Company Registration No. 04341237 (England and Wales)
42 Technology Limited
Annual report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2024
42 Technology Limited
Company information
Directors
Mrs S Smith
Dr J Spratley
Dr C Floyd
Mr A Mackay
Dr C Harvey
Dr P J Brown
(Appointed 19 December 2024)
Mr J P F Lawes
(Appointed 26 March 2025)
Company number
04341237
Registered office
Building 1020 Cambourne Park
Science & Technology Campus
Cambourne
Cambridgeshire
CB23 6DW
Independent auditor
Saffery LLP
Westpoint
Peterborough Business Park
Lynch Wood
Peterborough
PE2 6FZ
42 Technology Limited
Contents
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Statement of financial position
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 24
42 Technology Limited
Strategic report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1

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

Review of the business

The Company provides a contract research and development service for our clients, with three primary service offerings: technology strategy consulting, new product development and manufacturing innovation. Our client base is predominantly based in UK, Europe and USA and we serve three industry segments:

 

- Consumer

- Industrial and Energy

- MedTech and Life Sciences

 

2024 saw strong growth in revenue (25%) and profits due to both long standing client engagements and new client acquisitions in all three industry segments.

 

 

Performance Overview

 

- Revenue: £ 10,890,080 (2023: £8,728,529)

- Operating profit: £ 1,037,154 (2023: £686,609)

- Net profit: £947,812 (2023: £589,500)

- Net assets at year end: £ 4,389,763 (2023: £3,441,951)

Principal risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and mitigations of the business are as follows:

Legal and Contractual Risks
The nature of our business is to enter into contractual arrangements with our clients which includes an inherent risk of legal claims. This is actively managed in the business by close monitoring of projects and detailed contractual review and approval processes.

 

Market Demand Risks
We provide a highly specialised service that adds significant value to meet our clients' strategic ambitions. These strategic ambitions, and therefore our clients' demand, can be impacted by macro-economic factors reducing demand. We mitigate this risk by ensuring we aren’t overly reliant on a small number of clients or on a particular industry.

 

Operational Risks
Our ability to deliver our service relies on extremely knowledgeable and experienced individuals. We mitigate the risk of team member loss through cultivating an active Associate Network of specialists and experts.

 

Financial Risks
We use prudent cash management to mitigate the financial risks inherent with any trading Company.

 

Reputational Risks
As a service provider, our reputation for excellent service and innovation is a key enabler of our business. We actively manage our reputation through the application of rigorous and sensible policies and guidelines, key account management and Health and Safety practices.

 

Malicious Action Risks

All companies face a risk of malicious action from a third party, predominantly in the area of cyber security. We manage this risk through robust IT policies, systems and training of the team.

42 Technology Limited
Strategic report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
2
Key performance indicators

42 Technology Limited is a growing professional services Company. As such, balancing the team size, and therefore related revenue generation potential and overheads, with the anticipated sales of professional service fees is a primary challenge of the business. In addition, to deliver high end innovation and research and development services, the calibre of new recruits and the engagement of the team is critical to our success.

 

The Key Performance Indicators of the business are:

 

- Revenue growth: 25% (2023: 39%)
- Profit margin: 10% (2023: 8%)
- Cash conversion/cash flow from operations: £638,456 (2023: £1,010,205)
- Staff Engagement: 84% (2023: 80%)

 

We use a well-respected staff engagement methodology that is highly predictive of team performance and engagement. It provides actionable intelligence into areas to improve processes and as a leadership team to safeguard the excellent culture we have as a Company.

Future developments

We have invested significantly in our new purpose build facility in Cambourne, which we occupied in mid-2025. This gives us the office, lab and client facing space and capacity to grow the team and the scale of offering to our clients. This space includes new facilities in usability and human factors, food grade labs and biomedical labs, as well as more significant research and development capabilities. Looking forwards the vision for the company is to continue the growth of the Company, building on the strong foundations of an excellent highly engaged team, fit-for-purpose facilities and strong processes developed over recent years.

On behalf of the board

Dr J Spratley
Director
29 September 2025
42 Technology Limited
Directors' report
For the year ended 31 December 2024
3

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

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of technology consultancy services.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 9.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.

Directors

The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

Mrs S Smith
Dr J Spratley
Dr C Floyd
Mr A Mackay
Dr C Harvey
Dr P J Brown
(Appointed 19 December 2024)
Mr J P F Lawes
(Appointed 26 March 2025)
Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).

 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

 

 

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

Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

42 Technology Limited
Directors' report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
4
Strategic report

The Company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of the Business review, Principal Risk and Uncertainties and Financial Key Performance Indicator sections.

Medium-sized companies exemption

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the medium-sized companies exemption.

On behalf of the board
Dr J Spratley
Director
29 September 2025
42 Technology Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of 42 Technology Limited
5
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of 42 Technology Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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 auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

42 Technology Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of 42 Technology Limited (continued)
6

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

 

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:

 

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

42 Technology Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of 42 Technology Limited (continued)
7

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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.

 

Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:

We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the directors, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the company by discussions with directors and by updating our understanding of the sector in which the company operates.

 

Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the company include The Companies Act 2006 and UK Tax legislation.

 

Audit response to risks identified

We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the company's records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the company's policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.

During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above 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 would become aware of it. Also, 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 or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

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

Other matters which we are required to address

We draw attention to the fact that the comparative information presented for the year ended 31 December 2023 has not been audited. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on that information.

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 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.

42 Technology Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of 42 Technology Limited (continued)
8
Gareth Norris FCA
Senior Statutory Auditor
For and on behalf of Saffery LLP
29 September 2025
Statutory Auditors
Westpoint
Peterborough Business Park
Lynch Wood
Peterborough
PE2 6FZ
42 Technology Limited
Statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2024
9
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
10,890,080
8,728,529
Cost of sales
(3,595,332)
(3,565,527)
Gross profit
7,294,748
5,163,002
Administrative expenses
(6,380,358)
(4,476,393)
Other operating income
65,033
-
0
Operating profit
4
979,423
686,609
Interest receivable and similar income
8
63,835
39,692
Interest payable and similar expenses
9
(6,104)
(9,101)
Profit before taxation
1,037,154
717,200
Tax on profit
10
(89,342)
(127,700)
Profit for the financial year
947,812
589,500

The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

42 Technology Limited
Statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2024
10
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
12
1,410
2,351
Tangible assets
13
185,158
258,966
186,568
261,317
Current assets
Debtors
14
3,505,574
2,397,863
Cash at bank and in hand
2,909,740
2,605,623
6,415,314
5,003,486
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(1,925,207)
(1,542,450)
Net current assets
4,490,107
3,461,036
Total assets less current liabilities
4,676,675
3,722,353
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(72,500)
(217,500)
Provisions for liabilities
Provisions
18
180,000
25,000
Deferred tax liability
19
34,412
37,902
(214,412)
(62,902)
Net assets
4,389,763
3,441,951
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
21
100
100
Profit and loss reserves
4,389,663
3,441,851
Total equity
4,389,763
3,441,951
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 29 September 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
Dr J Spratley
Director
Company Registration No. 04341237
42 Technology Limited
Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2024
11
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2023
100
2,877,351
2,877,451
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Comprehensive income for the year
-
589,500
589,500
Dividends
11
-
(25,000)
(25,000)
Balance at 31 December 2023
100
3,441,851
3,441,951
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Comprehensive income for the year
-
947,812
947,812
Balance at 31 December 2024
100
4,389,663
4,389,763
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2024
12
1
Accounting policies
Company information

42 Technology Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Building 1020 Cambourne Park Science & Technology, Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, CB23 6DW. The principal activity of the company continued to be that of technology consultancy services.

1.1
Accounting convention

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

 

 

The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of 42 Technology Group Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ, United Kingdom.

42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
13
1.2
Going concern

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

In assessing the going concern position of the Company, the Board has reviewed the latest trading financial forecast and has projected the Company's financial performance for the period through to September 2026. We have performed sensitivity analysis on the projected financial performance to September 2026, including reducing revenue to previous year’s revenue levels (zero growth), and further reductions in revenue to assess the Company’s ability to continue to trade and maintain adequate cash resources at such lower levels of revenue. The Board is satisfied that these tests have demonstrated that the Company’s ongoing viability and that the Company should have sufficient cash resources in the event of a significant revenue downturn.

 

Based on this review of a period not less than 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, along with cost levels and having taken into consideration prudent levels of risks, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence, for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared adopting the going concern basis.

1.3
Turnover

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes.

Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that it is probable will be recovered.

Income from research and development tax credits is recognised in the year in which the claim is accepted by HMRC.

1.4
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is recognised in administrative expenses so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Domain costs
5 years straight line
1.5
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings
Across the term of the lease straight line
Plant and equipment
Over a two year period straight line
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
14

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.6
Amounts recoverable on contract

Amounts recoverable on contract represents the excess of revenue recognised on contracts which are ongoing at the balance sheet date, over the amounts invoiced on those same contracts.

 

Foreseeable losses are those which are currently estimated to arise over the duration of the contract irrespective of the amount of work carried out at the balance sheet date.

 

Amounts recoverable on contract are valued based on the stage of completion of each contract, and provision is made for any foreseeable losses as soon as these are identified. This valuation takes account of the costs incurred and the anticipated costs to complete each contract.

1.7
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.

1.8
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's statement of financial position when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

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

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
15
Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

 

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

 

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Classification of financial liabilities

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

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

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

 

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

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.9
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

1.10
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
16
Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

1.11
Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

 

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.

1.12
Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are

required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

 

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are

received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably

committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.14
Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

1.15
Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1
Accounting policies (continued)
17
1.16

Research and development expenditure

Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.

2
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Useful economic lives of intangible assets and tangible fixed assets

The annual depreciation and amortisation charge for intangible and tangible fixed assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancements, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets.

Amounts recoverable on contract

Amounts recoverable on contract are valued at cost of labour and materials with additions for an appropriate proportion of production overheads based on the normal level of activity. In general, cost is determined on a first in, first out basis. Amounts recoverable on contract are reviewed for indicators of impairment or non-recoverability.

3
Turnover
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Technology consultancy services
10,890,080
8,728,529
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
UK
5,385,307
3,726,366
EU
1,563,489
604,542
Rest of the world
3,941,284
4,397,621
10,890,080
8,728,529
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
18
4
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Exchange gains
(79,092)
(73,444)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
17,100
-
0
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
197,060
170,010
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets
350
(200)
Amortisation of intangible assets
941
940
Operating lease charges
88,970
81,234
5
Auditor's remuneration
2024
2023
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
17,100
-
0
6
Employees

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

2024
2023
Number
Number
Total
76
62

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
4,616,110
3,669,445
Social security costs
489,789
379,931
Pension costs
691,211
471,584
5,797,110
4,520,960
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
19
7
Directors' remuneration
2024
2023
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
390,972
360,370
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
90,846
59,477
481,818
419,847
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2024
2023
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
129,936
128,390
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
21,600
9,600
8
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
63,835
39,692
9
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
6,104
9,101
10
Taxation
2024
2023
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
272,452
173,022
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(179,620)
(46,833)
Total current tax
92,832
126,189
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(9,897)
(2,444)
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
6,407
3,955
Total deferred tax
(3,490)
1,511
Total tax charge
89,342
127,700
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
10
Taxation (continued)
20

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Profit before taxation
1,037,154
717,200
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 23.52%)
259,289
168,685
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
20,300
5,199
Tax effect of income not taxable in determining taxable profit
(16,258)
(47)
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(179,620)
(46,537)
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
-
0
(145)
Group relief
(3,047)
(5,234)
Depreciation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
2,271
2,117
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
6,407
3,662
Taxation charge for the year
89,342
127,700
11
Dividends
2024
2023
£
£
Final paid
-
0
25,000
12
Intangible fixed assets
Domain costs
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
4,701
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
2,350
Amortisation charged for the year
941
At 31 December 2024
3,291
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
1,410
At 31 December 2023
2,351
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
21
13
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
422,482
731,585
1,154,067
Additions
-
0
123,602
123,602
Disposals
-
0
(1,235)
(1,235)
At 31 December 2024
422,482
853,952
1,276,434
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
299,446
595,655
895,101
Depreciation charged in the year
64,173
132,887
197,060
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
0
(885)
(885)
At 31 December 2024
363,619
727,657
1,091,276
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
58,863
126,295
185,158
At 31 December 2023
123,036
135,930
258,966
14
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,854,487
763,652
Gross amounts owed by contract customers
210,622
578,273
R&D tax credits receivable
65,033
-
0
Amounts owed by group undertakings
1,093,636
864,733
Other debtors
5,050
-
0
Prepayments and accrued income
276,746
191,205
3,505,574
2,397,863
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
22
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
17
145,000
145,000
Trade creditors
209,502
206,499
Corporation tax
207,419
173,022
Other taxation and social security
333,295
220,033
Other creditors
2
4,117
Accruals and deferred income
1,029,989
793,779
1,925,207
1,542,450
16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loan
17
72,500
217,500
17
Loans and overdrafts
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans
217,500
362,500
Payable within one year
145,000
145,000
Payable after one year
72,500
217,500

On 1 June 2020, the company drew down a loan facility amounting to £725,000 under the CBIL scheme. The loan is for a term of six years and is repayable in equal monthly instalments commencing in June 2021. Interest is charged at a fixed rate of 1.69% per annum, with the cost being fully subsidised by central Government for the first 12 months. The loan is secured by fixed and floating charges over all assets of the company.

18
Provisions for liabilities
2024
2023
£
£
Dilapidations provision
180,000
25,000
42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
18
Provisions for liabilities (continued)
23
Movements on provisions:
Dilapidations provision
£
At 1 January 2024
25,000
Additional provisions in the year
155,000
At 31 December 2024
180,000
19
Deferred taxation

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:

Liabilities
Liabilities
2024
2023
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
34,412
49,878
Short term timing differences
-
(11,976)
34,412
37,902
2024
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2024
37,902
Credit to profit or loss
(15,467)
Effect of change in tax rate - profit or loss
11,977
Liability at 31 December 2024
34,412

The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.

20
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
691,211
471,584

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

42 Technology Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
24
21
Share capital
2024
2023
2024
2023
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 1p each
10,000
10,000
100
100

The ordinary shares carry full voting and dividend rights.

22
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£
Within one year
89,616
93,711
Between two and five years
6,904
114,709
96,520
208,420
23
Related party transactions

In accordance with the exemption available under FRS 102 paragraph 33.1a, the company has not disclosed transactions with the ultimate parent company, as it is a wholly owned subsidiary.

 

 

24
Ultimate controlling party

At 31 December 2024 the company is a wholly owed subsidiary of 42 Technology Group Limited, which is the immediate and ultimate parent company. 42 Technology Group Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales.

 

The largest and smallest group of undertakings for which group accounts have been drawn up is that headed by 42 Technology Group Limited. Publicly available copies of the group accounts can be obtained from Companies House, which is Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ, United Kingdom.

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