Company registration number 01786175 (England and Wales)
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Balance sheet
8
Statement of changes in equity
10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 24
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
D L Adams
A Khalil
(Appointed 29 January 2024)
J Stockton
(Appointed 29 January 2024)
Secretary
J N Clarke
Company number
01786175
Registered office
Unit 5 Spartan Close
Warwick
CV34 6RR
Auditor
Bright Grahame Murray
Emperor's Gate
114a Cromwell Road
Kensington
London
SW7 4AG
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Key Performance Indicators:
The Key Performance Indicators of the business are its Revenue and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation), which are described in the review of the financial summary below:
Revenue (£m) EBITDA (£m)
2022 14.0 0.8
2023 12.2 1.1
2024 9.9 1.2
Business Review:
The principal activity of the company during the year was to provide a complete range of courier related services, including Sameday, Overnight, International and Temperature Controlled distribution, servicing a wide range of companies in London. Fundamental to its overall offering is the continuation of its well established Sameday delivery service, which continues to prioritise the use of sustainable vehicles, such as electric cargo-bikes, where possible.
Despite the decrease in revenue during the year the EBITDA performance of the company has improved as it benefits from efficiencies of being part of the CitySprint group which acquired the Company in 2023. CitySprint is part of the DPD group which is itself owned by GeoPost SA part of Group La Poste.
The revenue performance has been impacted by macroeconomic factors such as the cost of living crisis. Previous inflationary pressures began to ease in 2024 however this has had an impact on consumer demand during 2024.
Despite the market challenges, the business continued to position itself as a leading urban logistics provider for time critical deliveries.
Principal Risks:
The company's activities expose it to some business risks, the most significant being the competitive industry in which it operates. However, this risk has been reduced following the 2023 acquisition of the company by CitySprint (UK) Limited who have a national geographic coverage and service offering. The principal business risks, which are predominantly external, are summarised below.
Market Environment:
The company operates in a very competitive market therefore can be exposed to some of the risks relating to market pricing and the wider external economic environment which can impact client demand.
These risks are mitigated by an experienced team with focus on maintaining great service, competitive pricing and having strong financial disciplines to ensure the client base has a good credit history with counter measures in place.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Customer Churn:
There will always be client churn in the sector though this is mitigated by targeted, and strategic, new business wins. There may be potential opportunities to focus on further new business from potential distressed operations, following the impact of recent economic turmoil.
Liquidity Risk:
The business is disciplined and mitigates liquidity risk by managing cash generation through its operations and applying internal cash collection targets. Strong cash and cost management enables the correct levels of funding for investment back into the business.
In February 2023 and on the sale of the business to CitySprint, the business repaid its bank loans following the provision of an intercompany loan. It is therefore not reliant on its ability to repay third-party debt.
Credit Risk:
The company's principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. The company also ensures that bank balances are controlled in order that sufficient funds are available to meet the business needs and has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a number of well-established customers with good credit history.
Employment Policy:
Mach 1 Couriers Limited is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to working towards non-discriminatory employment and practices that advocate diversity. The Company operates as a London Living Wage employer. Promotion and development from within are actively encouraged. During the year the employment of staff members was transferred to CitySprint (UK) Limited.
A Khalil
Director
11 September 2025
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Principal activities
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 9.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
D L Adams
G J West
(Resigned 29 January 2024)
D M Williams
(Resigned 29 January 2024)
A Khalil
(Appointed 29 January 2024)
J Stockton
(Appointed 29 January 2024)
Auditor
The auditor, Bright Grahame Murray, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Statement of disclosure to auditor
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.
Medium-sized companies exemption
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
On behalf of the board
A Khalil
Director
11 September 2025
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
- 5 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Mach 1 Couriers Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
- 6 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In identifying and addressing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:
We obtained an understanding of laws and regulations that affect the company, focusing on those that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on its operations. Key laws and regulations that we identified included the UK Companies Act, tax legislation, employment legislation, health and safety, licensing regulations.
The risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud was discussed within the audit team and tests were planned and performed to address these risks. We identified the potential for fraud in the following areas: revenue recognition, related parties outside normal course of business, management override, misappropriation of cash and other assets and compliance with debt covenants.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
- 7 -
Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
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.
Paul Davis (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Bright Grahame Murray
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
Emperor's Gate
114a Cromwell Road
Kensington
London
SW7 4AG
18 September 2025
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 8 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
381,819
620,435
Current assets
Debtors
14
1,629,477
1,662,728
Cash at bank and in hand
3,086,649
886,637
4,716,126
2,549,365
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(4,644,116)
(937,039)
Net current assets
72,010
1,612,326
Total assets less current liabilities
453,829
2,232,761
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(2,162,443)
Provisions for liabilities
Provisions
17
35,343
122,016
Deferred tax liability
20
36,821
90,134
(72,164)
(212,150)
Net assets/(liabilities)
381,665
(141,832)
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
21
3,048
3,048
Share premium account
34,606
34,606
Capital redemption reserve
500
500
Profit and loss reserves
343,511
(179,986)
Total equity
381,665
(141,832)
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 11 September 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
A Khalil
Director
Company registration number 01786175 (England and Wales)
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
9,935,412
12,184,710
Cost of sales
(6,010,439)
(7,431,034)
Gross profit
3,924,973
4,753,676
Administrative expenses
(2,965,867)
(3,893,831)
Other operating income
10,500
Exceptional items
4
(144,491)
(406,059)
Operating profit
8
814,615
464,286
Interest receivable and similar income
9
-
2,937
Interest payable and similar expenses
10
(101,949)
(124,771)
Profit before taxation
712,666
342,452
Tax on profit
11
(189,169)
(120,095)
Profit for the financial year
523,497
222,357
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
EBITDA (before exceptional item)
1,161,718
1,101,903
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
Share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2023
3,048
34,606
500
(402,343)
(364,189)
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
-
222,357
222,357
Balance at 31 December 2023
3,048
34,606
500
(179,986)
(141,832)
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
-
523,497
523,497
Balance at 31 December 2024
3,048
34,606
500
343,511
381,665
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
1
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Provision for trade debtors
The general economic climate has impacted businesses in numerous ways including cash flow. Customers' credit terms have been closely monitored with regular communication to support them where necessary. Provisioning for trade debtors relies upon a certain degree of estimation uncertainty however the directors are satisfied that the provision is appropriate in light of tight controls and regularly customer communication.
2
Accounting policies
Company information
Mach 1 Couriers Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 5 Spartan Close, Warwick, CV34 6RR.
2.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:
Section 4 ‘Statement of Financial Position’: Reconciliation of the opening and closing number of shares;
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’: Carrying amounts, interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of its ultimate parent undertaking, CitySprint (UK) Bidco Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, RedCentral, 60 High Street, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1SH.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 12 -
2.2
Going concern
Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company has a healthy EBITDA and is forecast to continue to do so, maintains strong cash reserves and is able to service its debts. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2.3
Turnover
Revenue represents amounts derived from the provision of courier related services in the year, exclusive of Value Added Tax. Revenue is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered, when the outcome of the contract can be reliably measured.
2.4
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of unincorporated businesses over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life, which shall not exceed 10 years.
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.
2.5
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.
Customer databases
Over 2 to 5 years on a straight line basis
2.6
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Fixtures & Fittings
Over 4 years on a straight line basis
Computer equipment
Over 4 years on a straight line basis
Motor vehicles
On a 25% reducing balance basis
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.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
2.7
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.
2.8
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.
2.9
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Other financial assets
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Trade debtors, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as 'loans and receivables'. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a debt instrument and of allocating the interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the debt instrument to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Other financial liabilities
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2.10
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.
2.11
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less or to receive more tax, with the following exceptions:
Provision is made for tax on gains arising from the revaluation (and similar fair value adjustments) of fixed assets, and gains on disposal of fixed assets that have been rolled over into replacement assets, only to the extent that, at the balance sheet date, there is a binding agreement to dispose of the assets concerned. However, no provision is made where, on the basis of all available evidence at the balance sheet date, it is more likely than not that the taxable gain will be rolled over into replacement assets and charged to tax only where the replacement assets are sold.
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the directors consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.
Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
2.12
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.
2.13
Employee benefits
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
2.14
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2.15
Leases
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.
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.
3
Turnover and other revenue
An analysis of the company's turnover is as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Provision of courier related services
9,935,412
12,184,710
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
9,935,412
12,184,710
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3
Turnover and other revenue
(Continued)
- 17 -
2024
2023
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
-
2,937
4
Exceptional items
2024
2023
£
£
Expenditure
Redundancy costs
80,736
358,170
Onerous lease provision
12,000
5,889
Dilapidations costs
51,755
42,000
144,491
406,059
5
Auditor's remuneration
2024
2023
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
26,500
25,000
6
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2024
2023
Number
Number
Number of administrative staff
50
62
Number of management staff
-
1
Total
50
63
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
1,710,118
2,175,899
Social security costs
159,222
228,406
Pension costs
35,522
48,472
1,904,862
2,452,777
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 18 -
7
Directors' remuneration
2024
2023
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
148,531
8
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
26,500
25,000
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
202,612
231,558
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
47,236
35,222
Operating lease charges
314,220
375,601
9
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£
£
Interest income
Other interest income
2,937
10
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
-
28,535
Other interest
101,949
96,236
101,949
124,771
11
Taxation
2024
2023
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
239,659
118,921
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
2,823
2,250
Total current tax
242,482
121,171
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(53,313)
(1,076)
Total tax charge
189,169
120,095
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11
Taxation
(Continued)
- 19 -
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Profit before taxation
712,666
342,452
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 23.52%)
178,167
80,547
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
2,916
39,209
Other permanent differences
(1,766)
Under/(over) provided in prior years
2,823
2,250
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
5,263
(87)
Deferred tax provided at different rate
(58)
Taxation charge for the year
189,169
120,095
12
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
Customer databases
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
3,050,069
5,593,262
8,643,331
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
3,050,069
5,593,262
8,643,331
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 -
13
Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures & Fittings
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
105,596
556,513
686,253
1,348,362
Additions
5,448
2,400
12,053
19,901
Disposals
(7,110)
(4,650)
(193,213)
(204,973)
At 31 December 2024
103,934
554,263
505,093
1,163,290
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
61,113
318,739
348,075
727,927
Depreciation charged in the year
24,061
95,503
83,048
202,612
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(3,796)
(3,778)
(141,494)
(149,068)
At 31 December 2024
81,378
410,464
289,629
781,471
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
22,556
143,799
215,464
381,819
At 31 December 2023
44,483
237,774
338,178
620,435
14
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,549,174
1,532,172
Other debtors
3,149
Prepayments and accrued income
77,154
130,556
1,629,477
1,662,728
Trade debtors disclosed above are measured at amortised cost.
Total trade debtors (net of allowances) held by the company at 31 December 2024 amounted to £1,549,174 (2023 - £1,532,172), comprising the amount presented above and trade debtors classified as held for sale amounting to £- (2023 - £-).
Trade debtors are stated after a provision for doubtful debts of £73,232 (2023: £42,477).
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 21 -
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Other borrowings
18
2,076,919
Trade creditors
130,261
148,702
Amounts owed to group undertakings
1,605,089
Corporation tax
35,436
118,921
Other taxation and social security
361,422
406,388
Other creditors
223,768
140,609
Accruals and deferred income
211,221
122,419
4,644,116
937,039
The loan is due to the parent company. Interest is accrued at a rate of 5.42%.
16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Loans and overdrafts
18
2,162,443
The loan is due to the parent company. Interest is accrued at a rate of 5.42%.
17
Provisions for liabilities
2024
2023
£
£
Redundancy
35,343
23,346
Onerous lease
-
56,670
Dilapidations
-
42,000
35,343
122,016
The company previously recognised an onerous lease provision in relation to rented premises that have now been vacated. This represented the best estimate of the expenditure to settle the obligation. Now that the premises have been vacated, the provision has been fully utilised.
Movements on provisions:
Redundancy
Onerous lease
Dilapidations
Total
£
£
£
£
At 1 January 2024
23,346
56,670
42,000
122,016
Additional provisions in the year
35,343
24,000
2,440
61,783
Utilisation of provision
(23,346)
(80,670)
(44,440)
(148,456)
At 31 December 2024
35,343
-
-
35,343
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 22 -
18
Loans and overdrafts
2024
2023
£
£
Loans from parent undertaking
2,076,919
2,162,443
Payable within one year
2,076,919
Payable after one year
2,162,443
The intergroup loan from the parent entity was provided in the prior year to pay off the bank loans. Interest is charged at 5.42%. The loan is repayable on request of the parent entity.
19
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
35,522
48,472
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
Included within accruals at the balance sheet date are unpaid pension contributions of £nil (2023: £8,150).
20
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
Liabilities
Liabilities
Assets
Assets
2024
2023
2024
2023
Balances:
£
£
£
£
ACAs
36,821
91,018
-
-
Short term timing differences
-
-
-
884
36,821
91,018
-
884
2024
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2024
90,134
Credit to profit or loss
(53,313)
Liability at 31 December 2024
36,821
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The previous analysis is of the deferred tax balances (before offset) for financial reporting purposes:
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
21
Share capital
2024
2023
£
£
Ordinary share capital
Issued and fully paid
765 Ordinary A shares of £1 each
765
765
2,235 Ordinary B shares of £1 each
2,235
2,235
3 Ordinary C shares of £1 each
3
3
1 Ordinary E shares of £1 each
1
1
34 Ordinary D Shares of £1 each
34
34
10 Ordinary G Shares of £1 each
10
10
3,048
3,048
The A and B Ordinary shares are non-redeemable and rank pari passu in terms of voting rights, rights to received dividends and rights to participate in any capital distribution on a winding up. However to the extent that the aggregate amount payable to the holders of the B shares on a sale exceeds the 'Excess Floor' (as defined by the Articles) the aggregate amount the holders of the B shares receive shall be reduced to provide for a distribution to the holders of the C shares. The C Ordinary shares are non-redeemable and have no voting rights or rights to receive dividends on a winding up.
The D Shares are non-redeemable and have no voting rights. D Shares rank pari passu with other classes in respect of the right to receive dividends and have the rights to participate in a return of capital.
The E Ordinary Share has no voting rights or rights to receive dividends, but has rights to participate in a return of capital.
The F Shares are non-redeemable and have no voting rights or rights to receive dividends but have the rights to participate in a return of capital.
The G Shares are non-redeemable and have no voting rights or rights to receive dividends but have the rights to participate in a return of capital.
MACH 1 COURIERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 24 -
22
Operating lease commitments
Lessee
Lease arrangements are entered into for a period of 1 to 10 years. There are no contingent rental or purchase option clauses.
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2024
2023
£
£
Within one year
92,000
225,797
Between two and five years
400,000
392,000
In over five years
100,000
200,000
592,000
817,797
23
Directors' transactions
There have been no transactions with directors during the year ended 31 December 2024.
24
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
In the previous year a loan was issued to the company by its immediate parent company, CitySprint (UK) Limited, which accrues interest at a rate of 5.42% per annum. During the year £1,417,615 of salary costs were recharged to the loan balance. The balance at the year end was £3,580.059.
25
Controlling party
The company's immediate parent undertaking is CitySprint (UK) Limited, a company registered in England & Wales.
The company's results are included in the the consolidated accounts prepared by CitySprint (UK) Bidco Limited. The consolidated accounts can be obtained from their registered office:
Redcentral 60 High Street
Redhill
Surrey
United Kingdom
RH1 1SH
The ultimate controlling party is GeoPost SA, a company incorporated in France.
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