Company registration number: 08063321
COMPANY INFORMATION
CONTENTS
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The group is a long established wholesale distributor of locks, security, ironmongery, UPVC repair and other specialist locking products to the UK and Ireland. Distribution of products takes place by courier following an order being placed by phone, fax, email or internet. The group also has a trade counter where a customer can collect items in person.
Management consider that the group is relied on by their customers as it offers a very specialist but extensive range of products that are provided by a limited number of distributors within the market. The group also offers a technical support service and it is an affiliate member of the Master Locksmiths Association and GAI (Guild of Architectural Ironmongers).
Management's main objectives include seeking to expand the customer base of the group and consequently improve profitability and to perform their duties within the relevant laws and regulations. The group employed 82 staff at the end of 2024.
Turnover for the year to 31 December 2024 was £20,762,288 (2023: £19,664,552) achieving a gross profit margin of 25.8% (2023: 25.5%). Net assets for the group at 31 December 2024 were £1,756,922 (2023: £1,023,096). The directors are satisfied with the results for the year.
Management's main objectives include seeking to expand the customer base of the group and consequently improve profitability and to perform their duties within the relevant laws and regulations. The group employed 82 staff at the end of 2024.
Turnover for the year to 31 December 2024 was £20,762,288 (2023: £19,664,552) achieving a gross profit margin of 25.8% (2023: 25.5%). Net assets for the group at 31 December 2024 were £1,756,922 (2023: £1,023,096). The directors are satisfied with the results for the year.
Duffells remain focused on improving our processes and providing customers with a smooth, efficient experience. We will continue to invest in IT developments that support this.
The principal risks and uncertainties that the group faces are considered by management to be as follows:
Economic uncertainty
Management acknowledges that it is important to maintain a close relationship with its key customers so that early signs of financial difficulties may be identified and provided for appropriately. Sales trends are also reviewed periodically so that early action can be taken in case of a decline in sales.
Financial risk
As customers face their own economic challenges, there is an increased risk of late payment and bad debt. The group takes steps to ensure that adequate cash flow is available to ensure that these risks can be managed, such as the use of an invoice discounting facility.
Competition
It is considered that the market in which the group operates is very competitive. In order to manage this particular risk the company provides quality service together with an extensive stock range and maintains a strong relationship with its key customers.
Reliance on key suppliers
The group's purchasing activities could expose it to over reliance on some suppliers. This risk is managed by having a wide supplier base which is spread across several countries and continents.
Loss of key personnel
To avoid the operational difficulties that may be caused by this risk management seek to ensure that key employees are appropriately remunerated.
Economic uncertainty
Management acknowledges that it is important to maintain a close relationship with its key customers so that early signs of financial difficulties may be identified and provided for appropriately. Sales trends are also reviewed periodically so that early action can be taken in case of a decline in sales.
Financial risk
As customers face their own economic challenges, there is an increased risk of late payment and bad debt. The group takes steps to ensure that adequate cash flow is available to ensure that these risks can be managed, such as the use of an invoice discounting facility.
Competition
It is considered that the market in which the group operates is very competitive. In order to manage this particular risk the company provides quality service together with an extensive stock range and maintains a strong relationship with its key customers.
Reliance on key suppliers
The group's purchasing activities could expose it to over reliance on some suppliers. This risk is managed by having a wide supplier base which is spread across several countries and continents.
Loss of key personnel
To avoid the operational difficulties that may be caused by this risk management seek to ensure that key employees are appropriately remunerated.
Page 1
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Our continued strategic focus on product ranges and continued improvements to our service has resulted in turnover increasing by 6% to £20.8m in 2024 compared to £19.7m in 2023. Operating profit has increased by 46% to £1.6m in 2024 from £1.1m in 2023.
We continue to invest in product ranges and our staff.
Our customer performance, as measured by the ratio of credit notes against invoices is continually reviewed by management as we continue our efforts to improve processes and staff training.
We continue to invest in product ranges and our staff.
Our customer performance, as measured by the ratio of credit notes against invoices is continually reviewed by management as we continue our efforts to improve processes and staff training.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
Page 2
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The directors are responsible for preparing the Group strategic report, the Directors' report and the consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgments 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 Group 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 the Group and to 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 the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of a holding company. The group's activities continued to be that of wholesale distribution of locks, security, ironmongery, UPVC repair and other specialist locking products to the UK and Ireland.
The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £1,233,826 (2023 - £738,208).
Interim dividends were paid in the year amounting to £500,000 (2023: £435,900). The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend (2023: £NIL).
In light of the current uncertain economy, the group has reviewed and will continue to review its cost base and take sufficient steps to mitigate against any adverse impact on the group. The directors have prepared forecasts that cover a period of at least 12 months from the date of these accounts and consider the group will continue to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due and hence remain a going concern.
The individual company, Duffells Investments Limited has a significant group creditor balance with its subsidiary entity and the directors do not consider that this will be recalled given that Duffells Investments Limited controls all voting shares in respect of M.E. Duffell Limited. As such, the directors are satisfied that Duffells Investments Limited, as an individual entity, also remains a going concern.
The individual company, Duffells Investments Limited has a significant group creditor balance with its subsidiary entity and the directors do not consider that this will be recalled given that Duffells Investments Limited controls all voting shares in respect of M.E. Duffell Limited. As such, the directors are satisfied that Duffells Investments Limited, as an individual entity, also remains a going concern.
Page 3
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The directors who served during the year were:
The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.
Some areas, such as future developments are not shown within this Directors' Report as they are instead included within the Strategic Report under S414c(11).
Menzies LLP were appointed as the Company's auditors during the year and will 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.
Page 4
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DUFFELLS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
We have audited the financial statements of Duffells Investments Limited (the 'parent Company') and its subsidiary (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated statement of financial position, the Company statement of financial position, the Consolidated statement of cash flows, the Consolidated statement of changes in equity, the Company statement of changes in equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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 Group 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.
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 Group's or the 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 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.
Page 5
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DUFFELLS INVESTMENTS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Group 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 Group strategic report and the Directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group strategic report or the Directors' report.
Page 6
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DUFFELLS INVESTMENTS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
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 Group 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:
The Group is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant including:
∙Companies Act 2006;
∙Financial Reporting Standard 102;
∙UK tax legislation; and
∙UK employment legislation.
We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
We understood how the Group is complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making inquiries to management.
The engagement partner assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations. The assessment did not identify any issues in these areas.
We assessed the susceptibility of the Group financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
We understood how the Group is complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making inquiries to management.
The engagement partner assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations. The assessment did not identify any issues in these areas.
We assessed the susceptibility of the Group financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
∙Identifying and assessing the measures management has in place to prevent and detect fraud;
∙Understanding how those charged with governance considered and addressed the potential for override of controls or other inappropriate influence over the financial reporting process;
∙Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting estimates; and
∙Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted with unusual account combinations.
As a result of the above procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas:
∙The application of inappropriate judgements or estimation to manipulate the financial position in the calculation of the year end provisions; and
∙Posting of unusual journals and complex transactions.
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.
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.
Page 7
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF DUFFELLS INVESTMENTS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
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.
for and on behalf of
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
4th Floor
95 Gresham Street
EC2V 7AB
Page 8
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 16 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Page 11
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 12
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 13
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 14
CONSOLIDATED ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 15
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Duffells Investments Limited ("the company") is a private company limited by shares and is registered, domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 3, Commerce Park, 19 Commerce Way, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 4YL.
The group consists of Duffells Investments Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
The company's and the group's principal activities and nature of its operations are disclosed in the Strategic Report and Directors' Report.
The group consists of Duffells Investments Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
The company's and the group's principal activities and nature of its operations are disclosed in the Strategic Report and Directors' Report.
2.Accounting policies
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 Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of comprehensive income in these financial statements.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Statement of financial position, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
The Directors have prepared detailed financial projections which indicate the Group can continue to operate as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements. These projections cover a period of at least 12 months from the date of these accounts, and have taken the expected effects of the current uncertain economy into consideration.
Management have considered possible negative impacts both directly to the Group as well as the potential wider economic effects of the current economy in forming these projections.
The Directors are satisfied that the Group is in a position to meet its liabilities as they fall due over the next 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements and on this basis, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Management have considered possible negative impacts both directly to the Group as well as the potential wider economic effects of the current economy in forming these projections.
The Directors are satisfied that the Group is in a position to meet its liabilities as they fall due over the next 12 months from the date of signing of these financial statements and on this basis, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Page 16
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Functional and presentation currency
Transactions and balances
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 delivery of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probably 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.
Page 17
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.
The estimated useful lives range as follows:
Page 18
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
At each reporting date the Group assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined which is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
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.
Page 19
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
Page 20
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
The Group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Group's Statement of financial position when the Group 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 trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, 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.
Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.
Impairment of financial assets
At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. 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 favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.
Basic 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 Group after the deduction of all its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans, other loans and loans due to fellow group companies are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusting for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial liabilities that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss). When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade creditors are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.
Page 21
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Derecognition of financial instruments
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the Group transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained after the transfer to another party, then the Group will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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.
Stock valuation
When assessing the value of stock at the period end, management use their judgement and consider both net realisable value, slow-moving provisions and obsolete or faulty stock. These estimates are calculated using historical sales and consideration is also given to the estimated levels and values of expected sales after the year end.
Dilapidations provision
Management use their judgement, and engage with third party valuers where appropriate, to consider the requirement to recognise a dilapidations provision which is appropriate to cover the expected costs at the end of the lease for each property.
Page 22
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Analysis of turnover by country of destination:
Page 23
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 24
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Page 25
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11.Taxation (continued)
There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.
Page 26
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Page 27