Company registration number 06725101 (England and Wales)
DCSL LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Whitings LLP
Chartered Accountants
Fenland House
15B Hostmoor Avenue
March
Cambridgeshire
PE15 0AX
DCSL LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr D Lidford
Mr S Lidford
Company number
06725101
Registered office
Fenland House
15B Hostmoor Avenue
March
Cambridgeshire
PE15 0AX
Auditor
Whitings LLP
Fenland House
15B Hostmoor Avenue
March
Cambridgeshire
PE15 0AX
DCSL LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 8
Profit and loss account
9
Statement of comprehensive income
10
Balance sheet
11
Statement of changes in equity
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 26
DCSL 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 directors continue to implement their strategy of modernising the carehome to provide for high care residents with an associated decrease in capacity. Turnover has increased in the year by 41.3% due to the increasing number of high care residents. Gross profit margin has increased to 46.0% (2023 - 42.2%).
The directors continue to confirm their commitment to the future of the business by again investing further amounts in new asset purchases during the year.
The directors believe that their continued commitment to providing a high care service means that the company is in strong position going forward.
Principal risks and uncertainties
In the course of normal business, the directors assess the significant risks faced and take action to mitigate their potential impact.
The following risks, whilst not intended to be a comprehensive analysis, constitute (in the opinion of the directors) the principal risks and uncertainties currently facing the company.
Economic conditions - the company operates in an industry which can be susceptible to adverse economic conditions through decreased business activity. Although the Directors acknowledge this risk, the company have a good reputation in the local residential care industry and offer both general and specialist care to its residents, this diverse range of care options mitigates again the risk of poor financial performance stemming from adverse economic conditions. The Directors are satisfied that they have taken reasonable steps to mitigate any adverse impact on the business and this is reflected in the current year financial performance.
Competitive pressures - the company operates in a highly competitive industry and faces competition from a number of sources. This competition may lead to pricing pressure which could result in squeezed profit margins and loss of business.
Regulation - the company operates in an industry which is subject to numerous laws and regulations covering a wide range of matters including health & safety, care quality and other operating issues, in particular the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The directors have implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations, as well as implementing procedures to monitor changes.
Key performance indicators
The company uses a number of financial measures to monitor progress of development, performance or position of the business. These include, but are not limited to;
Turnover - £4,975,441 (2023 - £3,520,012)
Gross profit - £2,288,642 (2023 - £1,484,926)
Gross profit margin - 46.0% (2023 - 42.2%)
Net profit before tax - £1,471,082 (2023 - £690,208)
Cash at bank - £133,604 (2023 - £82,908)
The Company is subject to unannounced inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The outcome of these inspections are considered to be a key performance indicator of the business. At the date of approving the financial statements the overall rating of the business has been assessed as "good".
DCSL LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Mr D Lidford
Director
29 September 2025
DCSL 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 providing care home 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:
Mr D Lidford
Mr D Curtis
(Resigned 18 June 2025)
Mr S Lidford
Future developments
The directors are of the opinion that there are no matters that require disclosure in relation to future developments.
Auditor
Whitings LLP were appointed as auditor to the company and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
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:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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.
DCSL LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
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
Mr D Lidford
Director
29 September 2025
DCSL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF DCSL LIMITED
- 5 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of DCSL Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the profit and loss account, the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, 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:
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.
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.
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.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our 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.
DCSL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF DCSL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 6 -
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, 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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
DCSL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF DCSL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 7 -
- We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Company and determined that the most significant are those that relate to the reporting frameworks (FRS 102 and Companies Act 2006) and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates;
- We communicated relevant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit;
- We enquired of management and those charged with governance, concerning the Company's policies and procedures relating to:
- the identification, evaluation and compliance with laws and regulations; and
- the detection and response to the risks of fraud.
- We enquired of management and those charged with governance, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
- In addition, we concluded that there are certain specific laws and regulations that may have an effect on the determination of amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and those laws and regulations relating to health and safety, employee matters, GDPR and those in respect of Care Quality Commission assessments, reviewing inspection findings up to the date of financial statement approval and making enquiries of management as appropriate.;
- We corroborated the results of our enquires to relevant supporting documentation;
- We assessed the susceptibility of the Company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur and the risk of management override of controls. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
- evaluation of the programmes and controls established to address the risks related to irregularities and fraud;
- testing journal entries, in particular journal entries relating to management estimates and entries determined to be large or relating to unusual transactions;
- challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting estimates;
- identifying and testing related party transactions.
- These audit procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error and detecting irregularities that result from fraud is inherently more difficult than detecting those that result from error, as fraud may involve collusion, deliberate concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. Also, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it;
- The engagement partner’s assessment of the appropriateness of the collective competence and capabilities of the engagement team included consideration of the engagement team's:
- understanding of, and practical experience with audit engagements of a similar nature and complexity through appropriate training and participation;
- knowledge of the industry in which the client operates;
- understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements specific to the Company including: - the provisions of the applicable legislation;
- the regulators' rules and related guidance, including guidance issued by relevant authorities that interprets those rules;
- the applicable statutory provisions.
- In assessing the potential risks of material misstatement, we obtained an understanding of:
- the Company's operations, including the nature of its revenue sources and of its objectives and strategies to understand the classes of transactions, account balances, expected financial statement disclosures and business risks that may result in risks of material misstatement;
- the applicable statutory provisions;
- the Company's control environment, including the policies and procedures implemented to comply with the requirements of its regulator, the adequacy of procedures for authorisation of transactions, internal review procedures over the Company's compliance with regulatory requirements.
DCSL LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF DCSL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 8 -
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
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.
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.
Ben Beech ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Whitings LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Fenland House
15B Hostmoor Avenue
March
Cambridgeshire
PE15 0AX
30 September 2025
DCSL LIMITED
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
4,975,441
3,520,012
Cost of sales
(2,686,800)
(2,035,086)
Gross profit
2,288,641
1,484,926
Administrative expenses
(840,736)
(737,095)
Other operating income
183,701
71,249
Operating profit
4
1,631,606
819,080
Interest receivable and similar income
7
143,945
106,543
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(304,469)
(235,415)
Profit before taxation
1,471,082
690,208
Tax on profit
9
(375,301)
(166,957)
Profit for the financial year
1,095,781
523,251
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
DCSL LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
2024
2023
£
£
Profit for the year
1,095,781
523,251
Other comprehensive income
Revaluation of tangible fixed assets
3,436,210
Tax relating to other comprehensive income
(859,053)
Total other comprehensive income for the year
2,577,157
Total comprehensive income for the year
3,672,938
523,251
DCSL LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 11 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
9,062,013
5,067,358
Current assets
Stocks
13
3,300
3,300
Debtors
14
2,894,346
1,898,981
Cash at bank and in hand
133,604
82,908
3,031,250
1,985,189
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(1,388,419)
(895,455)
Net current assets
1,642,831
1,089,734
Total assets less current liabilities
10,704,844
6,157,092
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(2,613,338)
(2,679,043)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
18
1,373,191
432,672
(1,373,191)
(432,672)
Net assets
6,718,315
3,045,377
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
21
4
4
Revaluation reserve
22
4,327,650
1,750,493
Profit and loss reserves
2,390,661
1,294,880
Total equity
6,718,315
3,045,377
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
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:
Mr D Lidford
Director
Company registration number 06725101 (England and Wales)
DCSL LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
Share capital
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2023
4
1,750,493
971,629
2,722,126
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
523,251
523,251
Dividends
10
-
-
(200,000)
(200,000)
Balance at 31 December 2023
4
1,750,493
1,294,880
3,045,377
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit
-
-
1,095,781
1,095,781
Other comprehensive income:
Revaluation of tangible fixed assets
-
3,436,210
-
3,436,210
Tax relating to other comprehensive income
-
(859,053)
(859,053)
Total comprehensive income
-
2,577,157
1,095,781
3,672,938
Balance at 31 December 2024
4
4,327,650
2,390,661
6,718,315
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
DCSL Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Fenland House, 15B Hostmoor Avenue, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0AX.
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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. 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:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for financial instruments not measured at fair value; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 26 ‘Share based Payment’: Share-based payment expense charged to profit or loss, reconciliation of opening and closing number and weighted average exercise price of share options, how the fair value of options granted was measured, measurement and carrying amount of liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments, explanation of modifications to arrangements;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of Keswick (Cambridgeshire) Ltd. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office which is the same as that for this Company.
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.
1.3
Turnover
Revenue comprises sales of goods or services provided to customers net of value added tax and other sales taxes, less an appropriate deduction for actual and expected returns and discounts. Revenue is recognised when performance obligations are satisfied and the control of goods or services is transferred to the buyer. Where the performance obligation is satisfied over time, revenue is recognised in accordance with its progress towards complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the promised consideration is adjusted for the effects of the time value of money, which is recognised as interest income.
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
The company recognises revenue from the following major sources:
The nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms of the company's major sources of revenue are as follows:
Rendering of services
Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
- the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
- it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the contract;
- the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
- the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.
1.4
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:
Freehold land and buildings
0% to 10% reducing balance
Plant and equipment
25% reducing balance
Fixtures and fittings
20% reducing balance
Motor vehicles
20% reducing balance
Office equipment
20% reducing balance
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.
Properties whose fair value can be measured reliably are held under the revaluation model and are carried at a revalued amount, being their fair value at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. The fair value of the land and buildings is usually considered to be their market value.
Revaluation gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, except to the extent that a revaluation gain reverses a revaluation loss previously recognised in profit or loss or a revaluation loss exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains recognised in equity; such gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss.
1.5
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.
1.6
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.
Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.7
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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 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 debtors and cash and bank balances, 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.
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
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.
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account 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.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
1.11
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.
1.12
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.13
Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 18 -
2
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.
3
Turnover and other revenue
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Fees receivable
4,975,441
3,520,012
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
4,975,441
3,520,012
2024
2023
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
143,945
106,543
Grants received
117,967
38,345
Sundry income
65,734
32,904
4
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Government grants
(117,967)
(38,345)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
12,925
11,500
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
100,036
72,151
Impairment of owned tangible fixed assets
10,859
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 19 -
5
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2024
2023
Number
Number
Employees
76
64
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
2,305,693
1,744,946
Social security costs
219,614
159,429
Pension costs
43,649
30,244
2,568,956
1,934,619
6
Directors' remuneration
2024
2023
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
78,091
60,362
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£
£
Other income from investments
Gains on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
143,945
106,543
2024
2023
Investment income includes the following:
£
£
Interest on financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
143,945
106,543
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
304,469
235,415
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 -
9
Taxation
2024
2023
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
293,835
102,592
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
81,466
64,365
Total tax charge
375,301
166,957
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
1,471,082
690,208
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 23.52%)
367,771
162,337
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
7,530
1,617
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
3,809
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
(806)
Taxation charge for the year
375,301
166,957
In addition to the amount charged to the profit and loss account, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income:
2024
2023
£
£
Deferred tax arising on:
Revaluation of property
859,053
-
10
Dividends
2024
2023
£
£
Interim paid
200,000
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 21 -
11
Impairments
Impairment tests have been carried out where appropriate and the following impairment losses have been recognised in profit or loss:
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
In respect of:
Property, plant and equipment
12
10,859
Recognised in:
Administrative expenses
-
10,859
12
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Office equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
4,748,325
380,557
133,757
16,161
75,825
5,354,625
Additions
409,541
64,659
166,923
17,358
658,481
Revaluation
3,436,210
3,436,210
At 31 December 2024
8,594,076
445,216
300,680
16,161
93,183
9,449,316
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
46,532
126,793
60,383
10,209
43,350
287,267
Depreciation charged in the year
17,544
45,347
28,142
1,190
7,813
100,036
At 31 December 2024
64,076
172,140
88,525
11,399
51,163
387,303
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
8,530,000
273,076
212,155
4,762
42,020
9,062,013
At 31 December 2023
4,701,793
253,764
73,374
5,952
32,475
5,067,358
Freehold land and buildings with a carrying amount of £8,530,000 (2023 - £4,701,793) have been pledged to secure borrowings of the company. The company is not allowed to pledge these assets as security for other borrowings or to sell them to another entity.
More information on impairment movements in the year is given in note 11.
The care home was revalued by way of increases of £945,544 in 2015, £754,036 in 2016, £505,185 in 2017 and £3,436,210 in 2024. It has been valued on a fair value basis which is considered to be the market value.
Land and buildings with a carrying amount of £8,530,000 were revalued at 22 October 2024 by Colliers, independent valuers not connected with the company on the basis of market value. The valuation conforms to International Valuation Standards and was based on recent market transactions on arm's length terms for similar properties.
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
12
Tangible fixed assets
(Continued)
- 22 -
The revaluation surplus is disclosed in note 22 and in the Statement of Changes in Equity.
The following assets are carried at valuation. If the assets were measured using the cost model, the carrying amounts would be as follows:
Freehold land and buildings
2024
2023
£
£
Cost
2,953,101
2,543,560
Accumulated depreciation
(64,076)
(46,532)
Carrying value
2,889,025
2,497,028
13
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Raw materials and consumables
3,300
3,300
14
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
236,106
261,240
Corporation tax recoverable
190,081
Amounts owed by group undertakings
330
330
Other debtors
2,388,733
1,615,053
Prepayments and accrued income
79,096
22,358
2,894,346
1,898,981
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
17
279,037
199,373
Other borrowings
17
29,871
Trade creditors
213,975
115,639
Corporation tax
646,645
204,227
Other taxation and social security
96,264
124,417
Deferred income
19
47,951
43,487
Other creditors
33,163
110,838
Accruals and deferred income
71,384
67,603
1,388,419
895,455
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
17
2,613,338
2,679,043
Creditors which fall due after five years are payable as follows:
Payable by instalments
1,920,636
2,062,679
17
Loans and overdrafts
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans
2,892,367
2,878,416
Bank overdrafts
8
Other loans
29,871
2,892,375
2,908,287
Payable within one year
279,037
229,244
Payable after one year
2,613,338
2,679,043
The long-term loans are secured by fixed and floating charges over the Company's assets.
Interest on the main bank loan is charged at base rate plus 3.5% per annum.
Interest on other loans is charged at between 6.9% and 20.0% per annum.
18
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
60,342
(21,125)
Revaluations
1,312,849
453,797
1,373,191
432,672
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
18
Deferred taxation
(Continued)
- 24 -
2024
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2024
432,672
Charge to profit or loss
81,466
Charge to other comprehensive income
859,053
Liability at 31 December 2024
1,373,191
19
Deferred income
2024
2023
£
£
Other deferred income
47,951
43,487
20
Retirement benefit schemes
2024
2023
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
43,649
30,244
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.
21
Share capital
2024
2023
2024
2023
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
4
4
4
4
Each share is entitled to one vote in any circumstances.
22
Revaluation reserve
Represents current and prior period gains on revaluation of the company's property less deferred tax.
23
Capital commitments
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
2024
2023
£
£
Acquisition of tangible fixed assets
-
2,994
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 25 -
24
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:
Purchases
Purchases
2024
2023
£
£
Other related parties
-
12,000
Interest received from related party
Paid on behalf of related party
2024
2023
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
Other related parties
134,794
106,147
3,385
1,643
2024
2023
Amounts due to related parties
£
£
Entities with control, joint control or significant influence over the company
330
330
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
2024
2023
Amounts due from related parties
£
£
Other related parties
1,736,338
1,595,375
Other information
The bank loan to the company is secured jointly on the assets of the company and Dovecote Care Homes Limited, a company under the control of one of the directors.
25
Directors' transactions
Dividends totalling £0 (2023 - £0) were paid in the year in respect of shares held by the company's directors.
Description
% Rate
Opening balance
Amounts advanced
Closing balance
£
£
£
Advances to directors
2.25
903
567,996
568,899
903
567,996
568,899
DCSL LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 26 -
26
Ultimate controlling party
The company is a subsidiary undertaking of Keswick (Cambridgeshire) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales, registration number 10962061. The registered office is Fenland House, Hostmoor Avenue, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0AX.
The company is ultimately controlled by Mr David Lidford.
2024-12-312024-01-01falsefalsefalseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2025.200Mr D LidfordMr D CurtisMr S Lidford067251012024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:Director12024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:Director32024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:Director22024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:RegisteredOffice2024-01-012024-12-31067251012024-12-31067251012023-01-012023-12-3106725101core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-01-012023-12-3106725101core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:RevaluationReserve2024-01-012024-12-31067251012023-12-3106725101core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2024-12-3106725101core:PlantMachinery2024-12-3106725101core:FurnitureFittings2024-12-3106725101core:MotorVehicles2024-12-3106725101core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2024-12-3106725101core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-12-3106725101core:PlantMachinery2023-12-3106725101core:FurnitureFittings2023-12-3106725101core:MotorVehicles2023-12-3106725101core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2023-12-3106725101core:ShareCapital2024-12-3106725101core:ShareCapital2023-12-3106725101core:RevaluationReserve2024-12-3106725101core:RevaluationReserve2023-12-3106725101core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-12-3106725101core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-12-3106725101core:ShareCapital2022-12-3106725101core:RevaluationReserve2022-12-3106725101core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2022-12-3106725101core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12024-12-3106725101core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12023-12-3106725101core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:PlantMachinery2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:FurnitureFittings2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:MotorVehicles2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:UKTax2024-01-012024-12-3106725101core:UKTax2023-01-012023-12-3106725101core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2023-12-3106725101core:PlantMachinery2023-12-3106725101core:FurnitureFittings2023-12-3106725101core:MotorVehicles2023-12-3106725101core:Non-standardPPEClass1ComponentTotalPropertyPlantEquipment2023-12-31067251012023-12-3106725101core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2024-12-3106725101core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2023-12-3106725101core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2024-12-3106725101core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2023-12-3106725101bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-12-3106725101bus:OrdinaryShareClass12023-12-3106725101core:EntitiesWithJointControlOrSignificantInfluenceOverReportingEntity2024-12-3106725101bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:FRS1022024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:Audited2024-01-012024-12-3106725101bus:FullAccounts2024-01-012024-12-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP