Caseware UK (AP4) 2024.0.164 2024.0.164 2024-12-312024-12-31302024-01-0128falseThe principal activities of the company continued to be that of the wholesale of confectionery.falsefalsefalse NI614585 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 2024-12-31 NI614585 2023-12-31 NI614585 2023-01-01 NI614585 5 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 5 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 6 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 6 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 d:CompanySecretary1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:Director1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:Director2 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:Director3 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:RegisteredOffice 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:Agent1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Buildings 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Buildings 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Buildings 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:Buildings e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Buildings e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:FurnitureFittings 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:FurnitureFittings 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:FurnitureFittings 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:FurnitureFittings e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:FurnitureFittings e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Goodwill 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Goodwill 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Goodwill 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:ComputerSoftware 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:ComputerSoftware 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:OtherResidualIntangibleAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:CurrentFinancialInstruments e:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:Non-currentFinancialInstruments e:AfterOneYear 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:ReportableOperatingSegment5 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:ReportableOperatingSegment5 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 f:UnitedKingdom 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 f:UnitedKingdom 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:UKTax 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:UKTax 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:ShareCapital 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:ShareCapital 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:ShareCapital 2023-01-01 NI614585 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 NI614585 e:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2023-12-31 NI614585 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-12-31 NI614585 d:OrdinaryShareClass2 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:OrdinaryShareClass2 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:OrdinaryShareClass2 2023-12-31 NI614585 d:FRS102 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:Audited 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:FullAccounts 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 d:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:HirePurchaseContracts e:BetweenOneFiveYears 2023-12-31 NI614585 2 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:MotorVehicles e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 NI614585 e:Goodwill e:OwnedIntangibleAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 e:ComputerSoftware e:OwnedIntangibleAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 NI614585 g:PoundSterling 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 xbrli:shares iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure

Registered number: NI614585










NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
Brian Devlin 
Mary Devlin 
Maurice Devin 




Company secretary
Mary Devlin



Registered number
NI614585



Registered office
58 Old Eglish Road
Dungannon

Co Tyrone

BT71 7PA




Independent auditors
AAB Group Accountants Limited

Howard House

30 Northland Row

Dungannon

Co. Tyrone

BT71 6AP




Bankers
Danske Bank
1-6 Donegall Square West

Belfast

Co Antrim

BT1 6JS




Solicitors
PA Duffy & Co.
7-9 Market Square

Dungannon

Tyrone

BT70 1AB





 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic report
 
1 - 2
Directors' report
 
3 - 4
Independent auditors' report
 
5 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
 
9
Balance sheet
 
10
Statement of changes in equity
 
11
Statement of cash flows
 
12
Notes to the financial statements
 
13 - 26


 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Introduction
 
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the wholesale of confectionery.
There has been no significant change in these activities during the year ended 31 December 2024.

Business review
 
Turnover has increased by 1.9% to £21.9m in the year ended 31 December 2024 relative to turnover of £21.6m achieved in the year ended 31 December 2023. Gross margin has increased from 10.9% for the year ended 31 December 2023 to 11.8% for the year ended 31 December 2024. Net assets for the year ended 31 December 2024 were £6.1m (2023: £5.2m).
The directors consider the results for the year to be satisfactory given the increase in annualised turnover and operating profits.
The directors have reviewed future cash forecasts for the company’s activities and believe that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and financial statements.
The directors are committed to long term creation of shareholder value by increasing the company’s market share 

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The management of the business and the execution of the company's strategy are subject to a number of risks. The key business risks relate to competition and product costs.
The company's operations expose it to financial risks mainly the effects of changes in credit risk. The board reviews and agrees policies for the prudent management of these risks as follows: 
Credit risk
Customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to strict verification procedures in advance of credit being awarded and are continually being monitored.
Inflation risk
As a result of the rising rate of inflation the company has seen the impact of this through rising costs. The company have an economic policy in place to review costs regularly and to minimise the impact of these rising costs where possible.

Financial key performance indicators
 
The company's key performance indicators are as follows:

2024
2023
        £
        £
Increase in turnover

1.9%

12.4%
 
Gross profit margin

11.8%

10.9%
 
Shareholders Equity

£6.1m

£5.2m
 

Page 1

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

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


This report was approved by the board on 27 March 2025 and signed on its behalf.



................................................
Maurice Devin
Director

Page 2

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
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.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £930,735 (2023 - £893,092).

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £30,000 (2023: £24,000). The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
No preference dividends were paid. 

Directors

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

Brian Devlin 
Mary Devlin 
Maurice Devin 

Auditors

The auditor, AAB Group Accountants Limited (formerly FPM Accountants Limited), is deemed to be reappointed
under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

Directors' responsibilities statement

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 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 for the company's financial statements 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 3

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are 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 auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events affecting the company since the year end.

This report was approved by the board on 27 March 2025 and signed on its behalf.
 





................................................
Maurice Devin
Director

Page 4

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Northern Confectioners Ltd (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows, the Statement of changes in equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe 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 Auditors' 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.


Conclusions relating to going concern


In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.


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


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


Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual ReportOur opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.


We have nothing to report in this regard.


Page 5

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD (CONTINUED)


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 year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the Strategic report and the Directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.


Matters on which we are required to report by exception
 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors' report.


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


adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 3, 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.


Page 6

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD (CONTINUED)


Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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. 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 obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the company through enquiry of management, industry research and the application of cumulative audit knowledge. We identified the following principal laws and regulations relevant to the company – Companies Act 2006 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 
We developed an understanding of the key fraud risks to the entity (including how fraud might occur), the controls in place to help mitigate those risks, and the accounts, balances and disclosures within the financial statements which may be susceptible to management bias. Our understanding was obtained through review of the financial statements for significant accounting esti


As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:


Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the company's internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.
Conclude 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 Auditors' report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our Auditors' report. However, future events or conditions may cause the company to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business.


We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.


Page 7

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD (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 Auditors' 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.





Deborah Mullen (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of
AAB Group Accountants Limited
Statutory Auditors
Howard House
30 Northland Row
Dungannon
Co. Tyrone
BT71 6AP

27 March 2025
Page 8

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
21,965,346
21,552,381

Cost of sales
  
(19,416,803)
(19,201,242)

Gross profit
  
2,548,543
2,351,139

Administrative expenses
  
(1,346,512)
(1,218,222)

Operating profit
 5 
1,202,031
1,132,917

Interest receivable and similar income
 9 
49,662
28,095

Interest payable and similar expenses
 10 
(356)
-

Profit before tax
  
1,251,337
1,161,012

Tax on profit
 11 
(320,602)
(267,920)

Profit for the financial year
  
930,735
893,092

There was no other comprehensive income for 2024 (2023:£NIL).

The notes on pages 13 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
REGISTERED NUMBER: NI614585

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Intangible assets
 13 
-
3,985

Tangible assets
 14 
2,023,789
1,979,214

  
2,023,789
1,983,199

Current assets
  

Stocks
 15 
1,044,612
1,959,367

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
1,812,433
1,342,145

Cash at bank and in hand
 17 
3,175,833
2,404,122

  
6,032,878
5,705,634

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
(1,871,671)
(2,410,220)

Net current assets
  
 
 
4,161,207
 
 
3,295,414

Total assets less current liabilities
  
6,184,996
5,278,613

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 19 
(6,908)
-

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 21 
(115,685)
(116,945)

  
 
 
(115,685)
 
 
(116,945)

Net assets
  
6,062,403
5,161,668


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 22 
1,200,100
1,200,100

Profit and loss account
  
4,862,303
3,961,568

  
6,062,403
5,161,668


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf on 27 March 2025.




................................................
Maurice Devin
Director

The notes on pages 13 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

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


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£


At 1 January 2023
1,200,100
3,092,476
4,292,576


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
893,092
893,092


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
(24,000)
(24,000)



At 1 January 2024
1,200,100
3,961,568
5,161,668


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
930,735
930,735


Contributions by and distributions to owners

Dividends: Equity capital
-
(30,000)
(30,000)


At 31 December 2024
1,200,100
4,862,303
6,062,403


The notes on pages 13 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
930,735
893,092

Adjustments for:

Amortisation of intangible assets
3,985
3,985

Depreciation of tangible assets
96,828
78,938

Interest paid
356
-

Interest received
(49,662)
(28,095)

Taxation charge
320,602
267,920

Decrease/(increase) in stocks
914,755
(68,864)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(470,288)
154,492

Increase/(decrease) in creditors
5,394
(393,586)

Corporation tax (paid)
(261,461)
(78,680)

Net cash generated from operating activities

1,491,244
829,202


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(126,403)
(224,434)

Interest received
49,662
28,095

HP interest paid
(356)
-

Net cash from investing activities

(77,097)
(196,339)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of/new finance leases
(3,236)
-

Loans repaid to directors
(639,200)
(442,750)

Net cash used in financing activities
(642,436)
(442,750)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
771,711
190,113

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
2,404,122
2,214,009

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
3,175,833
2,404,122


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
3,175,833
2,404,122

3,175,833
2,404,122


Page 12

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.


General information

Northern Confectioners Ltd is a private company limited by shares incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 58 Old Eglish Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT71 7PA. 
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the wholesale of confectionery.

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 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the company's accounting policies (see note 3).

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

 
2.3

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the company will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

 
2.4

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

 
2.5

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

Page 13

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.6

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.

 
2.7

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

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

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.


Page 14

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.8

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between amounts paid on the cost of a business combination and the acquirer’s interest in the fair value of its identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquiree at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis to the Statement of comprehensive income over its useful economic life.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

All intangible assets are considered to have a finite useful life. If a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the useful life shall not exceed ten years.

 The estimated useful lives range as follows:

Goodwill
-
10
years
Other intangible fixed assets
-
4
years

 
2.9

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property
-
2%
Straight line
Motor vehicles
-
25%
Reducing balance
Fixtures and fittings
-
15%
Reducing balance

 
2.10

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a first in, first out basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.

At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.11

Debtors

Short-term 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.

Page 15

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.12

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

In the Statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the company's cash management.

 
2.13

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 
2.14

Provisions for liabilities

Provisions are recognised when an event has taken place that gives rise to a legal or constructive obligation, a transfer of economic benefits is probable and a reliable estimate can be made.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation, taking into account the related risks and uncertainties.
 
Increases in provisions are generally charged as an expense to profit or loss.

 
2.15

Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

The company has elected to apply the recognition and measurement provisions of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (as adopted by the UK Endorsement Board) with the disclosure requirements of Sections 11 and 12 and the other presentation requirements of FRS 102.

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's Balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

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

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest.

Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Impairment of financial assets

Page 16

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.15
Financial instruments (continued)

At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. If an asset is impaired the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss. 

Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.

If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.

Basic financial liabilities

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

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusting for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial liabilities that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss). When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

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

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

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the company transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained after the transfer to another party, then the company will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Page 17

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.16

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.


3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.


4.


Turnover

An analysis of turnover by class of business is as follows:


2024
2023
£
£

Confectionery
21,965,346
21,552,381

21,965,346
21,552,381


Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2024
2023
£
£

United Kingdom
21,965,346
21,552,381

21,965,346
21,552,381



5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2024
2023
£
£

Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
77,859
78,938

Depreciation of tangible assets held under finance lease
18,969
-

Amortisation of intangible assets
3,985
3,985

Page 18

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6.


Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the company obtained the following services from the company's auditors:


2024
2023
£
£

Fees payable to the company's auditors for the audit of the company's financial statements
6,800
6,375

7.


Employees

Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:


2024
2023
£
£

Wages and salaries
744,078
739,165

Social security costs
71,194
66,452

Cost of defined contribution scheme
123,032
42,506

938,304
848,123


The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:


        2024
        2023
            No.
            No.







Sales and admin
9
9



Warehouse and delivery
19
21

28
30


8.


Directors' remuneration

2024
2023
£
£

Directors' emoluments
12,576
12,576

Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
100,000
25,000

112,576
37,576


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to no directors (2023 - NIL) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

Page 19

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9.


Interest receivable

2024
2023
£
£


Other interest receivable
49,662
28,095

49,662
28,095


10.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
2023
£
£


Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
356
-

356
-


11.


Taxation


2024
2023
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
321,862
261,483


321,862
261,483


Total current tax
321,862
261,483

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(1,260)
6,437

Total deferred tax
(1,260)
6,437


Tax on profit
320,602
267,920
Page 20

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
11.Taxation (continued)


Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2023 - lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.5%). The differences are explained below:

2024
2023
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
1,251,337
1,161,012


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.5%)
312,834
272,838

Effects of:


Depreciation for the year in excess of capital allowances
9,028
(11,355)

Deferred taxation
(1,260)
6,437

Total tax charge for the year
320,602
267,920


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.


12.


Dividends

2024
2023
£
£


Final dividend
30,000
24,000

30,000
24,000

Page 21

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13.


Intangible assets




Website development
Goodwill
Total

£
£
£



Cost


At 1 January 2024
15,940
1,100,000
1,115,940



At 31 December 2024

15,940
1,100,000
1,115,940



Amortisation


At 1 January 2024
11,955
1,100,000
1,111,955


Charge for the year on owned assets
3,985
-
3,985



At 31 December 2024

15,940
1,100,000
1,115,940



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
-
-
-



At 31 December 2023
3,985
-
3,985



Page 22

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14.


Tangible fixed assets





Freehold property
Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Total

£
£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2024
1,849,756
256,855
144,237
2,250,848


Additions
40,625
100,778
-
141,403



At 31 December 2024

1,890,381
357,633
144,237
2,392,251



Depreciation


At 1 January 2024
41,532
175,081
55,021
271,634


Charge for the year on owned assets
37,808
26,669
13,382
77,859


Charge for the year on financed assets
-
18,969
-
18,969



At 31 December 2024

79,340
220,719
68,403
368,462



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
1,811,041
136,914
75,834
2,023,789



At 31 December 2023
1,808,224
81,774
89,216
1,979,214

The net book value of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, included above, are as follows:


2024
2023
£
£



Motor vehicles
56,908
-

56,908
-


15.


Stocks

2024
2023
£
£

Finished goods and goods for resale
1,044,612
1,959,367

1,044,612
1,959,367


Page 23

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16.


Debtors

2024
2023
£
£


Trade debtors
1,738,961
1,300,733

Prepayments and accrued income
73,472
41,412

1,812,433
1,342,145


Trade debtors is stated net of a provision for doubtful debts of £405,184 (2023: £407,572).


17.


Cash and cash equivalents

2024
2023
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
3,175,833
2,404,122

3,175,833
2,404,122



18.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2024
2023
£
£

Trade creditors
1,188,390
1,230,684

Corporation tax
321,884
261,483

Other taxation and social security
125,760
84,866

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
4,856
-

Other creditors
146,440
755,640

Accruals and deferred income
84,341
77,547

1,871,671
2,410,220



19.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

2024
2023
£
£

Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
6,908
-

6,908
-


Page 24

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

20.


Hire purchase and finance leases


Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Within one year
4,855
-

Between 1-5 years
6,908
-

11,763
-


21.


Deferred taxation




2024


£






At beginning of year
(116,945)


Charged to profit or loss
1,260



At end of year
(115,685)

The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
(115,685)
(116,945)

(115,685)
(116,945)

Page 25

 
NORTHERN CONFECTIONERS LTD
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22.


Share capital

2024
2023
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



100 (2023 - 100) Ordinary Shares shares of £1.00 each
100
100
1,200,000 (2023 - 1,200,000) Preference Shares shares of £1.00 each
1,200,000
1,200,000

1,200,100

1,200,100


23.


Analysis of net debt





At 1 January 2024
Cash flows
New finance leases
At 31 December 2024
£

£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

2,404,122

771,711

-

3,175,833

Debt due within 1 year

(755,640)

609,200

-

(146,440)

Finance leases

-

3,236

(15,000)

(11,764)


1,648,482
1,384,147
(15,000)
3,017,629


24.


Pension commitments

The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company  in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Company  to the fund and amounted to £123,032 (2024 - £42.506).


25.


Controlling party

The ultimate controlling party is Mr Maurice Devlin due to their equity shareholding in the company.


Page 26