Caseware UK (AP4) 2023.0.135 2023.0.135 2024-12-312024-12-31Act as a co-tenant2024-05-01false00true 11070052 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 2023-01-01 2024-04-30 11070052 2024-12-31 11070052 2024-04-30 11070052 2023-01-01 11070052 3 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 3 2023-01-01 2024-04-30 11070052 d:CompanySecretary1 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:Director1 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:Director2 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:Director2 2024-12-31 11070052 d:Director3 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:Director4 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:RegisteredOffice 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 11070052 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-04-30 11070052 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 11070052 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2024-04-30 11070052 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 3 2024-12-31 11070052 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 3 2024-04-30 11070052 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 11070052 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2024-04-30 11070052 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2024-12-31 11070052 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2024-04-30 11070052 e:UKTax 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 e:UKTax 2023-01-01 2024-04-30 11070052 e:ShareCapital 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 e:ShareCapital 2024-12-31 11070052 e:ShareCapital 2023-01-01 2024-04-30 11070052 e:ShareCapital 2024-04-30 11070052 e:ShareCapital 2023-01-01 11070052 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-12-31 11070052 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 2024-04-30 11070052 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-04-30 11070052 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 11070052 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-12-31 11070052 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-04-30 11070052 d:FRS101 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:Audited 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:FullAccounts 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 d:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2024-05-01 2024-12-31 11070052 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 7 2024-12-31 11070052 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 7 2024-04-30 iso4217:GBP xbrli:shares xbrli:pure

Registered number: 11070052









FLANAME 8 LIMITED









ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE EIGHT MONTH PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
Mark Gardiner 
Shaun Hodgkinson (resigned 1 August 2024)
Robert Waddington 
Thomas Weldon 




Company secretary
Sinead Martin



Registered number
11070052



Registered office
One Embassy Gardens
8 Viaduct Gardens

London

SW11 7BW




Independent auditor
Grant Thornton UK LLP

Victoria House

199 Avebury Boulevard

Milton Keynes

MK9 1AU





 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic Report
1 - 3
Directors' Report
4 - 5
Directors' Responsibilities Statement
6
Independent Auditor's Report
7 - 11
Statement of Comprehensive Income
12
Balance Sheet
13
Statement of Changes in Equity
14
Notes to the Financial Statements
15 - 26

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Introduction
The directors present their Strategic Report of Flaname 8 Limited ('the Company') for the 8 month period ended 31 December 2024. The comparative period relates to the 16 months ended 30 April 2024.

Principal activities
 
The Company is a subsidiary of Penguin Random House Limited, a company registered in the United Kingdom. The Company is domiciled and registered in the United Kingdom. The principal activity of the Company is to act as a co-tenant under an underlease entered into relating to the ground floor, mezzanine level, floors 1 to 7 and floor 9 of Building A02, Phase 3 Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London ('Embassy Gardens'). 

Business review
 
The results and financial position of the Company are set out in the attached financial statements. During the year the Company’s turnover was £nil (April 2024 - £nil).
On 11 April 2024, in agreement with the landlord, the leases of the ground floor, mezzanine level and floors 1 to 7 of Embassy Gardens were assigned to Flaname 8 Limited from group companies ('the Flanames'). On the same date, licences to occupy Embassy Gardens were granted to The Random House Group Limited (‘RHG’), by the Company, replacing the licenses previously granted to RHG, PBL and DK by the Flanames. On 3rd July 2024 the Company entered into a lease contract for the 9th floor of Embassy Gardens and granted a licence to occupy to RHG. on 1 August 2024 the licences to occupy floors 3 to 7 of Embassy Gardens were transferred to RHG.

Key performance indicators ('KPIs')
 
Given the straightforward nature of the business, the Company’s directors are of the opinion that analysis using KPIs is not necessary for an understanding of the development, performance or position of the business.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The Company is subject to risk management procedures and an annual risk assessment implemented by the ultimate parent company, Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA. Given the straightforward nature of the business, no significant risks or uncertainties have been identified.

Directors' section 172 statement

The Directors of the Company must act in accordance with a set of general duties, as detailed in section 172 of the UK Companies Act 2006, summarised as follows:
A Director of a Company must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and, in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to:

the likely consequences of any decisions in the long-term;
the need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and environment;
the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
the need to act fairly as between the shareholders of the Company.
 
Examples of how the Directors have oversight of these stakeholder matters are included throughout the Strategic and Director’s report as well as set out specifically below:
 
Page 1

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Long- term decision making

The Board operates a structured governance model which supports the Group in ensuring that decisions are considered, documented and reported upon, and in alignment with our strategic plans. Detailed budgets and forecasts are prepared which enable the Board to track performance and ensure that it is as expected, or that mitigation steps are taken to deliver performance in line with, or close to, expectations. The Board and senior management personnel operate within this structure, with the aim of promoting the success of the Company and delivering long- term shareholder value.

The Board is presented with regular board packs and other information that it needs to fulfil its responsibilities. During the period at Board meetings the Board have discussed and made decisions on a number of specific issues, including business priorities and strategy, capital investment and the ongoing management of the current economic situation.

Engagement with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders

The Directors appreciate the importance of fostering business relationships with key stakeholders, such as customers and suppliers, and focus on the maintenance and growth of these relationships in their decision making and strategic planning. The wider Group employs dedicated relationship managers to foster these relationships which also ensures the Board has a high degree of visibility to take stakeholder considerations into account.

Community impact and customer relations

The Board ensures significant consideration is given to the impact of the Company’s operations on the community and their customers in their decision-making. The Company’s approach is to use its position of strength to ensure it is an asset to the communities and people with which it interacts.

Environmental sustainability

The Company’s leadership team ensure environmental issues are managed effectively and considered in the strategic decisions of the Company. The Company strives to create positive change in reducing the environmental impact of its businesses whilst maintaining effective and continuing business practices. As part of the environmental strategy, the Bertelsmann group aims to be climate neutral by 2030.

High standards of business conduct 

The Company has a Code of Conduct setting out the behaviours and values expected of all of our employees, which is communicated to all colleagues. Company processes ensure the Board and management are continually updated on the operation of the code and an independent whistleblowing service enables employees and third parties to anonymously raise concerns. Through its oversight and monitoring role, the Board requires all of our people to work to the highest standards of business conduct.
Page 2

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Shareholders

The Board recognises the importance of regular and open dialogue with the shareholders and the need to ensure the strategy and goals of the Company are effectively communicated to them. Feedback on these plans and objectives is welcomed by the directors and major business decisions are made closely and with the approval of the shareholders.


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



................................................
Mark Gardiner
Director

Date: 31 March 2025
Page 3

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the 8 month period ended 31 December 2024. The comparative period is the 16 month period 30 April 2024.

Results and dividends

The profit for the period, after taxation, amounted to £145,368 (April 2024 - £NIL).

No dividends were proposed or paid during the period ended 31 December 2024 (April 2024 - £NIL).
At the balance sheet date, the net current assets of the Company were £23,005,879 
(April 2024 - £23,530,051) and net assets were £145,369 (April 2024 - £1).

Directors

The directors who served during the period and up to the date of signing the financial statements were: 

Mark Gardiner 
Shaun Hodgkinson (resigned 1 August 2024)
Robert Waddington 
Thomas Weldon 

Going concern

In preparing these financial statements, the directors have assessed the ability of the Company to continue to operate for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing the financial statements.

The Company has undertaken a risk assessment and forecasting exercise to assess the Company’s liquidity position. The forecast for the going concern period has been prepared using the three year plan approved by the Board and takes account of prior trends.

For the purposes of the Company’s going concern assessment, the directors have performed sensitivity analysis on cashflows based on unforeseen changes in demand and the potential impact of increased inflationary pressures. In addition, reverse stress testing has been performed to establish the levels of performance where cash availability would be breached. The results of the analysis demonstrated that there was sufficient cash availability within the current intra group cash pooling facility to deal with all of the identified plausible scenarios.

Based on the Company’s current trading performance, the sensitivity and reverse stress testing scenarios performed, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of no less than twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Streamlined energy and carbon reporting (SECR)

The Company has not disclosed information in respect of greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and energy efficiency action as it satisfies the thresholds for exemption and its energy consumption in the UK for the year is 40,000kWh or lower.

Financial risk management policy

It is the Company’s policy to implement financial risk management objectives and policies for each major type of transaction. The directors consider the entity’s exposure to price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow risk as not significant.

Page 4

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Matters covered in the strategic report

Details on engagement with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders are not included within the Directors Report as they are considered to be of strategic importance to the Company and, as permitted under the Companies Act 2006 s.414C(11), they have instead been included in the Strategic Report.

Disclosure of information to auditor

The directors confirm that:

so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware, and

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

Auditor

The auditor, Grant Thornton UK LLPwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board on 31 March 2025 and signed on its behalf.
 





................................................
Mark Gardiner
Director
Page 5

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. 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 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.
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

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

Page 6

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Flaname 8 Limited (the 'Company') for the 8 month period 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 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 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (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 period then ended;
the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.


Basis for opinion


We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the ‘Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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


We are responsible for concluding on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify the auditor’s opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
In our evaluation of the directors’ conclusions, we considered the inherent risks associated with the Company's business model including effects arising from macro-economic uncertainties such as the cost of living crisis and the impact of the war in Ukraine, we assessed and challenged the reasonableness of estimates made by the directors and the related disclosures and analysed how those risks might affect the Company's financial resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.
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.


Page 7

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FLANAME 8 LIMITED (CONTINUED)


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


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


Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report and financial statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report and financial statements. 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is 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.


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

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


the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors' report for the financial period 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.


Matter on which we are required to report under the Companies Act 2006
 

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.


Matters on which we are required to report by exception
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.


Page 8

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FLANAME 8 LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors responsibilities statement set out on page 6, 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.


Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the Company and industry in which it operates through our general commercial and sector experience, discussions with management and review of board minutes. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant: United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), the Companies Act 2006 and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the UK. In addition, we concluded that there are certain laws and regulations that may have an effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements such as health and safety and employee matters.

We enquired of management concerning the Company's policies and procedures relating to:

the identification, evaluation and compliance with laws and regulations;
the detection and response to the risks of fraud; and
the establishment of internal controls to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.

We enquired of management and those charged with governance, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected of alleged fraud.
Page 9

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FLANAME 8 LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (continued)

We assessed the susceptibility of the Company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur and the risk of management override of controls. Audit procedures are performed by the engagement team included:

identifying and assessing the design effectiveness of controls management has in place to prevent and detect fraud;
challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting estimates;
identifying and testing journal entries, in particular journal entries posted with unusual account combinations that reduced costs in the Statement of comprehensive income; and
assessing the extent of compliance with the relevant laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement item.

In addition, we completed audit procedures to conclude on the compliance of disclosures in the Annual report and financial statements with applicable financial reporting requirements.

These audit procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error and detecting irregularities that result from fraud is inherently more difficult than detecting those that result from error, as fraud may involve collusion, deliberate concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. Also, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it;

The assessment of the appropriateness of the collective competence and capabilities of the engagement team including consideration of the engagement team’s:

understanding of, and practical experience with audit engagements of a similar nature and complexity through appropriate training and participation;
knowledge of the industry in which the client operates; and
understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements specific to the entity including, the provisions of the applicable legislation and the applicable statutory provision.

We communicated relevant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members. We remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.


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 10

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FLANAME 8 LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Use of our report
 

This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.




Tim Broadway 
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory AuditorChartered Accountants
Milton Keynes

31 March 2025
Page 11

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 month period ended
31 December
16 month period ended
30 April
2024
2024
Note
£
£

  

Other operating income
  
233,109
-

Operating loss
  
233,109
-

Interest receivable and similar income
 6 
881,509
74,917

Interest payable and similar expenses
 7 
(920,794)
(74,917)

Profit before tax
  
193,824
-

Tax on profit
 8 
(48,456)
-

Profit for the financial period
  
145,368
-

Other comprehensive income
  
-
-

Total comprehensive income for the period
  
145,368
-

All activities derive from continuing operations.
There were no recognised gains and losses for either the current or prior period other than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.
The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements.
Page 12

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 11070052

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

31 December
30 April
2024
2024
Note
£
£

  

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 9 
22,969,866
23,530,050

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 9 
5,329,681
4,676,002

  
28,299,547
28,206,052

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 10 
(5,293,668)
(4,676,001)

Net current assets
  
 
 
23,005,879
 
 
23,530,051

Total assets less current liabilities
  
23,005,879
23,530,051

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 11 
(22,860,510)
(23,530,050)

  

Net assets
  
145,369
1


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 13 
1
1

Profit and loss account
  
145,368
-

  
145,369
1


The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




................................................
Mark Gardiner
Director

Date: 31 March 2025

Page 13

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£


At 1 January 2023
1
-
1
Total comprehensive income for the period
-
-
-



At 1 May 2024
1
-
1


Comprehensive income for the period

Profit for the period
-
145,368
145,368
Total comprehensive income for the period
-
145,368
145,368


At 31 December 2024
1
145,368
145,369


The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements.
Page 14

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.


General information

Flaname 8 Limited ('The Company') is a private company limited by shares and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2SA. The principal activity of the Company is to act as a co-tenant under an underlease entered into relating to the ground floor, mezzanine level, floors 1 to 7 and floor 9 of Building A02, Phase 3 Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, London ('Embassy Gardens').

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 'Reduced Disclosure Framework' and the Companies Act 2006.
In preparing these financial statements, the Company applies the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements of UK-adopted international accounting standards (“UK-adopted IFRS”), but makes amendments where necessary in order to comply with Companies Act 2006 and has set out below where advantage of the FRS 101 disclosure exemptions has been taken. 
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in note 3.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Financial Reporting Standard 101 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:
the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures
the requirements of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
the requirements of paragraph 52, the second sentence of paragraph 89, and paragraphs 90, 91 and 93 of IFRS 16 Leases. The requirements of paragraph 58 of IFRS 16, provided that the disclosure of details in indebtedness relating to amounts payable after 5 years required by company law is presented separately for lease liabilities and other liabilities, and in total
the requirements of the following paragraphs of IAS 1, 'Presentation of financial statements':
-  10(d) statement of cash flows;
-  10(f) statement of financial position as at the beginning of the preceding period when
    retrospective restatement or reclassifications apply;
-  16 statement of compliance with all IFRS;
-  38A requirement for minimum of two primary financial statements, including cash flow
   statements;
-  38B, 38C, 38D additional comparative information;
-  40A, 40B, 40C, 40D requirements to provide additional statements in respect of
   retrospective restatements and reclassifications;
- 111 statement of cash flows information; and
Page 15

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.2
Financial Reporting Standard 101 - reduced disclosure exemptions (continued)

- 134 - 136 capital management disclosures.
the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows
the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member

This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA as at 31 December 2024 and these financial statements may be obtained from Bertelsmann SE & CoKGaA, Corporate Communications, Carl Bertelsmann Strasse 270, Postfach 111, D-33311
Gütersloh, Germany.

 
2.3

Going concern

In preparing these financial statements, the directors have assessed the ability of the Company to continue to operate for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing the financial statements.
The Company has undertaken a risk assessment and forecasting exercise to assess the Company’s liquidity position. The forecast for the going concern period has been prepared using the three year plan approved by the Board and takes account of prior trends.
For the purposes of the Company’s going concern assessment, the directors have performed sensitivity analysis on cashflows based on unforeseen changes in demand and the potential impact of increased inflationary pressures. In addition, reverse stress testing has been performed to establish the levels of performance where cash availability would be breached. The results of the analysis demonstrated that there was sufficient cash availability within the current intra group cash pooling facility to deal with all of the identified plausible scenarios.
Based on the Company’s current trading performance, the sensitivity and reverse stress testing scenarios performed, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of no less than twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
 
Page 16

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.4

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency
The Company's functional and presentational currency is GBP. Items included in the financial statements are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. The financial statements are presented in pound sterling, which is also the functional currency of the Company.
Transactions and balances
Transactions in a currency other than the functional currency ('foreign currency') are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. 
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Management assess the underlying asset and liability in the transaction to determine the nature of the foreign exchange gains and losses. As this results from operating activities gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income within ‘Administrative expenses’.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income under administrative expenses.

 
2.5

Leases

The Company leases various office space. Rental contracts are typically for fixed periods of 10 years but may have extension options. 

The Company as a lessee

The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of a contract. The Company recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease agreements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets. For these leases, the Company recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
The Company does not recognise a right-of use asset in respect of the lease of premises which it has granted occupation under licence to another group company. The right-of-use asset is recognised by the licensee in this scenario. The Company recognises the net present value of the rent receivable due from the licensee under the licence to occupy agreement. The lease receivable is discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. The finance income is credited to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the receivable for each period.

Page 17

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.5
Leases (continued)

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:

fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives;

variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date;

the amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and

payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.

The Company did not make any such adjustments during the periods presented.

As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement. The Company has used this practical expedient.

Page 18

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.6

Current and deferred taxation

Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Statement of comprensive income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or other comprehensive income, in which case it is recognised directly in equity or other comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit other than in a business combination, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilised.

 
2.7

Debtors including amounts owed by group undertakings

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

 
2.8

Creditors including amounts due to group undertakings

Creditors are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.


3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the Company's accounting policies, which are described in note 2, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates, underlying assumptions and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable and relevant under the circumstances, however, there are no significant accounting judgements and estimates applicable to this entity. 


4.


Operating profit

Auditors' remuneration of £22,763 (April 2024 - £16,500) for the statutory audit of the Company was borne by The Random House Group Limited. No other services were provided by the Company's auditors in the period (April 2024 - none).

Page 19

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5.


Employees and directors

Employees

The Company had no employees during the period (April 2024 - none).

Directors

The directors are employed and paid by the Random House Group Limited. Directors' services to the Company are trivial in nature and their emoluments are deemed to be wholly attributable to their services to the company that employs them. Accordingly, there are no emoluments in respect of the directors included in these financial statements (April 2024 - nil).


6.


Interest receivable and similar income

8 month period ended
31 December
16 month period ended
30 April
2024
2024
£
£


Interest on lease receivable with group company
881,509
74,917

881,509
74,917


7.


Interest payable and similar expenses

8 month period ended
31 December
16 month period ended
30 April
2024
2024
£
£


Interest on lease liabilities - buildings
920,794
74,917

920,794
74,917

Page 20

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8.


Tax on profit


8 month period ended
31 December
16 month period ended
30 April
2024
2024
£
£

Corporation tax


UK Corporation on profits for the year
48,456
-


Total current tax
48,456
-

Factors affecting tax charge for the period

The tax assessed for the period is the same as (2024 - the same as) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 23.5%) as set out below:

8 month period ended
31 December
16 month period ended
30 April
2024
2024
£
£


Profit before tax
193,824
-


Profit multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 23.5%)
48,456
-

Effects of:

Total tax charge for the period
48,456
-


Factors that may affect future tax charges

An increase in the UK corporation tax rate from 19% to 25% (effective 1 April 2023) was substantively enacted on 24 May 2021. Deferred taxes at the balance sheet date have been measured using this enacted rate.
Page 21

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9.


Debtors

31 December
30 April
2024
2024
£
£

Due after more than one year

Lease receivable owed by group undertakings
22,969,866
23,530,050

22,969,866
23,530,050


31 December
30 April
2024
2024
£
£

Due within one year

Lease receivable owed by group undertakings
5,329,680
4,676,001

Other debtors
1
1

5,329,681
4,676,002


Lease receivable represents future rent due to the Company from The Random House Group Limited.


10.


Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

31 December
30 April
2024
2024
£
£

Corporation tax
48,456
-

Lease liabilities
5,245,212
4,676,001

5,293,668
4,676,001


Page 22

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11.


Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

31 December
30 April
2024
2024
£
£

Lease liabilities
22,860,510
23,530,050

22,860,510
23,530,050



12.


Leases

Company as a lessee

On 11 April 2024, in agreement with the landlord, the leases of the ground floor, mezzanine level and floors 1 to 7 of Embassy Gardens were assigned to Flaname 8 Limited from group companies ('the Flanames'). On the same date, licences to occupy Embassy Gardens were granted to The Random House Group Limited (‘RHG’), Penguin Books Limited (‘PBL’) and Dorling Kindersley Limited (‘DK’) by the Company, replacing the licenses previously granted to RHG, PBL and DK by the Flanames. On 3rd July 2024 the Company entered into a lease contract for the 9th floor of Embassy Gardens, and granted a licence to occupy to RHG for use of the floor. On 1 August 2024 the licences to occupy floors 3 to 7 of Embassy Gardens were transferred to RHG.
As detailed in note 2, and in accordance with the provisions of 'IFRS 16: Leases', the Company does not recognise a right-of-use asset for the leased premises when it has granted occupation under licence to another group company. The right-of-use asset is recognised by RHG in this scenario and the Company instead recognises the net present value of the rent due to them from RHG as a lease receivable. The lease receivable is discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. The Company recognises a lease liability for the net present value of future rent payments due to the landlord under the head lease, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. The licence to occupy agreement constitutes a finance lease under IFRS 16.


The amounts recognised in the financial statements in relation to the lease are as follows:

(i) Lease receivables are due as follows:


31 December 2024
30 April 2024

Lease receivables
£
£


Not later than one year
5,329,680
4,676,001

Later than one year
22,969,866
23,530,050


28,299,546
28,206,051
Page 23

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
(ii) Lease liabilities are due as follows


31 December 2024
30 April 2024

Lease Liabilities
£
£


Not later than one year
5,245,212
4,676,001

Later than one year
22,860,510
23,530,050


28,105,722
28,206,051


(iii) Amount recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income

The following amounts in respect of leases, where the Company is a lessee, have been recognised in the statement of comprehensive income:


31 December 2024
Period ended 30 April 2024

£
£


Interest income on lease receivable
881,509
74,917

Interest expense on lease liabilities
(920,794)
(74,917)

(39,285)
-

(iv) Future minimum lease payments as at:


31 December 2024
30 April 2024

£
£


Less than one year
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between one and two years
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between two and three years
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between three and four years
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between four and five years
4,474,455
5,904,323

More than 5 years
1,271,883
2,437,249

31,608,130
31,958,864

Impact of finance income
(3,502,408)
(3,752,813)


Carrying amount of lease liability
28,105,722
28,206,051
Page 24

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


Leases (continued)

(v) Maturity analysis table of lease receivable balances as at:


31 December 2024
30 April 2024

£
£


Less than one year
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between one and two years
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between two and three years
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between three and four years
6,465,448
5,904,323

Between four and five years
4,474,455
5,904,323

More than 5 years
1,271,883
2,437,249

31,608,130
31,958,864

Impact of finance income
(3,308,584)
(3,752,813)


Carrying amount of lease receivable
28,299,546
28,206,051


13.


Called up share capital

31 December
30 April
2024
2024
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



1 (2024 - 1) Ordinary share of £1.00
1
1

There is a single class of ordinary shares. There are no restrictions on dividends and the repayment of capital.



14.


Related party transactions

As the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penguin Random House Limited ('PRHL') the Company is exempt from the requirement, under International Accounting Standard 24 ‘Related party disclosures’, to disclose transactions with entities that are wholly owned by PRHL. The Company has taken advantage of this exemption.

Page 25

 
FLANAME 8 LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15.


Controlling parties

The Company's immediate parent undertaking is Penguin Random House Limited ('PRHL'). At the balance sheet date PRHL was 100% owned by Bertelsmann UK Limited. The Company's ultimate parent company is Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA, which is incorporated in Germany. Copies of Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA's consolidated financial statements (the smallest and largest financial statements in which the Company is consolidated) can be obtained from:
Bertelsmann SE & Co KGaA
Corporate Communications
Carl Bertelsmann Strasse 270
33311 Gütersloh
Germany

Page 26