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Registered number: 01701564










SQW LIMITED










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

 
SQW LIMITED
 

COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
D J L Crichton-Miller 
K H Wright 
L B Delahunty 
C M Doel 




Company secretary
K H Wright



Registered number
01701564



Registered office
Oxford Centre for Innovation
Blue Boar Court

9 Alfred Street

Oxford

OX1 4EH




Independent auditor
James Cowper Kreston Audit
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor

201 Cumnor Hill

Cumnor

Oxford

Oxfordshire

OX2 9PJ




Bankers
HSBC UK Bank Plc
65 Cornmarket Street

Oxford

OX1 3HY





 
SQW LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic Report
1 - 2
Directors' Report
3 - 4
Independent Auditor's Report
5 - 7
Statement of Comprehensive Income
8
Balance Sheet
9 - 10
Statement of Changes in Equity
11
Notes to the Financial Statements
12 - 22

 
SQW LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Introduction
 
The annual report and financial statements presented here are for SQW Limited (‘the Company’). 
The principal activity of the Company during the period was the provision of economic and social development consultancy services.

Business review
 
2024/25 was a good year for SQW and the Company continues to be well positioned and very highly regarded in all its markets as well as continuing to serve a wide range of policy areas and disciplines in sustainable economic and social development. The Company generated turnover of £5,691,694 (2023/24: £5,602,308) and post-tax profit (after allocation of Group overheads) of £164,273 (2023/24: £155,879). 
2025/26 begins with a good order book and a strong team. There are signs that the challenges of the public finances, the processes of the Comprehensive Spending Review and the government’s policy gestation process has led to some delays and temporary reduction in the flow of consultancy work.  This disruption in the flow of work is likely to impact utilisation and short-term revenue growth but we believe that in the medium term there will be a return to a strong demand for SQW’s services. The team remains optimistic as it continues to recruit and focus on realising longer-term growth ambitions.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The Company is exposed to a variety of financial risks resulting from its operating activities. The board is responsible for determining the Company’s financial risk management policy and focuses on securing the Company’s cash flows.
The Company does not actively engage in the trading of financial assets and has no financial derivatives. The most significant risks to which the Company is exposed to are described below:
Credit Risk
The Company’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade debtors. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of any allowance for doubtful debts, as estimated by the directors. The Company has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of customers.
Cash Flow Risk
The Company seeks to manage risks to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets safely and profitably. Short term flexibility is achieved by Management actively monitoring future cash flow requirements on a regular basis.
People Risk
The Company is at all times exposed to the risk that the most critical contributors among its people may decide to pursue other careers or paths.  We would pay tribute to the establishment of a scheme for our leaders to become shareholders of the Company; this being a means of both aligning interests as well as ensuring a deepening of commitment by, and therefore retention of, our senior people. We pay careful attention through processes of salary adjustment, bonus awards, feedback and development in seeking to retain our key people. To date we feel satisfied with the outcomes achieved; however, this risk is one that requires constant attention. 

Financial key performance indicators
 
Turnover for the year was £5,691,694 (2024: £5,602,308).
Gross profit for the year was £1,606,704, (2024: £1,625,394).
Operating profit for the year was £226,131 (2024: £203,537).
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation for the period was £164,273 (2024: £155,879).
Cash at bank at 31 March 2025 was £1,462,457 (2024: £1,724,101). 
Net Current Assets were £3,128,129 as at 31 March 2025 (2024: £3,121,894).
Dividends of £114,000 were paid during the year (2024: £nil)

Page 1

 
SQW LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Other key performance indicators
 
The Company does not currently monitor any non-financial performance indicators.


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



................................................
K H Wright
Director
Date: 6 August 2025
Page 2

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Directors

The Directors who served during the year were:

D J L Crichton-Miller 
K H Wright 
L B Delahunty 
C M Doel 

Directors' responsibilities statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
 
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.

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


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

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £164,617 (2024 - £155,879).

Dividends of £114,000 were paid during the year (2024: £nil)

Future developments

As highlighted within the Strategic Report, the Company has enjoyed periods of growth, but also faces uncertainty in its markets at this current time. SQW have an outstanding reputation for quality and expertise, continuing to deliver for current clients, as well as expanding their reach in well-established and adjacent markets. The Company will require continued investment in people, including recruitment of both junior consultants and experienced senior consultants with specialist and complementary expertise. SQW has invested significantly in quantitative capabilities and expects to continue further such investment as well as in its processes and technology.

Page 3

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the persons who are Directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware, and

the Director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

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

Auditor

The auditor, James Cowper Kreston Auditwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

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





................................................
K H Wright
Director
Date: 6 August 2025
Page 4

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SQW LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of SQW Limited (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


In our opinion the financial statements:


give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.


Basis for 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.


Conclusions relating to going concern


In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.


Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.


Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.


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 ReportOur 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.


Page 5

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SQW LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:


the information given in the Strategic Report and the 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.


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 set out on page 3, 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.


Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance.
The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
 
Page 6

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SQW LIMITED (CONTINUED)


The specific procedures for this engagement that we designed and performed to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud, were as follows:
 
-Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and    claims;
- Enquiry of management and those charged with governance to identify any material instances of non-   compliance with laws and regulations;
- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance   with applicable laws and regulations;
-  Performing audit work to address the risk of irregularities due to management override of controls,    including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business    rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting    estimates for evidence of bias 


A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 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 2006Our 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.





Sue Staunton MA FCA CF (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
James Cowper Kreston Audit
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
201 Cumnor Hill
Cumnor
Oxford
Oxfordshire
OX2 9PJ

6 August 2025
Page 7

 
SQW LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025
2024
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
5,691,694
5,602,308

Cost of sales
  
(4,084,990)
(3,976,914)

Gross profit
  
1,606,704
1,625,394

Administrative expenses
  
(1,380,573)
(1,421,857)

Operating profit
 5 
226,131
203,537

Interest receivable and similar income
  
2,498
-

Profit before tax
  
228,629
203,537

Tax on profit
 9 
(64,012)
(47,658)

Profit for the financial year
  
164,617
155,879

There was no other comprehensive income for 2025 (2024:£NIL).

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8

 
SQW LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 01701564

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025
2024
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 11 
48,132
38,129

  
48,132
38,129

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 12 
3,761,332
3,902,430

Cash at bank and in hand
 13 
1,462,457
1,724,101

  
5,223,789
5,626,531

Current Liabilities
  

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 14 
(2,095,660)
(2,504,637)

Net current assets
  
3,128,129
3,121,894

Total assets less current liabilities
  
3,176,261
3,160,023

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 15 
(7,946)
(6,325)

Other provisions
 16 
(85,500)
(121,500)

  
(93,446)
(127,825)

Net assets
  
3,082,815
3,032,198


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 17 
2,232
2,232

Share premium account
  
376,396
376,396

Capital redemption reserve
  
50,979
50,979

Profit and loss account
  
2,653,208
2,602,591

  
3,082,815
3,032,198

Page 9

 
SQW LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 01701564

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




................................................
K H Wright
Director
Date: 6 August 2025

The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10

 
SQW LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£
£


At 1 April 2023
2,232
376,396
50,979
2,446,712
2,876,319



Profit for the year
-
-
-
155,879
155,879



At 1 April 2024
2,232
376,396
50,979
2,602,591
3,032,198



Profit for the year
-
-
-
164,617
164,617

Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
(114,000)
(114,000)


At 31 March 2025
2,232
376,396
50,979
2,653,208
3,082,815


The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
Page 11

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.


General information

SQW Limited is a private limited company incorporated in the UK and registered in England and Wales. The Company's registered office is Oxford Centre for Innovation, Blue Boar Court, 9 Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH. 
The principal activity of the Company is providing economic and social development consultancy services.

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Company's accounting policies (see note 3).

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
the requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d);
the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments paragraphs 11.42, 11.44 to 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
the requirements of Section 12 Other Financial Instruments paragraphs 12.26 to 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
the requirements of Section 26 Share-based Payment paragraphs 26.18(b), 26.19 to 26.21 and 26.23;
the requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7.

This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of SQW Group Newco 2018 Limited as at 31 March 2025 and these financial statements may be obtained from their registered office.

Page 12

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.3

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

When losses are anticipated on projects, the loss is recognised in full during the year in which it is first foreseen.

 
2.4

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Office furniture and equipment
-
3 to 5 years straight line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.5

Operating leases: the Company as lessee

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

 
2.6

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Page 13

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.7

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

 
2.8

Financial instruments

The Company only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in ordinary shares.

 
2.9

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 
2.10

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP, rounded to the nearest pound.

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges.

 
2.11

Dividends

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

Page 14

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.12

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance Sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.

 
2.13

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

 
2.14

Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
 
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

 
2.15

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.


Page 15

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amount reported for assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates. The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effects on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Revenue recognition - stage of completion
The Company has a number of long-term contracts with customers. This method is based on performing estimates in relation to the stage of completion of projects. Depending on the method used to determine project progress, significant estimates correspond to costs pending incurring in each contract. Furthermore, the Company recognises provisions for negative margins when the estimate of total costs exceeds estimated income from contracts. These estimates are subject to changes based on new information regarding the stages of completion.


4.


Turnover

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


2025
2024
£
£

Sales
5,691,694
5,602,308

5,691,694
5,602,308


Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2025
2024
£
£

United Kingdom
5,645,909
5,417,987

Rest of Europe
45,785
184,321

5,691,694
5,602,308



5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2025
2024
£
£

Depreciation
26,182
23,454

Exchange differences
707
(4,762)

Page 16

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6.


Auditor's remuneration

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


2025
2024
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's financial statements
10,000
8,925

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption not to disclose amounts paid for non-audit services as these are disclosed in the consolidated accounts of the parent Company.


7.


Employees

2025
2024
£
£

Wages and salaries
3,180,644
3,061,762

Social security costs
305,960
287,056

Cost of defined contribution scheme
160,467
159,045

3,647,071
3,507,863


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


        2025
        2024
            No.
            No.







Consultancy staff
59
54


8.


Directors' remuneration

2025
2024
£
£

Directors' emoluments
233,887
213,103

Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
34,613
38,812

268,500
251,915


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 2 Directors (2024 - 2) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

The highest paid Director received remuneration of £110,259 (2024 - £103,205).

The value of the Company's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid Director amounted to £25,682 (2024 - £25,320).

The total accrued pension provision of the highest paid Director at 31 March 2025 amounted to £NIL (2024 - £NIL).

Page 17

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9.


Taxation


2025
2024
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
58,527
44,328

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
3,864
-


62,391
44,328


Total current tax
62,391
44,328

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
1,621
3,330

Total deferred tax
1,621
3,330


64,012
47,658

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2024 - lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%). The differences are explained below:

2025
2024
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
228,629
203,537


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%)
57,157
50,884

Effects of:


Fixed asset differences
52
626

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
2,939
12

Group relief surrendered/(claimed)
-
(3,864)

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods
3,864
-

Total tax charge for the year
64,012
47,658


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.

Page 18

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10.


Dividends

2025
2024
£
£


Dividends paid
114,000
-

114,000
-


11.


Tangible fixed assets





Office furniture and equipment

£



Cost or valuation


At 1 April 2024
195,573


Additions
36,185


Disposals
(22,270)



At 31 March 2025

209,488



Depreciation


At 1 April 2024
157,444


Charge for the year
26,182


Disposals
(22,270)



At 31 March 2025

161,356



Net book value



At 31 March 2025
48,132



At 31 March 2024
38,129
Page 19

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12.


Debtors

2025
2024
£
£


Trade debtors
835,936
1,046,138

Amounts owed by group undertakings
2,618,794
2,287,733

Other debtors
34,820
7,961

Prepayments and accrued income
271,782
560,598

3,761,332
3,902,430


Amounts owed by group undertakings are non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.


13.


Cash and cash equivalents

2025
2024
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
1,462,457
1,724,101

1,462,457
1,724,101



14.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2025
2024
£
£

Trade creditors
64,303
81,592

Amounts owed to group undertakings
3,000
-

Corporation tax
36,647
13,078

Other taxation and social security
382,292
443,761

Other creditors
-
5,000

Accruals and deferred income
1,609,418
1,961,206

2,095,660
2,504,637


Amounts owed to group undertakings are non-interest bearing and repayable on demand.

Page 20

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15.


Deferred taxation




2025
2024


£

£






At beginning of year
(6,325)
(2,995)


Charged to the profit or loss
(1,621)
(3,330)



At end of year
(7,946)
(6,325)

The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

2025
2024
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
(7,946)
(6,325)

(7,946)
(6,325)


16.


Provisions




Dilapidations

£





At 1 April 2024
121,500


Charged to profit or loss
20,000


Utilised in year
(56,000)



At 31 March 2025
85,500

There is uncertainty regarding the exact costs of the lease obligations and, therefore, the directors have included the best estimate in the financial statements in accordance with FRS102. The costs are expected to be settled on expiration of the leases.


17.


Share capital

2025
2024
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



223,200 (2024 - 223,200) Ordinary shares of £0.01 each
2,232
2,232


Page 21

 
SQW LIMITED
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18.


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. The pension charge represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund and amounted to £160,467 (2024: £159,045). 


19.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 March 2025 the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:

2025
2024
£
£


Not later than 1 year
132,138
58,320

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
134,667
80,917

266,805
139,237


20.


Related party transactions

The Company has taken the exemption under Section 33 of FRS 102 to not disclose transactions with wholly owned group companies.


21.


Controlling party

The immediate parent undertaking of the Company is SQW Group Limited, which is registered in England and Wales.
The ultimate controlling undertaking is SQW Group Newco 2018 Limited, registered in England and Wales, by virtue of its 100% shareholding in the SQW Group Limited.
The consolidated statements of SQW Group Newco 2018 Limited are publically available from Oxford Centre for Innovation, Blue Boar Court, 9 Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH. 

Page 22