George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited 02447653 false 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 2024-12-31 The principal activity of the company is that of builders and plumbers merchants Digita Accounts Production Advanced 6.30.9574.0 true true true true 02447653 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Consolidated 2024-12-31 02447653 core:OtherDeferredTax 2024-12-31 02447653 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-12-31 02447653 core:ShareCapital 2024-12-31 02447653 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 02447653 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments core:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 02447653 core:BetweenTwoFiveYears 2024-12-31 02447653 core:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:FRS102 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Audited 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:FullAccounts 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:RegisteredOffice 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:CompanySecretary1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Director1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Director4 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Director5 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:HighestPaidDirector 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:OrdinaryShareClass1 bus:Consolidated 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Consolidated 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 bus:Agent1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 core:ShareCapital 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 core:LandBuildingsUnderOperatingLeases 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 core:PlantEquipmentUnderOperatingLeases 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 core:EntitiesWithJointControlOrSignificantInfluenceOverReportingEntity 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 core:UKTax 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 countries:EnglandWales 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 02447653 2023-12-31 02447653 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-12-31 02447653 core:ShareCapital 2023-12-31 02447653 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 2023-12-31 02447653 bus:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-12-31 02447653 core:OtherDeferredTax 2023-12-31 02447653 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 02447653 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments core:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 02447653 core:BetweenTwoFiveYears 2023-12-31 02447653 core:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 02447653 bus:HighestPaidDirector 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 core:ShareCapital 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 core:LandBuildingsUnderOperatingLeases 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 core:PlantEquipmentUnderOperatingLeases 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 core:UKTax 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 02447653 2022-12-31 02447653 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-12-31 02447653 core:ShareCapital 2022-12-31 iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure xbrli:shares

Registration number: 02447653

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Contents

Company Information

1

Directors' Report

2

Strategic Report

3

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

4

Independent Auditor's Report

5 to 7

Profit and Loss Account

8

Balance Sheet

9

Statement of Changes in Equity

10

Notes to the Financial Statements

11 to 17

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Company Information

Directors

Christopher G Bence

Paul C Bence

Carlwyn J Coombes

Company secretary

Elaine Emerton-Haines

Registered office

41/47 Fairview Road
Cheltenham
GL52 2EJ

Bankers

Lloyds Bank Plc
Crest Way
Barnwood
Gloucester
GL4 3RL

Auditors

Hazlewoods LLP
Staverton Court
Staverton
Cheltenham
GL51 0UX

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) 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.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the company is that of builders and plumbers merchants.

Directors of the company

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

Christopher G Bence

Paul C Bence

Carlwyn J Coombes

Future developments

The directors continue to closely monitor the external commercial environment and act in the interests of the business accordingly.

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.

Reappointment of auditors

Hazlewoods LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office.

Approved by the Board on 15 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:


Paul C Bence
Director

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Strategic Report
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

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

Business review
 

The directors consider, given the current industry conditions, that the business has performed adequately during the year, and consider the financial resources available to the company at the year end to be sufficient.

The results for the year, which are set out in the profit and loss account, show pre-tax profit for the year of £8,138 (2023 - £93,617). The company has trade debtors of £2,823,483 (2023 - £2,758,724) and trade creditors of £2,760,856 (2023 - £2,855,324). The company has no short term debt (2023 - £153,333) and no long term debt (2023 - £Nil).

Key performance indicators
 

The directors use a suite of key performance indicators to monitor the performance of business. Turnover, gross margin and cash flow are monitored daily; the current and quick ratios, debtor days and working capital are monitored on a monthly basis.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 

The management of the company and the execution of the company's strategy are subject to a number of risks. The key business risks and uncertainties affecting the company are considered to relate to the general economic climate, and competition from other national builders merchants.
 

Financial instruments
 

The company does not actively use financial instruments as part of its financial risk management. It is exposed to the usual credit risk and cash flow risk associated with selling on credit and manages this through credit control procedures. The nature of its financial instruments means that they are not subject to price or liquidity risk.

Going concern
 

At the year end, the company has net assets of £750,000 (2023 - £750,000). The directors have prepared detailed cash flow forecasts for the company for more than 12 months from the approval of these financial statements. These forecasts indicate the company is able to operate within its facilities and meet its liabilities as they fall due. On the basis of the points above, the directors are satisfied that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

Approved by the Board on 15 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:


Paul C Bence
Director

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report, Strategic 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 UK 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.

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet, 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 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.

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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:

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 4, 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.

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgments 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.

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.





Ryan Hancock (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Hazlewoods LLP, Statutory Auditor

Staverton Court
Staverton
Cheltenham
GL51 0UX

15 September 2025

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

Profit and Loss Account
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Turnover

3

20,678,467

19,794,118

Cost of sales

 

(15,362,610)

(14,310,022)

Gross profit

 

5,315,857

5,484,096

Distribution costs

 

(1,594,253)

(1,559,305)

Administrative expenses

 

(3,717,751)

(3,814,647)

Operating profit

4

3,853

110,144

Other interest receivable and similar income

5

8,586

9,364

Interest payable and similar expenses

6

(4,301)

(25,891)

Profit before tax

 

8,138

93,617

Tax on profit

10

(214)

(42,343)

Profit for the financial year

 

7,924

51,274

The above results were derived from continuing operations.

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

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

(Registration number: 02447653)
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Current assets

 

Stocks

11

1,522,045

1,554,476

Debtors

12

3,421,170

3,471,535

Cash at bank and in hand

 

39,105

762,896

 

4,982,320

5,788,907

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

13

(4,232,320)

(5,038,907)

Net assets

 

750,000

750,000

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

100,000

100,000

Retained earnings

650,000

650,000

Shareholders' funds

 

750,000

750,000

Approved and authorised by the Board on 15 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
 


Paul C Bence
Director

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

Share capital
£

Retained earnings
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2023

100,000

650,000

750,000

Profit for the year

-

51,274

51,274

Dividends

-

(51,274)

(51,274)

At 31 December 2023

100,000

650,000

750,000

Share capital
£

Retained earnings
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2024

100,000

650,000

750,000

Profit for the year

-

7,924

7,924

Dividends

-

(7,924)

(7,924)

At 31 December 2024

100,000

650,000

750,000

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) 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:
41/47 Fairview Road
Cheltenham
GL52 2EJ

 

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 company is exempt from preparing a cash flow statement and disclosing group balances as 90% or more of the voting rights are held within the group.

Name of parent of group
 

These financial statements are consolidated in the financial statements of George Bence & Sons Limited.

The financial statements of George Bence & Sons Limited may be obtained from the company's registered office.

Going concern
 

In making the current year’s assessment the Directors have considered the available cash reserves and other facilities at the point of approving the financial statements.

Although there are inherent uncertainties regarding forecasts, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Judgements
 

No significant judgements have been made by management in preparing these financial statements.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
 

No key sources of estimation uncertainty have been identified by management in preparing these financial statements other than those detailed in these accounting policies.

Revenue recognition
 

Turnover comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and provision of services in the ordinary course of the company’s activities. Turnover is shown net of sales/value added tax, returns, rebates and 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 each of the company's activities.

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

Tax

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

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements and on unused tax losses or tax credits in the company. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and a valuation allowance is set up against deferred tax assets so that the net carrying amount equals the highest amount that is more likely than not to be recovered based on current or future taxable profit.

Stock
 

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is represented by direct materials and labour together with attributable amounts of fixed and variable overheads incurred in bringing each product to its present location and condition. Net realisable value is estimated selling price less further costs of completion and disposal.

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 merchandise sold or 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.

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the company has an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that the company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the profit and loss account 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.

Pensions

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are recognised in the profit and loss account in the period in which they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

Finance costs
 

All finance costs in connection with borrowing are allocated to the profit and loss account at a constant rate on the carrying amount shown in the balance sheet. Accrued finance costs are included in accruals to the extent that they will be paid in cash in the next accounting period, but otherwise are added to the carrying amount of the borrowings.

Financial instruments
 

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.

 

3

Turnover

The company's turnover for the year comprises of the sale of goods and services in the United Kingdom which are all continuing operations.

 

4

Operating profit

Arrived at after charging/(crediting)

2024
£

2023
£

Foreign exchange losses

1,289

-

Rent expense

126,083

350,019

Hire of plant and machinery

70,585

65,289

 

5

Interest receivable and similar income

2024
£

2023
£

Interest income on bank deposits

8,586

9,364

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

 

6

Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
£

2023
£

Interest on bank overdrafts and borrowings

4,301

25,891

 

7

Staff costs

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

2024
£

2023
£

Wages and salaries

3,141,650

3,141,524

Social security costs

313,614

313,811

Pension costs, defined contribution scheme

146,088

144,487

3,601,352

3,599,822

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

2024
No.

2023
No.

Administration and support

63

61

Distribution

36

37

99

98

 

8

Directors' remuneration

The directors' remuneration for the year was as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Remuneration

326,015

493,881

Contributions paid to money purchase schemes

2,400

2,400

328,415

496,281

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

2024
No.

2023
No.

Accruing benefits under money purchase pension scheme

1

1

In respect of the highest paid director:

2024
£

2023
£

Remuneration

181,354

332,567

 

9

Auditors' remuneration

2024
£

2023
£

Audit of the financial statements

20,750

19,800


 

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

 

10

Corporation tax

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

2024
£

2023
£

Current taxation

UK corporation tax

-

41,177

UK corporation tax adjustment to prior periods

-

1,214

-

42,391

Deferred taxation

Arising from origination and reversal of timing differences

214

(45)

Arising from changes in tax rates and laws

-

(3)

Total deferred taxation

214

(48)

Tax expense in the income statement

214

42,343

The tax on profit before tax for the year is lower 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

8,138

93,617

Corporation tax at standard rate

2,035

22,019

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

23,741

19,113

Tax decrease arising from group relief

(25,562)

-

Increase in UK and foreign current tax from unrecognised temporary difference from a prior period

-

1,214

Deferred tax credit relating to changes in tax rates or laws

-

(3)

Total tax charge

214

42,343

Deferred tax

2024

Asset
£

Short term timing differences

3,043

3,043

2023

Asset
£

Short term timing differences

3,257

3,257

 

11

Stocks

2024
£

2023
£

Goods for resale

1,522,045

1,554,476

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

 

12

Debtors

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Trade debtors

 

2,823,483

2,758,724

Other debtors

 

15,220

13,720

Prepayments

 

579,424

695,834

Deferred tax assets

10

3,043

3,257

 

3,421,170

3,471,535

 

13

Creditors

Note

2024
£

2023
£

Due within one year

 

Loans and borrowings

14

-

153,333

Trade creditors

 

2,760,856

2,855,324

Amounts due to related parties

19

455,947

975,923

Social security and other taxes

 

201,363

196,976

Outstanding defined contribution pension costs

 

14,847

14,971

Other payables

 

606,353

409,837

Accruals

 

192,954

391,366

Corporation tax liability

10

-

41,177

 

4,232,320

5,038,907

 

14

Loans and borrowings

Current loans and borrowings

2024
£

2023
£

Bank borrowings

-

153,333

Bank borrowings

The carrying amount of CBILS loan at year end is £Nil (2023 - £153,333). Interest was charged at base rate plus 1.72%. Repayments began in May 2021, with the final instalment paid on 19 September 2024.

The bank loans are secured by an unlimited debenture over the company's assets.

 

George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Limited

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

 

15

Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares

 

2024

2023

 

No.

£

No.

£

Ordinary shares of £1 each

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

         
 

16

Obligations under operating leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2024
£

2023
£

Not later than one year

92,112

89,835

Later than one year and not later than five years

118,669

202,449

210,781

292,284

The amount of non-cancellable operating lease payments recognised as an expense during the year was £93,501 (2023 - £72,632).

 

17

Dividends

2024
 £

2023
 £

Dividends paid

7,924

51,274

 

18

Pension and other schemes

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 £146,088 (2023 - £144,487).

Contributions totalling £14,847 (2023 - £14,971) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

 

19

Related party transactions

Summary of transactions with entities with joint control or significant interest

During the year, the company entered into the following transactions with Bence Roofing Supplies Limited: sales of £111,262 (2023 - £143,942); and expenditure of £170,966 (2023 - £303,953). At the balance sheet date, the company owed £25,773 to Bence Roofing Supplies Limited (2023 - the company was owed £11,314 by Bence Roofing Supplies Limited).

 

20

Parent and ultimate parent undertaking

The company's immediate and ultimate parent is George Bence & Sons Limited, incorporated in England and Wales.

 The most senior parent entity producing publicly available financial statements is George Bence & Sons Limited. These financial statements are available upon request from the company's registered office.