Company registration number 06899606 (England and Wales)
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr D Austin
Mr H R Armstrong
Mr D A Dole
Company number
06899606
Registered office
Unit 6
Beehive Business Park
Thomas Way
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 7TW
Auditor
JL Winder & Co
Suite 6
Furness Gate
Peter Green Way
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria
LA14 2PE
Business address
Unit 6
Beehive Business Park
Thomas Way
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 7TW
Bankers
HSBC
104 Duke Street
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1LR
NatWest Bank PLC - Barrow
113 Dalton Road
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1WY
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 3
Directors' report
4
Directors' responsibilities statement
5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 8
Profit and loss account
9
Statement of comprehensive income
10
Balance sheet
11
Statement of changes in equity
12
Statement of cash flows
13
Notes to the financial statements
14 - 25
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS 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 continued to strengthen its position as a specialist supplier of premium British meat to the UK’s leading restaurants and corporate foodservice operators, where quality and consistency are paramount. Turnover grew to £12.3m (2023: £11.0m), an increase of 11%, reflecting the continued demand for high-quality British produce and the company’s differentiated sustainability offering.
Margins were impacted by inflationary pressures and the volatility of livestock prices, but through careful cost management, direct farmer sourcing, and operational efficiencies the company achieved an operating profit of £764k and closed the year with net assets of £3.8m.
Lake District Farmers differentiates itself by combining a short, transparent supply chain with market-leading sustainability initiatives. Many new contracts were won during the year because of the company’s proven track record in decarbonisation, packaging innovation, and customer education.
The Company continues to place strong emphasis on purchasing directly from farms with which it has close, long-standing relationships, which allows it to influence and guide how the Farms operate and transition towards a more sustainable future for agriculture.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The company operates in a highly competitive market and faces a number of risks:
Price volatility: Beef and lamb prices remain unpredictable, influenced by global supply and demand and feed costs. While unavoidable, the company works closely with farmers to manage stability and communicates transparently with customers to share the impact.
Customer affordability and price resistance: With further significant price increases expected in 2025, particularly in Beef, the company is focusing on creating significant internal efficiencies through investment in new machinery and training to minimise the impact on Customers. Whilst ensuring the company efficiently levels off carcases, to enhance by-product revenue streams and remain a market leader in waste reduction initiatives.
Labour and employment costs: The wider industry continues to see upward pressure on wages and challenges in recruitment. Lake District Farmers invests in retention, training, and apprenticeships to protect skill levels and reduce turnover.
Regulatory and sustainability compliance: Increasing requirements on carbon reporting, packaging, and animal welfare are viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity. The company’s proactive investment in HVO fuel, packaging innovation, and ISO accreditation positions it ahead of compliance requirements.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Development and performance
Key developments during 2024 included:
Ongoing collaboration with Lancaster University through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership “Towards Net Zero Meat Production”, supporting innovation in low-carbon livestock farming. Through our KTP with Lancaster University, we have:
Identified Farms to sit within the case study
Taken over 500 soil samples to ascertain a robust carbon baseline and soil health data for each Farm - allowing us to understand how much carbon we store on each Farm, and what carbon we could potentially store in the future (based on scientific principles as opposed to widely used "best guess" models)
Worked with internationally recognised specialists to analyse the data and develop a bespoke strategy for Farms within the study, to increase their environmental performance through increased carbon sequestration, enhanced soil health, increased levels of biodiversity, and reduced reliance on inputs, including fertilisers and finish feeds.
Worked alongside industry-leading environmental accountants to analyse how the changes proposed at the Farm level to enhance environmental performance would affect farm viability and financial outcomes.
Helping to maintain the company’s position at the forefront of sustainable innovation within the sector, ensuring the company demonstrates its commitment to its mission, to create a sustainable future for Hill Farms in Cumbria.
At the year end, the company reported cash reserves of £758k, supporting future investment.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -
Analysis based on Key Performance Indicators
The Board monitors both financial and non-financial indicators to track progress. The most significant KPIs for 2024 were:
95% reduction in lorry emissions through HVO adoption
Progress towards 100% biodegradable packaging by 2025
Regular farm tours conducted with customers and chefs
These measures assure that the company is maintaining financial resilience while advancing its sustainability strategy.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the company is focused on:
The Directors are confident that Lake District Farmers’ unique combination of quality and consistency, transparent sourcing, and industry-leading sustainability will continue to secure opportunities with some of the UK’s most discerning restaurant and foodservice clients.
Mr H R Armstrong
Director
29 September 2025
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -
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 the preparation and retail of meat products.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 9.
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 Austin
Mr H R Armstrong
Mr D A Dole
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.
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 H R Armstrong
Director
29 September 2025
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 5 -
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.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
- 6 -
Qualified opinion on financial statements
We have audited the financial statements of Lake District Farmers 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, the statement of cash flows 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, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006..
Basis for qualified opinion
This is the company’s first year of audit. We were appointed as auditors after the beginning of the current financial year and were therefore unable to observe the counting of physical inventories at 31st December 2023 or satisfy ourselves by alternative means concerning the inventory quantities held at that date. Our client engaged their previous accountant to attend the stocktake at 31st December 2023 in readiness for the first year audit and this was done however this information was not made available to us or the company following enquiries. We were advised that the information had been lost by the previous accountants.
Since opening inventories enter into the determination of the results of operations and cash flows, we were unable to determine whether adjustments might have been necessary in respect of the cost of sales and cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2024.
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.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 7 -
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.
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.
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
the engagement partner ensured that the audit team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and senior management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the sector;
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company;
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED (CONTINUED)
- 8 -
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations;
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions during the year and at the year end;
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias;
investigated the reasons behind significant or unusual transactions;
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims;
reviewing correspondence with HMRC and other regulators
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
The financial statements of Lake District Farmers Limited for the year ended 31st December 2023 were not audited. Accordingly we do not express an opinion on the comparative figures included in these financial statements.
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.
Sarah Roberts BSc FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of JL Winder & Co, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Suite 6
Furness Gate
Peter Green Way
Barrow in Furness
Cumbria
LA14 2PE
30 September 2025
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
12,276,314
11,017,504
Cost of sales
(9,488,183)
(8,344,571)
Gross profit
2,788,131
2,672,933
Distribution costs
(639,746)
(612,219)
Administrative expenses
(1,387,195)
(1,230,451)
Other operating income
2,547
66,000
Operating profit
4
763,737
896,263
Interest receivable and similar income
7
2,633
3,189
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(20,478)
(44,123)
Profit before taxation
745,892
855,329
Tax on profit
9
(162,474)
(211,569)
Profit for the financial year
583,418
643,760
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 10 -
2024
2023
£
£
Profit for the year
583,418
643,760
Other comprehensive income
-
-
Total comprehensive income for the year
583,418
643,760
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2024
31 December 2024
- 11 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
11
11,795
14,744
Tangible assets
12
3,109,731
3,170,054
3,121,526
3,184,798
Current assets
Stocks
13
264,574
284,375
Debtors
14
1,681,852
1,805,219
Cash at bank and in hand
798,392
413,582
2,744,818
2,503,176
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(1,248,258)
(1,339,759)
Net current assets
1,496,560
1,163,417
Total assets less current liabilities
4,618,086
4,348,215
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(299,033)
(367,618)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
19
469,608
503,370
(469,608)
(503,370)
Net assets
3,849,445
3,477,227
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
21
76
76
Capital redemption reserve
24
24
Profit and loss reserves
3,849,345
3,477,127
Total equity
3,849,445
3,477,227
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 H R Armstrong
Director
Company registration number 06899606 (England and Wales)
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
Share capital
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2023
76
24
3,033,457
3,033,557
Year ended 31 December 2023:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
643,760
643,760
Dividends
10
-
-
(200,090)
(200,090)
Balance at 31 December 2023
76
24
3,477,127
3,477,227
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
-
583,418
583,418
Dividends
10
-
-
(211,200)
(211,200)
Balance at 31 December 2024
76
24
3,849,345
3,849,445
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 13 -
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
23
903,491
717,810
Interest paid
(20,478)
(44,123)
Income taxes (paid)/refunded
(111,676)
68,638
Net cash inflow from operating activities
771,337
742,325
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(129,685)
(307,036)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
12,018
55,551
Interest received
2,633
3,189
Net cash used in investing activities
(115,034)
(248,296)
Financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
250,000
Repayment of bank loans
(10,151)
(959,329)
Payment of finance leases obligations
(50,142)
110,192
Dividends paid
(211,200)
(200,090)
Net cash used in financing activities
(271,493)
(799,227)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
384,810
(305,198)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
413,582
718,780
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
798,392
413,582
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 14 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Lake District Farmers Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 6, Beehive Business Park, Thomas Way, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7TW.
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.
1.2
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. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.
1.3
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.
Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.
Amortisation 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:
Website
20% straight line
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:
Buildings
2% straight line
Plant and machinery
15% reducing balance
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
20% straight line
Computer equipment
33% straight line
Motor vehicles
20% straight line
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
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.
1.5
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible 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).
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.
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 at bank and in hand
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.
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.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS 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.
Other financial liabilities
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
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.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.
1.10
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
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.
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
Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 18 -
1.14
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.
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.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.
Bad debt provision
The company establishes a provision for debts that are not thought to be recoverable. When assessing recoverability the company considers factors such as the ageing of the debt, past experience and the credit profile of the customer. The level of provision is reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Depreciation
The useful life, residual value and depreciation rate of tangible fixed assets are reviewed annually and amended where necessary.
Stock valuation
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and NRV. The valuation includes an estimate of the average weight of the cut of meat, this average weight is regularly reviewed against the current stockholding and updated as and when required.
3
Turnover and other revenue
2024
2023
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Sale of premium British meat
12,276,314
11,017,504
2024
2023
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
2,633
3,189
Grants received
-
66,000
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 19 -
4
Operating profit
2024
2023
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Government grants
-
(66,000)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
16,000
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
180,383
167,803
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(2,393)
(16,328)
Amortisation of intangible assets
2,949
4,656
5
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2024
2023
Number
Number
Total employees
48
44
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2024
2023
£
£
Wages and salaries
1,626,765
1,423,667
Social security costs
164,299
136,503
Pension costs
36,563
30,562
1,827,627
1,590,732
6
Directors' remuneration
2024
2023
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
111,746
88,623
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
2,209
1,145
113,955
89,768
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 3 (2023 - 3).
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 -
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2024
2023
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
2,341
2,820
Other interest income
292
369
Total income
2,633
3,189
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2024
2023
£
£
Interest on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
650
6,691
Other interest on financial liabilities
15,625
35,471
16,275
42,162
Other finance costs:
Interest on finance leases and hire purchase contracts
4,203
1,961
20,478
44,123
9
Taxation
2024
2023
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
196,236
111,676
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(33,762)
94,893
Other adjustments
5,000
Total deferred tax
(33,762)
99,893
Total tax charge
162,474
211,569
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9
Taxation
(Continued)
- 21 -
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
745,892
855,329
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2023: 23.52%)
186,473
201,173
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
1,860
(11,702)
Unutilised tax losses carried forward
(48,590)
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
7,166
(30,300)
Amortisation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
737
1,095
Deferred tax movement
(33,762)
99,893
Taxation charge for the year
162,474
211,569
10
Dividends
2024
2023
£
£
Interim paid
211,200
200,090
11
Intangible fixed assets
Website
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024
23,280
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
8,536
Amortisation charged for the year
2,949
At 31 December 2024
11,485
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
11,795
At 31 December 2023
14,744
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 22 -
12
Tangible fixed assets
Buildings
Plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
2,555,747
699,974
8,385
47,250
359,502
3,670,858
Additions
90,812
327
5,157
33,391
129,687
Disposals
(95,818)
(95,818)
At 31 December 2024
2,555,747
790,786
8,712
52,407
297,075
3,704,727
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
99,093
234,608
3,641
29,325
134,139
500,806
Depreciation charged in the year
36,470
74,172
1,428
9,323
58,990
180,383
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(86,193)
(86,193)
At 31 December 2024
135,563
308,780
5,069
38,648
106,936
594,996
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
2,420,184
482,006
3,643
13,759
190,139
3,109,731
At 31 December 2023
2,456,654
465,367
4,744
17,926
225,363
3,170,054
NatWest bank PLC hold a legal charge over unit 6 Beehive Business Park and a debenture over all the assets of the company.
The land on which the building is situated is owned by the connected company, LDF Properties Ltd. There is a lease agreement in place between the two companies however the rent to date has been waived and the lease terms are currently held in abeyance.
13
Stocks
2024
2023
£
£
Raw materials and consumables
264,574
284,375
14
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,290,439
1,477,731
Other debtors
372,848
286,058
Prepayments and accrued income
18,565
41,430
1,681,852
1,805,219
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
17
15,632
9,050
Obligations under finance leases
18
51,852
50,142
Trade creditors
645,495
883,158
Corporation tax
196,236
111,676
Other taxation and social security
56,176
49,781
Other creditors
149,814
111,215
Accruals and deferred income
133,053
124,737
1,248,258
1,339,759
16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2024
2023
Notes
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
17
16,733
Obligations under finance leases
18
49,033
100,885
Other borrowings
17
250,000
250,000
299,033
367,618
17
Loans and overdrafts
2024
2023
£
£
Bank loans
15,632
25,783
Loans from related parties
250,000
250,000
265,632
275,783
Payable within one year
15,632
9,050
Payable after one year
250,000
266,733
18
Finance lease obligations
2024
2023
Future minimum lease payments due under finance leases:
£
£
Within one year
51,852
50,142
In two to five years
49,033
100,885
100,885
151,027
The hire purchase agreement above is secured on various chattels owned by the company. The directors, Hayden Armstrong and Daniel Austin have given a personal guarantee in respect of the loan.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 24 -
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
469,608
503,370
2024
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2024
503,370
Credit to profit or loss
(33,762)
Liability at 31 December 2024
469,608
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
36,563
30,562
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 of £1 each
24
24
24
24
Ordinary A of £1 each
52
52
52
52
76
76
76
76
All classes of shares rank pari passu in all respects and the directors may declare a dividend on one class of share and not another class.
LAKE DISTRICT FARMERS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- 25 -
22
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
2024
2023
Amounts due from related parties
£
£
Other related parties
232,576
238,265
23
Cash generated from operations
2024
2023
£
£
Profit after taxation
583,418
643,760
Adjustments for:
Taxation charged
162,474
211,569
Finance costs
20,478
44,123
Investment income
(2,633)
(3,189)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(2,393)
(16,328)
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
2,949
4,656
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
180,383
167,803
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
19,801
(102,146)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
123,367
(392,498)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(184,353)
226,060
Decrease in deferred income
-
(66,000)
Cash generated from operations
903,491
717,810
24
Analysis of changes in net funds/(debt)
1 January 2024
Cash flows
31 December 2024
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
413,582
384,810
798,392
Borrowings excluding overdrafts
(275,783)
10,151
(265,632)
Lease liabilities
(151,027)
50,142
(100,885)
(13,228)
445,103
431,875
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