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Registered number: 03541153
Cooling Castle Barn Limited
Strategic Report, Directors' Report and
Financial Statements
For The Year Ended 30 October 2024
Contents
Page
Strategic Report 1—2
Directors' Report 3—4
Independent Auditor's Report 5—8
Profit and Loss Account 9
Statement of Comprehensive Income 10
Balance Sheet 11—12
Statement of Changes in Equity 13
Statement of Cash Flows 14
Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows 15
Notes to the Financial Statements 16—25
Page 1
Strategic Report
The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 30 October 2024.
Principal Activity
The company's principal activity continues to be that of the provision of wedding and event venues and ancillary services.
Review of the Business
Our financial performance continues to demonstrate the strength and resilience of the business, although the past year brought renewed inflationary pressures that had a tangible impact on results. Despite these external headwinds, we have maintained a solid position as a going concern, underpinned by careful cost management, prudent investment, and a clear focus on long-term value creation.
We remain committed to delivering a high-quality product and service offering. A cornerstone of our strategy has been continued investment in our properties and facilities to ensure we meet and exceed customer expectations. By enhancing our environments and refining the customer experience, we seek to reinforce our market position and drive repeat engagement.
We have also maintained a strong emphasis on building relationships with existing clients while actively reaching new audiences. Through ongoing marketing efforts and a focus on understanding and adapting to shifting customer behaviours, we aim to foster brand loyalty and support sustainable growth. Our teams continue to explore innovative approaches to promotion, digital engagement, and customer experience.
Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritise investment in quality, innovation, and infrastructure. While economic conditions remain uncertain and inflation presents a continuing challenge, we are confident that our strategic approach leaves us well placed to weather volatility and capture growth opportunities in the evolving UK marketplace.
In summary, the business remains fundamentally sound. By focusing on customer satisfaction, investing in our estate, and adapting to market changes, we are well positioned to build on our achievements and secure a successful future.
Financial KPIs
Unit
2024
2023
Turnover
£
3,266,567
3,491,380
Profit before tax
£
539,571
435,919
Staff numbers
71
82
Page 1
Page 2
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The company's financial instruments comprise bank balances and trade creditors, the main purpose being to finance the company's trading operations.
The company has a payment policy which ensures that sales income is received according to a set timescale before the event is due to take place. Deposits are also taken on booking and these are refundable on a discretionary basis should the event be cancelled.
Cashflow management is reviewed regularly to ensure that the company has sufficient balances to meet trade creditors, payroll costs and tax liabilities as they fall due.
On behalf of the board
Ms Rebecca Collins
Director
8th July 2025
Page 2
Page 3
Directors' Report
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 October 2024.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, we remain focused on maintaining stability and delivering high standards across all areas of our business. While we are not currently pursuing any active growth or expansion projects, we continue to invest in the quality of our core offering and the upkeep of our properties to ensure we remain competitive and responsive to customer expectations.
The broader economic climate remains uncertain, and developments in government policy continue to shape the trading environment for the hospitality sector. In particular, the UK Government’s October budget introduced a number of fiscal measures that are expected to place further pressure on operating costs across the industry. We are carefully assessing the implications of these changes and will continue to take a prudent approach to cost management and financial planning.
Our ongoing priority is to uphold the strength of our brand, deliver a high-quality customer experience, and adapt to any changes in market demand. By focusing on efficiency, resilience, and service consistency, we aim to protect the long-term sustainability of the business in an evolving economic landscape.
Dividends
The value of dividends paid amounted to £213,366 .
The directors recommended a final dividend of £NIL .
Directors
The directors who held office during the year were as follows:
Ms Rebecca Collins
Mrs Kerri-Anne Chappell Appointed 01/11/2023
Ms Sally Collins Appointed 01/11/2023
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
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 United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the directors are required to:
  • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
  • make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
  • state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS102, have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
  • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Statement of Disclosure of Information to Auditors
In the case of each director in office at the date the Directors' Report is approved:
  • so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware; and
  • they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.
Independent Auditors
The auditors, Pure Audit Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office and a resolution concerning their re-appointment will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
On behalf of the board
Ms Rebecca Collins
Director
8th July 2025
Page 4
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Independent Auditor's Report
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Cooling Castle Barn Limited for the year ended 30 October 2024 which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes of Equity, Cash Flow Statement and the related notes, 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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and".
In our opinion the financial statements:
  • give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 30 October 2024 and of its profit/(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 Auditor's 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 entity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other Information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 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.
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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 Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
  • the Strategic Report and Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on Which We Are Required to Report by Exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the 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.
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 or 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 3—4, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:
Audit response to risks identified
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Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements - continued
• The nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the Company’s remuneration policies, key drivers for directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;
• results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities and any matters we identified having reviewed the Company’s policies and procedures;
• the matters discussed among the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.
As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in relation to revenue recognition. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Company operates in and focused on those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the Companies Act 2006 and local tax legislation.
In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the Company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material fine or penalty. 
Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition as a key audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud. Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
• reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;
• enquiring of management, concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
• performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;
• obtaining an understanding of provisions and discussing with management to understand the basis of recognition or non-recognition of tax provisions; and
• in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or noncompliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
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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 that we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
R M Asif Rafique (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Pure Audit Limited , Statutory Auditor
8th July 2025
Pure Audit Limited
76 Canterbury Innovation Centre
University Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT2 7FG
Page 8
Page 9
Profit and Loss Account
2024 2023
Notes £ £
TURNOVER 3 3,266,567 3,491,381
Cost of sales (1,250,080 ) (1,437,265 )
GROSS PROFIT 2,016,487 2,054,116
Administrative expenses (1,538,209 ) (1,612,287 )
OPERATING PROFIT 4 478,278 441,829
Other interest receivable and similar income 9 61,293 22,927
Interest payable and similar charges 10 - (28,836 )
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION 539,571 435,920
Tax on Profit 11 (132,769 ) (125,624 )
PROFIT AFTER TAXATION BEING PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 406,802 310,296
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form part of these financial statements.
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Statement of Comprehensive Income
2024 2023
£ £
PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 406,802 310,296
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR - -
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 406,802 310,296
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Balance Sheet
Registered number: 03541153
2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible Assets 12 18,833 -
Tangible Assets 13 1,199,347 1,170,888
1,218,180 1,170,888
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 14 18,257 19,845
Debtors 15 3,802,815 4,135,814
Cash at bank and in hand 2,249,339 1,969,199
6,070,411 6,124,858
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 16 (1,698,309 ) (1,911,230 )
NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) 4,372,102 4,213,628
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 5,590,282 5,384,516
PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES
Deferred Taxation 17 (71,994 ) (59,664 )
NET ASSETS 5,518,288 5,324,852
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 19 1,261 1,261
Profit and Loss Account 5,517,027 5,323,591
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 5,518,288 5,324,852
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On behalf of the board
Ms Rebecca Collins
Director
8th July 2025
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form part of these financial statements.
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Statement of Changes in Equity
Share Capital Profit and Loss Account Total
£ £ £
As at 31 October 2022 1,261 5,130,671 5,131,932
Profit for the year and total comprehensive income - 310,296 310,296
Dividends paid - (117,376) (117,376)
As at 30 October 2023 and 31 October 2023 1,261 5,323,591 5,324,852
Profit for the year and total comprehensive income - 406,802 406,802
Dividends paid - (213,366) (213,366)
As at 30 October 2024 1,261 5,517,027 5,518,288
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Statement of Cash Flows
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash generated from operations 1 709,278 1,438,871
Tax paid (154,242 ) (11,150 )
Net cash generated from operating activities 555,036 1,427,721
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets (20,000 ) -
Purchase of tangible assets (104,158 ) (34,477 )
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets 1,335 66,189
Interest received 61,293 22,927
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities (61,530 ) 54,639
Cash flows from financing activities
Equity dividends paid (213,366 ) (117,376 )
Proceeds from new bank borrowings - (925,000 )
Interest paid - (28,836)
Net cash used in financing activities (213,366 ) (1,071,212 )
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 280,140 411,148
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 2 1,969,199 1,558,051
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2 2,249,339 1,969,199
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Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows
1. Reconciliation of profit for the financial year to cash generated from operations
2024 2023
£ £
Profit for the financial year 406,802 310,296
Adjustments for:
Tax on profit 132,769 125,624
Interest expense - 28,836
Interest income (61,293 ) (22,928 )
Amortisation of intangible assets 1,167 -
Depreciation of tangible assets 74,364 101,236
Loss on disposal of tangible assets - 139,100
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in stocks 1,588 (258 )
Decrease in trade and other debtors 332,999 792,718
Decrease in trade and other creditors (179,118 ) (35,753 )
Net cash generated from operations 709,278 1,438,871
2. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, as stated in the Statement of Cash Flows, relates to the following items in the Balance Sheet:
2024 2023
£ £
Cash at bank and in hand 2,249,339 1,969,199
3. Analysis of changes in net funds
As at 31 October 2023 Cash flows As at 30 October 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 1,969,199 280,140 2,249,339
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Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General Information
Cooling Castle Barn Limited is a private company, limited by shares, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 03541153 . The registered office is Cooling Castle Barn Main Road, Cooling, Rochester, Kent, ME3 8DT.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'' and the Companies Act 2006.
2.2. Significant judgements and estimations
Tangible Fixed Assets
The company has recognised tangible fixed assets.These assets are stated at their cost less provision for depreciation and impairment. The company’s accounting policy sets out the approach to calculating depreciation for immaterial assets acquired.
For material assets such as land and buildings the company determines at acquisition reliable estimates for the useful life of the asset, its residual value and related disposal costs. These estimates are based upon such factors as the expected use of the acquired asset and market conditions. At subsequent reporting dates the directors consider whether there are any factors such as changes in market conditions that indicate a need to reconsider the estimates used. 
Where there are indicators that the carrying value of tangible assets may be impaired the company undertakes tests to determine the recoverable amount of assets. These tests require estimates of the fair value of assets less cost to sell and of their value in use.
Deferred tax
Provision has been made in the financial statements for deferred tax at 31 October (note 17). This provision is based upon estimates of future taxable profits, the anticipated reversal of timing differences and the tax rates that will be in force at that time.
Critical areas of judgment:
The company has entered into a range of lease commitments in respect of property, plant and equipment. The classification of these leases as either financial or operating leases requires the directors to consider whether the terms and conditions of each lease are such that the company has acquired the risks and rewards associated with the ownership of the underlying assets
2.3. Turnover
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of discounts and value added taxes. Turnover includes revenue earned from the sale of goods and from the rendering of services. Turnover is reduced for estimated customer returns, rebates and other similar allowances.
Sale of goods
Turnover from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods has transferred to the buyer. This is usually at the point that the customer has signed for the delivery of the goods.
Rendering of services
Turnover from the rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract. The stage of completion of a contract is measured by comparing the costs incurred for work performed to date to the total estimated contract costs. Turnover is only recognised to the extent of recoverable expenses when the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably.
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2.4. Intangible Fixed Assets and Amortisation - Other Intangible
Other intangible assets are for website development. It is amortised to profit and loss account over its estimated economic life of 10 years.
2.5. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold 2% straight line
Leasehold 2% straight line or over lease term
Plant & Machinery 15% reducing balance
Motor Vehicles 25% reducing balance
Fixtures & Fittings 15% reducing balance
Computer Equipment 15% reducing balance
2.6. Stocks and Work in Progress
Stocks and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.
Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
Work in progress is reflected in the accounts on a contract by contract basis by recording turnover and related costs as contract activity progresses.
At the end of each reporting period stocks are assessed for impairment. If an item of stock is impaired, the identified stock is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell and an impairment charge is recognised in the profit and loss account. Where a reversal of the impairment is required the impairment charge is reversed, up to the original impairment loss, and is recognised as a credit in the profit and loss account.
2.7. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
2.8. Taxation
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the statement of comprehensive income because of items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are never taxable or deductible. The company's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.
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2.8. Taxation - continued
Deferred tax is recognised on timing differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable timing differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible timing differences can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realised, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred tax liabilities are presented within provisions for liabilities and deferred tax assets within debtors. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflect the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
Current or deferred tax for the year is recognised in profit or loss, except when they related to items that are recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
3. Turnover
Analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Rendering of Services 3,266,567 3,491,380
4. Operating Profit
The operating profit is stated after charging:
2024 2023
£ £
Operating lease rentals - 1,026
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 74,364 101,236
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 1,167 -
5. Auditor's Remuneration
Remuneration received by the company's auditors and their associates during the year was as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Audit Services
Audit of the company's financial statements 6,000 7,500
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6. Staff Costs
Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 1,279,865 1,342,346
Social security costs 124,631 118,208
Other pension costs 250,341 97,635
1,654,837 1,558,189
Other staff costs were as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Other short-term employee benefits
16,455
14,006
Other employee costs
2,171
image
556
image
18,626
image
14,562
image
7. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees, including directors, during the year was as follows:
2024 2023
Administration and support 71 82
71 82
8. Directors' remuneration
2024 2023
£ £
Emoluments 129,650 14,400
Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes 198,889 78,337
328,539 92,737
Information regarding the highest paid director was as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Emoluments 94,971 -
Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes 58,830 -
153,801 -
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9. Interest Receivable and Similar Income
2024 2023
£ £
Bank interest receivable 61,293 22,927
10. Interest Payable and Similar Charges
2024 2023
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts - 28,780
Other finance charges - 56
- 28,836
11. Tax on Profit
The tax charge on the profit for the year was as follows:
Tax Rate 2024 2023
2024 2023 £ £
Current tax
UK Corporation Tax 25.0% 25.0% 120,439 154,549
Deferred Tax
Deferred taxation 12,330 (28,925 )
Total tax charge for the period 132,769 125,624
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit and the standard rate of corporation tax as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Profit before tax 539,571 435,920
Tax on profit at 25% (UK standard rate) 134,893 108,980
Goodwill/depreciation not allowed for tax 18,883 25,309
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 220 47,309
Capital allowances (31,615 ) (9,888 )
Short term timing differences 12,330 (28,926 )
Difference in tax rates - (17,160 )
Group relief (1,942 ) -
Total tax charge for the period 132,769 125,624
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12. Intangible Assets
Other
£
Cost
As at 31 October 2023 -
Additions 20,000
As at 30 October 2024 20,000
Amortisation
As at 31 October 2023 -
Provided during the period 1,167
As at 30 October 2024 1,167
Net Book Value
As at 30 October 2024 18,833
As at 31 October 2023 -
13. Tangible Assets
Land & Property
Freehold Leasehold Plant & Machinery Motor Vehicles
£ £ £ £
Cost
As at 31 October 2023 1,074,407 84,268 398,112 113,158
Additions - - 82,530 -
Disposals - - (27,301 ) -
As at 30 October 2024 1,074,407 84,268 453,341 113,158
Depreciation
As at 31 October 2023 223,869 20,766 288,618 42,442
Provided during the period 16,878 1,685 24,408 17,679
Disposals - - (25,966 ) -
As at 30 October 2024 240,747 22,451 287,060 60,121
Net Book Value
As at 30 October 2024 833,660 61,817 166,281 53,037
As at 31 October 2023 850,538 63,502 109,494 70,716
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Fixtures & Fittings Computer Equipment Total
£ £ £
Cost
As at 31 October 2023 222,731 108,679 2,001,355
Additions 17,117 4,511 104,158
Disposals - - (27,301 )
As at 30 October 2024 239,848 113,190 2,078,212
Depreciation
As at 31 October 2023 169,922 84,850 830,467
Provided during the period 9,685 4,029 74,364
Disposals - - (25,966 )
As at 30 October 2024 179,607 88,879 878,865
Net Book Value
As at 30 October 2024 60,241 24,311 1,199,347
As at 31 October 2023 52,809 23,829 1,170,888
14. Stocks
2024 2023
£ £
Stock 18,257 19,845
15. Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Due within one year
Trade debtors 36,481 57,085
Other debtors 3,766,334 4,078,729
3,802,815 4,135,814
16. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 44,999 64,572
Payments on account 1,233,261 1,333,489
Amounts owed to group undertakings 92,272 107,864
Other creditors 78,859 77,241
...CONTINUED
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Corporation tax 120,439 154,242
Taxation and social security 113,284 157,436
Accruals and deferred income 15,195 16,386
1,698,309 1,911,230
17. Deferred Taxation
The provision for deferred tax is made up as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Other timing differences 71,994 59,664
18. Provisions for Liabilities
Deferred Tax Total
£ £
As at 31 October 2023 59,664 59,664
Additions 12,330 12,330
Balance at 30 October 2024 71,994 71,994
19. Share Capital
2024 2023
Allotted, called up and fully paid £ £
1,161 Ordinary Shares of £ 1.00 each 1,161 1,161
100 Ordinary B shares of £ 1.00 each 100 100
1,261 1,261
20. Pension Commitments
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
During the year the charge to the profit and loss account in respect of defined contribution schemes was £250,341 (2023: £97,635).
At the balance sheet date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.
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21. Directors Advances, Credits and Guarantees
Included within Debtors are the following loans to directors:
Balance at start of period
1,983
Amounts advanced
0
Amounts repaid
0
Amount written off
0
Balance at end of period
1,983
The above loan is unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
22. Dividends
2024 2023
£ £
On equity shares:
Interim dividend paid 213,366 117,376
23. Related Party Disclosures
Other related parties
Total
2024
£
£
At start of period
3,935,889
3,935,889
Advanced
23,676
23,676
Repaid
(300,000)
image
(300,000)
image
At end of period
3,659,565
image
3,659,565
image
Other related parties
Total
2023
£
£
At start of period
4,829,705
4,829,705
Advanced
15,364
15,364
Repaid
(909,180)
image
(909,180)
image
At end of period
3,935,889
image
3,935,889
image
The Vines of Rochester LtdA company under common controlA loan is owed by The Vines of Rochester. The outstanding balance on the loan as at the year end is £3,751,838 (2023: £4,043,753). There is no interest due. The loan is repayable upon demand.

The Vines of Rochester Ltd

A company under common control

A loan is owed by The Vines of Rochester. The outstanding balance on the loan as at the year end is £3,751,838 (2023: £4,043,753). There is no interest due. The loan is repayable upon demand.

Peapod Portfolio LtdA company under common controlA loan is owed to Peapod Portfolio Ltd. The outstanding balance on the loan at the year end is £92,272 (2023: £107,864). There is no interest due. The loan is repayable upon demand.

Peapod Portfolio Ltd

A company under common control

A loan is owed to Peapod Portfolio Ltd. The outstanding balance on the loan at the year end is £92,272 (2023: £107,864). There is no interest due. The loan is repayable upon demand.

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24. Controlling Parties
The company's immediate parent undertaking is Bert & Montgomery Limited .
The ultimate parent undertaking is Bert & Montgomery Limited (incorporated in England & Wales). Its registered office is Cooling Castle Barn Main Road, Cooling, Rochester, Kent, United Kingdom, ME3 8DT .
Copies of the group accounts may be obtained from the company's registered office.
The company's ultimate controlling party is R Collins by virtue of their interest in the share capital of the company.
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