Empire Tapes Plc Cover
Empire Tapes Plc
Company No. 02797901
Directors' Report and Audited Financial Statements
31 July 2024
Empire Tapes Plc Contents
Pages
Company Information
2
Strategic Report
4 to 5
Directors' Report
3
Auditor's Report
6 to 8
Statement of Comprehensive Income
9
Statement of Financial Position
10
Statement of Changes in Equity
11
Statement of Cash Flows
12
Notes to the Financial Statements
13 to 29
Empire Tapes Plc Company Information
Directors
J.L. Cowing
N. Hartley
P. McLaughlin
M. Putwain
D.R. Sherriff
M. Stanley
Secretary
M. Putwain
Registered Office
Houndhill Park
Bolton Road
South Yorkshire
S63 7LG
Auditor
Hansons
St Oswald House
St Oswald Street
Castleford
WF10 1DH
Empire Tapes Plc Directors Report
The Directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company during the year under review was convertors and distributors of adhesive tape, other consumable products and hire of equipment.

Directors
The Directors who served at any time during the year were as follows:
J.L. Cowing
N. Hartley
P. McLaughlin
M. Putwain
D.R. Sherriff
M. Stanley
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
In preparing these accounts, the directors are required to:
*
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
*
make judgements and 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.
Statement of disclosure of information to auditor
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware and each director has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.
Signed on behalf of the board
M. Putwain
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
Empire Tapes Plc Strategic Report
The Directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 July 2024.
Business review
The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of convertors and distributors of adhesive tape and other consumable products, equipment hire and servicing.
The results for the company show a pre-tax loss of £40,695 (2023: Profit £46,535) for the year and sales of £13,433,797 (2023: £13,267,252). Last year’s sales figure included sales of a boxing equipment range. The reporting and recording of which, was changed to an associated company. This transfer of sales has masked the true increase in business which was higher than that shown.
The depreciation charge for the year is £291,698 (2023: £228,332). This should be considered, when
reviewing the accounts. Profit on ordinary activities before depreciation and taxation is £251,003 or 1.9% of sales to (2023: £274,867 or 2.1% of sales).
There were one off costs totalling around £55,000 relating to relocating our Newcastle branch to larger premises and closing our Birmingham branch, these were repairs and dilapidation and redundancy costs.
The company had net debt of £3,285,464 (2023: £3,840,524).
During the year, the company continued investing in its equipment hire fleet, although debt repayments were higher than any new finance, hence the reduction in net debt.
In the first part of the year we relocated our Newcastle branch to larger premises and in June we closed and exited our Birmingham branch, leading to two redundancies. There were repairs and dilapidations costs involved with both branch changes, that will not be repeated next year.
Turnover and margins did improve, but with the increase in the minimum wage and other costs and the one off costs mentioned above overheads increased, leading to the small loss.
Overall turnover increased by £166,545, 1.3% percent, compared to 2023. UK sales increased by over £220,000 or 1.7%, sales to Europe decreased by 6% and exports sales decreased by 24%, together less than £60,000.
The outlook is very similar to last year, we expect margins to improve, but overheads to increase as well.
We know that the improved returns on our investments will continue to strengthen the business as a whole.
We continue to look for opportunities to grow the business, and believe that we are well placed, to be able to react quickly, if necessary. Long term we believe that prospects are good.
Financial and other key performance indicators:
To assess how the company is performing, the directors monitor sales orders, related gross profit and gross profit margin on a daily basis for all product ranges. The company’s performance for the year in relation to these indicators is outlined in the business review above.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The management of the business and the execution of the company’s strategy are subject to a number of
risks. The key business risks and uncertainties affecting the company are considered to relate to exchange
rates, competition from both UK and overseas, employee retention and product requirements
The company uses forward exchange contracts to minimise currency risk and the approach to currency
management is to achieve stability rather than to speculate
The war in the Middle East, effectively closing the Suez Canal, has meant that our imports from the Far East are taking longer to arrive, with increased freight costs, this is the main challenge we need to manage.
Development, Performance, Position of the business and future developments
We continue to invest in the design and development of new products. The directors regard the investment in research and development as integral to the continuing success of the business ensuring that we provide our customers with products that meet their technical requirements. We work with our suppliers developing new products where we see opportunities or at the behest of customer demand.
We intend to concentrate on improving our reporting structures and areas of responsibility, to be better
placed to support further organic growth in the coming year.
The company will continue to focus on the domestic market and sees potential areas for further growth.
The company believes that market conditions will be challenging for the next year. However,we believe that the company is well positioned to attract business and the main challenges will come from inflationary factors
Financial Instruments
The company’s financial instruments comprise the rolling invoice discounting facility, referred to above, cash and liquid resources, and various items arising directly from its operations, such as trade creditors. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the company’s operations.
The company has a normal level of exposure to price, credit, liquidity and cash flow risks arising from trading activities which are largely conducted in sterling, with the only foreign currency transactions being covered by suitable currency contracts, as and when deemed appropriate by the directors, to minimise exposure to exchange rate volatility. The company does not enter into any formally designated hedging arrangements.
Signed on behalf of the board
M. Putwain
Company Secretary
31 January 2025
Empire Tapes Plc Audit Report Unqualified
Independent Auditor's Report to the members of Empire Tapes Plc
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Empire Tapes Plc (the 'company') for the year ended 31 July 2024 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and the Notes to the Financial Statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including 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 company's affairs as at 31 July 2024 and of its loss
for the year then ended;
• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice; and
• 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 company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the accounts, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the accounts 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 company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the accounts are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibillities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the 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.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based upon the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
• the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which
the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
• the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable
legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been
received from branches not visited by us; or
• the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement found in the directors' report, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have 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 accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
• 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 regulation applicable to the company through discussions with directors and management, and from our commercial knowledge of the sector in which the business operates.
• We focused on specific laws and regulations which we consider to have material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the companies act 2006, taxation legalisation, data protection, anti bribery, employment, environmental and health and safety.
• We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations mentioned above through discussions with management and inspecting of legal correspondence.
• Identified laws and regulations were communicated with the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non compliance during the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud may occur by
• Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate the risk of fraud and non compliance with laws and regulations.
• Making enquires to management as to where they consider there was a susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls we:

• Performance analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
• Assess whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias.
• Investigated rational behind significant and unusual transaction.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of the auditors report.
Use of this report
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mark Upex BA FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of
Hansons
Accountants and Statutory Auditors
St Oswald House
St Oswald Street
Castleford
WF10 1DH
31 January 2025
Empire Tapes Plc Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 July 2024
Notes
2024
2023
£
£
Revenue
3
13,433,797
13,267,252
Cost of sales
(8,783,274)
(8,643,204)
Gross profit
4,650,523
4,624,048
Distribution costs and selling expenses
(2,449,604)
(2,353,991)
Administrative expenses
(2,017,717)
(2,093,109)
Other operating income
-
6,000
Operating profit
4
183,202
182,948
Other interest receivable
7
10,197
401
Interest payable and similar charges
8
(234,094)
(136,814)
(Loss)/Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
(40,695)
46,535
Taxation
9
12,003
(4,320)
(Loss)/Profit for the financial year after taxation
(28,692)
42,215
Other comprehensive income
-
-
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
(28,692)
42,215
Empire Tapes Plc Statement of Financial Position
at
31 July 2024
Company No.
02797901
Notes
2024
2023
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
1,733,5701,578,833
1,733,5701,578,833
Current assets
Stocks
11
1,947,6232,707,208
Debtors
12
4,671,7344,613,780
Cash at bank and in hand
100,440119,412
6,719,7977,440,400
Creditors: Amount falling due within one year
13
(6,168,482)
(6,530,397)
Net current assets
551,315910,003
Total assets less current liabilities
2,284,8852,488,836
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
14
(290,588)
(459,555)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred taxation
16
(35,560)
(41,852)
Net assets
1,958,7371,987,429
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
17
160,000160,000
Profit and loss account
18
1,798,7371,827,429
Total equity
1,958,7371,987,429
Approved by the board on 31 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
M. Putwain
Director
31 January 2025
Empire Tapes Plc Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 July 2024
Share Capital
Retained earnings
Total equity
£
£
£
At 1 August 2022
160,000
1,789,214
1,949,214
Profit for the period
42,215
42,215
Dividends
(4,000)
(4,000)
At 31 July 2023 and 1 August 2023
160,0001,827,4291,987,429
Loss for the period
(28,692)
(28,692)
At 31 July 2024
160,0001,798,7371,958,737
Empire Tapes Plc Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 July 2024
2024
2023
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit
183,202
182,948
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
291,698
228,332
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(41,999)
(11,059)
Decrease in stocks
759,585
626,094
(Increase)/Decrease in trade and other receivables
(49,970)
34,521
Increase/(Decrease) in trade and other payables
82,024
(805,252)
Net cash generated from operations
1,224,540
255,584
Interest paid
(234,094)
(136,814)
Income taxes paid
(41,147)
(55,417)
Net cash generated from operating activities
949,29963,353
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
219,69929,423
Payments for property, plant and equipment
(624,135)
(561,495)
Interest received
10,197401
Net cash used in investing activities
(394,239)
(531,671)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
(503,394)
(194,673)
Repayments of obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
(156,185)
(71,247)
Proceeds from new finance lease and hire purchase contracts
85,547378,471
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities
(574,032)
581,051
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(18,972)
112,733
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
119,412
6,679
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
100,440
119,412
Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash and bank balances
100,440
119,412
100,440
119,412
Empire Tapes Plc Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 July 2024
1
General information
Empire Tapes Plc is a private company limited by shares and incorporated in England and Wales.
Its registered number is: 02797901
Its registered office is:
Houndhill Park
Bolton Road
South Yorkshire
S63 7LG
The functional and presentational currency of the company is Sterling. The accounts are rounded to the nearest pound.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets and in accordance with the accounting policies set out below.
1
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 - The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.
2
Accounting policies
Revenue recognition
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Turnover is reduced for estimated customer returns, rebates and other similar allowances.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all the following conditions are satisfied:
• the Company has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the
goods;
• the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated
with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
• the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
• it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Company;
and
• the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Specifically, revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when goods are delivered and legal title is passed.
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalisation. All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the statement of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Company's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax is recognised on timing differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible timing differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Current or deferred tax for the year is recognised in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
Intangible assets
Development expenditure
Development of products is capitalised when it meets the following conditions:

• It is technically feasible to complete the research or development so that the product will be
available for use or sale.
• It is intended to use or sell the product being developed.
• The Company is able to use or sell the product.
• It can be demonstrated that the product will generate probable future economic benefits.
• Adequate technical, financial and other resources exist so that product development can be
completed and subsequently used or sold.
• Expenditure attributable to the research and development work can be reliably measured.

Capitalised development expenditure is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses and amortised over its useful economic life. Assessments of useful economic life range from 5 to 15 years. Amortisation expenses for the year and last year are included in administrative expenses.

All other research and development expenditure is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on an acquisition of a business is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses, if any. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Company's cash-generating units (or groups of cash-generating units) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.
A cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit on a pro-rata basis based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any impairment loss for goodwill is recognised directly in profit or loss in the statement of comprehensive income. On disposal of the relevant cash-generating unit, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Land and buildings held and used in the Company's own activities for production and supply of goods or for administrative purposes are stated in the statement of financial position at their revalued amounts. The revalued amounts equate to the fair value at the date of revaluation, less any depreciation or impairment losses subsequently accumulated. Revaluations are carried out regularly so that the carrying amounts do not materially differ from using the fair value at the date of the statement of financial position.
Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment
losses. Depreciation on plant and equipment is charged to profit or loss so as to write off their value, over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated in the same manner as owned assets.

At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment to determine whether there is any indication that any items of property, plant and equipment have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of the asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, to the extent that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately.
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Leasehold land and buildings
20% Straight Line
Plant and machinery
25% or 10% Straight Line
Motor vehicles
25% Straight Line
Furniture, fittings and equipment
33% or 10% Straight Line
Freehold investment property
Investment properties are revalued annually and any surplus or deficit is dealt with through the profit and loss account.

No depreciation is provided in respect of investment properties.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Costs, which comprise direct production costs, are based on the method most appropriate to the type of inventory class, but usually on a first-in-first-out basis. Overheads are charged to profit or loss as incurred. Net realisable value is based on the estimated selling price less any estimated completion or selling costs.

When stocks are sold, the carrying amount of those stocks is recognised as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognised. The amount of any write-down of stocks to net realisable value and all losses of stocks are recognised as an expense in the period in which the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of stocks is recognised as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognised as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are initially recognised at fair value and thereafter stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts except where the effect of discounting would be immaterial. In such cases, the debtors are stated at cost less impairment losses for bad and doubtful debts.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities.

In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.
Financial instruments
Derivatives in the form of forward foreign currency exchange contract are initially recognised at fair value at the date on which the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit and loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate.

The Company only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities such as trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in non-puttable ordinary shares.

Debt instruments, like loans and other accounts receivable and payable, are initially measured at present value of the future payments and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Debt instruments that are payable or receivable within one year, typically trade payables or receivables, are measured, initially and subsequently, at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration, expected to be paid or received. However if the arrangements of a short-term instrument constitute a financing transaction, like the payment of a trade debt deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate or in case of an outright short term loan not at market rate, the financial asset or liability is measured, initially and subsequently, at the present value of the future payment discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Financial assets, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are considered to be impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected.

For all other financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:
• significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or
• breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or
• it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial re-organisation; or
• the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties.
Financial Instruments (Continued)
For certain categories of financial asset, such as trade receivables, assets that are assessed not to be impaired individually are, in addition, assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables could include the Company's past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the portfolio past the average credit period of 50 days, as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default on receivables.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of the impairment loss recognised is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate.

For financial assets carried at cost, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the current market rate of return for a similar financial asset. Such impairment loss will not be reversed in subsequent periods.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against
the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are recognised in profit or loss.

For financial assets measured at amortised cost, if, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed does not exceed what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised.
Trade and other creditors
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Finance costs
Finance costs are charged to the Income Statement over the term of the debt using the effective interest rate method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.
Interest bearing borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between the amount initially recognised and redemption value being recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings, together with any interest and fees payable, using the effective interest method.
Related parties
For the purposes of these financial statements, a party is considered to be related to the Company if:

• the party has the ability, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, to control the
Company or exercise significant influence over the company in making financial and operating policy
decisions, or has joint control over the Company;
• the Company and the party are subject to common control;
• the party is an associate of the Company or a joint venture in which the Company is a venturer;
• the party is a member of key management personnel of the Company or the Company’s parent, or a
close family member of such an individual, or is an entity under the control, joint control or
significant influence of such individuals;
• the party is a close family member of a party referred to in (i) or is an entity under the control, joint
control or significant influence of such individuals; or
• the party is a post-employment benefit plan which is for the benefit of employees of the
Company or of any entity that is a related party of the Company.

Close family members of an individual are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that individual in their dealings with the entity.
Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies, other than the functional currency of the Company, are recorded at the rate of exchange on the date the transaction occurred. Monetary items denominated in other currencies are translated at the rate prevailing at the end of the reporting period. All differences are taken to the profit and loss account. Non-monetary items that are measured at historic cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
Leased assets
Where the company enters into a lease which entails taking substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset, the lease is treated as a finance lease.

Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Company are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as assets of the Company at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the Company's policy on borrowing costs (see the accounting policy above). Contingent rentals are recognised as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.

Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed. Contingent rentals arising under operating leases are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
Defined contribution pensions
The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payments obligations.
The contributions are recognised as an expenses when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.
Discontinued operation
A discontinued operation is a component of the Company's business, the operations and cash flows of which can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the Company and which represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, or is part of a signal coordinated disposal of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a review to resale.
Provisions
Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the Company a legal or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of economic benefit, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Provisions are charged as an expense to the Income Statement in the year that the Company becomes aware of the obligation, and are measured at the best estimate at the Statement of Financial Position date of the expenditure required to settle the obligation, taking into account relevant risks and
uncertainties. When payments are eventually made, they are charged to the provision carried in the Statement of Financial position.
3
Revenue Analysis
Revenue, analysed geographically between markets, was as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
United Kingdom
13,036,09512,811,850
Europe
273,356290,740
Rest of the World
124,346164,662
13,433,79713,267,252
Revenue, analysed by category, was as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Tape and consumable asbestos recovery supplies sales13,000,48912,792,643
Asbestos disposal plant and equipment sales433,308474,609
13,433,79713,267,252
4
Operating Profit
2024
2023
This is stated after charging:
£
£
Depreciation of owned fixed assets
291,698
228,332
Auditors' remuneration for:
Audit of the company's annual accounts
13,500
12,000
Non Audit Services
1,500
1,000
5
Staff costs
2024
2023
Staff costs during the year (including directors) were as follows:
£
£
Wages and salaries
1,687,797
1,527,323
Social security costs
149,776
142,137
Other pension costs
100,241
101,760
Total in company
1,937,814
1
1,771,220
-
-
The average monthly number of employees (including directors) during the year was:
Number
Number
Administration
2
2
Production
48
42
Sales and marketing
9
9
Total in company
5953
6
Directors' remuneration
2024
2023
Remuneration included within staff costs - Note 5 - in respect of directors was as follows:
£
£
Aggregate remuneration in respect of qualifying services
341,453
334,196
Aggregate of company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
83,52683,437
Total remuneration
424,979
83527
417,633
Number of directors accruing benefits under pension schemes:
Number
Number
Defined contribution pension schemes
5
5
The amounts of aggregate remuneration in respect of directors set out above include remuneration in respect of the highest paid director as follows:
£
£
Remuneration in respect of qualifying services
52,987
52,987
Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
40,000
40,000
92,98792,987
7
Interest receivable
2024
2023
£
£
Bank interest receivable
10,197401
10,197401
8
Interest payable and similar charges
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loan and overdraft interest payable
205,693
35,987
HP interest
28,401
14,607
Profit/Loss on derivatives
-
86,220
234,094136,814
9
Taxation
(a) Tax on profit on ordinary activities
2024
2023
The tax charge is made up as follows:
£
£
UK corporation tax
Charge for the period
-
(5,106)
Charge for prior periods
-162
Total corporation tax
-
(4,944)
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(12,003)
9,264
Total deferred tax
(12,003)
9,264
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
(12,003)
4,320
(b) Factors affecting the total tax charge for the period
The tax assessed for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023: 19%). The differences are reconciled below:
Lower
2024
2023
-1829
£
£
Profit on ordinary activities before tax
(40,695)
46,535
Standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom
25%
19%
Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom
(10,174)
8,842
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
(1,829)
(4,684)
Adjustments to charge in respect of prior periods
-162
Tax on profit on ordinary activities
(12,003)
4,320
10
Tangible fixed assets
Land and buildings
Plant and machinery
Motor vehicles
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost or revaluation
At 1 August 2023
942,4672,633,008439,470632,4954,647,440
Additions
5,115433,573158,03227,415624,135
Disposals
-
(226,325)
(10,989)
(4,166)
(241,480)
At 31 July 2024
947,5822,840,256586,513655,7445,030,095
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2023
135,6262,207,936178,943546,1023,068,607
Charge for the year
-159,403110,00222,293291,698
Disposals
-
(63,780)
--
(63,780)
At 31 July 2024
135,6262,303,559288,945568,3953,296,525
Net book values
At 31 July 2024
811,956536,697297,56887,3491,733,570
At 31 July 2023
806,841425,072260,52786,3931,578,833
11
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Raw materials and consumables
1,947,6232,707,208
1,947,6232,707,208
12
Debtors
2024
2023
£
£
Trade debtors
3,542,4353,678,462
Corporation tax recoverable
7,984-
Loans to directors
95,00020,000
Other debtors
678,634601,546
Prepayments and accrued income
347,681313,772
4,671,7344,613,780
13
Creditors:
amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
565,833565,833
Other loans
2,374,6872,784,748
Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
154,796149,800
Trade creditors
2,083,9671,986,405
Corporation tax
-38,874
Other taxes and social security
165,509326,486
Other creditors
602,196388,126
Accruals and deferred income
221,494290,125
6,168,4826,530,397
14
Creditors:
amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
79,167172,500
Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
211,421287,055
290,588459,555
15
Creditors: secured liabilities
2024
2023
£
£
The aggregate amount of secured liabilities included within creditors
3,385,9043,959,936
16
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred taxation
Accelerated capital allowances, losses and other timing differences
Total
£
£
At 1 August 2023
41,852
41,852
Charge to the profit and loss account for the period
(6,292)
(6,292)
At 31 July 2024
35,560
35,560
2024
2023
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
160,36588,860
Tax losses
(124,805)
(47,008)
35,56041,852
17
Share Capital
Called-up share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued.
Nominal value
2024
2024
2023
£
Number
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
Ordinary Shares1160,000160,000160,000
160,000160,000
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the company. All ordinary shares rank equally with regard to the company's residual assets.
18
Reserves
Profit and loss account - includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses.
19
Reconciliation of net debt
At 1 August 2023
Cash flows
New HP/Finance leases
At 31 July 2024
£
£
£
£
Cash and cash equivalents
119,412
(18,972)
100,440
119,412
(18,972)
-
100,440
Borrowings
(2,784,748)
410,061
(2,374,687)
Bank loans
(738,333)
93,333
(645,000)
Obligations under HP/Finance Leases
(436,855)
156,185
(85,547)
(366,217)
(3,959,936)
659,579
(85,547)
(3,385,904)
Net debt
(3,840,524)
640,607
(85,547)
(3,285,464)
20
Commitments
Operating lease commitments
The company has entered into a number of non-cancellable operating leases as lessee for which the total of future minimum lease payments are as follows:
2024
2024
2023
2023
Land and buildings
Other
Land and buildings
Other
£
£
£
£
Operating leases with expiry date:
In the second to fifth years inclusive
120,925
70,944
272,050
101,820
Over five years
1,122,246
-
1,097,880
-
1,243,171
78,478
1,369,930
101,820
2024
2023
£
£
The pension cost charge to the company amounted to:
100,241101,760
Unpaid contributions due to the fund are included in other creditors and amounted to:
13,4757,460
21
Dividends
2024
2023
£
£
Dividends for the period:
Dividends by type:
Equity dividends
-4,000
-
4,000
22
Advances and credits to directors
2024
£
At 1 August 2023
20,000
Advanced in the period
95,000
Amounts repaid in the period
(20,000)
At 31 July 2024
95,000
23
Related party disclosures
2024
2023
£
£
Trust Trailers Ltd
Two of the directors of Empire Tapes plc are directors and shareholders of this company
Sales made by Empire Tapes plc
20,367
10,656
Purchases made by Empire Tapes plc
227,229
412,750
Recharges made by Empire Tapes plc
171,982
177,009
Balance owing to (by) Empire Tapes plc at 31 July
73,542
(82,840)
Empire Pro Group Holdings Ltd
Two of the directors of Empire Tapes plc are directors and shareholders of this company
Sales made by Empire Tapes plc
-
-
Purchases made by Empire Tapes plc
-
-
Recharges made by Empire Tapes plc
145,422
136,465
Balance owing to (by) Empire Tapes plc at 31 July
39,993
(105,429)
Empire Fight Store Ltd
Two of the directors of Empire Tapes plc are directors of this company
Sales made by Empire Tapes plc
258,957
30,121
Purchases made by Empire Tapes plc
-
-
Recharges made by Empire Tapes plc
179,633
318,893
Balance owing to (by) Empire Tapes plc at 31 July
521,894
355,038
Controlling party
Ultimate controlling party:
The company is controlled by the shareholders with no one individual holding a controlling stake in the business.
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