REGISTERED NUMBER: |
Strategic Report, Report of the Directors and |
Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
for |
Blends Limited |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
Strategic Report, Report of the Directors and |
Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
for |
Blends Limited |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Contents of the Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
Page |
Company Information | 1 |
Strategic Report | 2 |
Report of the Directors | 4 |
Report of the Independent Auditors | 6 |
Income Statement | 9 |
Other Comprehensive Income | 10 |
Balance Sheet | 11 |
Statement of Changes in Equity | 12 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 |
Blends Limited |
Company Information |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
DIRECTORS: |
REGISTERED OFFICE: |
REGISTERED NUMBER: |
AUDITORS: |
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors |
Westminster House |
10 Westminster Road |
Macclesfield |
Cheshire |
SK10 1BX |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Strategic Report |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 30 September 2024. |
The principal activity of the group in the year under review was that of the distribution of commodities to the catering industry and associated concerns. |
REVIEW OF BUSINESS |
The company and the group is a family-owned business which has been trading as a reputable distributor to the food and drinks industry since 1998 celebrating 26 years this year. |
Although the group and company registered address is at Overbrook Lane, it primarily operates from Picton House on Kitling Road. Since October 2018 the group has traded solely for the distribution of commodities. This is the sixth financial accounts since the separation. |
Blends Limited operates as a food and beverage ingredient business from its BRC accredited Picton House facility on Knowsley Business Park. The facility has bulk offloading, flexible repacking, blending, warehousing and distribution capabilities. The business services a wide range of sectors with quality food grade ingredients from this facility. |
This year has seen a difficult year for the Glycerine market, due to increased market prices. The group continues to invest heavily in developing the current premises and staff welfare. |
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES |
With market penetration one of our key growth strategies, we are conscious of the competitive rivalry within our market. Product and service extension strategies will help us to continue to differentiate ourselves from other suppliers. As we purchase most of our commodities from Europe, we always have the risk of potential supply issues, due to product shortages. We have an external customs agent who deals with all of our transport and customs declarations, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish of the import of our Glycerine. We also continue to forward book our Euros in advance, in order to take advantage of preferential exchange rates. However, this is always a risk, as we never know what the rates will be from one day to the next. However, we ensure we're kept abreast of this by researching market data and forecasts. |
The glycerine business has been built up over the last 26 years with major growth in the last 16 years. However, the Glycerine supply has been very volatile this year. It is the company's aim to diversify into other products ranges and sectors. We operate a returnable IBC policy which helps with reducing costs in this area. |
The Ukrainian/Russian war continues to create volatility, which impacted greatly on our overall result this year |
ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
It is important that the company recognises its key strengths. For this reason, we must continue to focus on our key products and markets which have formed the backbone of our success. This will involve focussing on our position in commodity markets, in addition, growing our share in the markets for other key commodities and adding specific new products to our existing customer base. |
Any new bulk products must complement our current range and take advantage of our very low-cost operation. Almost any bulk food liquid falls into this category, but our immediate short-term focus is on Glucose, Dextrose, Citric and Potassium Sorbate. |
The last 12 months have seen costs rise via external market forces such as the minimum wage increases and pressures from the budget unprecedented increases in price and shortages of product. However, we are confident that as a business, we have highlighted these issues early enough to ensure we are ahead of the curve going into the next financial year. We hope to continue opening new opportunities to achieve more competitive pricing which benefits the business. The ability for the company to sell products that are also ingredients to Blends Flavours & Colours Limited, a company under common control, reduces costs, improves competitiveness of product offer which helps grow sales and widen customer base. The risk in buying in these products for re-sale are reduced by the fact the group also use the same products as Production ingredients. |
The company is well placed to increase its product and service offer not just to existing customers but also to new customers. In many instances, there are synergies between the company and Blends Flavours and Colours Limited and new customers to one side of the business often have the potential to buy products or services from the other company too. Therefore, maintaining communication between both Sales Teams of both companies will further support these opportunities. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Strategic Report |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
The quality of our employees contributes to the success of the company. We will continue to invest in them in training and development. We ensure that opportunities are given to our employees, to progress within the business, and will support them in this path. |
Analysis |
Sales were down by 37.6%: |
2024 - £6,425,334 |
2023 - £10,305,077 |
Gross Profit for the financial year as a commodity only company achieved 4.8%, as opposed to 20.5% the previous year. This was due to the increased price of Glycerine in the market. |
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH |
We intend to invest heavily in our bulk liquid capabilities to add growth and market penetration. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Report of the Directors |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 30 September 2024. |
DIVIDENDS |
The total distribution of dividends for the year ended 30 September 2024 was £170,000 (2023: £161,675). |
EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR |
Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. |
DIRECTORS |
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 October 2023 to the date of this report. |
Other changes in directors holding office are as follows: |
MATTERS COVERED IN THE STRATEGIC REPORT |
As permitted by S414c(11) of Companies Act 2006, the director has elected to disclose information, required to be in the director's report by schedule 7 of the 'Large and Medium-sized Companies, and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulation 2008, in the Strategic report. |
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES |
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. |
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), 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 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 company will continue in business. |
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. |
STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS |
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the company's auditors are unaware, and each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Report of the Directors |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
AUDITORS |
The auditors, Harts Limited, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. |
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of |
Blends Limited |
Opinion |
We have audited the financial statements of Blends Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 30 September 2024 which comprise the Income Statement, Other Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). |
In our opinion the financial statements: |
- | give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 30 September 2024 and of its loss for the year then ended; |
- | have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and |
- | have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. |
Basis for opinion |
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. |
Conclusions relating to going concern |
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. |
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. |
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. |
Other information |
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors, but does not include the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon. |
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. |
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. |
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 |
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: |
- | the information given in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
- | the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of |
Blends Limited |
Matters on which we are required to report by exception |
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Report of the Directors. |
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: |
- | adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or |
- | the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or |
- | certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or |
- | we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. |
Responsibilities of directors |
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page four, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. |
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. |
Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements |
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. |
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: |
The objectives of our audit, in respect to fraud, are: to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses; and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with governance of the entity and management. |
Our approach was as follows: |
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Company and determined that the most significant are the Companies Act 2006, Health and Safety and general food regulations. |
We understood how Blends Limited is complying with those frameworks by making inquiries of management responsible for company legislation and certification procedures. |
We corroborated our enquiries through discussion with the Directors to identify any non-compliance with laws and regulations. |
We assessed the susceptibility of the Company's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur by discussion with directors to understand where its considered there was a susceptibility to fraud. We considered the controls that the Company has established to address risks identified, or that otherwise prevent, deter and detect fraud. |
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we performed analytical procedures to identify and unusual or unexpected relationships; investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions; and tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions. |
Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of |
Blends Limited |
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations enquiry of the directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatement that arises due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. |
Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations that could materially impact the financial statements. Taking into accounts our understanding of the Company, our procedures involved enquires of management and focussed testing as appropriate with consideration to risk assessment. |
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 Report of the Auditors. |
Use of our report |
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in a Report of the Auditors and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. |
for and on behalf of |
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors |
Westminster House |
10 Westminster Road |
Macclesfield |
Cheshire |
SK10 1BX |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Income Statement |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
Notes | £ | £ |
TURNOVER | 5 |
Cost of sales | ( |
) | ( |
) |
GROSS PROFIT |
Administrative expenses | ( |
) | ( |
) |
(786,821 | ) | 69,744 |
Other operating income |
OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT | 7 | ( |
) |
Interest receivable and similar income |
(694,028 | ) | 160,167 |
Interest payable and similar expenses | 9 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION | ( |
) |
Tax on (loss)/profit | 10 | ( |
) |
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR | ( |
) |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Other Comprehensive Income |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
Notes | £ | £ |
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | ( |
) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
Revaluation in year |
Income tax relating to other comprehensive income |
( |
) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR, NET OF INCOME TAX |
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Balance Sheet |
30 September 2024 |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
Notes | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Tangible assets | 12 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Stocks | 13 |
Debtors | 14 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 15 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due after more than one year |
16 |
( |
) |
( |
) |
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES | 19 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET ASSETS |
CAPITAL AND RESERVES |
Called up share capital | 20 |
Revaluation reserve | 21 | ( |
) |
Retained earnings | 21 |
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Statement of Changes in Equity |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
Called up |
share | Retained | Revaluation | Total |
capital | earnings | reserve | equity |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Balance at 1 October 2022 | ( |
) |
Changes in equity |
Dividends | - | ( |
) | - | ( |
) |
Total comprehensive income | - |
Balance at 30 September 2023 | ( |
) |
Changes in equity |
Dividends | - | ( |
) | - | ( |
) |
Total comprehensive income | - | ( |
) |
Balance at 30 September 2024 |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
1. | STATUTORY INFORMATION |
Blends Limited is a |
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£). |
Although Blends limited registered address is at Overbrook lane, it primarily operates from Picton House, Knowsley Business Park, Kitling Rd, Knowsley, Prescot, L34 9JA. |
2. | STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE |
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
Basis of preparing the financial statements |
Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions |
The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland": |
• | the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows. |
Blends Holdings Limited is regarded by the directors as being the company's parent company. Consolidated accounts are available at the registered office: Blends House Overbrook Lane Knowsley Prescot Merseyside L34 9FB. |
Related party exemption |
The company has taken advantage of exemption, under the terms of Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', not to disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group. |
Turnover |
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates. |
Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have transferred to the buyer, the amount of turnover can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the company and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably. This is usually on despatch date. |
Turnover from services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion at the balance sheet date. Stage of completion is measured by reference to finalisation of work completed. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Freehold property | - |
Plant and machinery | - |
Motor vehicles | - |
Property is shown at most recent valuation. Any aggregate surplus or deficit arising from changes in fair value is recognised in the revaluation reserve. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Impairment of fixed assets |
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. |
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. |
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. |
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase. |
Government grants |
Government grants are accounted for on a receivable basis. |
Stocks |
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. |
Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential. |
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss. |
Financial instruments |
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company 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 debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method 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. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Impairment of financial assets |
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss. If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss. |
Derecognition of financial assets |
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party. |
Classification of financial liabilities |
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. |
Basic financial liabilities |
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans and loans from fellow group companies, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. |
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. |
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. |
Derecognition of financial liabilities |
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. |
Taxation |
Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. |
Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted. |
Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. |
Deferred tax |
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. |
Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. |
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
3. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Foreign currencies |
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result. |
Hire purchase and leasing commitments |
Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contacts, which are those where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have passed to the company, are capitalised in the balance sheet and depreciated over their useful lives. The corresponding lease or hire purchase obligation is treated in the balance sheet as a liability. |
The interest element of the rental obligations is charged to the profit and loss account over the period of the lease and represents a constant proportion of the balance of capital repayments outstanding. |
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to income on a straight line basis over the lease term. |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the company's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate. |
Going concern |
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company has the ability to trade in the future with support from the directors and other connected companies. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. |
Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. |
Equity instruments |
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company. |
Employee benefits |
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets. |
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. |
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. |
4. | CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY |
In the application of the company's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. |
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
Key sources of estimation uncertainty |
The estimates and assumptions which have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows: |
Stocks |
A provision in the amount of £22,720 (2023: £21,437) for old and obsolete stock has been estimated by the directors to ensure that stock is correctly stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. |
Depreciation and amortisation |
Depreciation and amortisation policies are reviewed annually by the board. All assets are depreciated and amortised based on their expected useful economic life and the anticipated residual value. Residual values are updated to reflect market conditions as appropriate. |
5. | TURNOVER |
The turnover and loss (2023 - profit) before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the company. |
An analysis of turnover by class of business is given below: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
An analysis of turnover by geographical market is given below: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
United Kingdom |
6. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Wages and salaries |
Social security costs |
Other pension costs |
The average number of employees during the year was as follows: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
Director | 1 | 1 |
Sales | 3 | 3 |
Admin | 3 | 3 |
Production | 5 | 8 |
Cleaning | 1 | 1 |
Technical | - | 1 |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
6. | EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS - continued |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Directors' remuneration |
Directors' pension contributions to money purchase schemes |
The number of directors to whom retirement benefits were accruing was as follows: |
Money purchase schemes |
Nevertheless, the director concerned resigned post year ended on 29 October 2024. |
7. | OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT |
The operating loss (2023 - operating profit) is stated after charging/(crediting): |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Hire of plant and machinery |
Depreciation - owned assets |
Profit on disposal of fixed assets | ( |
) |
Exchange rate differences | ( |
) |
8. | AUDITORS' REMUNERATION |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Fees payable to the company's auditors for the audit of the company's financial statements |
15,000 |
7,828 |
9. | INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Bank interest |
Tax interest paid |
10. | TAXATION |
Analysis of the tax (credit)/charge |
The tax (credit)/charge on the loss for the year was as follows: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Current tax: |
UK corporation tax | ( |
) |
Deferred tax | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Tax on (loss)/profit | ( |
) |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
10. | TAXATION - continued |
Reconciliation of total tax (credit)/charge included in profit and loss |
The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
(Loss)/profit before tax | ( |
) |
(Loss)/profit multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of |
( |
) |
Effects of: |
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation | - | ( |
) |
Deferred tax movement | - | (5,811 | ) |
Increase / (decrease) in pension provision | - | (367 | ) |
Depreciation | - | 10,279 |
Group relief | - | (1,045 | ) |
Effect of rate change on loss carry back | 4,210 | - |
Total tax (credit)/charge | (141,230 | ) | 25,062 |
Tax effects relating to effects of other comprehensive income |
30.9.24 |
Gross | Tax | Net |
£ | £ | £ |
Revaluation in year | (218,163 | ) | 692,327 |
30.9.23 |
Gross | Tax | Net |
£ | £ | £ |
Revaluation in year | - | 20,272 |
11. | DIVIDENDS |
The total distribution of dividends for the year ended 30 September 2024 was £170,000 (2023: £161,675). |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
12. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Freehold | Plant and | Motor |
property | machinery | vehicles | Totals |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
COST OR VALUATION |
At 1 October 2023 |
Additions |
Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Revaluations |
At 30 September 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1 October 2023 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 30 September 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 30 September 2024 |
At 30 September 2023 |
Cost or valuation at 30 September 2024 is represented by: |
Freehold | Plant and |
property | machinery | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
Valuation in 2017 | (204,509 | ) | - | (204,509 | ) |
Valuation in 2019 | 133,110 | - | 133,110 |
Valuation in 2021 | (72,229 | ) | - | (72,229 | ) |
Valuation in 2023 | 20,271 | - | 20,271 |
Valuation in 2024 | 910,490 | - | 910,490 |
Cost | 2,073,357 | 837,253 | 2,910,610 |
2,860,490 | 837,253 | 3,697,743 |
If Freehold property had not been revalued it would have been included at the following historical cost: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Cost | 2,073,357 | 2,073,357 |
Freehold property was valued on an open market basis on 24 January 2025 by CG Professional . |
13. | STOCKS |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Stocks |
Stocks are stated after provisions for impairments of £22,720 (2023 - £21,437). |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
14. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Trade debtors |
Amounts owed by group undertakings |
Other debtors |
Directors' current accounts | 129,054 | 161,811 |
Prepayments |
15. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 17) |
Other loans (see note 17) |
Trade creditors |
Corporation tax | ( |
) |
Social security and other taxes |
VAT | 127,871 | 49,312 |
Other creditors |
Accrued expenses |
Included in creditors due within one year are the following borrowings: |
- An invoice financing arrangement is set at a 2% interest rate above the Bank of England base rate. |
- Included in creditors due within one year is a bank loan with a 15 year term. The loan bears an interest rate of 2.35% above the Bank of England base rate. |
16. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Bank loans (see note 17) |
Included in creditors due after one year is a bank loan with a 15 year term. The loan bears an interest rate of 2.35% above the Bank of England base rate. |
17. | LOANS |
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Amounts falling due within one year or on demand: |
Bank overdrafts |
Bank loans |
Santander invoice financing |
Amounts falling due between one and two years: |
Bank loans - 1-2 years |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
17. | LOANS - continued |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Amounts falling due between two and five years: |
Bank loans - 2-5 years |
Amounts falling due in more than five years: |
Repayable by instalments |
Bank loans more 5 yr by instal | 610,639 | 692,973 |
18. | SECURED DEBTS |
The following secured debts are included within creditors: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Bank overdraft |
Bank loans |
Bank loans and overdrafts are secured by way of a debenture including fixed charge over all present freehold and leasehold property; first fixed charge over book and other debts, chattels, goodwill and uncalled capital, both present and future; and first floating charge over all assets and undertaking both present and future. |
19. | PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Deferred tax | 135,865 | 28,059 |
Deferred |
tax |
£ |
Balance at 1 October 2023 |
Credit to Income Statement during year | ( |
) |
Revaluation | 218,163 |
Balance at 30 September 2024 |
20. | CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL |
Allotted, issued and fully paid: |
Number: | Class: | Nominal | 30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
value: | £ | £ |
Ordinary A Shares | £1 | 98 | 98 |
Ordinary B Shares | £1 | 1 | 1 |
Ordinary C Shares | £1 | 1 | 1 |
100 | 100 |
There are no restrictions on these shares. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
21. | RESERVES |
Retained | Revaluation |
earnings | reserve | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
At 1 October 2023 | ( |
) | 3,959,550 |
Deficit for the year | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Dividends | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Revaluation in year | - | 692,327 | 692,327 |
At 30 September 2024 | 3,845,017 |
22. | ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANY |
Blends Holdings Limited is regarded by the directors as being the company's ultimate parent company. |
Consolidated accounts are available at the registered office: Blends House Overbrook Lane Knowsley Prescot Merseyside L34 9FB.. |
Subsequent to the year end, Blends Group Ltd acquired 100% shareholding of Blends Holdings Limited and became the ultimate parent company with the registered office address at: Blends House Overbrook Lane Knowsley Prescot Merseyside L34 9FB. |
23. | DIRECTORS' ADVANCES, CREDITS AND GUARANTEES |
The following advances and credits to directors subsisted during the years ended 30 September 2024 and 30 September 2023: |
30.9.24 | 30.9.23 |
£ | £ |
Balance outstanding at start of year |
Amounts advanced |
Amounts repaid | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Amounts written off | - | - |
Amounts waived | - | - |
Balance outstanding at end of year |
Balance outstanding at start of year |
Amounts advanced |
Amounts repaid | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Amounts written off | - | - |
Amounts waived | - | - |
Balance outstanding at end of year |
Balance outstanding at start of year |
Amounts advanced |
Amounts repaid | ( |
) | ( |
) |
Amounts written off | - | - |
Amounts waived | - | - |
Balance outstanding at end of year |
Loans incur interest at 2% per anum. |
Blends Limited (Registered number: 03537679) |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the Year Ended 30 September 2024 |
24. | POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS |
Subsequent to the year end, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement in relation to its freehold property. The transaction involved the disposal of the property to a third party and the simultaneous leaseback of the same property under a long-term operating lease arrangement. |
The agreement was finalised after the balance sheet date and therefore has not been reflected in the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024. The transaction will be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 16 Leases in the next financial period, resulting in the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the Company's balance sheet. |
The sale has generated a revaluation gain, which reflects the difference between the carrying value of the property and its fair value as determined through an independent valuation performed in anticipation of the transaction. |
25. | GOVERNMENT GRANTS |
Grant income is recognised at its fair value in the profit and loss. |
30.09.24 | 30.09.23 |
£ | £ |
Capital grant | 2,660 | 2,660 |
Revenue grant | - | - |
2,659 | 2,659 |