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Company Registration Number 02925653























CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED





FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





 31 DECEMBER 2024






















img03f2.png

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
F Bailie 
M Gair 
A Coates 
K Eblett (appointed 8 January 2024)




Registered number
02925653



Registered office
Riverside House
7 Canal Wharf

Leeds

LS11 5AS




Independent auditor
Armstrong Watson Audit Limited
Statutory Auditor & Chartered Accountants

York House

Thornfield Business Park

Northallerton

North Yorkshire

DL6 2XQ





 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Group Strategic Report
 
1 - 3
Directors' Report
 
4 - 5
Independent Auditor's Report
 
6 - 9
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
10
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
 
11
Company Statement of Financial Position
 
12 - 13
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 
14
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
 
15
Notes to the Financial Statements
 
16 - 37


 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Introduction
 
The directors present their group strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024. The directors, in preparing this strategic report, have complied with s414C of the Companies Act 2006.

Business review
 
CDS provides professional services to a variety of customers and sectors in the field of content and data. The organisation has a simple and powerful purpose – to invest in people and ideas that make a positive difference and properties that inspire.
•        CDS is a strategic change agency with a mission to make a positive difference through communication
         services which enable change and improve outcomes. It serves a wide range of sectors, both public and
         private, including Financial Services, Utilities, Government (Central and Wider), Bluelight, Education, and
         Transport. It provides a range of services including Digital, Content, Data, Cloud, Insight and Print. 
•        CDS Defence & Security is an engineering consultancy supporting the Defence industry. The business 
         ensures the safe and effective use of Defence equipment, shapes the future leadership of the Armed
         Forces and protects the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.  The organisation works with public
         and private sector organisations to provide training, supportability services and cyber assurance.  
The Group strategy is to re-invest profits back into the business to diversify and broaden services. This focussed on investment into the growth of the following service lines:  
• Cyber Security 
• Data 
• Cloud   

Development and performance of the company's business during the financial year

Turnover for the year was £56.6m, an increase of £0.4m in 2024. Group operating profit for the year was £1.1m compared to a loss of £0.6m in 2023.
The cash at year end was £1.9m. Cash reserves have been earmarked for specific identified investments to achieve business objectives.
Bailie Group, the ultimate owner of CDS, has undertook a restructuring as part of the Group’s transition to a portfolio investment model. In the future Bailie Group will play an investor role, empowering operating companies to control their own futures. Managing Directors will have accountability, authority, and autonomy to make decisions, with clear profit, people and planet targets agreed.
Centralised services in BGBS will be devolved back into operating companies or outsourced as appropriate, allowing each business to tailor systems and processes to meet its specific needs.  
The Group also announced the separation of the Print and Digital businesses within CDS to be effective from the 1 April 2025. The CDS Print business will be transferred into an existing subsidiary, CDS Print Services Limited. The leadership teams of both businesses are made up of people from the existing CDS business and will therefore ensure minimal changes for our clients and customers.  
The Group continued to invest in internal R&D projects with the aim of generating future revenue streams, creating a new product, process or service, with the aim of improving efficiency, effectiveness or competitive advantage, as well as innovative projects which enhance our social value commitment.
Alongside innovation funding, Group investment continues to focus on developing new skills and services in our services.
Page 1

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Commitment to environment, employees and social value

Bailie Group, the ultimate owner of CDS, has an objective to reduce our environmental impact. To highlight this approach, the Group made the SME Climate Commitment pledge to reduce Carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and be carbon neutral by 2050. This enabled us to be recognised by the United Nations Race to Zero initiative and named a climate leader. Through a host of initiatives, such as solar panels and replacing our legacy van fleet with electric vehicles, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 18% across the Group.
Employee engagement is at the heart of our culture and conduct regular staff engagement surveys. The Group currently performs ahead of benchmark organisations in similar sectors and services. Talent is at the heart of the growth plans for the Group for the next 3 years. The Group’s overall engagement score remains higher than benchmarked organisations. Employees are regularly surveyed and are consulted on decisions which affect them through a combination of online tools and focus groups led by our People team. Employees are kept informed of changes in the company and company performance through video notifications on the company intranet as well as monthly town hall briefings.
Corporate Social responsibility is a major objective and the Group delivered against this and our investment in this area has increased. The Group has an active apprenticeship programme in place to boost employment opportunities in the communities we work in. The Group contributes to schools and environmental projects in its local areas, contributing time and funding to help further young people in the local community. 
The Company actively encourages fundraising across its teams, with the nominated charity for 2024 being The Trussell Trust. The Group also fundraises for specific defence charities including SSAFA.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The principal risk facing the Group is the reliance on public sector business which currently accounts for 80% of the revenues. Tight public sector finances and economic uncertainty continues to lead to a delay in customer decision making, and budgets being tightened. The Group has put in place sales plans and structures to promote and generate work in other sectors such as Financial Services, Security and Travel.  
An additional risk to the Company is the defined benefit pension scheme. The deficit is being proactively managed, and a deficit reduction plan has been agreed. The Group believes the recovery plan is in the interests of all stakeholders as it strikes a balance between deficit reduction and reinvestment in the Company.  
Looking ahead, the Group is well placed to continue to offer modern communications and is ideally positioned to assist organisations with growth services such as digital transformation, data analytics, cloud engineering and software development.  

Financial key performance indicators
 
The directors consider turnover, gross profit, profit before tax, utilisation rates, recovery rates and cash position to be the key measures of financial performance.  

2024
2023
      £000
      £000
Turnover

56,619

56,238
 
Gross profit

12,816

11,443
 
Profit/(loss) before tax

1,030

(728)
 
Cash position

1,891

3,217
 

Page 2

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Other key performance indicators
 
Client and customer satisfaction, efficiency and winning/retaining customers continued to be a major focus throughout the year. Our KPIs for quality of project delivery, team utilisation & recovery and bid success rates continue to be reviewed on a regular basis and adjustments are made to our internal processes where corrective actions are required.
Additionally cash continues to be a key focus for the Group/Company. Outstanding accounts receivable and ensuring we adhere to our agreed supplier payment terms are monitored on a regular basis.  

Directors' statement of compliance with duty to promote the success of the Group
 
The Directors of the company have acted in a way which is likely to promote the success of the company for the benefits of its members as a whole and in doing so had regard (among other matters) to:
(a) the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
(b) the interests of the company's employees;
(c) the need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
(d) the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment,
(e) the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
(f) the need to act fairly between members of the company.


This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.





................................................
F Bailie
Director

Date: 2 April 2025

Page 3

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Group Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the consolidated 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 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 the Group 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 for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group 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 the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £829 thousand (2023 - loss £525 thousand).

As in previous years, the Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

F Bailie 
R Bailie CBE (resigned 7 March 2025)
M Gair 
P Walter (resigned 5 April 2024)
V Wordsworth (resigned 8 January 2024)
A Coates 
A Odds (resigned 7 March 2025)
K Eblett (appointed 8 January 2024)
M Ainslie (appointed 1 January 2024, resigned 7 March 2025)

Future developments

The Directors anticipate that any future developments would relate to the principal activities.

Engagement with employees

It is the Directors' policy that employees should be kept as fully informed as possible concerning the activities of the company.

Page 4

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company and the Group's auditor is unaware, and

the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company and the Group's auditor is aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events affecting the Group since the year end.

Auditor

Under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006Armstrong Watson Audit Limited will be deemed to have been reappointed as auditor 28 days after these financial statements were sent to members or 28 days after the latest date prescribed for filing the accounts with the registrar, whichever is earlier.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
 





................................................
F Bailie
Director

Date: 2 April 2025

Page 5

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Corporate Document Services Limited (the 'parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Company Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe 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 Group's and of the parent Company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of the Group's profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; 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 Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 or the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.


Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.


Page 6

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED (CONTINUED)


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 ReportOur 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.


Opinion 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 Group 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 Group 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 Group and the parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group 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.


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on page 4, 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's and the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.


Page 7

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor's Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these Group financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows: 
• The engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non compliance with applicable laws and regulations; 
• We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management and review of appropriate industry knowledge; 
• We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management; and 
• Identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non compliance throughout the audit. 
We assessed the susceptibility of the Company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by: 
• making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and 
• considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non compliance with laws and regulations. 
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we: 
• Performed analytical procedures as a risk assessment tool to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships; 
• Tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; and tested the operating effectiveness of key controls over purchase cycles on a sample basis. 
• Reviewed the application of accounting policies with focus on those with heightened estimation uncertainty. 
In response to the risk of irregularities and non compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to: 
• Agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; and 
• Enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims. 
 
Page 8

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED (CONTINUED)



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 nondetection 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.  


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 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 2006Our 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.





Simon Turner (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
Armstrong Watson Audit Limited
Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Northallerton

2 April 2025
Page 9

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£000
£000

  

Turnover
 4 
56,619
56,238

Cost of sales
  
(43,803)
(44,795)

Gross profit
  
12,816
11,443

Administrative expenses
  
(11,706)
(12,075)

Operating profit/(loss)
 5 
1,110
(632)

Interest payable and similar expenses
 9 
(79)
(96)

Profit/(loss) before taxation
  
1,031
(728)

Tax on profit/(loss)
 10 
(202)
203

Profit/(loss) for the financial year
  
829
(525)

  

Actuarial gains on pension scheme
  
395
11

Other comprehensive income for the year
  
395
11

Total comprehensive income for the year
  
1,224
(514)

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to:
  

Owners of the parent Company
  
829
(525)

  
829
(525)

There were no recognised gains and losses for 2024 or 2023 other than those included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

The notes on pages 16 to 37 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 02925653

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£000
£000

Fixed assets
  

Intangible assets
 11 
63
144

Tangible assets
 12 
871
1,108

  
934
1,252

Current assets
  

Stocks
 14 
28
65

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
22,502
20,923

Cash at bank and in hand
 16 
1,891
3,217

  
24,421
24,205

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 17 
(10,888)
(11,604)

Net current assets
  
 
 
13,533
 
 
12,601

Total assets less current liabilities
  
14,467
13,853

  

Pension liability
 21 
(779)
(1,389)

Net assets
  
13,688
12,464


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 19 
8
8

Profit and loss account
 20 
13,680
12,456

  
13,688
12,464


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




................................................
F Bailie
Director

Date: 2 April 2025

The notes on pages 16 to 37 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 02925653

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£000
£000

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 12 
628
779

Investments
 13 
114
148

  
742
927

Current assets
  

Stocks
 14 
28
65

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
16,122
16,215

Cash at bank and in hand
 16 
980
1,941

  
17,130
18,221

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 17 
(9,887)
(10,683)

Net current assets
  
 
 
7,243
 
 
7,538

Total assets less current liabilities
  
7,985
8,465

  

  

Net assets excluding pension liability
  
7,985
8,465

Pension liability
  
(780)
(1,390)

Net assets
  
7,205
7,075


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 19 
8
8

Profit and loss account brought forward
  
7,067
8,469

Loss for the year
  
(265)
(1,413)

Other changes in the profit and loss account

  

395
11

Profit and loss account carried forward
  
7,197
7,067

  
7,205
7,075


Page 12

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 02925653

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




................................................
F Bailie
Director

Date: 2 April 2025

The notes on pages 16 to 37 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£000
£000
£000


At 1 January 2023
8
12,970
12,978


Comprehensive income for the year

Loss for the year
-
(525)
(525)

Actuarial gains on pension scheme net of deferred tax
-
11
11
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
(514)
(514)



At 1 January 2024
8
12,456
12,464


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
829
829

Actuarial gains on pension scheme net of deferred tax
-
395
395
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
1,224
1,224


At 31 December 2024
8
13,680
13,688


The notes on pages 16 to 37 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£000
£000
£000


At 1 January 2023
8
8,469
8,477


Comprehensive income for the year

Loss for the year
-
(1,413)
(1,413)

Actuarial gains on pension scheme net of deferred tax
-
11
11
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
(1,402)
(1,402)



At 1 January 2024
8
7,067
7,075


Comprehensive income for the year

Loss for the year
-
(265)
(265)

Actuarial gains on pension scheme net of deferred tax
-
395
395
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
130
130


At 31 December 2024
8
7,197
7,205


The notes on pages 16 to 37 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.


General information

Corporate Document Services Limited is a private company limited by shares registered in England and Wales. The registration number and address of the registered office are given in the company information section of these financial statements.
The principal activity of the Group is the provision of professional services to a variety of customers in the field of content and data.
The financial statements have been presented in Pound Sterling as this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates.

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Group management to exercise judgement in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Comprehensive Income in these financial statements.

Parent Company disclosure exemptions

In preparing the separate financial statements of the parent Company, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available in FRS 102:
No Statement of Cash Flows has been presented for the parent Company;
Disclosures in respect of the parent Company's financial instruments have not been presented as equivalent disclosures have been provided in respect of the Company as a whole; and
No disclosures have been given for the aggregate remuneration of the key management personnel of the parent Company as their remuneration is included in the totals for the Company as a whole.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

Page 16

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.2

Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The Parent 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 Republic of Ireland":
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
the requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d);
the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments paragraphs 11.42, 11.44 to 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
the requirements of Section 12 Other Financial Instruments paragraphs 12.26 to 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
the requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7.

This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of Bailie Group Limited as at 31 December 2024 and these financial statements may be obtained from Companies House.

 
2.3

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Statement of Financial Position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
In accordance with the transitional exemption available in FRS 102, the Group has chosen not to retrospectively apply the standard to business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to FRS 102, being 01 January 2014.

 
2.4

Going concern

The directors of Corporate Document Services Limited have prepared forecasts for a period to 31 March 2026 and have reviewed the resources available, including those from the wider Bailie Group, and believe that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
The directors, therefore, believe that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the financial statements.

Page 17

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.5

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.

 
2.6

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the Group has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Group 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 Group will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

 
2.7

Operating leases: the Group as lessee

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Page 18

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.8

Government grants

Grants are accounted under the accruals model as permitted by FRS 102. Grants relating to expenditure on tangible fixed assets are credited to profit or loss at the same rate as the depreciation on the assets to which the grant relates. The deferred element of grants is included in creditors as deferred income.
Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in the same period as the related expenditure.

 
2.9

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest 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.

Page 19

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.10

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan
The Group operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Group has no further payment obligations.
The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Statement of Financial Position. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Group in independently administered funds.
Defined benefit pension plan
The Company has a discontinued defined benefit plan for certain employees. A defined benefit plan defines the pension benefit that the employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent upon several factors including but not limited to age, length of service and remuneration. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan.
The liability recognised in the Statement of Financial Position in respect of the defined benefit plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting date less the fair value of plan assets at the reporting date (if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled.
The defined benefit obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method. Annually the company engages independent actuaries to calculate the obligation. The present value is determined by discounting the estimated future payments using market yields on high quality corporate bonds that are denominated in sterling and that have terms approximating to the estimated period of the future payments ('discount rate').
The fair value of plan assets is measured in accordance with the FRS 102 fair value hierarchy and in accordance with the Group's policy for similarly held assets. This includes the use of appropriate valuation techniques.
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to other comprehensive income. These amounts together with the return on plan assets, less amounts included in net interest, are disclosed as 'Remeasurement of net defined benefit liability'.
The net interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net balance of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. This cost is recognised in profit or loss as a 'finance expense'.

Page 20

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.11

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the Company and the Group operate and generate income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the reporting date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits;
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met; and
Where they relate to timing differences in respect of interests in subsidiaries, associates, branches and joint ventures and the Group can control the reversal of the timing differences and such reversal is not considered probable in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

 
2.12

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the acquirer’s interest in the fair value of the Group's share of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over its useful economic life.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

 
2.13

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Page 21

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.13
Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property improvements
-
10%
Plant and machinery
-
20%
Motor vehicles
-
25%
Fixtures and fittings
-
20%
Office equipment
-
20%
Other fixed assets
-
33%
Equipment
-
33%

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.14

Impairment of fixed assets and goodwill

Assets that are subject to depreciation or amortisation are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets are impaired. Where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the carrying value of the asset (or cash-generating unit to which the asset has been allocated) is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's (or CGU's) fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (CGUs). Non-financial assets that have been previously impaired are reviewed at each reporting date to assess whether there is any indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.

 
2.15

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

 
2.16

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.

At each reporting date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.17

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Page 22

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.18

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

 
2.19

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.

 
2.20

Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
 
Deferred tax liabilities are also presented within provisions but are measured in accordance with the accounting policy on taxation.
 
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

 
2.21

Financial instruments

The Group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's Statement of Financial Position when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.

Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other receivables due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instruments any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after the deduction of all its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other payables, bank loans, other loans and loans 
Page 23

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.21
Financial instruments (continued)

due to fellow group companies are initially measured at their transaction price after transaction costs. When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade payables are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade payables are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.


3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimated and assumptions that effect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.
Judgements and estimates are continually evaluated and are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will be, by definition, seldom equal to the related actual results.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty in applying the accounting policies is the recoverability of intercompany debtors, the assumptions used in calculating the defined benefit pension liability and the fair value on acquisition accounting.


4.


Turnover

The whole of the turnover is attributable to the principal activity.

2024
2023
£000
£000

United Kingdom
56,619
56,238

56,619
56,238


Page 24

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5.


Operating profit/(loss)

The operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging:

2024
2023
£000
£000

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
335
436

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets
81
64

Exchange differences
55
26

Other operating lease rentals
695
709


6.


Auditor's remuneration

During the year, the Group obtained the following services from the Company's auditor:


2024
2023
£000
£000

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the consolidated and parent Company's financial statements
22
28

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption not to disclose amounts paid for non-audit services as these are disclosed in the consolidated accounts of the parent Company.


7.


Employees

Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000


Wages and salaries
17,024
17,686
7,431
9,477

Social security costs
1,867
1,827
794
843

Cost of defined contribution scheme
664
660
312
350

19,555
20,173
8,537
10,670


The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:



Group
Group
Company
Company
        2024
        2023
        2024
        2023
            No.
            No.
            No.
            No.









Management, direct staff and administrative staff
325
335
148
171

Page 25

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8.


Directors' remuneration

2024
2023
£000
£000

Directors' emoluments
572
575

Group contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
71
69

643
644


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 4 directors (2023 - 5) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

The highest paid director received remuneration of £169 thousand (2023 - £169 thousand).

The value of the Group's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £15 thousand (2023 - £15 thousand).


9.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
2023
£000
£000


Other loan interest payable
20
21

Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
1
2

Other interest payable
58
73

79
96


10.


Taxation


2024
2023
£000
£000

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
(41)
(122)

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
113
-


Total current tax
72
(122)

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(23)
(86)

Changes to tax rates
-
5

Pension surplus
153
-

Total deferred tax
130
(81)


Taxation on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities
202
(203)
Page 26

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
10.Taxation (continued)


Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is lower than (2023 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 24%). The differences are explained below:

2024
2023
£000
£000


Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax
1,031
(728)


Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 24%)
258
(171)

Effects of:


Non-tax deductible amortisation of goodwill and impairment
20
14

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
9
6

Fixed asset timing differences
34
63

Group relief
(119)
(20)

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
113
11

Pension scheme adjustments
153
(49)

R&D tax credit
(259)
(18)

Impact of overseas branch
(135)
39

Changes in provisions leading to an increase (decrease) in the tax charge
182
-

Change in tax rates
-
5

Other differences leading to an increase (decrease) in the tax charge
(54)
(83)

Total tax charge for the year
202
(203)


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.

Page 27

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11.


Intangible assets

Group





Goodwill

£000



Cost


At 1 January 2024
805



At 31 December 2024

805



Amortisation


At 1 January 2024
661


Charge for the year on owned assets
81



At 31 December 2024

742



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
63



At 31 December 2023
144



Page 28

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12.


Tangible fixed assets

Group






Freehold property improvements
Plant and machinery
Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Office equipment
Other fixed assets
Total

£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2024
919
109
182
413
456
215
2,294


Additions
-
1
-
64
35
-
100


Disposals
-
(1)
(24)
(10)
(61)
-
(96)


Transfers between classes
-
-
-
-
(11)
11
-



At 31 December 2024

919
109
158
467
419
226
2,298



Depreciation


At 1 January 2024
298
56
154
174
313
191
1,186


Charge for the year on owned assets
93
19
24
79
90
30
335


Disposals
-
(1)
(24)
(10)
(59)
-
(94)


Transfers between classes
-
-
-
-
1
(1)
-



At 31 December 2024

391
74
154
243
345
220
1,427



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
528
35
4
224
74
6
871



At 31 December 2023
622
52
27
240
143
24
1,108

The net book value of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, included above, are as follows:


2024
2023
£000
£000



Motor vehicles
5
29

5
29

Page 29

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Company






Freehold property
Plant and machinery
Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Office equipment
Other fixed assets
Total

£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000
£000

Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2024
919
109
54
88
280
226
1,676


Additions
-
1
-
13
16
-
30


Disposals
-
(1)
(24)
-
-
-
(25)



At 31 December 2024

919
109
30
101
296
226
1,681



Depreciation


At 1 January 2024
298
58
54
69
228
190
897


Charge for the year on owned assets
93
19
-
8
31
30
181


Disposals
-
(1)
(24)
-
-
-
(25)



At 31 December 2024

391
76
30
77
259
220
1,053



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
528
33
-
24
37
6
628



At 31 December 2023
622
51
-
19
52
35
779






Page 30

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13.


Fixed asset investments

Company





Investments in subsidiary companies

£000



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2024
257



At 31 December 2024

257



Impairment


At 1 January 2024
109


Charge for the period
34



At 31 December 2024

143



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
114



At 31 December 2023
148


Subsidiary undertaking


The investment in subsidiary undertakings is included at a cost of £257k (2023 - £257k).


The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Company:

Name

Registered office

Class of shares

Holding

CDS Support Limited
The Bramery, Alstone Lane, Cheltenham, GL51 8HE
Ordinary
100%

Page 31

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14.


Stocks

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000

Raw materials and consumables
7
10
7
10

Finished goods and goods for resale
21
55
21
55

28
65
28
65


The difference between purchase price or production cost of stocks and their replacement cost is not material.


15.


Debtors

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000


Trade debtors
4,715
4,686
2,758
2,674

Amounts owed by group undertakings
13,641
13,557
11,351
11,810

Other debtors
560
559
513
502

Prepayments and accrued income
2,926
1,731
1,044
828

Tax recoverable
455
54
251
43

Deferred taxation
205
336
205
358

22,502
20,923
16,122
16,215



16.


Cash and cash equivalents

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000

Cash at bank and in hand
1,891
3,217
980
1,941


Page 32

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000

Trade creditors
3,577
4,120
3,249
3,862

Amounts owed to group undertakings
2,665
2,581
5,263
5,107

Corporation tax
61
-
61
-

Other taxation and social security
864
1,425
213
529

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
9
10
-
-

Other creditors
729
227
187
80

Accruals and deferred income
2,983
3,241
914
1,105

10,888
11,604
9,887
10,683



18.


Deferred taxation


Group



2024
2023


£000

£000






At beginning of year
336
255


Charged to profit or loss
-
81


Utilised in year
(131)
-



At end of year
205
336

Page 33

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
18.Deferred taxation (continued)

Company


2024
2023


£000

£000






At beginning of year
358
272


Charged to profit or loss
-
86


Utilised in year
(153)
-



At end of year
205
358

The deferred tax asset is made up as follows:

Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000

Accelerated capital allowances
18
(4)
18
18

Pension surplus
187
340
187
340

205
336
205
358


19.


Share capital

2024
2023
£000
£000
Allotted, called up and fully paid



7,851 (2023 - 7,851) Ordinary shares of £1.00 each
8
8



20.


Reserves

Profit and loss account

This reserve records retained earnings and accumulated losses.

Page 34

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

21.


Pension commitments

The Group operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Group to the fund and amounted to £664,390 (2023 - £602,497).
Contributions totalling £134,330 (2023 - £56,059) were payable to the fund at the reporting date and are included in creditors.
 
In addition the Group has a discontinued defined benefit pension scheme for certain employees and former employees.
The assets of the scheme are held separately from those in the company. Formal valuations are carried out at regular intervals by independent professionally qualified actuaries. The last formal valuation was carried out as at 11 August 2021.
The asset value assigned to the Scheme as at 31 December 2024 has been based on information provided by Deloitte Total Reward and Benefits Limited and the Group.



Reconciliation of present value of plan liabilities:


2024
2023
£000
£000

Reconciliation of present value of plan liabilities


At the beginning of the year
7,092
6,825

Interest cost
315
332

Actuarial (gains)/losses
(682)
173

Benefits paid
(507)
(238)

At the end of the year
6,218
7,092



Reconciliation of present value of plan assets:


2024
2023
£000
£000


At the beginning of the year
5,703
5,218

Current service cost
(27)
(20)

Actuarial gains/(losses)
(287)
184

Contributions
300
300

Benefits paid
(507)
(238)

Interest income
257
259

At the end of the year
5,439
5,703

Page 35

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
21.Pension commitments (continued)


Composition of plan assets:


2024
2023
£000
£000


Corporate Bond Fund
494
532

Partners Group Generation Fund
1,253
1,163

Equity Fund
2,199
1,986

Matching Core Fund
1,373
1,837

Cash
55
65

Property Fund
65
120

Total plan assets
5,439
5,703

2024
2023
£000
£000


Fair value of plan assets
5,439
5,703

Present value of plan liabilities
(6,218)
(7,092)

Net pension scheme liability
(779)
(1,389)


The amounts recognised in profit or loss are as follows:

2024
2023
£000
£000


Other interest - on defined benefit liability
58
73

Total
58
73





Page 36

 
CORPORATE DOCUMENT SERVICES LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
21.Pension commitments (continued)


Principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting date (expressed as weighted averages):

2024
2023
%
%
Discount rate


5.4

4.6
 
CPI 3%


2.15

2.05
 
RPI 5%


2.9

2.8
 
Inflation assumption - RPI


3.10

2.95
 
Inflation assumption - CPI


2.80

2.65
 
Mortality rates



 
- for a male aged 65 now


21

21
 
- at 65 for a male aged 45 now


21.9

21.9
 
- for a female aged 65 now


23.5

23.5
 
- at 65 for a female member aged 45 now


24.6

24.6
 


22.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 December 2024 the Group and the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:


Group
Group
Company
Company
2024
2023
2024
2023
£000
£000
£000
£000

Not later than 1 year
580
581
444
462

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
1,747
1,493
1,512
1,182

Later than 5 years
203
474
203
474

2,530
2,548
2,159
2,118


23.


Related party transactions

The company has taken advantage of the exemption contained in Section 33 of FRS 102 'Related Party Disclosures' from disclosing transactions with entities which are part of the group, since 100% of the voting rights in the company are controlled within the group and the company is included within the group accounts which are publicly available.


24.


Controlling party

The immediate parent undertaking is Graphic Plates Limited, a company incorporated in Northern Ireland. The ultimate parent undertaking is Bailie Group Limited, a company incorporated in Northern Ireland.
The Group continues to be controlled by the Bailie family throughout the current and previous year.

Page 37