The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The group's principal activities continued to be those of the operation of home retail stores, the running of a hotel, leisure and golf resort, a distillery and a property development company.
The group’s turnover of £68.6m in 2024/25 was £0.3m (0.5%) down on the previous year.
Despite the inflationary environment, the group performed strongly in respect of all its key performance indicators delivering a £1.0m increase in net assets, a £3.3m reduction in net bank debt and an improvement in gearing and leverage as follows:
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | Variance |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 / % |
Turnover | 68,645 | 68,990 | (345) |
EBITDA* | 5,240 | 6,019 | (779) |
EBITDA % to Turnover | 7.6% | 8.7% | (1.1%) |
Profit before tax | 1,626 | 2,935 | (1,309) |
Net Assets | 88,845 | 87,858 | 987 |
Net Bank Debt | 12,711 | 16,019 | (3,308) |
Gearing | 14.3% | 18.2% | -3.9% |
Net Debt/EBITDA Leverage | 2.43 times | 2.66 times | -0.23 times |
*EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, deprecation, amortisation, loss on disposal, other gains and losses, store closure costs and store opening pre-trading costs.
The group continued with its policy of not distributing dividends to shareholders but reinvesting these profits back into the group’s activities which is reflected in the £4.7m of capital expenditure additions in the year.
The group also continues to focus on managing its cash flow position very carefully as demonstrated by the low levels of gearing (14.3% down from 18.2% in the previous year) and leverage (2.43 times down from 2.66 times in the previous year). Despite the capital expenditure additions of £4.7m, net bank debt was actually £3.3m lower than last year due to the strong profitability and working capital management.
The group has a significant net asset base of £88.8m (up £1.0m) which includes £78.3m of freehold property interests together with strong liquidity with the group currently only utilising just over half of its £25m revolving credit facility. The group continues to show significant headroom on all its banking covenants, which include loan to value, gearing and interest cover, both in the post year-end accounts and forward projections.
Delivered sales in the retail business were 5% down on the prior year with the inflationary environment and sluggish housing market affecting the demand for high value home purchases. Despite the strong cost controls in place, the considerable cost inflation particularly on payroll and property costs meant that administrative expenses were up £0.7m on the prior year. The retail business opened a new store in Cheltenham in November 2024 which is trading strongly in line with expectations. The current year result includes pre-trading expenditure on this store in excess of the normal underlying overheads which included payroll, training and utility costs. The store generated a strong pipeline of orders by the year-end which will be delivered, and therefore recognised in the accounts, in the 2025/26 financial year.
A summary of the trading position is as follows:
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | Variance |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
Turnover | 45,161 | 47,634 | (2,473) |
EBITDA | 1,113 | 2,793 | (1,680) |
Profit before tax | (1,110) | 1,170 | (2,280) |
Key performance indicators - Leekes Limited
The directors closely monitor the business performance using both financial and non-financial KPIs. Financial KPIs are used at the three main levels of the business - by store, by business unit and by department. These include sales targets by store, department and section, sales and profitability by store and department, pipeline sales orders generated, gross margin targets, additional income generated by sales teams, cash flow targets based on the cash flow generated from profitability, working capital movements and control of capital expenditure budgets. The directors review KPI performance on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as appropriate.
Non-financial KPIs used include mystery shopper surveys, delivery satisfaction surveys, employee retention levels, lead generation and sales conversions by sales teams which are utilised to ensure our team is working together to improve customer satisfaction, employee engagement and future business.
Post year-end trading review - Leekes Retail
Post year-end trading has been more positive despite the impact on consumer confidence of the cost-of-living crisis and the business remains very cash generative and is trading in line with its budgets. At the date of reporting, pipeline sales are up 12% on the prior year which will have a positive impact on future profitability.
The Vale Resort has achieved many years of revenue growth and excellent profitability with £30m of profits in the last 20 years. The group’s policy of reinvesting significantly in capital expenditure to maintain and improve upon its facilities has yielded significant benefits both in terms of customer satisfaction and the outstanding profit returns generated.
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | Variance |
| £'000 | £'000 | £'000 |
Turnover | 17,403 | 17,880 | (477) |
EBITDA | 2,263 | 3,362 | (1,099) |
Pre-tax profit/(loss) | 1,223 | 2,234 | (1,011) |
After two successive record years, the Vale Resort’s EBITDA and profit before tax declined by £1.1m (to £2.3m) and £1.0m (to £1.2m) respectively. Despite the decline in profits, the directors remain satisfied with the results, particularly as the pre-tax profit for the 5 month post year-end trading period to 31 August 2025 are back in line the levels achieved in our record 2023/24 financial year. Turnover was down £0.5m (3%) on the prior year which the directors believe was primarily attributable to the disruption caused by both a difficult IT implementation and an extensive upgrade of our leisure and spa facilities. The IT issues are now resolved and our capital investment on the leisure facilities is already showing an excellent return on capital with the turnover for the 5 months post year-end trading period to 31 August 2025 up 9% on the prior year and 6% up on the record year of 2023/24.
Gross margins declined by 3.8% to 48.3% in the year due to the considerable payroll and product (especially food) inflation. As a result of the sales and gross margin decline, gross profit was down £0.9m (10%). Administrative expenses were up £0.2m (2%) on last year which was again attributable to payroll. Despite the lower gross profit and higher overheads, the company still achieved a strong pre-tax profit of £1.2m and an EBITDA of £2.3m. The company reinvested these profits in the form of capital expenditure of £2.2m in the year.
Post year-end trading review – Vale Resort
Following the considerable capital investment in the 2024/25 year, the Vale Resort has delivered outstanding profitability post year-end in the 5 months to 31 August 2025 with turnover up 9% on the prior year and 6% on the record 2023/24 financial year whilst profits are up £0.4m (35%) on the prior year and back in line with the record year 2023/24 and forward business is also looking very positive.
Key Performance Indicators - Vale Resort
The directors closely monitor the business performance using both financial and non-financial KPIs. Financial KPIs include room occupancy percentages, average room rates, membership numbers, food & beverage revenues per available room, new leisure membership targets, leisure membership retention targets, and spa & golf course utilisations. The directors compare the performance on these KPIs against both the internal budgets and targets set and against competitor benchmarking data. The directors are pleased to report that the Vale Resort has consistently outperformed its competitor set in respect of profitability per available room over an extended period. Non-financial KPIs used include guest and member feedback surveys, mystery guest programmes, staff retention levels and sales conversion targets.
Performance review – Hensol Castle Distillery
The group has and continues to make significant investment into its distillery operations based at Hensol Castle adjacent to the Vale Resort. The principal activities of the distillery business are that of the distilling, rectifying and blending of own brand spirits, a contract bottling division and a visitor centre.
An additional capital contribution of £2m from the parent company was made in the previous financial year which further strengthened the balance sheet. Profit and loss account reserves at the end of the financial year are now showing £1.45m with net assets £1.95m. The company is also excited by the opportunities arising from supermarket listings of its Hensol Castle ranges and an agreement with Molson Coors to sell these ranges in its on-trade outlets. The company continues to invest in production facilities with a further £0.3m of capital expenditure in the financial year. The directors are pleased that the group’s significant investment in this division has resulted in a 60% increase in turnover in the 5 months post year-end trading period to 31 August 2025 which has had a positive effect on profitability.
The group has moderate exposure to variations in interest rates and foreign exchange. At present, the directors do not consider it necessary to hedge our exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations but, given the amount of dollar purchases it makes in the retail business, it has a policy of holding the equivalent of at least 6 months purchases in US dollars. In respect of interest rate hedging, during 2019/20 the group took advantage of a 3-month LIBOR (subsequently converted to a base rate swap on the abolition of LIBOR) 10-year swap rate of 0.8825% per annum for £10m which will protect it against interest rate volatility over that period. The business is monitored for changes in the risk profile of such exposure and will consider using other financial instruments and derivatives as appropriate.
The group actively manages its exposure to fluctuations in energy costs utilising flexible purchasing contracts with our utility providers. We monitor our hedging strategy on a rolling three year basis to ensure we are protected from short term movements in pricing. In addition, our exposure to increased prices has been reduced by our energy consumption reduction strategies as indicated by our investment in solar panels on our owned properties.
The group has some exposure to credit or liquidity risk on its trade receivables, but this is not significant relative to the size of its balance sheet because it is principally a cash-based business. Cash flow risks, relating to demands of working capital, are mitigated through the careful management of stock holdings, review of supplier credit terms and the management of cash on a group-wide basis to meet the group's cash requirements.
The group will continue to operate in the business areas in which it is engaged and aims to exploit new activities as they arise by reinvesting profits back into the group’s activities. Phases 1 and 2 of the refurbishment of our flagship Llantrisant store in South Wales have been completed and trading performance and customer feedback since the reopening of its furniture floor has been very encouraging. Phase 3 of this refurbishment is in progress and is on schedule to complete by the spring.
The group continues to comply with all its banking covenants with significant headroom including interest cover, senior leverage, gearing and loan to value covenants. The forward projections show that this compliance will continue for the foreseeable future. We will continue to benefit from the 10-year £10m 0.8825% interest rate swap which has provided the group significant protection against interest rate rises. The group successfully renewed its banking facility with Barclays Bank PLC in September 2024 with a £25m Revolving Credit Facility agreed on very favourable terms. Furthermore, the group recently completed a one year extension on this agreement which is now due to expire on 01 October 2028.
The group has net assets of £88.8m which includes substantial freehold property interests, very low levels of gearing of 14.3% at the date of this report and continues to perform strongly post year-end despite the challenging economic environment. The group financial projections for the 12 months following the date of signing of the financial statements show continued strong profitability and significant headroom on its debt facilities due to the highly cash generative nature of the group's activities.
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires that directors of a company must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to:
a. The likely consequences of any decision in the long term
b. The interests of the company’s employees
c. The need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others
d. The impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment
e. The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct
f. The need to act fairly to members of the company
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities and are satisfied they have met their duties regarding these matters in the decisions they have made during the year ended 31 March 2025.
As a family owned and operated business we appreciate the wider impact that we have on our teams, communities and the environment and have defined the following commitments:
We will continue to focus our attention on all aspects of well-being, respecting our duty to protect and nurture;
We will embrace technology in our products and processes to drive efficiencies and improvements;
We are proud to be part of our local community and will continue to support and be a positive resource;
We accept our environmental responsibility and will continue to look to mitigate our impact where possible.
The group recognises the contribution of all its employees and is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining a strong and diverse workforce. The group has a structured framework for employees to progress their careers with the Leekes Retail and Leisure Group and has reinforced the importance of fair and transparent performance management.
The directors acknowledge the importance of the group's customers to its success and in line with this, we are committed to providing the highest levels of service to our customers.
We recognise the important role that our suppliers play in our business. We value all our suppliers and enjoy positive and long standing relationships with our key suppliers.
The group is aware of its corporate social accountability, particularly in the area of our interaction with our community and the environment.
The group acknowledges its responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 and 1999 and associated protective legislation, both as an employer and as a business. To achieve these objectives the group has appointed designated team members to be responsible for ensuring that we keep workplace health, safety and welfare procedures under constant review; to implement continuous improvement; to liaise with the Health and Safety Executive wherever necessary; and to keep the group and its board of directors abreast of new legislation, in order to ensure ongoing compliance with the law.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The results for the year are set out on page 13, a fair review of the business and performance review is set out in the strategic report on pages 1 to 5.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The group's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests. Information about matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the group's performance.
UHY Hacker Young have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditor and appropriate arrangements have been put in place for them to be deemed reappointed as auditor in the absence of an Annual General Meeting.
J.H. Leeke and Sons Limited is classed as a large unquoted group within the SECR regulations and therefore is required to submit a SECR report as part of the directors' report within the annual accounts as submitted to Companies House.
This report has been created using the Environmental Reporting Guidelines, including Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) guidance issued by the UK Government in April 2019. Where they exist, we use the UK Government published carbon conversion factors relevant to the reporting period. Where emissions, without published conversion factors have been used, these have been determined, via our SECR platform notch, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and any industry norms or standards that exist.
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total emissions in tonnes CO2e per £m turnover.
Net Zero progress
J H Leeke & Sons Limited are committed to reducing their energy and carbon emissions and have been reporting under SECR since 2021. In the reporting year 2024 - 2025 they moved all their electricity supply contracts to REGO-backed Green Electricity contracts, resulting in a reduction of 1,315 tonnes of CO2e. Total gross emissions, excluding electricity supplies sourced from pure renewables only, were 1,889 tonnes of CO2e in the year to March 2025, down 70% from the 6,380 tonnes of CO2e emissions generated in the year to March 2020 (our first year of recorded data).
J.H Leeke & Sons Limited continue to strive for energy and carbon reduction arising from their activities. As such, during this financial period the group has focused on several areas for improvement. In particular ongoing projects led to further energy efficiency measures being implemented at the Vale Resort where we have undertaken the following carbon reduction projects during this financial year:
1. Installation of insulation jackets to valves and fittings in the plantroom at The Vale. This is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 100,000 kWh per annum.
2. Replacement of the boiler in the hotel lodge, which is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 1,250 kWh per annum.
3. Replacement insulation of rooftop plant and ductwork at The Vale. This is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 1,250 kWh per annum.
There are further carbon reduction projects planned over the next year including:
1. Replacement of pumps with variable speed drives
2. Replacement of fans on both air handling units and bedroom extract fans
3. Upgrading areas of the building management system (BMS)
4. Installing a solar array and an air source heat pump at the golf club.
This is in addition to our ongoing programmes of installing solar panels and upgrading lighting to LED throughout the portfolio.
J.H Leeke & Sons Limited has, to the best of its knowledge, included 100% of all energy sources within this report & no estimated data has been used.
We have audited the financial statements of J.H. Leeke and Sons Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the group profit and loss account, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 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
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
The information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
The strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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 approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the group through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the relevant sector;
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006;
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the group's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and
investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial statements, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
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 company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
As permitted by s408 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 £132,357 (2024: £147,901 loss).
J.H. Leeke and Sons Limited (“the company”) is a limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Mwyndy Business Park, Mwyndy, Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, Wales, CF72 8PN.
The group consists of J.H. Leeke and Sons Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being the parent company of a group which prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements:
Section 4 ‘Statement of Financial Position’ – Reconciliation of the opening and closing number of shares;
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’ – Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’ – Carrying amounts, interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 26 ‘Share based Payment’ – Share-based payment expense charged to profit or loss, reconciliation of opening and closing number and weighted average exercise price of share options, how the fair value of options granted was measured, measurement and carrying amount of liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments, explanation of modifications to arrangements;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ – Compensation for key management personnel.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of J.H. Leeke and Sons Limited and all of its subsidiaries (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 March 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 group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income.
Revenue from concession sales is shown on a net basis, being the commission received or receivable rather than the gross value of the sale.
Spirits distillery sales are reported net of alcohol duty because the group does not enjoy the economic benefit of the sale, nor is it in control of duty payment or suspension and hence does not enjoy all of the risks and rewards of the duty element of sales.
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.
Freehold land and buildings are not depreciated as, in the opinion of the directors, the residual values of the properties are not lower than their value at the date of acquisition. An annual impairment review is carried out by the directors in respect of these buildings.
Revaluations of freehold and leasehold land and buildings are undertaken with sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying value does not materially differ from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting period. The surplus or deficit on book value is transferred to the revaluation reserve, except that a deficit which is in excess of any previously recognised surplus over depreciated cost relating to the property, or the reversal of such a deficit, is charged (or credited) to the profit and loss account. A deficit which represents a clear consumption of economic benefits is charged to the profit and loss account regardless of any such previous surplus.
The investment property is revalued annually. Any surplus or deficit is transferred to the revaluation reserve, unless the deficit is in excess of any previously recognised surplus. Depreciation is not provided in respect of the investment property.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.
Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
Other investments are treated as basic financial instruments, see 'financial instruments' accounting policy.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.
All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
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.
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 and loans from fellow group companies, 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 receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
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.
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
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 following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
The group had revenue of £68,644,896 (2024: £68,989,569) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Revenue from concession sales is shown on a net basis, being the commission received rather than the gross value achieved on the sale. The gross transaction value, which presents revenue on a gross basis before adjusting for concessions, during the year and a reconciliation to the group's reported turnover is presented in note 3.
Included within the group sales figure are spirits distillery sales. This consists of two types of sale, being either sales to distributors via a bonded warehouse where alcohol duty is deferred and not payable by the group, or other sales for which alcohol duty is payable by the group and recharged to the customer. The mix of sales can vary significantly year on year between duty paid and duty free sales. If the group were to include alcohol duty in their sales figure, an equal and opposite expense would be included in cost of sales, therefore although the net effect on profit would be £nil, there would be a major effect on margins and year on year sales figures would not be comparable.
In order to give a true and fair view of the sales made each year, the directors have therefore taken the decision to exclude any alcohol duty from spirits distillery sales and cost of sales figures. Excluded from current year is alcohol duty receipts and corresponding expense of £1,943,628 (2024: £3,067,416).
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.
A key area of estimation uncertainty relates to the carrying value of the group's tangible fixed assets. As at 31 March 2025 the group had tangible fixed assets including investment property of £98,998,606 (2024: £96,724,569).
Tangible fixed assets excluding investment properties were last revalued by an external, independent valuer in year ended 31 March 2023, This lead to an upwards revaluation of all tangible fixed assets excluding investment properties based on market value. The directors do not consider the value to have changed between the date of this valuation and the balance sheet date.
The investment property was last revalued by an external, independent valuer in year ended 31 March 2024, This lead to an upwards revaluation based on market value. The directors do not consider the value to have changed between the date of this valuation and the balance sheet date.
Overall the carrying value of the group's tangible fixed assets including investment property exceed depreciated historical cost by £14,549,853 (2024: £16,525,226).
As at 31 March 2025 the group had goodwill of £2,019,023 (2024: £2,044,111).
Purchased goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired net of accumulated amortisation. The goodwill relates to the acquisition of Park Furnishers (Bristol) Limited and Bottlers & Distillers (Wales) Limited. The goodwill is being amortised over the estimated useful economic life which the board considers to be 100 years for goodwill arising from the acquisition of Park Furnishers (Bristol) Limited and 10 years for goodwill arising from the acquisition of Bottlers & Distillers (Wales) Limited.
FRS 102 does not permit goodwill to be assigned an indefinite life. The board has concluded that whilst the life of the goodwill is not indefinite, the durability of the business acquired is such that the life is expected to be long lasting and the value of the acquired goodwill is not expected to diminish significantly.
The durability of the business acquired, Park Furnishers (Bristol) Limited, is characterised by factors such as the stability of the sector, low technology, long lifespan of store and the product offering, high sustainable demand and high barriers to entry. The nature of the acquired business and the market in which it operates means that the goodwill should have a long economic life providing that the business continues to be run as effectively. As a result, there is no individual aspect of the acquisition that will diminish over time. Therefore, the board selected 100 years as being a reasonable period over which to amortise the goodwill since an indefinite life is not permitted and arbitrarily amortising goodwill over a shorter period would not reflect the economics of the business.
Bottlers & Distillers (Wales) Limited was acquired as a relatively new business and therefore the board consider 10 years to be a more appropriate period over which to amortise the goodwill.
The value of the business and goodwill is assessed for impairment against carrying values on an annual basis in accordance with FRS102 "Impairment of fixed assets and goodwill". Any impairment is charged to the profit and loss account in the period in which it arises.
The determination of the useful economic life is clearly a significant judgment; a significantly shorter life would result in significantly greater amortisation charge in the profit and loss account.
The assessment for impairment involves estimating the recoverable amount, which involves estimation of the future cash flows of the cash generating Unit (CGU) and also the selection of an appropriate discount rate in order to calculate the net present value of those cash flows. This clearly required significant judgement and estimation uncertainty.
An analysis of the group's turnover is as follows:
Revenue from concession sales in the retail business is shown on a net basis, being the commission received rather than the gross value achieved on the sale. The gross transaction value, which presents revenue on a gross basis before adjusting for concessions, during the year and a reconciliation to the group's reported turnover for department stores is as follows:
The average monthly number of persons (including directors and part time staff) employed by the group during the year under contracts of employment (whether full time or part time) was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 7 (2024: 7).
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
In addition to the amount charged to the profit and loss account, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income:
The group has approximately £4.0m (2024: £3.0m) of tax trading losses carried forward. However the use of approximately £1.7m (2024: £1.7m) of these losses is restricted for use against certain trading activities.
The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
Tangible fixed assets excluding investment properties were last revalued by an external, independent valuer in year ended 31 March 2023, This lead to an upwards revaluation of all tangible fixed assets excluding investment properties based on market value.
The investment property was last revalued by an external, independent valuer in year ended 31 March 2024, This lead to an upwards revaluation based on market value. The directors do not consider the value to have changed between the date of this valuation and the balance sheet date.
If tangible fixed assets including investment property were stated on an historical cost basis rather than a fair value basis, the total amounts included would have been as follows:
Unlisted investments including minority interests in national buying groups. These investments are accounted for as basic financial instruments, with changes in fair value being recognised in the profit and loss account.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows:
Park Furnishers (Bristol) Limited is an indirect subsidiary of J.H. Leeke and Sons Limited, being a 100% subsidiary of Leekes Limited.
The registered office of all of the above subsidiaries is Mwyndy Business Park, Mwyndy, Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, Wales CF72 8PN.
Included within other debtors of the group are directors' current accounts of £6,735 (2024: £186,880). These are unsecured and repayable on demand. Interest is receivable on these balances at the HMRC official rate of 2.25% per annum. Further details are provided in the related party transactions note.
The amounts due from fellow group undertakings are due for payment after more than five years. Interest is charged at the rate at which the group borrowings are charged, being 1.65% per annum above the Bank of England base rate at the start of the year, and subsequent to the refinancing of the group's borrowings during the year, 1.2% per annum above SONIA (Sterling OverNight Index Average).
During the year £28,500,000 of amounts owed by group undertakings within the company accounts has been reassigned as part of intercompany debt reorganisation across the group.
Included within other creditors of the group are directors' current accounts of £290,189 (2024: £348,980) which are unsecured and repayable on demand. Interest has been charged at 2.04% per annum above bank base rate on the amounts due. Further details are provided in the related party transactions note.
During the year £28,500,000 of amounts due to group undertakings within the company accounts has been reassigned as part of intercompany debt reorganisation across the group.
Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is three years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate.
Bank loans are secured over the assets of the group. Pension scheme loans are secured over certain assets of the group held by Leekes Group Property Developments Limited and Leekes Limited.
The bank loans relate to a revolving credit facility with Barclays Bank Plc. The borrowings were refinanced during the year at an interest rate margin of 1.2% per annum above SONIA (Sterling OverNight Index Average). At the start of the year, prior to the refinancing, interest was charged at a rate of 1.65% per annum above the Bank of England base rate. The facility is due for repayment in 01 October 2028.
The group continues to benefit from a 10 year £10m base rate swap at 0.8825% per annum plus applicable margin, which expires in February 2030.
The pension scheme loans are repayable by instalments up to April 2028; interest is charged at 3% above the Bank of England base rate.
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:
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse in future years and relates predominantly to accelerated capital allowances.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
At the year end the group had outstanding pension contributions of £84,925 (2024: £78,487), this amount being included within creditors due within one year.
The group also operates a defined benefit pension scheme that was acquired as part of the hive-up of the trade and assets of Cole of Bilston Limited on 19 November 2009. This provides pension benefits for members based on their earnings close to retirement and whose assets are held separately from those of the company. The fund is now closed to new entrants.
The pension cost has been determined on the basis of the long-term contribution rate to the plan expressed as a level percentage of pensionable payroll which has to be paid in the future to provide the plan benefits. It is the company's intention to contribute to the plan at the long-term contribution rate disclosed in the periodic actuarial valuation.
The pension cost for the year has been assessed in accordance with the advice of a qualified actuary by reference to the most recent full actuarial valuation as at 06 April 2023.
A qualified actuary has calculated the position at 31 March 2025 for the purposes of complying with the requirements of FRS 102 for the current year.
Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65:
The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:
Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account
Amounts taken to other comprehensive income
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
Fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end
Apart from the ability to vote, the voting and non-voting shares rank pari passu.
The share premium reserve contains the premium arising on issue of equity shares, net of issue expenses.
The revaluation reserve represents the cumulative effect of revaluations of freehold and leasehold land and buildings, investment property and unlisted fixed asset investments. This is net of the associated deferred tax liability of £386,032 (note 24).
Other reserves represents a merger reserve which arose following the group reconstruction in 2005.
The profit and loss reserve represents cumulative profits or losses, net of dividends paid and other adjustments.
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:
At the reporting end date the group had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments:
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
Subsequent to the year end on 04 April 2025 there was a fire in the warehouse area of the Leekes Llantrisant store, affecting two outbuildings and a small amount of stock. The group has submitted an insurance claim for £463,862 to cover all losses.
There are no key management personnel other than the directors whose remuneration is disclosed in note 8.
The company has taken advantage of the exemption, under the terms of FRS 102, Section 33.1A, from disclosing related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group.
At 31 March 2025, there were unsecured directors' loan accounts owed by the group to E J Leeke of £105,050 (2024: £232,235), to S J Leeke of £84,958 (2024: £82,370), to M A Fowler of £24,359 (2024: £12,034), to J Littlejohn of £73,518 (2024: £nil) and to M Leeke of £2,304 (2024: £22,341). The amounts attract interest at 2.04% per annum above bank base rate and are repayable on demand.
At 31 March 2025, there were unsecured directors' loan accounts owed to the group from G L Leeke of £nil (2024: £1,216), from J E Littlejohn of £nil (2024: £46,157), and from C Leeke of £6,735 (2024: £139,507). Interest is receivable on directors' loan account balances in excess of £10,000 at the HMRC official rate of 2.25% per annum.
The maximum debit balances outstanding on directors' loan accounts during the year were £nil (2024: £nil) owed from E Leeke, £nil (2024: £5,172) owed from S J Leeke, £nil (2024: £nil) owed from M A Fowler, £152,712 (2024: £139,507) owed from C Leeke, £59,744 (2024: £95,992) owed from J E Littlejohn, and £25,804 (2024: £nil) owed from M Leeke.
G L Leeke, S J Leeke, E J Leeke, C Leeke, J E Littlejohn and M Leeke are trustees of J H Leeke & Sons Executive Pension Scheme. During the year, the group paid rent of £260,000 (2024: £260,000) to the pension scheme in respect of land and buildings. In addition the group has loans from the pension scheme. The amounts owed to the pension scheme at 31 March 2025 was £1,685,000 (2024: £1,704,150). Loans from the pension scheme are secured over the assets of group companies.
At 31 March 2025, there was a balance due to J Waters (son of director E J Leeke) of £124,420 (2024: £44,388) and a balance due to O Waters (daughter of director E J Leeke) of £114,113 (2024: £41,363).