The directors present the strategic report for the period ended 31 January 2025.

For the retail side of the business the period ended 31 January 2025 was challenging as for the majority of businesses in the retail sector. Throughout the period, the UK economy saw a consistently high, albeit falling , level of inflation and a similar higher level interest rates than in previous years, which combined, resulted in a understandable impact on peoples level of disposable income and customer confidence.

Given this economic environment and a rise in employment costs the group suffered a slight drop in turnover and a loss being recorded in the retail side of the business. Since year end – conditions whilst still challenging have improved although significant turnover and margin growth is hard to achieve.

Martlesham Heath Squash Club

The club saw a steady growth in membership numbers. It has had to continue its investments in plant and equipment but generated a profit in the year. It was decided by the board to move the company outside of the group on the acquisition of the shares in Trotter and Deane to focus the group on core retailing.

Trotter and Deane

On the decision of founding shareholders John and Jane Deane Bowers to exit the business the company has entered into an agreement to buy back their shares over the next 3 years. This has led to the company becoming a subsidiary in the group. The company whilst seeing a slight drop in turnover recorded a good profit and has continued to perform well in 2025.

The uncertainty in various areas continues with conflicts, a slow growth economy and inflation effects being the key factors. The group is still trying to manage its cost base to align it to a trade and margin level that will allow it to return to profit.

It does not rely on any one key supplier and has key person insurance policies in place to cover key personnel.

Financial performance for the period has been analysed as follows:

The directors consider the company’s key performance indicators to be continued increase in turnover, Gross profit %, Net profit %, the level of stock holding and management of our working capital.

Turnover for the year was down by 1.13% and the gross margin decreased from 52.57% to 49.6%. The group's stock holding increased and the group realised a loss of £90k compared to a loss of £75k in the previous year.

The directors believe given the plan outlined above the company will have a strong omnichannel solution to allow the company the flexibility to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming years.

On behalf of the board

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 31 January 2025.

The principal activity of the company and its associates continues to be that of menswear, ladies wear and school wear retailing.

Martlesham Heath Squash Club Limited, a subsidiary company until 1 October 2024, owns and runs a health fitness club for its members.

Trotter and Deane Limited is a subsidiary company, acquired on 3 September 2024, specialising in menswear.

The results for the period are set out on pages 9 to 10.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £7,000. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

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

The group uses various financial instruments. These include cash and overdrafts, along with various items such as trade debtors, trade creditors and hire purchase contracts. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to aid in the working capital management of the group.

The existence of these financial instruments exposes the group to a number of financial risks, these have been described in more detail below.

The main risks arising from the group's financial instruments are liquidity risk, interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and credit risk. The directors review and agree policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below. The policies have remained unchanged from previous years.

The group ensures that sufficient liquidity is achieved by maintaining close contact with those providing primary external funding in conjunction with regular reviews of cash flow forecasts and budgets.

The group is exposed to fair value interest rate risk on its fixed rate borrowings and cash flow interest rate risk on floating rate deposits, bank overdrafts and loans. The group's medium term objective is to reduce the level of fixed rate borrowings.

The group's principal foreign currency exposures arise from trading with overseas companies. The exposure is viewed to be minimal as the settlement period of foreign exchange transactions is small.

Investments of cash surpluses and borrowings are made through banks and companies which must fulfil credit rating criteria approved by the Board of Directors.

All customers that wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Trade debtors are monitored on an ongoing basis and provision is made for doubtful debts as necessary.

On 1 September 2025 our auditors, Ensors Accountants LLP, merged with Azets Audit Services Limited. Accordingly Ensors Accountants LLP formally resigned as the company’s auditors with the directors duly appointing Azets Audit Services Limited, trading as Ensors to fill the vacancy arising.

The auditor, Azets Audit Services Limited, trading as Ensors will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

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 W.D. Coe Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the period ended 31 January 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, the company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 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 group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 January 2025 and of the group's loss for the period 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 Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the 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 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 period 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.

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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.

Our audit was designed to include tests of detail together with an assessment of the control environment to enable us to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement due to fraud. This included work on areas where we consider there is a higher risk of fraud including transactions with related parties, revenue recognition, management override of systems and control and accounting estimates.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, the audit engagement team:

• obtained an understanding of the nature of the industry and sector, including the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in and how the company are complying with the legal and regulatory framework;

• enquired of management, and those charged with governance, about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including any known, actual, suspected or alleged instances of fraud;

• discussed matters about non-compliance with laws or regulations and how fraud might occur including assessment of how and where the financial statements may be susceptible to fraud.

• robustly challenged accounting estimates to ensure no indication of management bias.

However, it is the primary responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity's operations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and for the prevention and detection of fraud.

Further description

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.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the parent 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 parent 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 parent company and the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s loss for the year was £67,628 (2024 - £180,617 loss).

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

W.D. Coe Limited (“the company”) is a company limited by shares, domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 20-28 Norwich Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2NH. The company registration number is 00671546.

The group consists of W.D. Coe Limited and its subsidiary.

These financial statements are presented for the period between 01 March 2024 and 31 January 2025, a period of less than one year, due to alignment with an acquired subsidiary. Therefore, the comparative amounts presented in the financial statements are not entirely comparable.

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 £'000.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

In the parent company financial statements, the cost of a business combination is the fair value at the acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. The excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. The cost of the combination includes the estimated amount of contingent consideration that is probable and can be measured reliably, and is adjusted for changes in contingent consideration after the acquisition date. Provisional fair values recognised for business combinations in previous periods are adjusted retrospectively for final fair values determined in the 12 months following the acquisition date. Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the value of assets (other than goodwill) and liabilities recognised in a business combination accounted for using the purchase method and the amounts that can be deducted or assessed for tax, considering the manner in which the carrying amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. The deferred tax recognised is adjusted against goodwill or negative goodwill.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of W.D. Coe Limited and of its subsidiary (ie entities that the group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). Subsidiaries acquired during the year are consolidated using the purchase method. Their results are incorporated from the date that control passes.

All financial statements are made up to 31 January 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.

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.

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.Based on management expectations of future trading performance and security held. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

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.

Membership subscriptions can be paid in advance and are recognised over the period of membership with any subscriptions received in advance of services provided recognised as deferred 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.

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.

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost 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.

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. Changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

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 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 net realisable value, allowing for obsolescence and subsequent reductions in retail prices. Cost comprises the direct costs to the company of purchasing the goods.

Cost is calculated using the weighted average method which includes all direct costs of purchase (net of discounts), costs of conversion, and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to their present location and condition.

At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.

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.

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.

The Group operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. 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.

Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

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 estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.

The majority of stocks within the group are items of menswear, womenswear and schoolwear; consisting of fashionable clothing and accessories which is a very changeable market, as such the value of slower moving or aged stock needs to be considered with regard to the net realisable value achievable for such items. When considering the provision, management considers the nature and age of the stock as well as applying assumptions around the anticipated saleability of the stock.

The group has a defined benefit pension scheme which is closed to future accrual. The valuation of the defined benefit pension obligation necessarily involves a calculation which depends on the expected future outflow of economic benefits that the group expects to make to satisfy this obligation. The calculation depends on a number of factors such as the methodology, discount rate and mortality assumptions used. The group use a qualified actuary to assist in preparing the necessary calculation in accordance with the requirements of FRS102.

Management are required to make significant estimates and assumptions to determine whether goodwill is impaired. The recoverable amount is sensitive to changes in management's assessment and any adverse changes could result in a material impairment charge. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life. Where an estimate of the useful life cannot be made, the life shall not exceed 10 years. Judgement is required to estimate the useful life and the reliability of the useful life.

An analysis of the group's turnover is as follows:

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

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (2024 - 2).

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined benefit schemes amounted to 2 (2024 - 2).

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

Impairment tests have been carried out where appropriate and the following impairment losses have been recognised in profit or loss:

The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.

The fair value as at the 31 January 2025, has been determined by the directors based on market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties and considered this valuation appropriate.

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 January 2025 are as follows:

Trotter & Deane Limited is included in the consolidated financial statements, and is entitled to, and have opted to take, exemption from the requirement for their individual accounts to be audited under S479A of the Companies Act 2006 relating to subsidiary companies.

Details of associates at 31 January 2025 are as follows:

Trade debtors represent largely budget accounts with customers where the maximum credit period is two years. An amount of this will therefore be due in more than one year, but the directors consider it impractical to calculate the amount in question.

The long-term loans are secured by fixed charge over certain freehold properties of the company and by an unlimited debenture over the other assets of the company. The overdraft is secured on certain freehold properties and the investment property in the company.

All loans in the parent pay interest at base rate + margin.

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. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments. The finance leases are secured on the assets concerned.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the group or company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:

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.

The company operates a defined benefit scheme for qualifying employees. Under the scheme the employees are entitled to retirement benefits varying between 1.67% and 2.44% of final pensionable salary for each year of service as a member of the scheme up to the date the pension accrual ceased (see below).

As at 31 December 2006, all future benefits for scheme members ceased and the scheme was closed to new entrants.

The most recent actuarial valuations of plan assets and the present value of the defined benefit obligation were carried out at 31 August 2022 by D Martin, Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. The value of the liability shown in the financial statements reflects this actuarial valuation.

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company, invested via MM Wealth. Contributions to the scheme are charged to the profit and loss account in accordance with the schedule of contributions determined by a qualified actuary on the basis of triennial valuations. During the year, pension deficit payments of £109k (2024: £210k) have been paid. The liability is forecast to be eliminated over 2 years and 4 months from the valuation date.

The main actuarial assumptions used in the valuation as at 31 January 2025 were as follows:

• Discount rate:

  • Pre retirement - 5.40 % p.a. (2024: 4.9% p.a.)

  • Post-retirement - 5.40% p.a. (2024: 4.9% p.a.)

• RPI Inflation - 3.3% p.a. (2024: 3.3% p.a.)

• Deferred revaluation linked to RPI max 5% - 3% p.a. (2024: 5% - 3.3% p.a.)

• RPI min 3% max 5% pension increases in payment - 3.5% p.a. (2024: 3.5% p.a.)

Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65:

The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the company's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations

The defined benefit obligations arise from plans which are wholly or partly funded.

Movements in the fair value of plan assets

The actual return on plan assets was £215,000 (2024 - £232,000).

Fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end

On 3 September 2024 the group acquired 81.53% percent of the issued capital of Trotter & Deane Limited.

On 1 October 2024 the group disposed of its 100% share holding in Martlesham Heath Squash Club Limited to the entity shareholders of W D Coe Limited in proportion to the entity shareholdings in W D Coe Limited. Included in these financial statements is the loss arising of £124,952 from the company's interests in Martlesham Heath Squash Club Limited up to the date of its disposal. The loss on disposal of £175,165, disclosed in note 10.

The trustees of W D Coe Limited Pension Scheme hold a charge up to a maximum value of £800,000 over a company property.

The Company is guarantor of Trotter & Deane Limited's overdraft of £50,000.

The operating leases represent leases of land, buildings and equipment from third parties. The leases are negotiated over varying terms.

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 period the group entered into the following transactions with related parties:

The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:

Martlesham Heath Squash Club Limited provide an all monies guarantee to W D Coe Limited up to a maximum of £500k, this has lapsed following the sale of the club.