Caseware UK (AP4) 2023.0.135 2023.0.135 2024-03-312024-03-312023-04-0197102falsefalsefalsefalse NI073304 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 2024-03-31 NI073304 2023-03-31 NI073304 2022-04-01 NI073304 5 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 5 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 6 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 6 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 d:Director1 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:Director2 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:RegisteredOffice 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:Agent1 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:MotorVehicles 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:MotorVehicles 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:MotorVehicles 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:MotorVehicles e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:FurnitureFittings 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:FurnitureFittings 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:FurnitureFittings 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:FurnitureFittings e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:BetweenOneTwoYears 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:BetweenOneTwoYears 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:BetweenTwoFiveYears 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:BetweenTwoFiveYears 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:ReportableOperatingSegment1 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:ReportableOperatingSegment1 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:ReportableOperatingSegment2 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:ReportableOperatingSegment2 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 f:UnitedKingdom 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 f:UnitedKingdom 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:UKTax 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:UKTax 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:ShareCapital 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:ShareCapital 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:ShareCapital 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:ShareCapital 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:ShareCapital 2022-04-01 NI073304 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-04-01 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-04-01 NI073304 e:FinancialAssetsDesignatedFairValueThroughProfitOrLoss 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:FinancialAssetsDesignatedFairValueThroughProfitOrLoss 2023-03-31 NI073304 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-03-31 NI073304 d:FRS102 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:Audited 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:FullAccounts 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 d:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:WithinOneYear 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:WithinOneYear 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:WithinOneYear 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:WithinOneYear 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-03-31 NI073304 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-03-31 NI073304 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-03-31 NI073304 g:PoundSterling 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 xbrli:shares iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure

Registered number: NI073304










MS STORES (NI) LTD










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
Mary Sudlow 
Graeme Robert Ferguson 




Registered number
NI073304



Registered office
23a Clanbrassil Road

Holywood

BT18 0AR




Independent auditors
UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited, Statutory Auditors

Suite 2.06, Custom House

Custom House Square

Belfast

Antrim

BT1 3ET




Bankers
Ulster Bank
Arches Retail Park

Connswater

Belfast

BT5 4AF





 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic report
1
Directors' report
2 - 3
Independent auditors' report
4 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Statement of cash flows
12
Analysis of net debt
13
Notes to the financial statements
14 - 28


 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Introduction
 
The company is pleased to present its Strategic Report for the period ended 31st March 2024.

Business review
 
The Company's principal activity is the retail sale of candles and accessories through retail stores and trade channels.
The trading results for the year and the financial position at the end of the year were considered to be reasonable by the directors. Operating profit before interest of £229,373 (2023: £358,830) were achieved, with a net profit of £135,938 (2023: £246,944) for the year. The Company finished the year with net current assets of £3,617,963 (2023: £3,614,446) and net assets of £3,539,882 (2023: £3,478,195).
At the year-end, the Company operated 18 (2023: 19) retail stores across the United Kingdom. During the year, the Company closed 1 store (2023: 1) and didn't open open any new stores.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The process of risk acceptance and risk management is addressed through a framework of policies, procedures and internal controls. Management have assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed, and have set in place policies which are subject to ongoing review by management.
Compliance with regulation, legal and ethical standards is a high priority for the Company and management take on an important oversight role in this regard.
The principal risks facing the company are; online shopping and the cost of living crisis reducing the footfall in stores, and the agreement with Yankee Candle for the sole supply of stock for resale. The directors are of the opinion that the risks and uncertainties facing the company are being adequately managed and that the systems in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks are satisfactory.
The success of the business is reliant on consumer spending, and an economic downturn will have a direct impact on the income of the Company. In response, the directors keep a close watch on wider economic conditions and modify strategies to reflect the market.

Financial key performance indicators
 
The key performance indicators are turnover of £10,907,150 (2023: £11,787,104), gross profit percentage on retail sales of 46.1% (2023: 48.4%), net profit of £135,938 (2023: £246,944) and stock holding days of 100 days (2023: 137 days).


This report was approved by the board on 18 June 2025 and signed on its behalf.


Mary Sudlow
Director

Page 1

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Directors' 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 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 of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.

 In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:


select suitable accounting policies for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The 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 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 hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Principal activity

The company's principal activity is the operation of a number of retail stores.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £135,938 (2023 - £246,944).

Dividends of £74,251 (202: £45,733) were paid in the year.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

Mary Sudlow 
Graeme Robert Ferguson 

Future developments

The directors are satisfied with the trading results for the year and anticipate that the company will continue to be profitable going forward.

Page 2

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

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

Disclosure of information to auditors

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's auditors are 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's auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

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

Auditors

The auditorsUHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited, Statutory Auditorswill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board on 18 June 2025 and signed on its behalf.
 


Mary Sudlow
Director

Page 3

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

Qualified opinion


We have audited the financial statements of MS Stores (NI) Ltd (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 March 2024, which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows, the 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, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, and the possible effects on the corresponding figures,  
the financial statements:


give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its 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 qualified opinion


We did not observe all the counting of physical stock in person at the end of the year and the prior year end. Audit procedures carried out using video technology was deemed inappropriate and we were unable to satisfy ourselves by alternative means concerning the stock quantities held at 31 March 2024, which are included in the balance sheet at £1,406,431, and the stock quantities held at 31 March 2023, which are included in the prior year balance sheet at £1,466,853, by using other audit procedures. Consequently, we were unable to determine whether any adjustment to these amounts were necessary or whether there was any consequential effect on the cost of sales for the years ended 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2023.  
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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 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 4

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MS STORES (NI) LTD (CONTINUED)

Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' 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.
As described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, we were unable to satisfy ourselves concerning stock quantities of £1,406,431 held at 31 March 2024 and £1,466,853 held at 31 March 2023. We have concluded that where the other information refers to the stock balances or related balances such as cost of sales, it may be materially misstated for the same reason. 





Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

We did not observe all the counting of physical stock at the end of the year. We were unable to satisfy ourselves by alternative means concerning the stock quantities held at 31 March 2024, which are included in the balance sheet at £1,406,431, and the stock quantities held at 31 March 2023, which are included in the prior year balance sheet at £1,466,853, by using other audit procedures.
Consequently we were unable to determine whether any adjustment to these amounts were necessary or whether there was any consequential effect on the cost of sales for the years ended 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2023. In addition, were any adjustment to the stock balances to be required, the strategic report would also need to be amended. 
Except for the possible effects of the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, in our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:


the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Strategic report and the Directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.


Page 5

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MS STORES (NI) LTD (CONTINUED)

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
 

Except for the matter described in the basis for qualified opinion section of our report, in the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors' report.
Arising solely from the limitation on the scope of our work relating to stock, referred to above:


we have not obtained all the information and explanations that we considered necessary for the purpose of our audit; and 
we were unable to determine whether adequate accounting records have been kept.


We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:


adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 2, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.


In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.


Page 6

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MS STORES (NI) LTD (CONTINUED)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
 

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


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

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. As part of the audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercised professional judgement and maintained professional scepticism throughout the audit. We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the sector and we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006 and taxation legislation.
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 directors 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. We obtained an understanding of internal controls relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that were appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships; tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions; evaluated the appropriateness of accounting policies used, including the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting, and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by directors; and investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
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 directors as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance.  The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.


A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.


Page 7

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MS STORES (NI) LTD (CONTINUED)

Use of our report
 

This report is made solely to the Company's shareholder 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 shareholder those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's shareholder for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.


Michael Fitch LLB FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
  
for and on behalf of
UHY Hacker Young Fitch Limited, Statutory Auditors
 
Suite 2.06, Custom House
Custom House Square
Belfast
Antrim
BT1 3ET

18 June 2025
Page 8

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 3 
10,907,150
11,787,104

Cost of sales
  
(7,952,566)
(8,055,566)

Gross profit
  
2,954,584
3,731,538

Administrative expenses
  
(3,506,094)
(3,908,912)

Other operating income
 4 
780,883
536,204

Operating profit
 5 
229,373
358,830

Interest payable and similar expenses
 9 
(25,312)
(57,399)

Profit before tax
  
204,061
301,431

Tax on profit
  
(68,123)
(54,487)

Profit for the financial year
  
135,938
246,944

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

There was no other comprehensive income for 2024 (2023:£NIL).

The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
REGISTERED NUMBER:NI073304

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 12 
235,976
356,026

  
235,976
356,026

Current assets
  

Stocks
 13 
2,099,316
2,296,466

Debtors
 14 
3,176,990
2,683,727

Cash at bank and in hand
 15 
2,165,629
746,747

  
7,441,935
5,726,940

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
(3,823,972)
(2,112,494)

Net current assets
  
 
 
3,617,963
 
 
3,614,446

Total assets less current liabilities
  
3,853,939
3,970,472

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 17 
(280,000)
(447,744)

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 21 
(34,057)
(44,533)

  
 
 
(34,057)
 
 
(44,533)

Net assets
  
3,539,882
3,478,195


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 22 
1
1

Profit and loss account
 23 
3,539,881
3,478,194

  
3,539,882
3,478,195


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 18 June 2025.


Mary Sudlow
Director

The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£


At 1 April 2022
1
3,276,983
3,276,984


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year

-
246,944
246,944


Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-


Total comprehensive income for the year
-
246,944
246,944


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
(45,733)
(45,733)


Total transactions with owners
-
(45,733)
(45,733)



At 1 April 2023
1
3,478,194
3,478,195


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year

-
135,938
135,938


Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-


Total comprehensive income for the year
-
135,938
135,938


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
(74,251)
(74,251)


Total transactions with owners
-
(74,251)
(74,251)


At 31 March 2024
1
3,539,881
3,539,882


The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2024
2023
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
135,938
246,944

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of tangible assets
120,050
171,435

Loss on disposal of tangible assets
-
(6,000)

Interest paid
25,312
57,400

Taxation charge
68,123
54,487

Decrease in stocks
197,150
1,459,985

(Increase) in debtors
(493,263)
(2,173,627)

Increase/(decrease) in creditors
1,636,165
(1,622,379)

Corporation tax received/(paid)
4,562
(111,876)

Net cash generated from operating activities

1,694,037
(1,923,631)


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
-
(65,825)

Sale of tangible fixed assets
-
6,000

HP interest paid
(1,744)
(813)

Net cash from investing activities

(1,744)
(60,638)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of loans
(160,000)
(160,000)

Repayment of/new finance leases
(15,592)
12,772

Dividends paid
(74,251)
(45,733)

Interest paid
(23,568)
(56,587)

Net cash used in financing activities
(273,411)
(249,548)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
1,418,882
(2,233,817)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
746,747
2,980,564

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
2,165,629
746,747


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
2,165,629
746,747

2,165,629
746,747


Page 12

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024




At 1 April 2023
Cash flows
At 31 March 2024
£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

746,747

1,418,882

2,165,629

Debt due after 1 year

(440,000)

160,000

(280,000)

Debt due within 1 year

(160,000)

-

(160,000)

Finance leases

(25,576)

15,593

(9,983)


121,171
1,594,475
1,715,646

The notes on pages 14 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1.


General information

MS Stores (NI) Ltd is a private company limited by shares, incorporated in Northern Ireland under company registration number NI073304.
The company's registered office is situated at 23a Clanbrassil Road, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0AR.
The Company's principal activity is the retail sale of candles and accessories through retail stores and trade channels.
The functional currency of the company is pound sterling.

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 management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.
The Company's financial forecasts and sensitivities are positive, and it will operate within its facilities and meet its obligations as they fall due. Consequently, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

 
2.3

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company 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 Company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Company 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.

 
2.4

Operating leases: the Company as lessee

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

Page 14

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

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

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.5

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.

 
2.6

Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

 
2.7

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further 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 Balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.

 
2.8

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 balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet 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; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

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 balance sheet date.


 
2.9

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 15

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

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

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.9
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:

Motor vehicles
-
33%
Straight line
Fixtures and fittings
-
20%
Straight line

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.

 
2.10

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 weighted average basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.

At each balance sheet 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.

 
2.11

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.

 
2.12

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.

In the Statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Company's cash management.

 
2.13

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.

Page 16

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 

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

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.14

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.

 
2.15

Financial instruments

The Company 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 Company's Balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) 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 Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Impairment of financial assets

At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. 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. 

Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.

If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.

 
2.16

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.

Page 17

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3.


Turnover

An analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:


2024
2023
£
£

Retail sales
6,913,409
8,932,357

Trade sales
3,993,741
2,854,747

10,907,150
11,787,104


Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2024
2023
£
£

United Kingdom
10,907,150
11,787,104

10,907,150
11,787,104


All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.


4.


Other operating income

2024
2023
£
£

Fees receivable
780,883
536,204

780,883
536,204



5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2024
2023
£
£

Other operating lease rentals
881,719
1,233,312

VAT assessment
112,131
-


6.


Auditors' remuneration

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


2024
2023
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's financial statements
11,000
10,500
Page 18

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7.


Employees

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


2024
2023
£
£

Wages and salaries
1,540,235
1,555,150

Social security costs
86,351
91,948

Cost of defined contribution scheme
119,516
60,988

1,746,102
1,708,086


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


        2024
        2023
            No.
            No.







Directors
2
2



Shop Staff
95
100

97
102

The Company provides paymaster services to MS Stores (North) Limited, MS Stores (North West) Limited, MS Stores (South) Limited, MS Stores (South East) Limited and MS Stores (Yorkshire) Limited, companies controlled by Mary Sudlow. The staff costs relating to these companies are not included within the staff costs above.


8.


Directors' remuneration

2024
2023
£
£

Directors' emoluments
13,546
12,350

Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
100,000
40,000

113,546
52,350


The directors are the only key management of the Company. During the year retirement benefits were accruing to no directors (2023 - NIL) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

Page 19

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
2023
£
£


Bank interest payable
9,770
21,566

Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
1,744
813

Other interest payable
13,798
35,020

25,312
57,399


10.


Taxation


2024
2023
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
78,599
77,565


78,599
77,565


Total current tax
78,599
77,565

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(10,476)
(23,078)

Total deferred tax
(10,476)
(23,078)


Tax on profit
68,123
54,487
Page 20

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
 
10.Taxation (continued)


Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2023 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 19%). The differences are explained below:

2024
2023
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
204,061
301,431


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 19%)
51,015
57,272

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
3,045
(1,136)

Capital allowances for year in excess of depreciation
24,539
21,429

Short term timing difference leading to an increase (decrease) in taxation
(10,476)
(23,078)

Total tax charge for the year
68,123
54,487


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.




11.


Dividends

2024
2023
£
£


Ordinary shares
74,251
45,733

74,251
45,733

Page 21

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

12.


Tangible fixed assets





Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Total

£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 April 2023
122,875
1,691,562
1,814,437



At 31 March 2024

122,875
1,691,562
1,814,437



Depreciation


At 1 April 2023
54,885
1,403,526
1,458,411


Charge for the year on owned assets
13,015
107,035
120,050



At 31 March 2024

67,900
1,510,561
1,578,461



Net book value



At 31 March 2024
54,975
181,001
235,976



At 31 March 2023
67,990
288,036
356,026

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


2024
2023
£
£



Motor vehicles
13,723
26,739

13,723
26,739

Page 22

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13.


Stocks

2024
2023
£
£

Finished goods and goods for resale
2,099,316
2,296,466

2,099,316
2,296,466


The carrying value of stocks are stated net of impairment losses totalling £Nil (2023 - £120,867). Impairment losses totalling £Nil (2023 - £120,867)were recognised in profit and loss.


14.


Debtors

2024
2023
£
£



Amounts owed by connected parties
3,081,713
2,569,538

Other debtors
20,945
55,324

Prepayments and accrued income
74,332
58,865

3,176,990
2,683,727



15.


Cash and cash equivalents

2024
2023
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
2,165,629
746,747

2,165,629
746,747


Page 23

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

16.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2024
2023
£
£

Bank loans
160,000
160,000

Trade creditors
3,328,776
1,417,652

Amounts owed to connected parties
83,505
268,583

Corporation tax
160,725
77,565

Other taxation and social security
50,171
143,689

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
9,983
17,831

Other creditors
15,812
12,174

Accruals and deferred income
15,000
15,000

3,823,972
2,112,494


2024
2023
£
£

Other taxation and social security

VAT control
50,171
143,689

50,171
143,689



17.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

2024
2023
£
£

Bank loans
280,000
440,000

Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
-
7,744

280,000
447,744


The following liabilities were secured:

2024
2023
£
£



Bank loans
440,000
600,000

440,000
600,000

Details of security provided:

Bank loans are secured by a mortgage debenture incorporating a fixed and floating charge over the Company's assets.

Page 24

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

18.


Loans


Analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:


2024
2023
£
£

Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans
160,000
160,000


160,000
160,000

Amounts falling due 1-2 years

Bank loans
160,000
160,000


160,000
160,000

Amounts falling due 2-5 years

Bank loans
120,000
280,000


120,000
280,000


440,000
600,000



19.


Hire purchase and finance leases


Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Within one year
9,983
17,831

Between 1-5 years
-
7,744

9,983
25,575


20.


Financial instruments

2024
2023
£
£

Financial assets


Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
2,165,629
746,747




Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss comprise cash and cash equivalents.

Page 25

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

21.


Deferred taxation




2024


£






At beginning of year
(44,533)


Charged to profit or loss
10,476



At end of year
(34,057)

The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
(34,057)
(44,533)

(34,057)
(44,533)


22.


Share capital

2024
2023
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



1 (2023 - 1) Ordinary share of £1.00
1
1



23.


Reserves

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss accounts is a fully distributable reserve and includes and current and prior year retained profits.


24.


Pension commitments

The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company  in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund and amounted to £119,516 (2023: £60,988). At the balance sheet date, contributions totalling £2,995 (2023: £Nil) were outstanding and included within Other Creditors.

Page 26

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

25.


Commitments under operating leases

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

2024
2023
£
£


Not later than 1 year
409,750
357,066

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
417,729
212,125

827,479
569,191


26.


Related party transactions

At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £529,006 (2023: £734,392) by MS Stores (North) Limited, a company that is jointly controlled by Mary Sudlow and Graeme Ferguson, the directors. During the year, there were trade sales of £1,086,112 (2023: £448,403) made to the company and management charges of £163,439 received.
At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £421,113 (2023: £623,498) by MS Stores (South) Limited, a company that is jointly controlled by Mary Sudlow and Graeme Ferguson, the directors. During the year, there were trade sales of £787,394 (2023: £520,051) made to the company and management charges of £105,423 received.
At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £273,272 (2023: £286,211) by MS Stores (Yorkshire) Limited, a company that is jointly controlled by Mary Sudlow and Graeme Ferguson, the directors. During the year, there were trade sales of £217,210 (2023: £591,621) made to the company and management charges of £123,006 received.
At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £558,984 (2023: £397,457) by MS Stores (North West) Limited, a company that is jointly controlled by Mary Sudlow and Graeme Ferguson, the directors. During the year, there were trade sales of £1,137,784 (2023: £654,025) made to the company and management charges of £240,618 received.
At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £800,590 (2023: £296,750) by MS Stores (South East) Limited, a company that is jointly controlled by Mary Sudlow and Graeme Ferguson, the directors. During the year, there were trade sales of £765,241 (2023: £640,647) made to the company and management charges of £148,397 received.
At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £418,666 (2023: £151,146) by GF Stores Limited, a company that is controlled by Graeme Ferguson, a director.
At the balance sheet date, the company was owed £60,009 (2023: £67,124) by Wickology Limited, a company that is jointly controlled by Graeme Ferguson, director.
At the balance sheet date, the company owed £40,578 (2023: £40,458) to GFF Stores (Dundalk) Limited, a company that is controlled by Graeme Ferguson, a director.
At the balance sheet date, the company owed £42,927 (2023: £228,005) to Mary Sudlow, a director and sole shareholder.
Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties 
Sales and purchases between related parties are made at trade prices which is the trade cost to the Company. Outstanding balances with entities are unsecured and cash settlement is expected within 60 days of invoice. The Company has not provided or benefited from any guarantees for any related party receivables or payables.

Page 27

 
MS STORES (NI) LTD
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

27.


Controlling party

The ultimate controlling party is Mary Sudlow by virtue of her shareholding in the company.

Page 28