The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Chas Berger group is a well-established construction company and acts as a main contractor across all industry sectors. Since it was founded in 1940, Chas Berger Limited has grown in strength within the Commercial, Retail, Industrial, Education, Residential and Health sectors.
The group's head office is based at Bishop's Stortford enabling the company to service all regions in London, Southeast and Midlands.
Performance
The Directors are pleased to report that overall, it has been another successful year for the business, with the stable turnover, similar to previous year. However we believe performance has been restricted due to changes in building legislation (e.g. Building Safety Act). This delayed projects from 2 to 6 months which effectively delayed turnover into the 2025 year. Albeit that the Directors are satisfied that profitability has increased to 14.78% from 13.64% previous year. We believe this was primarily due to efficiency and cost control measures put in place by the directors.
Strategic decisions made during the year have helped the Board to successfully navigate the business without suffering debilitating damage to the underlying business. During the year we have continued our strategy of both widening our client base by entering new markets as well as the type of work we undertake for our existing clients. This has seen us deliver some complex projects which whilst challenging are a real credit to the teams involved.
Health & Safety is at the forefront of what we do and part of our business ethics, our stringent monitoring and measurements, helps maintain our continued improvement and excellent record. We are committed to our environmental responsibilities and continue to support and work with our clients with the overall aim of reducing emissions, unnecessary waste and increase recycling amongst others.
Economic uncertainty remains the single biggest risk within the construction sector and we manage these risks through robust systems and procedures. We have a strong forward order book for 2025 and beyond and continue to expand our key client list through our reputation of our delivery and relationships within the sector.
The inflation fluctuations have stabilised this year. However, it is being closely monitored and managed.
The company is continuing to expand its customer base both within and outside the current sectors and firmly believe it has a good foundation to survive any unforeseen outcomes in the near future. With the strength of our balance sheet and our business model, we are confident that we can keep the ongoing impact of those challenges to a minimum.
There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could impact the group’s performance, and these are considered by the Board on a regular basis. The Board of Directors and the relevant management teams consider the risks of all significant business decisions and changes in the external environment and in the group’s operations. The key risks affecting the business are as follows:
Economic Risk - the directors have identified and evaluated risks and uncertainties and have controls in place to mitigate these. Responsibility for management of each key risk is identified and delegated. The group is exposed to the economic risks that could lower the group's revenues and operating results in the future. However, actions continue to be taken to maximise the group's performance in all aspects of the business
Operating Risk - the group manages this risk by providing added value services to its clients, having fast response times in supplying products and services, handling all client queries and by maintaining strong relationships with clients. The group's operating risk is reduced due to the market share of their clients as many of the group's clients are long standing market leaders in their field. The group has spread its operating risk by not only actively seeking to widen its client base but also through continued expansion of its activities in the region.
Market Risk - the group seeks to maintain a competitive advantage by offering an appropriate and relevant service range and providing a high level of customer service from professional and dedicated staff. The group keeps abreast of developments in the market through maintaining strong relationships with its clients and monitoring the wider economic environment.
Personnel Risk – the group is a privately-owned business and places great emphasis on recruiting, training, rewarding and retaining high quality people. The Directors consider staff resourcing and on a regular basis. We promote from within whenever we can to maintain the company culture. We also embrace new people from elsewhere as they bring fresh ideas and the benefits of their experience. The Board have tried to ensure that the knowledge base of the operational management team is shared as much as possible throughout the group.
Taxation Risk -the group is exposed to financial risks from increases in tax rates and changes to the basis of taxation including corporation tax and VAT. Principal controls to mitigate this risk include regular monitoring of legislative proposals and the engagement of experienced executives and the use of experienced sector-specific professional advisers to mitigate the impact of any changes and ensure compliance.
Financial Risk- the group is principally funded from retained profits. Financial monitoring, forecasting and planning are ever present processes with the care taken to achieve a reasonable profit margin and investment in resources whilst maintaining delivery of a high-quality service to its clients - see also Financial instruments.
Information Technology – the group relies heavily on systems to operate its business, ordering goods, paying suppliers, ensuring health and safety records are accurate, accounting and payroll. The risk of Cyber-attacks is ever present and an increasing risk to every business. Ensuring we have robust and up to date Cyber security measures and vigilant users is critical to the successful running of these systems, as well as employing appropriately skilled and experienced staff and external specialist support as required.
The balance sheet on page 13 of the financial statements shows that the group's financial position at the year end is, in terms of both net assets and liquidity.
The group regularly reviews a number of financial and non-financial key performance indicators at both board and operational levels. The group regularly carries out detailed reviews of each operational and support function at which all aspects of each business and key performance indicators are reviewed. The key financial and non financial performance indicators used to determine the progress and performance of the group. These are based on performance of subsidiary and are set out below:
2024 2023
Turnover £22,957,589 £23,012,339
Gross profit £3,393,727 £3,138,093
Gross margin 14.78% 13.64%
Operating profit £1,057,031 £1,185,458
Operating profit as a % of sales 4.60% 5.15%
Net assets £1,647,040 £1,486,049
Market Share
The group is a medium-sized privately owned construction company based in England. Although difficult to quantify the company is estimated to have a strong market share.
Gross Profit Margin
The directors are of the view that an acceptable gross profit as a % of sales should ideally be in the 10% to 15% range. The business has continued to reinvest for growth, continuing to support its clients and its staff, taking a long-term view of the market and its future. This investment through a period of pressure on operational delivery has meant that the target range has been met this year, and the Directors expect the target to be met in the short to medium term.
Operating profit % of sales
The directors view operating profit as a % of sales as a key performance indicator for the business and this is reviewed regularly. The directors view that an acceptable operating profit as a % of sales should ideally be in the 4% to 6% range. The Directors expect the target to be met in the short to medium term. It is the intention of the group to continue to strengthen its financial performance in the industry by concentrating on client retention and expansion in the market share, whilst at the same time closely monitoring both direct and indirect costs.
The group reviews non-financial KPIs on a regular basis in a number of areas:
Health & Safety
The group continues to strive to improve its safety, health and environmental standards and performance. These are monitored regularly throughout the year and reviewed in response to performance and changes in legislation. Regular training is provided to staff and subcontractors through our trusted training partners and our extensive suite of e-learning modules.
Customer Experience
The group aspires to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction which is key to supporting sustainable long-term growth in the sectors we operate. Feedback received demonstrated that all of our customers are totally or mostly satisfied with our services.
Directors remain in direct contact with all our principal customers and have developed relationships to ensure we have full understanding of their objectives and our part in delivering those. Regular internal team meetings are held to discuss all aspects of these ongoing relationships.
Environment
The group recognizes the importance of its environmental responsibilities, monitors its impact on the environment and designs and implements policies to reduce any damage that might be caused by the group’s activities. Initiatives designed to minimize the group’s impact on the environment include safe disposal of any product waste, recycling and reducing energy consumption.
Accreditations and memberships
The principal subsidiary has been assessed and has achieved the following accreditations for Building Contracting including Design and Build:
• ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System.
• ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Management System.
• ISO 45001:2018 Health & Safety
• ISO 14064 Part1 1 2018 – Carbon Measurement
• BMTRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Installations to STD052
• Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation.
• Constructionline – Gold membership.
• Constructionline Social Value
• Constructionline SSiP Acclaim
• CHAS Elite Principal Contractor
• Sustainability X accreditation
• Acclaim H&S Accreditation - Principal contractor
• CBDU - Upper Tier Waste Carrier, Broker, Dealer
• Disability Confident Committed Employer
• Conflict Avoidance Pledge
• Cyber Essentials Certificate of Assurance
• PAS2030:2019
• PAS2030:2023
• Qualitymark Accredited Installer
• Prompt Payment Code
The directors are of the opinion that these certifications and accreditations will ensure the continued efficiency of its internal and external processes. and aid the group's commitment to working towards health, safety and environmental best practice across the business.
Employee involvement and policy
The group continues to make significant investment in its human resources both in terms of necessary increases and strengthening of its management teams, supervisory personnel and work force.
Details of the number of employees and related costs can be found in note 5 to the financial statements.
The group's employment policies respect the individual and offer career opportunities regardless of gender, race or religion. The company engages, promotes and trains staff on the basis of their capabilities, qualifications and experience without discrimination, giving all employees an equal opportunity to progress within the company.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report, strategic report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.
The results for the year are set out on page 11.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £357,000. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The group made £3,285 of charitable donations in the current year.
The auditors, Cameron Baum Hollander Limited, were appointed as auditor to the group and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put forward at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 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 group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group 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 UK 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 group and company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the group’s and company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and 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 group and company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor of the company is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor of the company is aware of that information.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.
We have audited the financial statements of Chas Berger Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 30 June 2024 which comprise the group profit and loss account, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows, the company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group and parent companys' 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 group and parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
- Enquiry of management, those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims.
- Enquiry of entity staff in tax and compliance functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations.
- Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
- Reviewing management accounts.
- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £581,358 (2023 - £845,500 profit).
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
Chas Berger Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 4th Floor, 4 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4LU.
The group consists of Chas Berger Holdings Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Chas Berger Holdings Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.
All financial statements are made up to 30 June 2024. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.
If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
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.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The 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.
Defined contribution pension plans:
The group operates a defined contribution plan. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate fund. Under defined contribution plans, the company has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
For defined contribution plans, the company pays contributions to privately administered pension plans on a ccontractual or voluntary basis. The company has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
Significant judgements and estimates
In preparing these financial statements, the directors have had to make the following judgements:
Determine whether there are indicators of impairment of the company’s tangible and intangible assets. Factors taken into consideration in reaching such a decision include the economic viability and expected future financial performance of the asset nd where it is a component of a larger cash generating unit, the viability and expected future performance of that unit.
Other key sources of estimation uncertainty
Tangible fixed assets (see Accounting policies 1.8, Note 13 and 1.10 impairment of financial assets policy).
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised initially at transaction price (including transaction costs) unless a financing arrangement exists in which case they are measured at the present value of future receipts discounted at a market rate. A provision for impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and estimated future cash flows. All movements in the level of provision required are recognised in the profit and loss.
Creditors
Trade and other creditors are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.
Contingent Liabilities
Contingent liabilities, arising as a result of past events, are only recognised when it is probable that there will be an outflow of resources and that the amount can be reliably measured at the reporting date. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the financial statements unless the probability of an outflow of resources is remote.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the company has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The turnover and loss before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the company, with all activity being in the UK.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 30 June 2024 are as follows:
Registered office addresses (all UK unless otherwise indicated):
The amounts owed from other related parties (included in other debtors) have interest charged at 3% per annum. There amounts were repaid within 9 months from the company year end.
The group has a sales invoice discounting agreement with Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Ltd, who have a fixed and floating charge over the company's assets. Bank balances include amounts received on a discounted basis in respect of Trade debtors. Trade debtors are stated gross of these advances. The amounts owed by other related parties are interest free, with no security and no fixed repayment terms.
Listed investments included above:
The group subsidiary has the following charges outstanding at the year end:
Lloyds Bank PLC, dated 15th July 2020, unlimited debenture from Chas Berger Limited- with priority on book debts to Lloyds.
Guarantee from Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform with regards to the CBILS loan.
Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is four years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows: