Company registration number 03790634 (England and Wales)
COWENS LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
COWENS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Statement of financial position
1
Notes to the financial statements
2 - 10
COWENS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 1 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
4
97,286
94,595
Investment property
5
255,614
255,614
Investments
6
1,419,491
1,277,201
1,772,391
1,627,410
Current assets
Stocks
347,599
353,505
Debtors
9
347,168
143,448
Cash at bank and in hand
1,886,033
2,049,050
2,580,800
2,546,003
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
10
(480,067)
(405,492)
Net current assets
2,100,733
2,140,511
Total assets less current liabilities
3,873,124
3,767,921
Provisions for liabilities
(20,418)
(20,456)
Net assets
3,852,706
3,747,465
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
100
100
Profit and loss reserves
3,852,606
3,747,365
Total equity
3,852,706
3,747,465

The notes on pages 2 to 10 form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The directors of the company have elected not to include a copy of the income statement within the financial statements.true

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 17 September 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr J R Coulthard
Director
Company registration number 03790634 (England and Wales)
COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Cowens Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Ellers Mill, Dalston, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA5 7QJ.

1.1
Basis of preparation

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 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties at fair value through profit or loss.

 

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

1.2
Turnover

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.

The company recognises revenue from the following major sources:

The nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms of the company's major sources of revenue are as follows:

Cotton Wool Sales

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 despatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

1.3
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of unincorporated businesses over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life.

 

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.

COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 3 -
1.4
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

 

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings
Enter depreciation rate via StatDB - cd75
Plant and machinery
4% - 20% Straight line
Fixtures and fittings
20% Straight line
Motor vehicles
20% Straight line
Other
Not depreciated

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.5
Investment property

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. Changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

1.6
Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured at fair value.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 4 -
1.8
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's statement of financial position when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.11
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 5 -
1.12
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

1.13
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.14
Leases
As lessee

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

1.15
Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

 

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.

COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 6 -

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

 

Government grants are recognised using the accrual model.

 

Under the accrual model, government grants relating to revenue are recognised on a systematic basis over the periods in which the company recognises the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Grants that are receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs are recognised in income in the period in which it becomes receivable.

 

Grants relating to assets are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income and not deducted from the carrying amount of the asset.

1.16
Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The directors consider there were no significant judgements made in preparing the financial statements.

 

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 directors consider there are no key sources of estimation uncertainty.

 

 

3
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:

2024
2023
Number
Number
Total
12
12
COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 7 -
4
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Plant and machinery
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
3,574
133,514
11,211
93,021
241,320
Additions
3,692
2,175
3,853
-
0
9,720
At 31 December 2024
7,266
135,689
15,064
93,021
251,040
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
-
0
43,731
10,999
91,995
146,725
Depreciation charged in the year
-
0
5,355
649
1,025
7,029
At 31 December 2024
-
0
49,086
11,648
93,020
153,754
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
7,266
86,603
3,416
1
97,286
At 31 December 2023
-
0
89,783
212
1,026
94,595

 

Leasehold land and buildings includes canteen development work. The work is not complete yet, hence, depreciation is not started.

5
Investment property
2024
£
Fair value
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
255,614

The investment property was purchased 31 October 2021. The Directors do not believe that there has been a change in value from the purchase date to the year ended 31 December 2024.

6
Fixed asset investments
2024
2023
£
£
Other investments other than loans
1,419,491
1,277,201
COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6
Fixed asset investments
(Continued)
- 8 -
Movements in fixed asset investments
Investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
1,277,201
Additions
343,697
Valuation changes
142,290
Disposals
(343,697)
At 31 December 2024
1,419,491
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
1,419,491
At 31 December 2023
1,277,201
7
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
90,000
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
90,000
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
-
0
At 31 December 2023
-
0
8
Financial instruments
2024
2023
£
£
Carrying amount of financial assets include:
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
1,419,491
1,277,201
9
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
180,114
127,503
Other debtors
34,090
15,945
214,204
143,448
COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9
Debtors
(Continued)
- 9 -
2024
2023
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
£
£
Other debtors
132,964
-
0
Total debtors
347,168
143,448

Other debtors relate to the loan given to Northern Tarn Limited (a company owned by the new director William Coulthard). This is a term loan facility of a total principal amount not exceeding £3,063,030 at rate of 2% per annum above the base lending rate of the Bank of England to be repaid on the loan repayment date (i.e. 60 months from the agreement date).

10
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Trade creditors
111,692
98,135
Taxation and social security
170,167
158,386
Other creditors
198,208
148,971
480,067
405,492
11
Audit report information

As the income statement has been omitted from the filing copy of the financial statements, the following information in relation to the audit report on the statutory financial statements is provided in accordance with s444(5B) of the Companies Act 2006.

The auditor's report is unqualified and includes the following:

Opinion

In our opinion the financial statements:

Senior Statutory Auditor:
Lindsay Farrer
Statutory Auditor:
Saint & Co.
Date of audit report:
17 September 2025
COWENS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
12
Related party transactions

Included within other creditors falling due within one year is £85,928 (2023: £49,065) being the amount owed to Mr J R Coulthard by the company. The maximum amount outstanding during the year was £85,928.

 

Included within other creditors falling due within one year is £94,918 (2023: £62,512) being the amount owed to Mrs A G Coulthard by the company.

 

The company was under the control of Mr J R Coulthard up to 25th October 2024 and throughout the previous year. From 25th October 2024, 50% of the shares are owned by Northern Tarn Limited (fully owned by William Coulthard).

 

Close to the year end the company had provided a loan to Northern Tarn Limited of £250,000. A commercial rate of interest is payable on this loan. An amount of £132,964 was receivable by the company at the year end.

 

The property from which Cowens Limited operates is owned by a SIPP for the benefit of Mr J R Coulthard and Mrs A G Coulthard. Rent of £69,000 (2023: £69,000) was paid in respect of this property.

 

All the figures disclosed above are aggregate amounts.

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