present non-controlling interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries separately from the parent shareholders' equity in them.
The company has controlling interests in all its subsidiaries. There are, however, non-controlling interests in those subsidiaries who hold shares in those companies. One such company is Seopa Limited. Whilst
Seopa Holdings Limited
owns 80% of the issued share capital of Seopa Limited, 20% of the share capital is owned by key management personnel of Seopa Limited as part of a share based payment plan.
The shares held by the key management personnel are subject to restrictions which means that unless a certain exit event is triggered and, in the event of that event occurring, the proceeds from that event are at least £30,000,000 plus the value of investments in Seopa Limited, those shareholders will not be entitled to what would, superficially be, their percentage interest in the assets of Seopa Limited after deducting all its liabilities. At the reporting date, Seopa Limited balance sheet does not surpass that financial threshold.
Accordingly, the director has considered if the group accounts should measure and present non-controlling interest in the profit or loss of Seopa Limited for the reporting period and measure and present non-controlling interest in the net assets of Seopa Limited.
Given that the financial threshold at which the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited would be entitled to a share of the net assets has not been met, in the director's judgement the measurement of the non-controlling interest in the group financial statements for the consolidated statement of financial position, is nil.
The measurement value applied to the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is the dividend paid to non-controlling interests in Seopa Limited during the period. Dividends paid to the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited during the period are reflected in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
Various accounting treatments have been considered by the director in regard of this matter when preparing the consolidated financial statements. One such treatment considered would be to regard the equity held by the non-controlling interest as being a financial liability given the restrictions around the shares. An alternative treatment would be to fully provide for the value of the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited. This has been calculated as being £4,536,010 (2023 - £3,982,339) at the balance sheet date based upon the net assets of Seopa Limited at that date.
Non-controlling interests in other subsidiaries where there are no conditions around share capital are accounted for in the normal manner. Non-controlling interests are defined as the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. Equity is the residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all its liabilities. The group accounts are ordinarily required to measure and present non-controlling interest in the profit or loss of consolidated subsidiaries for the reporting period separately from the interest of the owners of the parent and measure and present non-controlling interest in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries separately from the parent shareholders' equity in them.
The company has controlling interests in all its subsidiaries. There are, however, non-controlling interests in those subsidiaries who hold shares in those companies. One such company is Seopa Limited. Whilst
Seopa Holdings Limited
owns 80% of the issued share capital of Seopa Limited, 20% of the share capital is owned by key management personnel of Seopa Limited as part of a share based payment plan.
The shares held by the key management personnel are subject to restrictions which means that unless a certain exit event is triggered and, in the event of that event occurring, the proceeds from that event are at least £30,000,000 plus the value of investments in Seopa Limited, those shareholders will not be entitled to what would, superficially be, their percentage interest in the assets of Seopa Limited after deducting all its liabilities. At the reporting date, Seopa Limited balance sheet does not surpass that financial threshold.
Accordingly, the director has considered if the group accounts should measure and present non-controlling interest in the profit or loss of Seopa Limited for the reporting period and measure and present non-controlling interest in the net assets of Seopa Limited.
Given that the financial threshold at which the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited would be entitled to a share of the net assets has not been met, in the director's judgement the measurement of the non-controlling interest in the group financial statements for the consolidated statement of financial position, is nil.
The measurement value applied to the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is the dividend paid to non-controlling interests in Seopa Limited during the period. Dividends paid to the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited during the period are reflected in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
Various accounting treatments have been considered by the director in regard of this matter when preparing the consolidated financial statements. One such treatment considered would be to regard the equity held by the non-controlling interest as being a financial liability given the restrictions around the shares. An alternative treatment would be to fully provide for the value of the non-controlling interest in Seopa Limited. This has been calculated as being £4,536,010 (2023 - £3,982,339) at the balance sheet date based upon the net assets of Seopa Limited at that date.
Non-controlling interests in other subsidiaries where there are no conditions around share capital are accounted for in the normal manner.
30.
Analysis of changes in net debt
|
At 1 Mar 2023 |
Cash flows |
At 29 Feb 2024 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Cash at bank and in hand |
2,101,940 |
968,310 |
3,070,250 |
Bank overdrafts |
(234,638) |
(416,192) |
(650,830) |
Debt due within one year |
(196,586) |
50,009 |
(146,577) |
Current asset investments |
14,953,145 |
2,789,167 |
17,742,312 |
|
------------- |
------------ |
------------- |
|
16,623,861 |
3,391,294 |
20,015,155 |
|
------------- |
------------ |
------------- |
|
|
|
|
31.
Operating leases
The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
|
Group |
Company |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Not later than 1 year |
– |
146,265 |
– |
– |
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years |
– |
6,094 |
– |
– |
|
---- |
--------- |
---- |
---- |
|
– |
152,359 |
– |
– |
|
---- |
--------- |
---- |
---- |
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) |
|
Year ended 29 February 2024
32.
Contingencies
Under s479A-479C of Companies Act 2006 a subsidiary company can benefit from audit exemption provided its parent company guarantees all outstanding liabilities to which the subsidiary company is subject at the end of the financial year to which the guarantee relates, until they are satisfied in full. The company has provided such a guarantee in respect of Apricot Insurance Services Ltd. At the balance sheet date, Apricot Insurance Services Ltd had outstanding liabilities of £922,886 (2023 - £341,443).
33.
Limitation of auditor's liability
The group has entered into a liability limitation agreement with its auditor, Aubrey Campbell and Company, on the following basis:
(a) the maximum aggregate amount of the auditor's liability to the company shall not exceed the sum of seven times the fees payable (excluding expenses and value added tax) under the engagement letter agreed for the financial period, or £30,000, whichever is the lesser amount.
(b) the agreement was passed by a resolution of the company's shareholders on 28th November 2024.
34.
Related party transactions
Group
The company and group transacts business with entities which are under common control of key management personnel. At the balance sheet date, the total amount owed to the group by entities under common control was £1,017,824 (2023 - £1,162,824). All amounts are repayable upon demand. The group is owed £664,000 (2023 - £664,000) by a company controlled by a member of the close family of a member of key management personnel. No transactions with that company occurred during the current or prior period. All amounts are repayable upon demand.
Company
During the period, the company recognised revenue of £126,000 (2023 - £126,000) from entities which are under common control. At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £92,605 (2023 - £68,005) by entities under common control. All amounts are repayable upon demand.
35.
Controlling party
The group was under the control of Mr. G. Wilson during the current and
prior periods.