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

The principal activities of the company and group in 2024 continued to be the provision of dental practice design, build, equipment supply, and equipment maintenance services. The company operates primarily within the United Kingdom, serving both private and public sector clients across England and Wales. The purpose of the group is to generate and maximise shareholder wealth by way of generating profits. The company works towards its purpose through the means of a strong management team, regular reporting and tracking of key performance indicators, as seen later on in this report.

The directors have undertaken a fair review of the business and some of the details are shown in the paragraphs below.

Business environment

The group operates in the dental section of the United Kingdom’s healthcare sector, which is influenced by regulatory developments, procurement cycles, and healthcare infrastructure investment. The business continues to enhance operational resilience by diversifying its supplier base, investing in stockholding where appropriate, and strengthening supplier partnerships. To meet its performance objectives, the group prioritises customer service, people and culture development, continuous improvement in systems and operational efficiencies, and expansion into new product/service offerings within the sector.

The dental sector itself continues to demonstrate growth year on year, with various metrics being reported on by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) as follows:

•    Courses of treatment – 35 million (up 4% on 2023/24)

•    Units of dental activity – 73 million units (up <1% on 2023/24)

•    Number of dentists – 24,543 (1.4% increase on 2023/24)

Further information on these statistics can be explored here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202425

Strategy

The group is guided by values of integrity, teamwork, attention to detail, problem solving, and taking ownership. Success is driven through consistent service delivery, technical expertise, and a customer-first mindset. Growth is supported by investment in people, technology, and the development of a scalable infrastructure. The group continues to differentiate itself through tailored support services, sector-specific knowledge, and a turnkey offering.

Key risks facing the business include market competition, health & safety, inflationary pressures, customer credit risk, and changes in the regulatory landscape. The risk of customer default or delayed payment is monitored through regular debtor reviews and controlled credit terms, helping to protect cash flow and maintain financial stability. Broader operational and financial risks are reviewed regularly by the board, with oversight mechanisms such as supplier audits, budgetary control, and internal reporting. Risk management processes are embedded in day-to-day operations and overseen by senior management, and external consultants are utilised where deemed necessary. The group also maintains contingency plans to address unforeseen developments that may impact continuity or performance.

Whilst the overall profitability of the group wasn’t where the directors wanted it to be, the group achieved strong revenue growth and resourced itself for further growth by investing in people, systems, and new product offerings ready for full launch in 2025. Customer retention was strong, and operational efficiencies were gained during the year. The group remains well-positioned within its market.

The directors continually assess both financial and non-financial measures as way of tracking the performance and development of the group. Some of these key metrics have been summarised below:

Turnover: £14,079,406, representing a 22.5%% increase on the previous year.

Gross Profit Margin: 22.6%, down from 32.1% in the previous year.

Net Loss before tax: £43,528, down from a profit of £1,018,001 in the previous period.

Average number of employees: 63, an increase of 12 on the previous year.

In focusing the business as to maximise turnover in the year the group broadened its horizons with regards to project selection. Whilst this approach is considered to have had a positive impact on exposure in the sector and developing relationships with a new range of customers, it has also had an undesired adverse impact on gross profit and net profit margins. Looking into 2025, the group will rein in its project selection in an attempt to refocus the business back to more lucrative and profitable developments.

The group expects to continue building on its established market position through targeted service enhancements and strategic investments in systems, processes, and personnel. Management remains confident in the long-term prospects and is focused on maintaining stability and delivering sustainable growth. Further innovation, operational improvements, and a new profit share scheme for all staff will underpin future performance.

Inventory opening balances

The directors note that the group appointed its current auditors in December 2024, after the commencement of the financial year. As a result, the auditors were unable to observe the physical inventory count at 1 January 2024 or perform alternative procedures to verify the opening inventory balances. This limitation has been acknowledged in the audit report and relates solely to the opening inventory position. The directors are satisfied that appropriate procedures were followed during the year to ensure the accuracy of inventory records and valuation as at 31 December 2024.

On behalf of the board

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

The results for the year are set out on page 8.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £373,500. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

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

The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.

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 auditor of the company 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 auditor of the company is aware of that information.

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

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 group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group 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;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the group’s and company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and 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 group and company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

We have audited the financial statements of Compton Hart Ltd (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise group statement of comprehensive income, group and company balance sheets, group and company statement of changes in equity, group and company statement of cashflows 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 possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section of our report, the consolidated financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of the group's loss 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

We were appointed as auditors of the Group in December 2024 and were therefore not able to observe the counting of physical inventories at 1 January 2024 or perform alternative procedures to verify the opening inventory quantities and valuation, which are stated at £1,359,784 in the consolidated financial statements.

As 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 profit for the year reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, and the net cash flows from operating activities reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Our audit opinion on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 is therefore qualified due to a limitation of scope in respect of opening inventories.

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 group 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 qualified 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 group and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

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

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their 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 by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the parent company 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; or

• the directors were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the directors' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 1, 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 group and the parent 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 parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Based on our understanding of the group and its financial operations we have considered the initial risks of non-compliance with the UK regulators, predominantly HM Revenue and Customs, the Companies Act 2006. We have assessed the impact of any breaches in such laws and regulations, based on the results of audit testing and enquiries made with management, and considered whether any such findings would have a material impact on these financial statements. We have considered the risk of those charged with management overriding internal controls and the opportunity for financial manipulation. We have considered the effect of any accounting estimates included within these accounts and the effect this may have on our audit opinion.

Our audit procedures together with our assessment of risks identified at planning were transparent to the group and we have communicated with the client throughout the audit as well as the audit engagement team, and this includes such matters as fraud and irregularity. The above procedures do however have their limitations as we can only work on a sample of financial transactions. Ultimately it is the responsibility of those charged with management for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized groups.

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £144,516 (2023 - £433,216 profit).

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.

Compton Hart Ltd (“the company”) is a private limited company incorporated, registered and trading in England and Wales with company number 12667417. The registered office is Park Farm Lane, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, SG8 8LZ.

The group consists of Compton Hart Ltd and all of its subsidiaries.

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

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

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

The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Compton Hart Ltd together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.

All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2024. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.

All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group 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.

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.

The nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms of the company's

major sources of revenue are as follows:

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.

Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of

completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The

stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff

rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue

is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that are recoverable.

Where the outcome of a contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to

the stage of completion of the contract activity at the reporting end date. Variations in contract work, claims

and incentive payments are included to the extent that the amount can be measured reliably and its receipt is

considered probable.

When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract turnover, the expected loss is recognised

as an expense immediately.

Where the outcome of a contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of

contract costs incurred where it is probable that they will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as

expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When costs incurred in securing a contract are recognised

as an expense in the period in which they are incurred, they are not included in contract costs if the contract is

obtained in a subsequent period.

The “percentage of completion method” is used to determine the appropriate amount to recognise in a given

period. The stage of completion is measured by the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to

date compared to the estimated total contract costs. Costs incurred in the year in connection with future

activity on a contract are excluded from contract costs in determining the stage of completion. These costs

are presented as stocks, prepayments or other assets depending on their nature, and provided it is probable

they will be recovered.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a business over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life, which is 10 years.

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.

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:

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:

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 recognised in the profit and loss account.

Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.

In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

At each reporting period end date, the group 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). 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.

The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.

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.

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.

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.

The group 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 group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and 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, 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, 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.

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.

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group 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.

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 group after deducting all of its 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.

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.

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

Equity instruments issued by the group 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 group.

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred 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 group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

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 if, and only if, there is 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.

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.

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

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.

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

In the application of the group’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.

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

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

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

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2024 are as follows:

Other borrowings includes redeemable shares of £450,000. The redeemable shares, which were issued at par, are redeemable at par at the option of the shareholder. The redeemable shares were redeemed on 5 March 2025.

The long-term loans are unsecured.

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is three years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

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

A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.

At the balance sheet date the group had defined contribution commitments of £8,745 (2023: £9,048).

Share capital - represents the nominal amount of share capital called up and paid.

Share premium - represents amounts paid in excess of nominal value when shares were acquired.

Profit and loss account - represents cumulative profits net of taxation and dividends.

Non-controlling interest - represents the share of cumulative profits net of taxation and dividends due to minority interests.

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

During the year the group incurred costs of £948,989 (2023: £601,763) relating to the construction on properties owned by directors and their close family members. These costs were invoiced without any mark-up on cost.

Included within other debtors due within one year are loans to the directors of £223,434 (2023: £317,265). These loans are provided on an interest-free basis and have no fixed term for repayment.

Included within creditors due in more than one year are loans due to the directors of £738,397 (2023: £378,331). Interest is charged at a commercial rate but there are no fixed terms for repayment.

The parent company was due an amount of £656,414 (2023: £885,398) from it's subsidiary as at the balance sheet date. No interest is charged and there is no fixed term for repayment.

There were no changes in net debt for the company.