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Registration number: 03614275

Careroom Limited

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

Careroom Limited

Contents

Company Information

1

Strategic Report

2

Directors' Report

3 to 4

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

5

Independent Auditor's Report

6 to 8

Profit and Loss Account

9

Balance Sheet

10

Statement of Changes in Equity

11

Statement of Cash Flows

12

Notes to the Financial Statements

13 to 25

 

Careroom Limited

Company Information

Directors

I A Y Dardas

C L French

A Ridha

G J Tanner

Registered office

Glover Centre
23-25 Bury Mead Road
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG5 1RT

Auditors

Hazlewoods LLP
Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

 

Careroom Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the company is the provision of childcare services.

Fair review of the business

Careroom Limited trading as Toad Hall Nursery Group now consists of 13 children's day nurseries covering the Home Counties of England. The nurseries are based in varied premises and provide full day care and early education for children from the age of 3 months to 5 years.

The nurseries accept Government funding for children from the age of 9 months old, following the change in the government policy, and offer a school day session to accommodate the 30 hours free education that children between 3 and 4 years old are entitled to. We have maintained good relationships with Local Authority advisory staff and their advice is sought when necessary.

We have robust and rigorous risk assessments and policies. Our approach to Health and Safety continued throughout the year with regular audits at every site, designed to ensure we maintain best practice and are always fully complaint.

The results for the year which are set out in the profit and loss account show turnover of £14,903,374 (2023 - £12,565,095) and an operating profit of £1,215,395 (2023 - £371,851). At 31 December 2024, the company had net assets of £4,539,685 (2023 - £4,050,896). The directors consider the performance for the year end the financial position at the year end to be satisfactory.

The primary key performance indicator is regarded as percentage occupancy. Average occupancy across all nurseries in 2024 was 67% (2023 - 68%).

Principal risks and uncertainties

Public funding

The market in some areas is challenging as the impact of the current governmental and Local Authority cutbacks continues to make its mark. The economic climate has also affected how parents use childcare and we have seen an increase in children taking part-time places and reducing their days. In common with all nurseries the company receives and applies for funding from government bodies and from Local Authorities. In an economic environment where public spending and Local Authority cuts are expected to be significant the amount of such funding which will be available to the company in the future is uncertain.

Credit risk

Nursery fees are paid at the start of the month in advance, and increasingly by direct debit, therefore the credit risk is minimal. There is a healthy cash flow and this is monitored carefully by the Board and Management.

Approved by the Board on 18 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:


C L French
Director

 

Careroom Limited

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Directors of the company

The directors who held office during the year were as follows:

I A Y Dardas

L El-Dukair (appointed 3 December 2024 and resigned 4 July 2025)

C L French

A Ridha

G J Tanner

T A J Wieder (resigned 21 February 2025)

Dividends

The directors propose the payment of a dividend of £329,000 (2023 - £879,917).

Employment of disabled persons

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered having regard to their particular aptitudes, abilities and suitability for employment in our industry but no special provision is made for training or career development. Within the limits of their disabilities, they are eligible for promotion and are given equal consideration with other applicants. Every effort is made to continue the employment of persons who have become disabled during service with the Company.

Going concern

The business aims to reinvest heavily each year as part of its strategy to establish itself as a provider of choice for families. After consolidating our existing nurseries our focus for 2025 can now turn to increasing our company footprint by looking for nurseries with a 60 to 100 place capacity. The increase in turnover and an increased operating profit this year have resulted in an increase in net assets at 31 December 2024 to £4,539,685 from £4,050,896 in 2023.

The business expects to be able to meet all its financial commitments for the next 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The business is on target to meet its three year plan to substantially improve turnover and profitability.

The Directors, therefore, consider it appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

Employee involvement

The directors acknowledge the importance of good communication and working relationships with employees. Regular contact and exchanges of information are maintained by the board through meetings with the departmental managers whose responsibility it is to communicate with the employees generally.

Future developments

The main focus for 2025 is to continue to provide quality childcare and search for new investment opportunities to expand capacity.

Disclosure of information to the auditors

Each director has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. The directors confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditors are unaware.

Appointment of auditors

The auditor, Hazlewoods LLP was appointed as auditor to the company, following the resignation of Forvis Mazars LLP and have expressed their willingness to continue in office.

 

Careroom Limited

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Approved by the Board on 18 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:


C L French
Director

 

Careroom Limited

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities 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 apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 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.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

Careroom Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Careroom Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Careroom Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Cash Flows, 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 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.

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 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 original financial statements were 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 directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 or a material misstatement of the other information. 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 matter 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 Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the Strategic Report and Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our 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 and the Directors' Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 

Careroom Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Careroom Limited

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 Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 5, 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 capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We considered the nature of the company’s industry and its control environment and reviewed the company’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in and identified the key laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, including the UK Companies Act and tax legislation, and, those that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

In common with all audits conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override of controls. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:

reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatements due to fraud;

enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

 

Careroom Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Careroom Limited

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of this 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.





Martin Howard (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Hazlewoods LLP, Statutory Auditor

Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

18 September 2025

 

Careroom Limited

Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Note

2024
£

(As restated)
2023
£

Turnover

3

14,903,374

12,565,095

Cost of sales

 

(9,456,009)

(8,150,892)

Gross profit

 

5,447,365

4,414,203

Administrative expenses

 

(4,304,213)

(4,098,130)

Other operating income

4

72,243

55,780

Operating profit

5

1,215,395

371,853

Other interest receivable and similar income

6

193,321

187,774

Interest payable and similar expenses

7

(224,708)

(26,676)

Profit before tax

 

1,184,008

532,951

Tax on profit

11

(366,219)

(175,447)

Profit for the financial year

 

817,789

357,504

The above results were derived from continuing operations.

The company has no recognised gains or losses for the year other than the results above.

 

Careroom Limited

(Registration number: 03614275)
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Fixed assets

 

Intangible assets

12

-

-

Tangible assets

13

699,454

548,668

Investment property

14

-

100,000

 

699,454

648,668

Current assets

 

Debtors

15

5,548,487

5,052,625

Cash at bank and in hand

 

474,507

-

 

6,022,994

5,052,625

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

16

(1,969,919)

(1,484,342)

Net current assets

 

4,053,075

3,568,283

Total assets less current liabilities

 

4,752,529

4,216,951

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

16

(59,759)

(86,448)

Provisions

18

(73,447)

(67,787)

Deferred tax liabilities

11

(79,638)

(11,820)

Net assets

 

4,539,685

4,050,896

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

20

1,450,000

1,450,000

Revaluation reserve

-

100,000

Retained earnings

3,089,685

2,500,896

Shareholders' funds

 

4,539,685

4,050,896

Approved and authorised by the Board on 18 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
 


C L French
Director

 

Careroom Limited

Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Share capital
£

Revaluation reserve
£

Retained earnings
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2024

1,450,000

100,000

2,500,896

4,050,896

Profit for the year

-

-

817,789

817,789

Dividends

-

-

(329,000)

(329,000)

Other movements on reserves

-

(100,000)

100,000

-

At 31 December 2024

1,450,000

-

3,089,685

4,539,685



 

Share capital
£

Revaluation reserve
£

Retained earnings
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2023

1,450,000

100,000

3,023,309

4,573,309

Profit for the year

-

-

357,504

357,504

Dividends

-

-

(879,917)

(879,917)

At 31 December 2023

1,450,000

100,000

2,500,896

4,050,896

 

Careroom Limited

Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the year

 

817,789

357,504

Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items

 

Depreciation and amortisation

5

246,218

200,325

Finance income

6

(193,321)

(187,774)

Finance costs

7

224,708

26,676

Income tax expense

11

366,219

175,447

 

1,461,613

572,178

Working capital adjustments

 

(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors

15

(495,862)

722,117

Increase in trade creditors

16

201,989

57,978

Increase in provisions

18

5,660

6,287

Cash generated from operations

 

1,173,400

1,358,560

Income taxes paid

11

(121,838)

(259,233)

Net cash flow from operating activities

 

1,051,562

1,099,327

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Interest received

6

193,321

187,774

Acquisitions of tangible assets

(397,004)

(277,195)

Proceeds from sale of investment properties

 

100,000

-

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

(103,683)

(89,421)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Interest paid

7

(224,708)

(26,676)

Repayment of bank borrowing

 

(250,496)

(333,715)

Proceeds from other borrowing draw downs

 

400,000

-

Dividends paid

22

(329,000)

(879,917)

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

(404,204)

(1,240,308)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

543,675

(230,402)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

 

(69,168)

161,234

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

 

474,507

(69,168)

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

1

General information

The company is a private company limited by share capital, incorporated in England and Wales.

The address of its registered office is:
Glover Centre
23-25 Bury Mead Road
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG5 1RT
England and Wales

 

2

Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006'.

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except for, where disclosed in these accounting policies, certain items that are shown at fair value.

The presentational currency of the financial statements is Pounds Sterling, being the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest Pound.

Going concern

The business aims to reinvest heavily each year as part of its strategy to establish itself as a provider of choice for parents. The increase in turnover and an increase in operating profit this year have resulted in an increase in net assets to £4,050,896 from £4,539,685 in 2024.

The directors have prepared and reviewed a forecast and budget and are therefore satisfied that the accounts can be prepared on a going concern basis.

The business expects to be able to meet all its financial commitments for the next 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The business is on target to meet its three year plan to substantially improve turnover and profitability.

The directors, therefore, consider it appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Prior period errors

During the year, the directors have reviewed the allocation of costs in the Profit and Loss account. Costs not including wages and salary costs of £2,739,043 have been reallocated from cost of sales to administrative expenses. This has no impact on the overall profit for the comparative period.

Judgements and estimation uncertainty

These financial statements do not contain any significant judgements or estimation uncertainty

Revenue recognition

Turnover comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of early years education exclusive of value added tax. Turnover is shown net of discounts. The company recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been met for the company's activities.

Any payment received on account from parents is initially recognised as a liability. Subsequently, fees from parents are credited to the profit and loss account in the period that the services are rendered.

Any payment received from parents as a deposit is initially recognised as a liability and refunded when the child resigns from the nursery,

Tax

The tax expense for the period comprises corporation tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the profit and loss account, except that a charge attributable to an item of income or expense recognised as other comprehensive income is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income.

The current tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the company operates and generates taxable income.

Full provision is made for deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from all timing differences between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and recognition in the tax computation.

A net deferred tax asset is recognised only if it can be regarded as 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 income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are stated in the statement of financial position at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Asset class

Depreciation method and rate

Buildings

5 years straight line

Computer Equipment

3 years straight line

Fixtures

5 years straight line

Furniture

4 years straight line

Kitchen Equipment

4 years straight line

Investment property

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

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024


Rent
Rent revenue from investment properties is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives granted are recognised as part of the rental revenue. Contingent rents are recognised as income in the period when earned.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the Company’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired business at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of businesses is included in ‘intangible assets’. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairments. Goodwill amortisation is calculated by applying the straight-line method to its estimated useful life. The useful life of goodwill has been identified as 3 years based on the industry’s average customer retention period.

Amortisation

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their useful life as follows:

Asset class

Amortisation method and rate

Goodwill

3 years straight line

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. All trade debtors are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted cost of cash expected to be received. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the debtors.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the company does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and all are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted amount of cash expected to be paid.

Borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the profit and loss account over the period of the relevant borrowing.

Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Provisions

A provision is recognised when the Company has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

A dilapidations provision is created on inception of a lease. These provisions are a best estimate of the cost required to return leased properties to their original condition upon termination of the lease. Where the obligation arises from ‘wear and tear’, the provision is accrued as the ‘wear and tear’ occurs. The effect of the time value of money is not material and therefore the provisions are not discounted.

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Operating leases: The company as a lessee
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Operating leases: The company as a lessor
Amounts due from leases under operating leases are credited to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Equity instruments are measured at the fair value of the cash or other resources received or receivable, net of the direct costs of issuing the equity instruments. If payment is deferred and the time value of money is material, the initial measurement is on a present value basis.

Dividends

Dividend distribution to the company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the financial statements in the reporting period in which the dividends are declared.

Defined contribution pension obligation

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the company has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.

Financial instruments

Classification
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Where shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the company is presented as a liability on the balance sheet. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expenses in the profit and loss account.

 Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Financial instruments (continued)

Impairment
Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss as described below.

A non financial asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the estimated recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

The recoverable amount of goodwill is derived from measurement of the present value of the future cash flows of the cash-generating units ('CGUs') of which the goodwill is a part. Any impairment loss in respect of a CGU is allocated first to the goodwill attached to that CGU, and then to other assets within that CGU on a pro-rata basis.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised. Where a reversal of impairment occurs in respect of a CGU, the reversal is applied first to the assets (other than goodwill) of the CGU on a pro-rata basis and then to any goodwill allocated to that CGU.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of an impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

For financial assets carried at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the best estimate of the amount that would be received for the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired financial asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.

 

3

Turnover

The analysis of the company's Turnover for the year from continuing operations is as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Rendering of services

14,903,374

12,565,095

The total turnover of the company has been derived from its principal activity wholly undertaken in the United Kingdom.

 

4

Other operating income

The analysis of the company's other operating income for the year is as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Government grants

-

41,220

Sub lease rental income

-

7,000

Miscellaneous other operating income

72,243

7,560

72,243

55,780

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

5

Operating profit

Arrived at after charging/(crediting)

2024
£

2023
£

Depreciation expense

246,218

200,325

Operating lease expense - property

1,020,270

948,735

Operating lease expense - other

47,802

51,562

 

6

Other interest receivable and similar income

2024
£

2023
£

Other interest receivable

193,321

187,774

 

7

Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
£

2023
£

Interest on bank overdrafts and borrowings

60,226

26,676

Interest expense on other finance liabilities

164,482

-

224,708

26,676

 

8

Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs (including directors' remuneration) were as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Wages and salaries

8,221,397

6,722,015

Social security costs

611,735

543,651

Pension costs, defined contribution scheme

147,029

121,568

Other employee expense

5,565

4,263

8,985,726

7,391,497

 

Staff numbers

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

2024
 No.

2023
 No.

Administration and support

15

13

Nursery staff

381

339

Directors

6

6

402

358

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

9

Directors' remuneration

The directors' remuneration for the year was as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Remuneration

286,416

202,413

Contributions paid to money purchase schemes

9,202

3,522

295,618

205,935

During the year the number of directors who were receiving benefits and share incentives was as follows:

2024
No.

2023
No.

Accruing benefits under defined benefit pension scheme

2

2

In respect of the highest paid director:

2024
£

2023
£

Remuneration

99,033

101,425

Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes

4,601

1,761

 

10

Auditors' remuneration

2024
£

2023
£

Audit of the financial statements

26,700

35,630


 

 

11

Taxation

Tax charged/(credited) in the profit and loss account

2024
£

2023
£

Current taxation

UK corporation tax

286,324

99,041

UK corporation tax adjustment to prior periods

12,077

22,794

298,401

121,835

Deferred taxation

Arising from origination and reversal of timing differences

67,818

35,137

Arising from previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference of prior periods

-

18,475

Total deferred taxation

67,818

53,612

Tax expense in the income statement

366,219

175,447

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The tax on profit before tax for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (2023 - higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK) of 25% (2023 - 23.52%).

The differences are reconciled below:

2024
£

2023
£

Profit before tax

1,184,008

532,951

Corporation tax at standard rate

296,002

125,350

Increase in UK and foreign current tax from adjustment for prior periods

12,077

22,794

Tax decrease from effect of capital allowances and depreciation

(50,798)

(24,826)

Effect of expense not deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss)

41,120

4,636

Deferred tax expense relating to changes in tax rates or laws

67,818

30,817

Tax increase from other tax effects

-

16,676

Total tax charge

366,219

175,447

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

2024

Liability
£

Fixed asset timing differences

79,638

2023

Liability
£

Fixed asset timing differences

11,820

 

12

Intangible assets

Goodwill
 £

Cost

At 1 January 2024 and at 31 December 2024

1,936,089

Amortisation

At 1 January 2024 and at 31 December 2024

1,936,089

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2024

-

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

13

Tangible assets

   

     

Leasehold property and improvements
£

Furniture, fittings and equipment
 £

Office Equipment
 £

Site Reinstatement
£

Total
£

Cost or valuation

At 1 January 2024

173,305

3,099,673

379,245

73,447

3,725,670

Additions

145,693

157,026

94,285

-

397,004

At 31 December 2024

318,998

3,256,699

473,530

73,447

4,122,674

Depreciation

At 1 January 2024

34,165

2,787,122

316,175

39,540

3,177,002

Charge for the year

68,078

131,046

44,863

2,231

246,218

At 31 December 2024

102,243

2,918,168

361,038

41,771

3,423,220

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2024

216,755

338,531

112,492

31,676

699,454

At 31 December 2023

139,140

312,551

63,070

33,907

548,668

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

14

Investment properties

2024
£

At 1 January

100,000

Disposals

(100,000)

At 31 December

-

 

15

Debtors

2024
£

2023
£

Trade debtors

87,830

63,835

Amounts owed by group undertakings

4,995,543

4,666,704

Other debtors

126,529

27,150

Prepayments

338,585

294,936

5,548,487

5,052,625

Amounts owed by group undertakings include principle of £2,821,188 (2023 - £2,821,188) of which interest is charged on £2,119,188 (2023 - £2,119,188) at either 1% per month or based on the Bank of England base rate. The principle and interest is considered due within one year.

 

16

Creditors

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Due within one year

 

Loans and borrowings

17

401,973

319,168

Trade creditors

 

223,560

263,315

Social security and other taxes

 

141,493

128,806

Outstanding defined contribution pension costs

 

32,539

23,999

Other payables

 

267,953

233,742

Accruals

 

262,638

176,131

Corporation tax liability

 

298,398

121,835

Deferred income

 

341,365

217,346

 

1,969,919

1,484,342

Due after one year

 

Other creditors

 

59,759

86,448

Other creditors due after more than one year relates to rent-free periods in relation to operating leases where the Company is a lessee.

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

17

Loans and borrowings

Current loans and borrowings

2024
£

2023
£

Bank borrowings

-

250,000

Bank overdrafts

-

69,168

Other borrowings

401,973

-

401,973

319,168

Bank borrowings in the prior year related to a CBILS loan which was repaid in the year.

Other borrowings includes principle of £400,000 which is repayable in full in February 2025. Interest is charged at 15% per annum.

 

18

Provisions

Dilapidation provision
£

At 1 January 2024

67,787

Additional provisions

5,660

At 31 December 2024

73,447

As part of the property leasing agreements, the Company is contractually obliged to repair any damage incurred during the life of the leases. The cost is charged to the profit and loss as the obligation arises. The provision is expected to be utilised as the lease agreements expire.

 

19

Pension and other schemes

Defined contribution pension scheme

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the company to the scheme and amounted to £147,029 (2023 - £121,568).

Contributions totalling £32,539 (2023 - £23,999) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

 

20

Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares

2024

2023

No.

£

No.

£

Ordinary shares of £1 each

1,450,000

1,450,000

1,450,000

1,450,000

       
 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

21

Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts

Operating leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Not later than one year

1,074,596

979,188

Later than one year and not later than five years

2,357,718

2,293,250

Later than five years

2,176,223

1,541,868

5,608,537

4,814,306

Operating leases - lessor

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Not later than one year

-

7,000

Later than one year and not later than five years

-

28,000

Later than five years

-

25,375

-

60,375

 

22

Dividends

2024
 £

2023
 £

Dividends paid

329,000

879,917

 

23

Analysis of changes in net debt

At 1 January 2024
£

Financing cash flows
£

Other non-cash changes
£

At 31 December 2024
£

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash

-

474,509

-

474,509

Overdrafts

(69,168)

69,168

-

-

(69,168)

543,677

-

474,509

Borrowings

Long term borrowings

(250,000)

(149,504)

(2,469)

(401,973)

 

(319,168)

394,173

(2,469)

72,536

 

Careroom Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

24

Related party transactions

Summary of transactions with key management

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors of the company and key management personnel compensation is disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements.
 

Summary of transactions with other related parties

During the year, the company paid rental expenses to a company which is controlled by the ultimate controlling party. The rental expenses amounted to £355,000 (2023 - £355,000).
 

 

25

Parent and ultimate parent undertaking

The company's immediate parent is Murviel Trading Limited, incorporated in British Virgin Islands.

 The ultimate controlling party is Maccarthur Investment Trust.