Company registration number 09215403 (England and Wales)
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
S M Whittle
S P Fives
Company number
09215403
Registered office
940 Lakeside Drive
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1QY
Auditor
Sumer Auditco Limited
Fourth Floor
Unit 5B, The Parklands
Bolton
BL6 4SD
Bankers
Yorkshire Bank
34 Princes Street
Stockport
Cheshire
SK1 1RE
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 3
Directors' report
4 - 5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 9
Statement of comprehensive income
10
Balance sheet
11
Statement of changes in equity
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 25
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Review of the business
Westgrove Support Services Limited is an established, innovative and independent cleaning, security and dual service provider.
There have not been any significant changes to the company’s principal activities during the year under review. The Directors are not aware, at the date of this report, of any likely changes to the principal activities in the next year.
2024 has been another difficult year as the business has been recovering from Covid-19. Despite the challenges the business has faced turnover for the year has increased to £30m (2023: £27m). The core activity continues to be the provision of staffing services, delivering a sustainable, quality service. The directors continue to focus on turnover growth and maintaining profitability levels and are confident post pandemic that growth will be achieved from continually seeking to increase market share, maintaining existing contracts and customers, in addition to securing new opportunities.
In order to implement the above, a new Strategic Leadership Team has been created with G Wilson (MD) and C McKinley-Smith (CEO) developing high level relationships which is contributing to enhances turnover and profitability in 2024.
Westgrove are committed to the continued investment in infrastructure to facilitate growth. This has had a disproportionate impact on the trading profits within this accounting period. However the difficulty in recruiting additional Business Development resources has had an adverse impact on the ability to generate additional turnover.
Despite inflationary pressures, due to effective management of direct costs, gross profit margin has increased slightly to 11.9% (2023: 11.3%). This level of profitability has been sustained following the period end.
Administrative costs have predominately remained consistent with the prior year, again due to close and effective cost controls.
The company has recognised the difficulties in winning new work & the erosion of margins within the traditional market of shopping centres & retail parks. It is investing heavily within its senior team with a strategy to target more varied sectors, specifically industrial & distribution sectors.
The year ended 31 December 2024 resulted in a profit before tax of £492k (2023: £51k) which the directors are satisfied with, particularly considering the erosion of margins in traditional markets noted above.
At the year end, the company has net assets of £119k (2023: £94k). The directors have implemented a strategy in order to strengthen the value of the company and believes this will place the company in a strong and stable financial position in future periods.
Westgrove provide industry leading solutions to both soft & technical services across retail, commercial & manufacturing, having a collaborative and flexible approach to help deliver our partner’s key Objectives. We pride ourselves on working closely with our partners to develop industry leading relationships and an unparallel colleague centric culture. Our teams work closely with our partners to deliver a service which regularly exceeds expectations, our contract retention rate is unrivalled. Westgrove’ s ESG approach is making a difference within our business, to our partners, colleagues and the communities we serve. We are conscious of our impact on the planet, its’ people, colleagues, partners, and the prosperity of the communities with whom we work. We are committed to creating healthy, fair, equitable, vibrant, and safe working places and spaces and we collaborate on any initiatives that help to deliver Net Zero outcomes, social value, and equitable workplaces and systems.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Principal risks and uncertainties
The directors have considered the exposure of the company to risks. The principal risks are interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.
Interest rate risk
The company is funded through its retained earnings and borrowings. The directors regularly monitor cash flow projections of the company in order to ensure that it has sufficient available funds for its continuing operations. The risk is managed by monitoring key ratios such as interest cover, as well as cash flow. The company does not use derivative financial instruments to manage this risk and, as such, no hedge accounting is applied.
Liquidity risk
The company seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. Short-term flexibility is achieved by an invoice discounting facility.
Credit risk
The principal credit risk arises from the company's trade debtors.
The company has policies in place such that credit checks are made on all potential customers as part of the set new account procedures.
Trade debtors are monitored on an ongoing basis and provision is made for doubtful debts where necessary.
Foreign currency risk
The company is not exposed to any significant direct currency risk since there are no foreign subsidiaries or balances held in foreign locations, and all invoicing is in sterling.
Principal risks and uncertainties (continued)
Brexit
Following the UK leaving the European Union on 31 January 2020, the company recognise the increasing difficulty to recruit directly employed staff and therefore are becoming more reliant on subcontract labour.
The company is committed to paying the living wages, however this along with price increases of materials and consumables is having an adverse effect of the margins achievable.
Key performance indicators
The Directors have and will continue to monitor all of the KPI’s and daily operating controls and maintain a strong focus on increasing performance in all aspects of the business.
The main KPI’s and corresponding results are as follows:
2024 2023
Gross profit % 11.9% 11.3%
Net profit % 1.6% 0.2%
EBITDA £913,634 £469,829
The Westgrove Group have over 60 sites employing almost 1,000 site based staff, with class leading employee retention & staff benefits.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -
Future developments
The company focus on its core business is reflected in the systems, infrastructure, and investment in its staff in order to deliver an effective national service to all customers.
Future developments are focussing on growth that is complementary to our core business.
It is recognised by the directors of the Westgrove Group that the margins available within their traditional market sector of retail parks and shopping centres are being eroded. Therefore the Westgrove Group are looking at potential opportunities in other sectors to utilise their specialist knowledge of 'soft services' but have ventured into 'hard services' which will open up alternative markets with higher gross margins. This 'hard services' offering will also work hand in glove with the group's soft services and current partners.
S M Whittle
Director
9 July 2025
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of security and cleaning services.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 10.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £292,000. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
S M Whittle
S P Fives
Disabled persons
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the company continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the company that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.
Employee involvement
The company's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests.
Information about matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the company's performance.
There is no employee share scheme at present, but the directors are considering the introduction of such a scheme as a means of further encouraging the involvement of employees in the company's performance.
Auditor
The auditor, Sumer Auditco Limited, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 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; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 5 -
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 of disclosure to auditor
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.
Medium-sized companies exemption
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.
On behalf of the board
S M Whittle
Director
9 July 2025
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
- 6 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Westgrove Support Services Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 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.
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 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.
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 7 -
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 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, 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.
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.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 8 -
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussions with the directors (as required by auditing standards) and discussed with the directors the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, Westgrove Support Services Limited is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation and taxation legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, Westgrove Support Services Limited is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation or the loss of the company's license to operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: laws related to packaging recycling, controls of substances hazardous to health, and security.
Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these procedures we did not become aware of any actual or suspected non-compliance.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined below to detect material misstatement due to fraud:
Matters are discussed amongst the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud
Identifying and assessing the design and effectiveness of controls that management have in place to prevent and detect fraud
Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud following discussions with management and enquiring as to whether management have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 9 -
This report is made solely to the company's member 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 member those matters we are required to state to the member 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 member, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Helen Mills
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Sumer Auditco Limited
9 July 2025
Statutory Auditor
Fourth Floor
Unit 5B, The Parklands
Bolton
BL6 4SD
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
30,242,573
26,861,111
Cost of sales
(26,645,884)
(23,824,853)
Gross profit
3,596,689
3,036,258
Administrative expenses
(2,963,726)
(2,846,170)
Operating profit
4
632,963
190,088
Interest receivable and similar income
6
25,233
16,031
Interest payable and similar expenses
7
(165,910)
(154,836)
Profit before taxation
492,286
51,283
Tax on profit
8
(175,692)
(81,278)
Profit/(loss) for the financial year
316,594
(29,995)
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 11 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Goodwill
10
195,831
Tangible assets
11
627,833
494,360
627,833
690,191
Current assets
Stocks
12
242,897
267,932
Debtors
13
5,977,451
5,396,665
Cash at bank and in hand
37,044
78,607
6,257,392
5,743,204
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(6,522,591)
(6,238,440)
Net current liabilities
(265,199)
(495,236)
Total assets less current liabilities
362,634
194,955
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
15
(111,133)
-
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
17
133,006
101,054
(133,006)
(101,054)
Net assets
118,495
93,901
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
19
1
1
Profit and loss reserves
118,494
93,900
Total equity
118,495
93,901
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 9 July 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
S M Whittle
Director
Company registration number 09215403 (England and Wales)
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2023
1
123,895
123,896
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
(29,995)
(29,995)
Balance at 31 December 2023
1
93,900
93,901
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
316,594
316,594
Dividends
9
-
(292,000)
(292,000)
Balance at 31 December 2024
1
118,494
118,495
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Westgrove Support Services Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 940 Lakeside Drive, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1QY.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of Westgrove Group (Holdings) Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, 940 Lakeside Drive, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1QY.
1.2
Going concern
Atruet 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. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
The directors recognise following Brexit there has been an increasing difficulty to recruit directly employed staff and therefore the company continues to be more reliant on subcontract labour. The company is committed to paying the living wage, however this along with price increases of materials and consumables is having an adverse effect on the margins achievable. The directors are continually monitoring the rising costs and are satisfied that they are taking all steps necessary to minimise cost increases.
At the year-end the company has net current liabilities of £265,189 (2023: £495,236). The directors have considered the future profitability of the company and its ability to continue as a going concern, and have prepared profit and cash flow forecasts for the period to 31 December 2026. Based on these projections and the items above, the directors are satisfied that, for the foreseeable future, the company can meet its projected working capital requirements. The company will also continue to be supported by the wider Westgrove Group which has access to some alternative finance facilities should this be required. Consequently, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.3
Turnover
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account settlement discounts.
The nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms of the company's major sources of revenue are as follows:
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
Revenue from contracts for the provision of cleaning, security and additional support services is recognised in the period that those services are provided.
1.4
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of unincorporated businesses over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life, which is 10 years.
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.
1.5
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Plant and machinery
15% Reducing Balance
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
15% Reducing Balance
Computer equipment
15% Reducing Balance
Motor vehicles
25% Reducing Balance
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.
1.6
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
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 is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset 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 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 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.
1.7
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and cost less impairment provision. Cost comprises direct materials 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.
1.8
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.
1.9
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.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
Other financial assets
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
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, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, 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.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
1.10
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.
1.11
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date 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 is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
1.12
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.
1.13
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.14
Leases
As lessee
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 18 -
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.
2
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 amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3
Turnover and other revenue
An analysis of the company's turnover is as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Security
17,843,118
15,579,444
Cleaning
11,340,965
10,207,223
Other
1,058,490
1,074,444
30,242,573
26,861,111
2024
2023
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
25,233
16,031
4
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
10,000
11,750
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
81,278
83,911
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets held under finance leases
3,562
-
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
5,224
351
Amortisation of intangible assets
195,831
195,830
Operating lease charges
38,839
30,240
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 19 -
5
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2024
2023
Number
Number
Direct Staff
838
785
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
21,358,272
18,781,276
Social security costs
1,891,943
1,566,165
Pension costs
391,694
313,658
23,641,909
20,661,099
6
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£
£
Interest income
Other interest income
25,233
16,031
7
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Other interest
165,910
154,836
8
Taxation
2024
2023
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
143,740
93,728
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
31,952
(12,450)
Total tax charge
175,692
81,278
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8
Taxation
(Continued)
- 20 -
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Profit before taxation
492,286
51,283
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 25.00%)
123,072
12,821
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
3,704
3,549
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
(5,896)
Group relief
21,847
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
329
Amortisation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
48,587
48,957
Taxation charge for the year
175,692
81,278
9
Dividends
2024
2023
£
£
Final paid
292,000
10
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
1,958,307
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
1,762,476
Amortisation charged for the year
195,831
At 31 December 2024
1,958,307
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
195,831
More information on impairment movements in the year is given in note .
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 21 -
11
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
787,921
56,917
192,941
6,993
1,044,772
Additions
52,333
9,485
24,933
138,459
225,210
Disposals
(11,317)
(6,993)
(18,310)
At 31 December 2024
840,254
66,402
206,557
138,459
1,251,672
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
447,838
14,794
85,303
2,477
550,412
Depreciation charged in the year
55,680
7,162
18,435
3,563
84,840
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(8,936)
(2,477)
(11,413)
At 31 December 2024
503,518
21,956
94,802
3,563
623,839
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
336,736
44,446
111,755
134,896
627,833
At 31 December 2023
340,083
42,123
107,638
4,516
494,360
Tangible fixed assets includes assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Motor vehicles
134,897
12
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Raw materials and consumables
242,897
267,932
13
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
2,937,220
2,583,723
Corporation tax recoverable
444,946
367,018
Amounts owed by group undertakings
822,147
841,682
Other debtors
1,316,517
1,102,138
Prepayments and accrued income
456,621
502,104
5,977,451
5,396,665
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
13
Debtors
(Continued)
- 22 -
Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Obligations under finance leases
16
21,249
Trade creditors
1,041,009
1,010,697
Corporation tax
412,723
386,196
Other taxation and social security
919,587
925,073
Other creditors
2,016,740
2,269,120
Accruals and deferred income
2,111,283
1,647,354
6,522,591
6,238,440
Other creditors includes £1,559,221 (2023: £2,151,678) in respect of an invoice discounting facility, which is secured by a fixed charge over the book debts of the company.
Other creditors includes £21,249 (2023: £nil) in respect of net obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts, which are secured by fixed charges on the assets concerned.
15
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Obligations under finance leases
16
111,133
Other creditors includes £111,133 (2023: £nil) in respect of net obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts, which are secured by fixed charges on the assets concerned.
16
Finance lease obligations
2024
2023
Future minimum lease payments due under finance leases:
£
£
Within one year
21,249
In two to five years
111,133
132,382
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
17
Deferred taxation
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2024
2023
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
130,106
117,056
Retirement benefit obligations
2,900
(16,002)
133,006
101,054
2024
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2024
101,054
Charge to profit or loss
31,952
Liability at 31 December 2024
133,006
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature
18
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
391,694
313,658
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
19
Share capital
2024
2023
2024
2023
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary share of £1 each
1
1
1
1
All shares carry no fixed right to income and all hold full voting rights.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 24 -
20
Reserves
Called up share capital
Called up share capital represents the nominal value of the shares issued.
Profit and loss reserves
The profit and loss account represents cumulative profits and losses net of dividends paid and other adjustments.
21
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities
There is an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee in the favour of IGF Business Credit Limited dated 20 July 2022 given by Westgrove Support Services Limited, Westgrove Cleaning Services Limited and Westgrove Group (Holdings) Limited. This contains a charge over the property held within the group. As at 31 December 2024, the total group liability stood at £1,559,221 (2023: £2,151,678).
22
Operating lease commitments
As lessee
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Within 1 year
7,178
7,831
Years 2-5
7,178
7,178
15,009
23
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:
During the year sales were made to Westgrove Technical Services Ltd a company with common directorship, of £1,310,976 (2023: £1,176,183), purchases of £1,652,697 (2023: £1,497,153) and a management charge of £nil (2023: £1,666). At the year end there was a balance of £239,918 (2023: £47,210) due to Westgrove Technical Services Ltd.
Other information
The company has taken advantage of the exemption available in Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102 "Related party disclosures" Section 33.1 not to disclose details of related party transactions with entities that are 100% owned members of the same group.
WESTGROVE SUPPORT SERVICES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 25 -
24
Directors' transactions
Advances or credits have been granted by the company to its directors as follows:
Description
% Rate
Opening balance
Amounts advanced
Interest charged
Amounts repaid
Closing balance
£
£
£
£
£
Directors' Loan
2.25
299,938
92,961
7,389
(71,124)
329,164
Directors' Loan
2.25
501,020
154,029
11,660
(142,249)
524,460
800,958
246,990
19,049
(213,373)
853,624
25
Ultimate controlling party
The ultimate controlling party is Westgrove Group (Holdings) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Westgrove Support Services Limited is consolidated within the Westgrove Group (Holdings) Limited's group financial statements and copies can be obtained on request from the groups registered office, 940 Lakeside Drive, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1QY.
2024-12-312024-01-01falsefalsefalseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2025.100S M WhittleS P Fives092154032024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:Director12024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:Director22024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:RegisteredOffice2024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:Agent12024-01-012024-12-31092154032024-12-31092154032023-01-012023-12-3109215403core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-01-012023-12-3109215403core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-01-012024-12-3109215403core:Goodwill2024-12-3109215403core:Goodwill2023-12-31092154032023-12-3109215403core:PlantMachinery2024-12-3109215403core:FurnitureFittings2024-12-3109215403core:ComputerEquipment2024-12-3109215403core:MotorVehicles2024-12-3109215403core:PlantMachinery2023-12-3109215403core:FurnitureFittings2023-12-3109215403core:ComputerEquipment2023-12-3109215403core:MotorVehicles2023-12-3109215403core:ShareCapital2024-12-3109215403core:ShareCapital2023-12-3109215403core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-12-3109215403core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-12-3109215403core:ShareCapital2022-12-3109215403core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-12-3109215403core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12024-12-3109215403core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12023-12-3109215403core:Goodwill2024-01-012024-12-3109215403core:PlantMachinery2024-01-012024-12-3109215403core:FurnitureFittings2024-01-012024-12-3109215403core:ComputerEquipment2024-01-012024-12-3109215403core:MotorVehicles2024-01-012024-12-310921540312024-01-012024-12-310921540312023-01-012023-12-3109215403core:UKTax2024-01-012024-12-3109215403core:UKTax2023-01-012023-12-3109215403core:Goodwill2023-12-3109215403core:PlantMachinery2023-12-3109215403core:FurnitureFittings2023-12-3109215403core:ComputerEquipment2023-12-3109215403core:MotorVehicles2023-12-31092154032023-12-3109215403core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2024-12-3109215403core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2023-12-3109215403core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2024-12-3109215403core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2023-12-3109215403core:WithinOneYear2024-12-3109215403core:WithinOneYear2023-12-3109215403core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2024-12-3109215403core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2023-12-3109215403bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-12-3109215403bus:OrdinaryShareClass12023-12-3109215403bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:FRS1022024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:Audited2024-01-012024-12-3109215403bus:FullAccounts2024-01-012024-12-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP