The director presents the strategic report for the year ended 31 October 2024.
The director is satisfied with the results for the period under review that were in line with expectations. The company is a holding company that has one subsidiary, the group having been formed on 31 January 2023 and accounted for as a merger. The subsidiary, Wren Construction Limited, is an established trading company founded in 2010, operating in the construction industry and acts as a main contractor across all industry sectors.
The group's head office is based at Watford with several satellite offices enabling the company to service all regions in London, the M4 corridor and the South of England.
Performance
The Director is pleased to report that the Group has experienced another successful year of operations, achieving a modest increase in turnover while continuing to strengthen relationships with key framework clients.
Importantly, all projects were delivered safely, on time, and to the exceptional standards that clients have come to expect from the Wren Group. This consistent performance has reinforced our position as a trusted industry leader.
Strategic actions taken by the Board during the year enabled the business to mitigate the impact of inflationary pressures, ensuring the core financial and operational stability of the company was preserved.
We continued to make significant progress in line with our growth strategy, which focuses on both expanding our client base and diversifying the range of services we offer to existing clients. This approach has enabled us to successfully deliver a number of technically complex and challenging projects, which stand as a testament to the dedication and capability of our teams.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Economic uncertainty remains the single biggest risk within the construction sector and we manage these risks through robust systems and procedures. We have a strong forward order book for 2024/25 and beyond and continue to expand our key client list through our reputation of our delivery and relationships within the sector.
The impact from high inflation on labour levels and supply chain is being closely monitored and managed as is the effect on materials.
The group is continuing to expand its customer base both within and outside the current sectors and firmly believe it has a good foundation to survive any unforeseen outcomes in the near future.
With the strength of our balance sheet and our business model, we are confident that we can keep the ongoing impact of those challenges to a minimum.
Principal risks and uncertainties continued
There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could impact the Group’s performance, and these are considered by the Board on a regular basis. The Board of Directors and the relevant management teams consider the risks of all significant business decisions and changes in the external environment and in the company’s operations. The key risks affecting the business are as follows:
Operating Risk - the group manages this risk by providing added value services to its clients, having fast response times not only in supplying products and services but also in handling all client queries and by maintaining strong relationships with clients. The group's operating risk is reduced due to the market share of their clients as many of the group's clients are long standing market leaders in their field. The group has spread its operating risk by not only actively seeking to widen its client base but also through continued expansion of its activities in the South of England.
Market Risk - the group seeks to maintain a competitive advantage by offering an appropriate and relevant service range and providing a high level of customer service from professional and dedicated staff. The group keeps abreast of developments in the market through maintaining strong relationships with its clients and monitoring the wider economic environment.
Personnel Risk – the group is a privately-owned business and places great emphasis on recruiting, training, rewarding and retaining high quality people. The Director considers staff resourcing on a regular basis. We promote from within whenever we can to maintain the company culture. We also embrace new people from elsewhere as they bring fresh ideas and the benefits of their experience. The Board have tried to ensure that the knowledge base of the operational management team is shared as much as possible throughout the group.
Taxation risk - the group is exposed to financial risks from increases in tax rates and changes to the basis of taxation including corporation tax and VAT. Principal controls to mitigate this risk include regular monitoring of legislative proposals and the engagement of experienced executives and the use of experienced sector-specific professional advisers to mitigate the impact of any changes and ensure compliance.
Financial Risk- the group finances its operation through the generation of cash from operating activities. The financial risk management objectives of the group in relation to financial instruments are set by the Board of directors with a view to minimising exposure to price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow risk. Financial monitoring, forecasting, and planning are ever present processes with the care taken to achieve a reasonable profit margin and investment in resources whilst maintaining delivery of a high-quality service to its clients - see also Financial instruments.
Information Technology – the group relies heavily on systems to operate its business, ordering goods, paying suppliers, ensuring health and safety records are accurate, accounting and payroll. The risk of Cyber-attacks is ever present and an increasing risk to every business. Ensuring we have robust and up to date Cyber security measures and vigilant users is critical to the successful running of these systems, as well as employing appropriately skilled and experienced staff and external specialist support as required.
Economic risk - the director has identified and evaluated risks and uncertainties and have controls in place to mitigate these. Responsibility for management of each key risk is identified and delegated. The group is exposed to the economic risks that could lower the group's revenues and operating results in the future. However, actions continue to be taken to maximise the group's performance in all aspects of the business.
The balance sheets on pages 11 and 12 of the financial statements show that the group's and company's financial position at the year end.
The key financial and non-financial performance indicators used to determine the progress and performance of the group are set out below:
2024 2023
Turnover £22,155,505 £21,836,968
Gross profit £2,911,530 £1,937,083
Gross margin 13.1% 8.9%
Operating profit £1,361,709 £496,544
Operating profit as a % of sales 6.1% 2.3%
Net assets £4,167,481 £3,489,776
Net cash balance £2,044,702 £2,107,170
Market Share
The group's subsidiary, Wren Construction Limited is a medium-sized privately owned construction company based in England. Although difficult to quantify the company is estimated to have a strong market share.
Cash measure
The net cash balance (cash and cash equivalents less borrowings) is a measure of the strength of the balance sheet and to confirm that the group has the funds necessary to continue to fund its operations and to continue to grow organically.
At the year end, the group had a net cash balance of £2,044,702 (2023: £2,107,170), a decrease of £62,468 on the previous year.
The group reviews non-financial KPIs on a regular basis in a number of areas:
Health, Safety & Environmental Commitment
Health and Safety remains a fundamental priority and is deeply embedded in our company’s values and operational practices. Through rigorous monitoring, training, and performance measurement, we maintain an excellent safety record and continually strive for improvement.
Wren Construction is also firmly committed to its environmental responsibilities. We actively collaborate with clients and supply chain partners to reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and promote recycling and sustainable practices across all areas of our operations.
Accreditations and memberships
The group has been assessed and has achieved the following accreditations for Building Contracting including Design and Build:
ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System.
ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Management System.
ISO 45001:2018 Health & Safety
FSC Chain of Custody Certification FSC-STD-50-001 and FSC-STD-04-004, certified by BM Trada.
SafeContractor accreditation.
Ecovadis – Silver Certificate
ECA Technical Compliance
CHAS Principal Contractor
SEDEX Member
SMAS Principal Contractor
Principal Contractor (Shopfitting) -Eurosafe UK CDM Competent Scheme
Sustainability X accreditation
Acclaim H&S Accreditation - Principal contractor
CBDU - Upper Tier Waste Carrier, Broker, Dealer
Disability Confident Committed Employer
The director is of the opinion that these certifications and accreditations will ensure the continued efficiency of its internal and external processes, and aid the group's commitment to working towards health, safety and environmental best practice across the business.
Other information and explanations
Staff turnover – employees who leave and the reasons thereto.
Tenders - enquiry success rate for tenders and price estimates.
On behalf of the board
The director presents his annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.
The results for the year are set out on page 10.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £362,063. The director does not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The director who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements was as follows:
Objectives and policies
The group's principal financial instruments comprise bank balances, trade creditors, trade debtors and loans to related companies. The main purpose of these instruments is to raise funds for the company's operations and to finance the company's operations. The company's approach to managing other risks applicable to the financial instruments concerned is shown below.
Cash flow and liquidity risk
In respect of bank balances the liquidity risk is managed by maintaining a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through and agreed payment policy. Strict payment terms are negotiated with the group's customers which enables it to ensure that it is paid promptly once an application has been issued. This policy ensures that sufficient funds are available to meet amounts due to trade creditors.
Trade debtors are managed in respect of credit and cash flow risk by policies concerning the credit offered to customers and the regular monitoring of amounts outstanding and the timely chasing of outstanding debt.
In respect of loans to certain related companies, these are unsecured, at an agreed rate of interest, with no fixed date for repayment.
The Wren Group remain focused on securing profitable, sustainable growth by continuing to expand its client base and increase market share across key sectors. A core strategic objective is to win a greater proportion of work as Principal Contractor, further strengthening the company’s position in the marketplace.
The Board is confident that the Group is well positioned to adapt to evolving market conditions and is prepared to capitalise on emerging opportunities, particularly in new and developing sectors.
Our ongoing strategy of sector diversification—with a focus on commercial, retail, healthcare, and leisure projects—continues to gain momentum. The director is now focused on consolidating recent business wins and building long-term client relationships, ensuring sustainable growth and operational resilience moving forward.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.
We have audited the financial statements of Wren (Holdings) Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 October 2024 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows, the company statement of cash flows 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).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the director's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the director with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
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 director's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
The strategic report and the director's report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows;
the engagement partner ensured the engagement team had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise possible non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
we identified significant laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors, along with our commercial knowledge and experience of the construction sector in which our client operates.
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we consider may have a material effect on the financial statements or operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation, data protection, health and safety, and employment law.
We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
Identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
Making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
Considered the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
have performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual variances
reviewed and tested journal entries and other adjustments to identify any unusual transactions
assessed judgements and assumptions used in determining the accounting estimates which could indicated any potential bias
investigated the rational behind significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
reviewing disclosures in the financial statements and testing to supporting documentation.
reviewing meeting minutes where available
discussions with management regarding actual or potential litigations and / or claims.
reviewing correspondence with HMRC and other relevant regulators
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from the financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware or any possible non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
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.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in 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.
As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £583,789 (2023 - £1,681,947 profit).
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
Wren (Holdings) Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 17 Pennine Parade, Pennine Drive, London, NW2 1NT.
The group consists of Wren (Holdings) Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
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 £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
As from 31 January 2023, Wren Construction Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wren (Holdings) Limited and the results of Wren Construction Limited are included in the consolidated financial statements of Wren (Holdings) Limited which are available from Hille Business Centre, 132 St Albans Road, Watford, WD24 4AE.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Wren (Holdings) Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries).
All financial statements are made up to 31 October 2024. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the director has a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the director continues to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Turnover represents amounts receivable for goods and services net of VAT and trade discounts. Income is recognised on the basis of work measured, valued and certified at the year end. The policies adopted for the recognition of turnover are as follows:
Construction contracts
Where the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the reporting end date. Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are included to the extent that the amount can be measured reliably and its receipt is considered probable.
When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract turnover, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.
Where the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred where it is probable that they will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When costs incurred in securing a contract are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred, they are not included in contract costs if the contract is obtained in a subsequent period.
The “percentage of completion method” is used to determine the appropriate amount to recognise in a given period. The stage of completion is measured by the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to date compared to the estimated total contract costs. Costs incurred in the year in connection with future activity on a contract are excluded from contract costs in determining the stage of completion. These costs are presented as stocks, prepayments or other assets depending on their nature, and provided it is probable they will be recovered.
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 recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
The group 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 group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and 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.
Equity instruments issued by the group 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 group.
The 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 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 group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
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.
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 if, and only if, there is 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.
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.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
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 leased asset are consumed.
In the application of the group’s accounting policies, the director is 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.
The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Management regularly review intercompany balances for recoverability.
Revenue recognition is a key area of judgement especially in companies operating in the construction industry. Recognition of turnover and profit on long term contracts requires management judgement regarding the anticipated final outcome of individual contracts and of the proportion of works completed at the balance sheet date. Management undertakes detailed reviews on a monthly basis in order to exercise judgement over the outcome of each contract and the associated risks and opportunities.
The value of work completed at the balance sheet date is assessed by undertaking surveys and completing internal valuations on each element of works and in progress. Regular management reviews of contract work in progress are undertaken.
The age, nature and recoverability of all debtors and amounts recoverable on long term contracts are reviewed regularly by management and provisions made where appropriate.
The director has ensured that generally accepted industry practices and methodologies are followed by all relevant personnel and that accounting and quality management systems are regularly evaluated. Consistent procedures and management tools are in place to ensure that estimates are applied and results determined on a consistent basis.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
On 1 April 2023 the rate of corporation tax increased from 19% to 25%
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:
The director has opted to account for the company's investment in subsidiaries at cost less impairment as set out in the above accounting policies and in accordance with the FRS 102. The reason for choosing this method is that the subsidiary has always been privately owned and its shares have never been publicly traded.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 October 2024 are as follows:
Registered office addresses (all UK unless otherwise indicated):
The investments in subsidiaries are all stated at cost. See also Note 1.2
Other debtors falling due within one year include amounts due from a related company. The amounts are unsecured, have an interest rate of 2.5%, and have no fixed repayment terms.
The amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, interest-free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
The company has one class of ordinary shares which carry no right to fixed income
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
During the year the group entered into the following transactions with related parties:
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
The amounts outstanding are unsecured, repayable on demand and will be settled in cash