REGISTERED NUMBER: |
STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
FOR |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
STRATEGIC REPORT, REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND |
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
FOR |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
Page |
Company Information | 1 |
Strategic Report | 2 | to | 3 |
Report of the Directors | 4 | to | 5 |
Report of the Independent Auditors | 6 | to | 9 |
Statement of Income and Retained Earnings | 10 |
Statement of Financial Position | 11 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 | to | 19 |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
COMPANY INFORMATION |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
DIRECTORS: |
SECRETARY: |
REGISTERED OFFICE: |
BUSINESS ADDRESS: |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
AUDITORS: |
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors |
Stone House |
Stone Road Business Park |
Stoke-on-Trent |
ST4 6SR |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
The directors present their strategic report on the Company together with the audited financial statements for the year from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. |
REVIEW OF BUSINESS |
The company is a subsidiary company of Fit4Fleet Holdings Limited, which is a subsidiary of the McConechy's Tyre Services Limited, which itself is a subsidiary of the Halfords Group PLC. It primary business purpose is a customer service business linking customers to other subsidiaries within the group. |
On 4 October 2022 Halfords PLC acquired the business outright, with the directors as at 31st March 2022 |
resigning but staying on with the business as part of the executive management team. There will be no change in the principal activities of the business going forwards. |
The company made a loss of £7,778 in the year (2023: £4,803 profit) and the results have been transferred to reserves. The company's net asset position has decreased to £185,816 (31 March 2023: £193,594). No dividend has been declared for the period (period to 31 March 2023: £nil). |
The Company became a trading subsidiary of its ultimate parent company, Halfords Group plc on 4 October 2022. Further details on the performance of the Group can be found in the Chairman's Statement, Strategic Report and Chief Financial Officer's Report in the Group's Annual Report, which does not form part of this report. An updated view of the detailed KPIs since acquisition are discussed and documented within the Strategic Report of the Annual Report and Accounts of Halfords Group plc. |
The company will continue as a subsidiary of Fit4Fleet holdings Limited for the foreseeable future. |
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES |
The Company's financial risks are managed at a Group level. A detailed review of the Group's financial risk policy is contained within the Annual Report and Accounts of Halfords Group plc. The Directors of the Group and Company consider that the financial risks of the Group and Company remain the same as those outlined in the Halfords Group Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
Key performance indicators |
The directors believe that analysis using key performance indicators for the company is not necessary or appropriate for an understanding of the performance or position of the company. |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
STRATEGIC REPORT |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT |
This section describes how the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) Companies Act 2016 (the'“Act'), in exercising their duty to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole. |
Directors are required to have regard, amongst other matters, to the interests of wider stakeholders, as well as: |
- the likely long-term consequences of any decision they make; |
- the interests of the Company's colleagues; |
- the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others; |
- the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and the environment; |
- the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and |
- the need to act fairly, as between members of the Company. |
The Company is an intermediate holding company within Halfords Group plc ('Group'), and therefore key decisions which affect the Group, this Company and stakeholders are principally made by the Board of the ultimate parent company, Halfords Group plc. Further details of how the Board of Halfords Group plc have had regard to s172(1) (a) to (f) in the current financial year can be found in those consolidated financial statements. |
On behalf of the Board |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
DIVIDENDS |
No dividends will be distributed for the year ended 31 March 2024. |
EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR |
Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. |
DIRECTORS |
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 April 2023 to the date of this report. |
GOING CONCERN |
The Company participates in the Group's centralised treasury arrangements and so shares banking arrangements with its parent and fellow subsidiaries. The going concern assessment for the Company is therefore linked to that of the wider group headed by Halfords Group plc. |
The Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the Going Concern basis, having considered the going concern assessment undertaken by Halfords Group plc ('Group') which included the Company. |
As detailed in the Group annual report, in determining the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group Directors reviewed financial forecasts and projections to 31 July 2025. Within these financial projections, management reviewed profit and net cash flow and tested financial covenants in the period. No issues were found. Further details of these reviews can be found in the Going Concern and Viability statement in the Group's Annual Report, which does not form part of this report. This analysis has then been extended to October 2025 and factors in post year end performance for the purposes of the subsidiary financial statement approvals. |
Based on the analysis completed, the Group has adequate bank facilities available and the Directors therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet their liabilities as they fall due, retain sufficient available cash and not breach any the covenants under any drawn facilities for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. They do not consider there to be a material uncertainty relating to the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. |
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which the Directors believe to be appropriate for the following reasons. The Company is dependent for its working capital on funds provided to it by Halfords Group plc, the Company's ultimate parent. Halfords Group plc has indicated that for at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements ("going concern assessment period"), it will continue to make available such funds as are needed by the Company, and in particular will not seek repayment of the amounts currently made available unless the company has means to pay. The Directors consider that this will enable the Company to continue in operational existence for the going concern assessment period by meeting its liabilities as they fall due for payment. |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES |
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. |
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have 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 directors must not approve the financial statements 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 financial statements, the directors are required to: |
- | select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
- | make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
- | state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; |
- | prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. |
The directors are 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. They are 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. |
STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS |
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) 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 audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. |
AUDITORS |
The auditors are deemed to have been re-appointed in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
Opinion |
We have audited the financial statements of ULM Services Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, Statement of Financial Position and Notes to the Financial Statements, 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 Financial Reporting Standard 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 March 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 Auditors' 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 financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. |
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. |
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. |
Other information |
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors, but does not include the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon. |
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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. |
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 |
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: |
- | the information given in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
- | the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
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 Strategic Report or the Report of the Directors. |
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where 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 Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page five, 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 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. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
Auditors' 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 a Report of the Auditors 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: |
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit |
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. |
Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities |
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following: |
• | the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the company remuneration policies, key drivers for directors' remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets; |
• | results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities; |
• | any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the company documentation of their policies and procedures relating to: |
- | identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of noncompliance; |
- | detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; |
- | the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations; |
• | the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. |
Based on this approach, we were able to assess the company risks and ensure the risks were considered throughout all areas of audit testing. The audit team was professionally sceptical throughout the audit and remained alert for inaccurate or misleading information. |
Audit response to risks identified |
As a result of performing the above, we did not identify any key audit matters related to the potential risk of |
fraud or irregularities. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following: |
• reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements; |
• enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims; |
• performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; |
• obtaining an understanding of provisions and held discussions with management to understand the basis of recognition or non-recognition of tax provisions; and |
• in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. |
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED |
Audit testing was completed on a targeted sample basis based on our assessment of risk and materiality. Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. |
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement 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 company's internal control. |
- | Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. |
- | Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors' 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 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 Report of the Auditors 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 Report of the Auditors. However, future events or conditions may cause the 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. |
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 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 a Report of the Auditors 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. |
for and on behalf of |
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors |
Stone House |
Stone Road Business Park |
Stoke-on-Trent |
ST4 6SR |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Notes | £ | £ |
REVENUE |
Cost of sales | ( |
) | ( |
) |
GROSS PROFIT |
Administrative expenses | ( |
) | ( |
) |
OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT and |
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION | ( |
) |
Tax on (loss)/profit | 5 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR |
( |
) |
Retained earnings at beginning of year |
RETAINED EARNINGS AT END OF YEAR |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION |
31 MARCH 2024 |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Notes | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Property, plant and equipment | 6 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 7 |
Cash at bank |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 8 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES | 10 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET ASSETS |
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
Called up share capital | 11 |
Retained earnings | 12 |
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
1. | STATUTORY INFORMATION |
ULM Services Limited is a |
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£). |
The principal activity of the company was that of combined office administrative service activities. |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARD 102 - REDUCED DISCLOSURE EXEMPTIONS |
The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland": |
- The requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows; |
- The requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d); and |
- The requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7 |
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. |
SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES |
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. |
(i) Critical accounting estimates and assumptions |
The company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below. |
(ii) Estimated useful lives and residual values of fixed assets |
Depreciation of tangible and intangible fixed assets has been based on estimated useful lives and residual values deemed appropriate by the directors. Estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually and revised as appropriate. Revisions take into account estimated useful lives used by other companies operating in the sector and actual asset lives and residual values, as evidenced by disposals during the current and prior accounting periods. |
REVENUE RECOGNITION |
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. |
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income. |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Short leasehold | - |
Fixtures and fittings | - |
Computer equipment | - |
Tangible assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is charged on tangible assets from the date of purchase to the date of disposal. |
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS |
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. |
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. |
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. |
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 liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the entity after deducting all of its financial liabilities. |
Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments (including share capital) are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the profit and loss account. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability. |
Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have any terms meeting the definition of a financial liability then this is classed as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity. |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
TAXATION |
Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. |
Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted. |
Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date. |
DEFERRED TAX |
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the statement of financial position date. |
Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. |
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. |
HIRE PURCHASE AND LEASING COMMITMENTS |
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. |
PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS |
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the company's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate. |
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets. |
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. |
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. |
IMPAIRMENT OF FIXED ASSETS |
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
GOING CONCERN |
The Company participates in the Group's centralised treasury arrangements and so shares banking arrangements with its parent and fellow subsidiaries. The going concern assessment for the Company is therefore linked to that of the wider group headed by Halfords Group plc. |
The Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the Going Concern basis, having considered the going concern assessment undertaken by Halfords Group plc ('Group') which included the Company. |
As detailed in the Group annual report, in determining the appropriate basis of preparation of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024, the Group Directors reviewed financial forecasts and projections to 31 July 2025. Within these financial projections, management reviewed profit and net cash flow and tested financial covenants in the period. No issues were found. Further details of these reviews can be found in the Going Concern and Viability statement in the Group's Annual Report, which does not form part of this report. This analysis has then been extended to October 2025 and factors in post year end performance for the purposes of the subsidiary financial statement approvals. |
Based on the analysis completed, the Group has adequate bank facilities available and the Directors therefore have a reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet their liabilities as they fall due, retain sufficient available cash and not breach any the covenants under any drawn facilities for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. They do not consider there to be a material uncertainty relating to the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. |
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which the Directors believe to be appropriate for the following reasons. The Company is dependent for its working capital on funds provided to it by Halfords Group plc, the Company's ultimate parent. Halfords Group plc has indicated that for at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements ("going concern assessment period"), it will continue to make available such funds as are needed by the Company, and in particular will not seek repayment of the amounts currently made available unless the company has means to pay. The Directors consider that this will enable the Company to continue in operational existence for the going concern assessment period by meeting its liabilities as they fall due for payment. |
3. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Wages and salaries |
Social security costs |
Other pension costs |
The average number of employees during the year was as follows: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
Administrative staff |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Directors' remuneration |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
4. | OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT |
The operating loss (2023 - operating profit) is stated after charging: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Other operating leases |
Depreciation - owned assets |
5. | TAXATION |
Analysis of the tax charge |
The tax charge on the loss for the year was as follows: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Current tax: |
UK corporation tax |
Adjustment to prior period tax | 3,005 | - |
Total current tax |
Deferred tax | ( |
) |
Tax on (loss)/profit |
RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL TAX CHARGE INCLUDED IN PROFIT AND LOSS |
The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
(Loss)/profit before tax | ( |
) |
(Loss)/profit multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of |
( |
) |
Effects of: |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods | ( |
) |
Total tax charge | 4,749 | 3,732 |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
6. | PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT |
Fixtures |
Short | and | Computer |
leasehold | fittings | equipment | Totals |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1 April 2023 |
and 31 March 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 April 2023 |
Charge for year |
At 31 March 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31 March 2024 |
At 31 March 2023 |
7. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Trade debtors |
Amounts owed by group undertakings |
Prepayments |
Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, interest free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand. |
8. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Trade creditors |
Amounts owed to group undertakings |
Tax |
Social security and other taxes |
VAT | 7,785 | 47,457 |
Other creditors |
Accruals and deferred income |
Amounts owed to group undertakings are unsecured, interest free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand. |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
9. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Within one year |
Between one and five years |
In more than five years |
10. | PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES |
31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
£ | £ |
Deferred tax | 2,870 | 2,843 |
Deferred |
tax |
£ |
Balance at 1 April 2023 |
Charge to Income Statement during year |
Balance at 31 March 2024 |
11. | CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL |
Allotted, issued and fully paid: |
Number: | Class: | Nominal | 31.3.24 | 31.3.23 |
value: | £ | £ |
Ordinary Class A | 97 | 97 | 97 |
Ordinary Class B | 3.02 | 3 | 3 |
100 | 100 |
12. | RESERVES |
Retained |
earnings |
£ |
At 1 April 2023 |
Deficit for the year | ( |
) |
At 31 March 2024 |
ULM SERVICES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: SC568671) |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |
13. | ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANY |
The Company's ultimate parent company and ultimate controlling party is Halfords Group plc, a company registered in England. The annual report and financial statements for Halfords Group plc includes the consolidation of the ultimate parent company and its subsidiaries, including this Company. |
Copies of the financial statements of Halfords Group plc are available from Icknield Street Drive, Washford West, Redditch, B98 0DE. |
14. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
(i) The company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', not to disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group. |
(ii) All transactions undertaken with the directors are deemed to be conducted under normal market conditions and/or are not material. |
15. | POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS |
There was no material post balance sheet events up to the date of approval of the financial |
statements by the Board. |