The director presents the strategic report for the year ended 28 February 2025.
The principal activity of the group is the specialized manufacturing of beefburgers and other meat products, supplying a network of distributors throughout the country. Over the years, the group has cultivated a significant following for its branded products and has also excelled in manufacturing private label products for national cash and carry outlets and wholesale distributors. This dual focus has enabled the group to establish a robust market presence and meet diverse consumer needs.
Key Performance Metrics
The Group's key performance metrics are
FY25 FY24 %Change
Turnover £54,340,687 £58,389,938 7% decrease
Gross Profit £11,918,790 £10,585,274 13% increase
Net Profit Before Tax £5,317,527 £4,178,702 27% increase
While the trading environment in FY25 was more competitive, with elevated input costs across the sector, The group remained both profitable and operationally strong. A temporary delay in passing through cost increases to some of our larger accounts affected short-term margins, but this was a strategic decision aimed at supporting long-term partnerships and retaining key national contracts. In contrast, pricing for Paragon-branded products sold through wholesalers and regional distributors was more agile, helping to support group margin performance.
This strategic approach resulted in a 13% increase in gross profit. Administrative expenses stayed relatively stable and a reduction in interest and similar expenses enabled the group to increase net profit before tax by 27%.
The group operates in a competitive market, which presents several principal risks and uncertainties. Key risks include fluctuations in raw material prices, which can impact production costs and profit margins. Regulatory risks also pose challenges, as changes in food safety and manufacturing standards may necessitate significant adjustments to processes and products. Additionally, increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressure on sustainability practices require continuous efforts towards environmentally friendly operations.
To mitigate these risks, the group employs strategic sourcing, maintains high standards of quality control, invests in technology to improve efficiencies, and continuously monitors market trends to adapt its product offerings.
Reliance on a network of distributors introduces the risk of dependency on third-party performance, which the group addresses through robust relationship management and diversification of its distribution channels.
Overall, while these risks present challenges, the group remains proactive in its risk management strategies to ensure resilience and sustained growth.
The Directors of the Company, as those of all UK companies, must act in accordance with a set of general duties. These duties detailed in section 172 of the UK Companies Act 2006 which is summarised as follows:
A director of a Company must act in a way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and, in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to:
1. The likely consequences of any decisions in the long term:
The Group's main strategic decisions in the year where those that resulted in decisions to continue to invest in automating and upgrading equipment and machinery and develop its people and processes to enable it to be competitive for the short, medium and long term.
2. The interest of the Group's employees:
Investment is not only in machinery but also in its people and processes to ensure staff's training and development needs are met.
3. The need to foster the Group's business relationships with suppliers' customers and others business relationships:
The Group continues to develop new automated packaging processes for packing goods. This will help consolidate relationships with the entire supply chain.
4. The impact of the Group's operations on the community and the environment:.
Investment in equipment, and processes will lead to increased efficiencies in the use of energy which will reduce our impact on the environment both locally and on a nationally.
5. The desirability of the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct:
The Group prides itself on its professional reputation. We are regularly audited by external bodies to ensure compliance with all relevant food hygiene legislation.
6. The need to act fairly as between stakeholders of the Group.:
Fairness and equality are important to the company, we work with members at all levels and promote a good working relationship between all colleagues
On behalf of the board
The director presents his annual report and financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2025.
The results for the year are set out on page 10.
No ordinary dividends were paid (2023 - £Nil). The director does not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The director who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements was as follows:
Neither the company or the group have made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors in the year.
The Group continues to perform research and development activities in the pursuit of achieving greater efficiencies in the packaging, distribution and logistical management of products.
No events after the reporting date have occurred that require disclosure.
The Group anticipates that turnover and profitability will remain consistent during the current financial year to February 2026 as both raw material prices stabilised and price increases were implemented in 2025.
Carbon Neutral Britain Limited have provided a Carbon (GHG) Emissions Report for Paragon Quality Foods Limited. As this is the Group's principal consumer of energy and producer of emissions this report has been used for group energy and carbon reporting purposes. Comparative figures for 2024 are not available.
The group has followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. The group has also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2020 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per employee.
In order to further reduce carbon emissions the group is targeting increased energy efficiency measures including, but not limited to, energy efficient lighting and the increased use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels as well as enhancing waste separation processes.
The group has been certified as a Carbon Neutral Business by Carbon Neutral Britain Limited.
Credit risk
The Group's principal financial assets are bank balances, cash, stock and trade debtors. These represent the Group's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets. The credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade debtors. The risk is managed by having a strict credit policy and effective credit rating of prospective customers. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are et of allowances for doubtful debts estimated by the Group's management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.
Liquidity and Cash flow risk
The Directors do not consider that the Group is exposed to significant liquidity or cash flow risk due to the diversity of the customer base as well as its liquid reserves.
We have audited the financial statements of Paragon Property Investments Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 28 February 2025 which comprise the group profit and loss account, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group 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).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the director's 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's 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 director with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
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 director's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
The strategic report and the director's report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:
Enquiring of directors and inspection of policy documentation as to the Company's high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud.
Reading Board and sub committee meeting minutes.
Considering remuneration incentive schemes and performance targets for management, directors and sales staff.
Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
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/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors.
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.
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 £215,587 (2024 - £80,180 loss).
Paragon Property Investments Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company limited by shares, domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit D Herons Way, Balby, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, DN4 8WA.
The group consists of Paragon Property Investments Limited 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, 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.
The company has taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements as these consolidated financial statements are publically available therefore the company is a qualifying entity got the purposes of FRS102:
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 consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Paragon Property Investments Limited 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 28 February 2025. 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.
Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.
Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.
If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.
Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.
The Director has carefully considered the current economic climate, including the effects of inflation and the broader economic conditions on the group's cash flow and forecasts. A detailed assessment of these risks and their potential impact on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern is provided in the Strategic Report. Based on this evaluation, the director is confident that Group possesses sufficient resources to meet its obligations and operate sustainably for the the foreseeable future. The Group's strong net asset position further supports this conclusion. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared under the going concern basis.
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.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income.
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.
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, associates and jointly controlled entities 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.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
At each reporting period end date, the group 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.
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.
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.
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 director is 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 Directors are required to determine whether there are indicators of impairment of the company's tangible assets. Factors taken into consideration in reaching such a decision include the economic viability and expected future financial performance of the asset and, where it is a component of a larger cash-generating unit, the viability and expected future performance of that unit.
A rebate accrual has been calculated based on historic levels of customer rebates previously experienced. The director has estimated that the future levels of rebates will continue to be consistent with historic levels.
Recoverability of trade debtors is regularly reviewed in light of the available economic information specific to each debtor and specific provisions are recognised for balances considered to be irrecoverable
The director has assessed the fair value of the investment property based on current market rates for comparable properties, taking into account potential market fluctuations. Annual valuations are conducted and any change in value is reflected in the financial statements.
Management estimate the proportion of direct wages and overheads to be absorbed into stock cost based on production rates over the year. Stock cost is subsequently considered as to whether any stock provisions are needed based on the age and quality of stock held.
The whole of the turnover is attributable to the principal activity of the group, and substantially arose in the United Kingdom.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The Director does not participate in any non-salary remuneration.
The Director is employed and remunerated by one of the groups subsidiaries, Paragon Food Service Limited, due to this being the company that transacts wholly with external customers.
The March 2021 Budget announced an increase in the corporation tax rate to 25% (from 19%) with effect from 1 April 2023 which was substantively enacted in Finance Act 2021 on 24 May 2021. The Company's deferred tax balances are measured using the corporation tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date, based on the periods in which the temporary differences are forecast to reverse (19% for deferred tax expected to reverse before 1 April 2023 and 25% for deferred tax expected to reverse on or after 1 April 2023).
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:
The group has tax losses of approximately £10.1m (2024 - £10.1m) carried forward which may be offset against future taxable profits in the parent undertaking. No deferred tax asset is recognised in respect of these losses as the timing of their future use is uncertain.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 28 February 2025 are as follows:
Stock recognised in cost of sales during the year as an expense was £36,587,890 (2024: £42,219,591)
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately to the company in an independently administered fund.
No events after the reporting date have occurred that require disclosure.
During the year the group made sales of £441,405 (2024: £547,227) to Urban Burgers Group Limited, a company of which M Pekin is a minority shareholder and his daughter is a director. At the year end the company was owed £16,397 (2024: £20,480).