Caseware UK (AP4) 2024.0.164 2024.0.164 2024-12-312024-12-312falseThe principal activity of the company is that of growers of vegetables and melons, roots and tubers.truefalsetruetruetruetruefalse2024-01-0192 07896680 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 07896680 2024-12-31 07896680 2023-12-31 07896680 2023-01-01 07896680 4 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 4 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 07896680 6 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 6 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 07896680 d:Exceptional 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Exceptional 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 07896680 e:CompanySecretary1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:Director1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:Director2 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:Director3 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:Director3 2024-12-31 07896680 e:RegisteredOffice 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Buildings 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Buildings d:LongLeaseholdAssets 2023-12-31 07896680 d:LandBuildings 2024-12-31 07896680 d:LandBuildings 2023-12-31 07896680 d:PlantMachinery 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:PlantMachinery 2024-12-31 07896680 d:PlantMachinery 2023-12-31 07896680 d:PlantMachinery d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:FurnitureFittings 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:FurnitureFittings 2024-12-31 07896680 d:FurnitureFittings 2023-12-31 07896680 d:FurnitureFittings d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 07896680 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 07896680 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2023-12-31 07896680 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments d:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 07896680 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments d:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 07896680 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments d:AfterOneYear 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Non-currentFinancialInstruments d:AfterOneYear 2023-12-31 07896680 d:ShareCapital 2024-12-31 07896680 d:ShareCapital 2023-12-31 07896680 d:ShareCapital 2023-01-01 07896680 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2024-12-31 07896680 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 2023-12-31 07896680 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-12-31 07896680 d:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2023-01-01 07896680 d:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2024-12-31 07896680 d:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax 2023-12-31 07896680 d:TaxLossesCarry-forwardsDeferredTax 2024-12-31 07896680 d:TaxLossesCarry-forwardsDeferredTax 2023-12-31 07896680 e:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:OrdinaryShareClass1 2024-12-31 07896680 e:OrdinaryShareClass1 2023-12-31 07896680 e:FRS102 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:Audited 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:FullAccounts 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 e:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 07896680 d:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 07896680 d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-12-31 07896680 d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2023-12-31 07896680 d:MoreThanFiveYears 2024-12-31 07896680 d:MoreThanFiveYears 2023-12-31 07896680 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:WithinOneYear 2024-12-31 07896680 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:WithinOneYear 2023-12-31 07896680 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-12-31 07896680 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2023-12-31 07896680 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:MoreThanFiveYears 2024-12-31 07896680 d:HirePurchaseContracts d:MoreThanFiveYears 2023-12-31 07896680 4 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Buildings d:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-12-31 07896680 d:Buildings d:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 07896680 d:PlantMachinery d:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-12-31 07896680 d:PlantMachinery d:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 07896680 d:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2024-12-31 07896680 d:LeasedAssetsHeldAsLessee 2023-12-31 07896680 f:PoundSterling 2024-01-01 2024-12-31 iso4217:GBP xbrli:shares xbrli:pure

Registered number: 07896680










APS GROWERS LTD










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
J Harris 
D Hoult 




Company secretary
D Hoult



Registered number
07896680



Registered office
Unit 1
Chichester Food Park

Bognor Road

Chichester

West Sussex

PO20 1NW




Independent auditors
MHA
Statutory Auditors

2 London Wall Place

London

EC2Y 5AU





 
APS GROWERS LTD
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic report
 
1 - 2
Directors' report
 
3 - 4
Independent auditors' report
 
5 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
 
9
Balance sheet
 
10
Statement of changes in equity
 
11
Notes to the financial statements
 
12 - 26


 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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

Fair review of the business
 
The results for the period and the financial position at the year-end are shown in the annexed financial statements.
The company’s main trade is the production, distribution and selling of tomatoes and other fresh produce. The directors consider that the key performance indicators are those that communicate the financial performance and strength of the company as a whole, being turnover, gross profit & shareholder funds. The directors also consider that the wellbeing and development of the company’s employees, together with the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with customers and suppliers to be key to the success of the business.
In December 2022 P3P Partners LLP, our main energy supplier, who have energy centres on our growing sites and supply heat and Co2 to our greenhouses, acquired the majority of the share capital of the group. Since the acquisition they continue to invest substantial funds into the APS group, in order to support the group’s performance turnaround and seasonal cashflow needs. P3P have committed to continue to support the group over the following 12 months and beyond. Since the acquisition, P3P have strengthened the senior management team, through the appointment of key individuals with appropriate industry experience into senior management positions.
In March 2024, P3P provided a further £15m subscription for equity in A Pearson Holdings Limited, substantially improving the overall balance sheet position of A Pearson Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries.
The directors are confident that the measures taken as described above, which secures the group’s future for the foreseeable future, together with working closely with our customers, suppliers and key stakeholders to build and grow the business, will ensure that the group will continue to prosper into the future.
The operating performance in 2024 improved from a £4.4m loss in 2023 to £9.1m profit in 2024.
The results for the year and the financial position at the year end, were considered to be satisfactory by the directors, who anticipate improved profitable trading, as the improvement initiatives to build and grow the business continue to take effect.
The sector that the company operates in continues to be extremely competitive, with margins under continued pressure. Market spending and changing economic patters, can easily affect the industry, along with dependency on the weather and the general climate. With these risks and uncertainties in mind, the directors are aware that any plans for the future development of the company may be subject to unforeseen events outside of their control.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
The Board acknowledges the risks from competitors, the reliance on key suppliers and customers and the funding requirement to maintain its operational efficiency. The Board seeks to minimise these risks wherever possible and they are regularly reviewed through management reporting and planning processes. 
At the time of approving the financial statements, the full impact of the UK and global economy is uncertain and the effect, both immediate and long term, that this may have on the company, its customers and suppliers, is unknown.

Page 1

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Development and performance
 
The Directors expect the general level of activity to remain challenging in 2025 and into 2026, following the impact of the global economic crisis and to recover steadily in the future, in line with the company's plans for growth.

Key performance indicators
 
The Directors do not believe there are any further relevant financial and non-financial key performance indicators requiring disclosure, other than those disclosed above.


This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.



................................................
D Hoult
Director

Date: 20 October 2025

Page 2

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Directors' 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 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 for the company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

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 to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They 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.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £8,925,546 (2023 - loss £4,148,390).

No interim dividend was paid during the year and the directors do not recommend that a final dividend be paid (2023 - £Nil).

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

J Harris 
D Hoult 
P Allen (resigned 12 March 2024)

Qualifying third party indemnity provisions

Directors' liability and indemnity insurance was in force throughout the year to cover the directors and officers of the company against action brought against them in their personal capacity. Neither the insurance nor the indemnity provide cover where the individual has acted fraudulently or dishonestly.

Page 3

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware, and

the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events affecting the company since the year end.

Auditors

The auditors, MHA were appointed by the directors in the year. MHA previously traded through the legal entity MacIntyre Hudson LLP. In response to regulatory changes, MacIntyre Hudson LLP ceased to hold an audit registration with the engagement transitioning to MHA Audit Services LLP.
MHA offer themselves for reappointment.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
 





................................................
D Hoult
Director

Date: 20 October 2025

Page 4

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF APS GROWERS LTD
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of APS Growers Ltd (the 'company') for the year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Balance sheet, the Statement of changes in equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


In our opinion the financial statements:


give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its profit for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.


Basis for opinion


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


Conclusions relating to going concern


In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.


Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.


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


Page 5

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF APS GROWERS LTD (CONTINUED)


Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual ReportOur 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.


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 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 set out on page 3, 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.


Page 6

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF APS GROWERS LTD (CONTINUED)


Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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:

Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigations and claims;
Enquiry of entity staff in compliance functions to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias; and
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.


Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.


A further description of our responsibilities 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 Auditors' 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 2006Our 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 Auditors' 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.


Page 7

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF APS GROWERS LTD (CONTINUED)





Atul Kariya FCCA (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of
MHA
Statutory Auditors
London
 

20 October 2025
MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC455542).
Page 8

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
13,448,782
11,508,314

Cost of sales
  
(11,797,717)
(14,000,634)

Gross profit/(loss)
  
1,651,065
(2,492,320)

Administrative expenses
  
(2,917,484)
(2,000,013)

Exceptional expenses
 10 
10,353,699
-

Other operating income
 5 
2,867
128,821

Operating profit/(loss)
 6 
9,090,147
(4,363,512)

Interest payable and similar expenses
 8 
(158,006)
(188,727)

Profit/(loss) before tax
  
8,932,141
(4,552,239)

Tax on profit/(loss)
 9 
(6,595)
403,849

Profit/(loss) for the financial year
  
8,925,546
(4,148,390)

There were no recognised gains and losses for 2024 or 2023 other than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.

There was no other comprehensive income for 2024 (2023:£NIL).

The notes on pages 12 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
APS GROWERS LTD
REGISTERED NUMBER: 07896680

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 11 
6,796,622
7,599,009

Current assets
  

Stocks
 12 
4,276,001
3,233,642

Debtors
 13 
2,731,228
8,675,897

Cash at bank and in hand
 14 
1,767
900

  
7,008,996
11,910,439

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
(2,995,246)
(14,822,552)

Net current assets/(liabilities)
  
 
 
4,013,750
 
 
(2,912,113)

Total assets less current liabilities
  
10,810,372
4,686,896

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 16 
(12,479,710)
(15,281,780)

  

Net liabilities
  
(1,669,338)
(10,594,884)


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 19 
2
2

Profit and loss account
 20 
(1,669,340)
(10,594,886)

  
(1,669,338)
(10,594,884)


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




................................................
D Hoult
Director

Date: 20 October 2025

The notes on pages 12 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£


At 1 January 2023
2
(6,446,496)
(6,446,494)



Loss for the year
-
(4,148,390)
(4,148,390)



At 1 January 2024
2
(10,594,886)
(10,594,884)



Profit for the year
-
8,925,546
8,925,546


At 31 December 2024
2
(1,669,340)
(1,669,338)


The notes on pages 12 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1.


General information

APS Growers Limited is a private company, limited by shares. incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006. The address of the registered office is Unit 1 Chichester Food Park, Bognor Road, Chichester, West Sussex, England, PO20 1NW. 

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the company's accounting policies (see note 3).

The company's functional and presentational currency is GBP and the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest £1. 

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
the requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d);
the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments paragraphs 11.42, 11.44 to 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
the requirements of Section 12 Other Financial Instruments paragraphs 12.26 to 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
the requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7.

This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of A Pearson Holdings Limited as at 29 December 2024 and these financial statements may be obtained from Unit 1 Chichester Food Park, Bognor Road, Chichester, West Sussex, England, PO20 1NW.

Page 12

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.3

Going concern

To assess the liquidity and solvency of the Group the directors regularly review the cash flows both in the short and medium term, have a thorough approach to managing the working capital and hold regular reviews with each operating unit which includes an assessment of any bad debt risk or inventory impairment concerns. This is supported by regular monitoring of key performance indicators
In December 2022 P3P Partners LLP, the Group's main energy supplier, who have energy centres on the Group's growing sites and supply heat and Co2 to the Group's greenhouses, acquired the majority of the share capital of the group. Since the acquisition they have invested substantial funds into the group, in order to support the group's cash flow needs and have committed to continue to support the group over the following 12 months and beyond.

 
2.4

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the company will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the company will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

Page 13

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.5

Operating leases: the company as lessee

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term, unless another systematic basis is representative of the time pattern of the lessee's benefit from the use of the leased asset.

 
2.6

Leased assets: the company as lessee

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Assets acquired by finance lease are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Assets acquired by hire purchase are depreciated over their useful lives. Finance leases are those where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership are assumed by the company. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period.

 
2.7

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

 
2.8

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the company operates and generates income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.


Page 14

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.9

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are transactions that fall within the ordinary activities of the company but are presented separately due to their size or incidence.

 
2.10

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Leasehold land and buildings
-
5% straight line
Plant and machinery
-
Glasshouses 4%, plant and equipment 10%
Fixtures and fittings
-
15 and 25% straight line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.11

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a weighted average basis. Work in progress and finished goods include labour and attributable overheads.

At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.12

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.13

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

Page 15

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.14

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 
2.15

Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” 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.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, 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.

Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Basic 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 the deduction of all its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusting for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial liabilities that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss). When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

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

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

Page 16

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies 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.
Lease accounting
The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. Where this cannot be determined, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate shall be used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. 
Biological Assets and Work in Progress
At the reporting date, work in progress includes biological assets—namely plants cultivated during the current growing cycle. These assets are measured at cost, representing directly attributable expenditure incurred in acquiring, planting, and nurturing the crop. This includes inputs such as seeds, growing media, fertilisers, labour, and other cultivation costs, incurred up to the balance sheet date.
Management applies judgement in determining the extent of costs to capitalise, considering the duration and nature of the growing cycle. Where supplier invoicing is outstanding, accruals are recognised to ensure all relevant costs are reflected in the correct accounting period. In cases of uncertainty, cost estimates are based upon historical experience and management’s assessment.


4.


Turnover

The whole of the turnover is attributable to the principal activity of the company.

All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.


5.


Other operating income

2024
2023
£
£

Sundry income
2,867
128,821

2,867
128,821


Page 17

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6.


Operating profit/(loss)

The operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging:

2024
2023
£
£

Other operating lease rentals
644,813
644,813

Fees payable to the company's auditors and its associates for the audit of the company's annual accounts
13,500
8,903


7.


Employees

All employees have been paid by APS Produce Limited, a group company, and recharged to the company in relation to the activities carried out. 




The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:


        2024
        2023
            No.
            No.







Employees
2
92

The company has no employees other than the directors, who did not receive any remuneration from the company (2023 - £Nil).


8.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
2023
£
£


Bank interest payable
75
-

Finance leases and hire purchase contracts
157,931
188,727

158,006
188,727

Page 18

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9.


Taxation


2024
2023
£
£



Total current tax

-
-

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
11,754
(403,849)

Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(5,159)
-

Total deferred tax

6,595
(403,849)


6,595
(403,849)

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is lower than (2023 - higher than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.50%). The differences are explained below:

2024
2023
£
£


Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax
8,932,141
(4,552,239)


Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.50%)
2,233,035
(1,069,776)

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
(2,588,425)
815,154

Capital allowances for year in excess of depreciation
210,735
69,643

Utilisation of tax losses
-
184,979

Group relief
156,408
-

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of previous periods - deferred tax
(5,158)
-

Deferred tax
-
(403,849)

Total tax charge for the year
6,595
(403,849)


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.

Page 19

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10.


Exceptional items

2024
2023
£
£


Intercompany write off
(10,353,699)
-


11.


Tangible fixed assets





Leasehold land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Total

£
£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 January 2024
10,260,660
817,444
20,234
11,098,338


Additions
16,696
57,474
-
74,170



At 31 December 2024

10,277,356
874,918
20,234
11,172,508



Depreciation


At 1 January 2024
3,107,788
377,956
13,585
3,499,329


Charge for the year
747,418
127,431
1,708
876,557



At 31 December 2024

3,855,206
505,387
15,293
4,375,886



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
6,422,150
369,531
4,941
6,796,622



At 31 December 2023
7,152,872
439,488
6,649
7,599,009




The net book value of land and buildings may be further analysed as follows:


2024
2023
£
£

Long leasehold
6,422,150
7,152,852

6,422,150
7,152,852




Page 20

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

           11.Tangible fixed assets (continued)

The net book value of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, included above, are as follows:


2024
2023
£
£



Leasehold land and buildings
6,229,276
6,671,967

Plant and equipment
29,134
34,961

6,258,410
6,706,928


12.


Stocks

2024
2023
£
£

Work in progress
4,155,545
3,149,853

Finished goods and goods for resale
120,456
83,789

4,276,001
3,233,642


Page 21

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13.


Debtors

2024
2023
£
£

Due after more than one year

Deferred tax asset (note 18)
905,510
912,105

905,510
912,105

Due within one year

Trade debtors
-
18,116

Amounts owed by group undertakings
-
13,716

Other debtors
209,660
6,174,117

Prepayments and accrued income
1,616,058
1,557,843

2,731,228
8,675,897



14.


Cash and cash equivalents

2024
2023
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
1,767
900

1,767
900



15.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2024
2023
£
£

Trade creditors
994,400
121,699

Amounts owed to group undertakings
-
9,106,860

Other taxation and social security
-
(693)

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
447,824
432,450

Other creditors
463,540
4,248,002

Accruals and deferred income
1,089,482
914,234

2,995,246
14,822,552


Amounts owed to group undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate.

Page 22

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

2024
2023
£
£

Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
6,332,789
6,819,158

Trade creditors
6,146,921
8,462,622

12,479,710
15,281,780


Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate.


17.


Hire purchase and finance leases


Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Within one year
447,824
432,450

Between 1-5 years
1,856,555
1,865,463

Over 5 years
4,476,234
4,953,695

6,780,613
7,251,608


18.


Deferred taxation




2024
2023


£

£






At beginning of year
912,105
508,256


Charged to profit or loss
(6,595)
403,849



At end of year
905,510
912,105

Page 23

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
 
18.Deferred taxation (continued)

The deferred tax asset is made up as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
93,783
105,238

Tax losses carried forward
811,727
806,867

905,510
912,105


19.


Share capital

2024
2023
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



2 (2023 - 2) Ordinary shares of £1.00 each
2
2



20.


Reserves

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss reserve represents the cumulative profit and loss net of distributions to owners.


21.


Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

All present and future liabilities owed to Shawbrook Bank Limited by the group are secured by a debenture dated 21 December 2022 creating a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the group, the debenture was satisfied during the year. As at 31 December 2024, the gross indebtedness to Shawbrook Bank Limited by the group totalled £Nil (2023 - £3.4m).
All present and future liabilities owed to SME Invoice Finance Limited by the group are secured by a debenture dated 26 July 2024 creating a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the group. As at 31 December 2024, the gross indebtedness to SME Invoice Finance Limited by the group totalled £2.7m (2023 - £Nil).
An invoice finance facility provided by Shawbrook Bank Limited has been made available to the group, with any loan advances received from the bank being secured against trade debtors, the charge was satisfied during the year. As at 31 December 2024, advance owing to Shawbrook Bank Limited by the group totalled £Nil (2023 - £3.4m).

Page 24

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

22.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 December 2024 the company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:

2024
2023
£
£


Not later than 1 year
644,813
644,813

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
2,579,250
2,579,250

Later than 5 years
6,834,996
7,479,809

10,059,059
10,703,872


23.


Related party transactions

The company has taken advantage of the exemption available in Section 33.1A of FRS 102 whereby it has not disclosed transactions within the group involving wholly owned subsidiaries.
The company made purchases of £218,589 (2023 - £145,726) from Elloughton Glasshouses Limited, a company related by common directorship. The creditor outstanding at the reporting date is £54,647 (2023 - debtor of £18,216).
The company made purchases of £496,092 (2023 - £Nil) from P3P Brigg Lane Limited, a company related by common directorship. The creditor outstanding at the reporting date is £147,184 (2023 - £Nil).
The company made purchases of £2,468,024 (2023 - £1,570,795) from P3P Energy Management Selby Limited, a company related by common directorship. The creditor outstanding at the reporting date is £1,068,665 (2023 - £3,278,406).
The company made purchases of £921,434 (2023 - £614,289) from P3P Selby Limited, a company related by common directorship. The creditor outstanding at the reporting date is £276,430 (2023 - debtor of £92,143).
The company made purchases of £3,018,151 (2023 - £1,950,304) from Spark Steam Limited, a company related by common directorship. The creditor outstanding at the reporting date is £519,310 (2023 - £3,347,842).
The company made purchases of £606,573 (2023 - £47,678) from Teeside Growers Limited, a company related by common directorship. The creditor outstanding at the reporting date is £193,847 (2023 - debtor of £55,730).

Page 25

 
APS GROWERS LTD
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

24.


Parent company and controlling party

The immediate parent company is A Pearson Holdings Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. The ultimate parent company is P3P CEA Investments Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. 
The largest group in which the results of the company are consolidated is that headed by P3P CEA Investments Limited. The consolidated accounts are available to the public and may be obtained from First Floor, 5 Fleet Place, London, United Kingdom, EC4M 7RD.
The smallest group in which the results of the company are consolidated is that headed by A Pearson Holdings Limited. The consolidated accounts are available to the public and may be obtained from Unit 1 Chichester Food Park, Bognor Road, Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom, PO20 1NW.

 
Page 26