Company Registration No. SC490586 (Scotland)
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr A McClune
Mr I R McClune
Company number
SC490586
Registered office
West Building
Ruthvenfield Grove
Inveralmond Industrial Estate
Perth
Scotland
PH1 3FN
Auditor
Johnston Carmichael LLP
Strathlossie House
Elgin Business Park
1 Kirkhill Avenue
Elgin
IV30 8DE
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 3
Directors' report
4 - 5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 9
Statement of income and retained earnings
10
Balance sheet
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 23
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 1 -

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.

1. Business Overview

 

1.1 Introduction

Whisky Auctioneer Limited specialises in auctioning whisky, rum and other spirits on the secondary market through its industry-leading online auction platform. Based in Perth, in Central Scotland, our exciting and fast-growing company launched in 2013 with Whisky Auctioneer, followed by Rum Auctioneer in 2019. We now operate the world’s largest online auction platform, trusted by thousands of regular investors, collectors and consumers each month who recognise our sector expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm.

 

1.2 Business Model

Whisky Auctioneer provides a global platform for sellers and buyers of old, rare and collectible whiskies, rums and other spirits to build and manage their collections. Every lot we auction is received, inspected and authenticated prior to being photographed and listed on our platform. At the end of the auction period, the lots are won by the highest bidder. They can then choose to either collect or have the lots shipped to them or can request Whisky Auctioneer to store their lots in our secure warehouse.

 

Whisky Auctioneer receive commission from Sellers and Buyers, along with various other fees relating to the auction service we provide. Our objective is therefore to maximise the value of lots auctioned on and sold through our platform and ensure we reach as wide an audience of sellers and buyers as possible.

2. Strategy and Objectives

 

2.1 Strategic Goals

Our objective is to remain the world’s leading auction platform in our chosen markets by continuously improving the services that we offer. During FY25 we completed the first phase of launching our new auction website, which will be rolled out across the Group during the first quarter of FY26, and will then enter a continuous development and improvement phase to deliver additional features and functionality to benefit our clients.

We also aim to be the most accessible auction for sellers and buyers in the global market. We already have operating bases in UK and the EU, and we continue to develop our expertise in shipping valuable excise goods around the world in an ever-more complex and compliance-driven environment. Our main performance indicators are our share of the total available market and the volume and value of auctions that we host.

Finally, we believe that by having a passionate and knowledgeable team, we can provide expert advice to our customers. We invest in our team through both formal and informal training to help build their expertise in the markets that we serve.

 

2.2 Business Risks & Uncertainties

The primary business risks identified are:

2.2.1 A drop in the values achieved for whisky and rum sold on the secondary market. During FY25, there has been a softening of demand across the whisky industry, which in turn has created downward pressure on volumes being sold and values being achieved in the secondary market. The company has addressed this through operational efficiencies and adjusting its income model.

2.2.2 Changes to legislation relating to international movement of excise goods. Of particular note was the introduction of tariffs for exports to USA which were introduced toward the end of FY25 and have remained in place so far through FY26. This caused some initial disruption due to uncertainty amongst US customers, but the situation has stabilised and US buyer activity has returned to pre-tariff levels. We continue to actively monitor legislative changes in house and through our professional advisory network.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 2 -
2. Strategy and Objectives

2.2.3 Whisky Auctioneer Limited operates in a highly competitive market. Whilst we operate the largest auction platform by value, we need to continually review and improve the service levels that we provide to customers if we are to maintain our position and achieve further growth. Our new web platform is a key element in achieving this.

Senior management have developed strategies to address and mitigate these risks and uncertainties, and as such do not believe any represent a major risk to future performance.

Key performance indicators

3.1 Review

Sales for the year to 31 March 2025 were £10.2M compared with £11.2M the previous year. FY25 sales included £1.5M of non-Auction income, primarily generated by trading in cask stock. Like-for-like auction income was £8.7M (FY25) vs £8.6M (FY24). Operating profit before depreciation and tax for the year to 31 March 2025 was £1.7M compared with £1.8M the previous year.

During the financial year ending 31st March 2025, the Group undertook a reorganisation of cask stock assets owned by Whisky Auctioneer Limited with the objective of centralising ownership and management under another fully-owned Group company, Bright Spirits Ltd. These cask assets were transferred to the ownership of Bright Spirits Ltd at book value resulting in an inter-company balance between the companies involved in the transfer.

 

Investment continued in our online auction platform during the year, culminating in the first phase of its launch between March and May 2025. Further investment is planned to deliver enhanced features and functionality for our clients, aligning with our objective of remaining the world’s leading online auction platform within our chosen markets.

After dividends, the net asset value decreased by £1.4M to £2.9M over the period.

3.2 Key Performance Indicators

The senior management team recognise that the long-term success of the business is dependent on delivering a great customer experience backed up with excellent service delivery, and various metrics are used across the business to ensure we are meeting these requirements. KPIs remain unchanged and include:

 

These metrics are shared across the business and are used to provide feedback and identify improvement opportunities within the team.

3.3 Outlook

FY25 has seen whisky prices stabilising within the secondary market and valuations remain broadly in line with the second half of FY24. However, the soft market has caused seller activity to remain lower than the recent average and this trend has continued into the summer months of 2025. There are signs that seller interest is picking up, but our expectation is that this will not generate a material increase in volumes until the second half of 2025.

We remain vigilant of legislative changes which impact our business and are committed to maintaining full compliance with all such obligations. We believe that the investment we continue to make in ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations puts us ahead of many companies operating in our markets which provides greater confidence for our clients. We continue to refine the services we offer to customers across the globe, both in terms of getting their bottles to and from us and increasing their access to as wide a market as possible.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 3 -
3. Performance Review and Future Outlook

The 3-year strategic plan for the Auction Group is continually reviewed, and whilst market activity remains below previous expectations, the directors are confident that the company is well placed to increase shareholder value in FY26 and beyond.

On behalf of the board

Mr I R McClune
Director
8 December 2025
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 4 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company is that of a whisky auctioneer house.

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 10.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £2,584,795 (2024: £2,161,556). The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.

Directors

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

Mr A McClune
Mr I R McClune
Financial risk management objectives and policies

The company's operations are funded by the cash flow generated from its trading activities The objective is to retain sufficient funds to enable the company to meet its day to day obligations as they fall due.

Auditor

The auditor, Johnston Carmichael LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the strategic report, directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

 

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with 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 company and the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

 

 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Strategic report

The company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of financial risk management and future developments.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 5 -
Statement of disclosure to auditor

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 company’s auditor 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 company’s auditor is aware of that information.

On behalf of the board
Mr I R McClune
Director
8 December 2025
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
- 6 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Whisky Auctioneer Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of income and retained earnings, the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

 

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 responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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 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 and Financial Statements other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report and Financial Statements. 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 the audit:

 

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
- 7 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

 

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 4, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an 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.

 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

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.

We assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations by considering their experience, past performance and support available.

All engagement team members were briefed on relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks at the planning stage of the audit. Engagement team members were reminded to remain alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
- 8 -

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the company and the sector in which it operates, focusing on those provisions that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The most relevant frameworks we identified include:

 

 

We gained an understanding of how the company is complying with these laws and regulations by making enquiries of management and those charged with governance. We corroborated these enquiries through our review of submitted returns and relevant correspondence with regulatory bodies.

We assessed the susceptibility of the financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur, by meeting with management and those charged with governance to understand where it was considered there was susceptibility to fraud. This evaluation also considered how management and those charged with governance were remunerated and whether this provided an incentive for fraudulent activity. We considered the overall control environment and how management and those charged with governance oversee the implementation and operation of controls. In areas of the financial statements where the risks were considered to be higher, we performed procedures to address each identified risk. We identified a heightened fraud risk in relation to:

In addition to the above, the following procedures were performed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free of material fraud or error:

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to the risk of material misstatements in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

 

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
- 9 -

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.

Fiona Munro (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Johnston Carmichael LLP
8 December 2025
Statutory Auditor
Strathlossie House
Elgin Business Park
1 Kirkhill Avenue
Elgin
IV30 8DE
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 10 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
10,215,856
11,160,187
Cost of sales
(3,886,153)
(4,514,964)
Gross profit
6,329,703
6,645,223
Administrative expenses
(5,270,790)
(5,164,339)
Other operating income
579,800
195,150
Operating profit
4
1,638,713
1,676,034
Interest receivable and similar income
7
19,081
28,952
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(98,796)
(86,357)
Profit before taxation
1,558,998
1,618,629
Tax on profit
9
(401,100)
(416,130)
Profit for the financial year
1,157,898
1,202,499
Retained earnings brought forward
4,308,576
5,267,633
Dividends
10
(2,584,795)
(2,161,556)
Retained earnings carried forward
2,881,679
4,308,576

 

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2025
31 March 2025
- 11 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
11
1,677,678
1,128,853
Tangible assets
12
209,623
312,703
Investments
13
21,769
21,769
1,909,070
1,463,325
Current assets
Stocks
15
794,724
1,969,683
Debtors
16
2,526,126
3,214,884
Cash at bank and in hand
372,696
28,509
3,693,546
5,213,076
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
17
(2,322,480)
(2,014,860)
Net current assets
1,371,066
3,198,216
Total assets less current liabilities
3,280,136
4,661,541
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
19
397,457
351,965
(397,457)
(351,965)
Net assets
2,882,679
4,309,576
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
21
1,000
1,000
Profit and loss reserves
22
2,881,679
4,308,576
Total equity
2,882,679
4,309,576
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 8 December 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr I R McClune
Director
Company Registration No. SC490586
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Whisky Auctioneer Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is West Building, Ruthvenfield Grove, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth, Scotland, PH1 3FN.

1.1
Accounting convention

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

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

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

Reduced disclosure exemptions and consolidation

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group 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:

 

The company has taken advantage of the exemption under section 400 of the Companies Act 2006 not to prepare consolidated accounts. The financial statements present information about the company as an individual entity and not about its group.

 

Whisky Auctioneer Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Still Life Ltd and the results of Whisky Auctioneer Limited are included in the consolidated financial statements of Still Life Ltd which are available from Balinshaw, Forgandenny, Perth, Scotland, PH2 9HR.

1.2
Going concern

Atruet 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 at least the next 12 months. The directors have reviewed business plans and prepared projections until March 2027 to consider the expected performance of the company and are satisfied that there are adequate resources available. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Turnover

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT.

 

Revenue is recognised on an accruals basis. Revenue from auctions and the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer, 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.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.4
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill

Goodwill arises on business combination and represents any excess of consolidation given over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. Goodwill is initially recognised as an intangible asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Existing goodwill has been fully amortised.

1.5
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets are stated at cost, net of amortisation and any provision for impairment.

Amortisation is provided on all intangible assets at rates to write off the cost of each assert over its expected useful life as follows:

Website development costs
25% straight line
1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated

residual value, of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful life, as follows:

Leasehold improvements
10% straight line
Plant and machinery
25% straight line
Fixtures & fittings
20% straight line
Computer equipment
20% straight line
Motor vehicles
20% straight line

Residual value represents the estimated amount which would currently be obtained from disposal of an asset, after deducting estimated costs of disposal, if the asset were already of the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life.

 

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 credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.7
Fixed asset investments

Interests in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

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

1.8
Impairment of fixed assets

Assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement as described below.

 

At each reporting date, the company reviews 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.

1.9
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, which is equivalent to the net realisable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -

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.

1.10
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash at hand and deposits held at call with banks.

1.11
Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors, amounts owed by group companies and bank balances, are measured at transaction price including transaction costs.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and amounts owed to group undertakings are recognised at transaction price.

 

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.

1.12
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the fair value of cash or other resources received or receivable, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised a liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

1.13
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current 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 company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax arises as a result of including items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in the company's financial statements. Deferred tax is provided in full on timing differences which result in an obligation to pay more or less tax at a future date, at the average tax rates that are expected to apply when the timing differences reverse, based on current tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and a valuation allowance is set up against deferred tax assets so that the net carrying amount equals the highest amount that is more likely than not to be recovered based on current or future taxable profit.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
1.14
Employee benefits

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.

1.15
Retirement benefits

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

1.16
Leases

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 leases asset are consumed.

1.17
Foreign exchange

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date. Exchange differences are recognised in the profit and loss accounts in the period in which they arise.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

 

In the opinion of the directors, there are no significant estimates or judgements that may affect both current and previous years.

3
Turnover

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

2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Whisky sales
9,588,588
10,552,875
Rum sales
627,268
607,312
10,215,856
11,160,187
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
3
Turnover
(Continued)
- 16 -
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
6,875,357
8,773,854
European Union
3,340,499
2,386,333
10,215,856
11,160,187
2025
2024
£
£
Other significant revenue
Interest income
19,081
28,952
Management fees receivable
497,254
195,150
Sundry income
90,463
-

Included in sundry income is £76,566 relating to US Tariff recharges.

4
Operating profit
2025
2024
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Exchange differences
40,366
6,029
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
19,425
18,500
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
99,450
112,043
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(12,917)
-
Amortisation of intangible assets
-
7,048
Operating lease charges
239,849
261,197
5
Employees

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

2025
2024
Number
Number
Content and customer service
16
18
Warehouse and operations
14
13
Administrative
28
28
Total
58
59
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5
Employees
(Continued)
- 17 -

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
2,357,352
2,277,666
Social security costs
287,025
319,578
Pension costs
73,136
67,254
2,717,513
2,664,498
6
Directors' remuneration
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
52,039
40,070
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
998
1,437
53,037
41,507
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2025
2024
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
11,387
24,679
Interest receivable from group companies
7,694
4,273
Total income
19,081
28,952
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2025
2024
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
98,796
86,357
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 18 -
9
Taxation
2025
2024
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
355,609
282,048
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(1)
59
Total current tax
355,608
282,107
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
45,492
134,023
Total tax charge
401,100
416,130

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:

2025
2024
£
£
Profit before taxation
1,558,998
1,618,629
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
389,750
404,658
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
10,812
10,874
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(1)
59
Fixed asset differences
539
539
Taxation charge for the year
401,100
416,130
10
Dividends
2025
2024
£
£
Interim paid
2,584,795
2,161,556
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 19 -
11
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
Website development costs
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
10,000
1,196,762
1,206,762
Additions
-
0
548,825
548,825
At 31 March 2025
10,000
1,745,587
1,755,587
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
10,000
67,909
77,909
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
-
0
1,677,678
1,677,678
At 31 March 2024
-
0
1,128,853
1,128,853

The website development costs are not being amortised as the updated website was brought into use in April 2025, and amortisation will be charged from this point.

12
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold improvements
Plant and machinery
Fixtures & fittings
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
82,158
54,687
292,143
100,521
142,874
672,383
Additions
-
0
-
0
-
0
11,370
-
0
11,370
Disposals
-
0
(20,000)
-
0
-
0
-
0
(20,000)
At 31 March 2025
82,158
34,687
292,143
111,891
142,874
663,753
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
34,448
29,782
136,088
72,347
87,015
359,680
Depreciation charged in the year
8,043
1,761
54,449
12,269
22,928
99,450
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
0
(5,000)
-
0
-
0
-
0
(5,000)
At 31 March 2025
42,491
26,543
190,537
84,616
109,943
454,130
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
39,667
8,144
101,606
27,275
32,931
209,623
At 31 March 2024
47,710
24,905
156,055
28,174
55,859
312,703
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 20 -
13
Fixed asset investments
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Investments in subsidiaries
14
21,769
21,769
14
Subsidiaries

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

Name of undertaking
Registered office
Nature of business
Class of
% Held
shares held
Direct
Whisky Auctioneer Germany GmbH
Zechenring 6B 41836, Hückelhoven, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Whisky storage
Ordinary shares
100.00
Whisky Auctioneer BV
Zonnebaan 23,3542 EB Utrecht, Netherlands
Whisky distribution
Ordinary shares
100.00
15
Stocks
2025
2024
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
794,724
1,969,683

Included in Stock are casks secured under Ferovinum lending platform of £651,722 (2024: £1,069,903).

16
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
81,786
13,513
Amounts owed by group undertakings
2,277,384
3,002,488
Other debtors
21,014
18,612
Prepayments and accrued income
145,942
180,271
2,526,126
3,214,884

Amounts owed by group undertakings are repayable on demand, unsecured and interest-free.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 21 -
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Other borrowings
18
613,033
816,978
Trade creditors
307,634
292,959
Amounts owed to group undertakings
356,943
126,900
Corporation tax
145,609
20,126
Other taxation and social security
215,000
289,758
Other creditors
174,594
266,209
Accruals and deferred income
509,667
201,930
2,322,480
2,014,860

Amounts owed to group undertakings are repayable on demand, unsecured and interest-free.

18
Loans and overdrafts
2025
2024
£
£
Other loans
613,033
816,978
Payable within one year
613,033
816,978

Other borrowings relates to a lending platform that allows the Company to draw down funds against Cask stock. Interest of 6% above Bank of England base rate is charged on outstanding amounts and is secured by the casks borrowed against.

19
Deferred taxation

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

Liabilities
Liabilities
2025
2024
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
397,457
351,965
2025
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 April 2024
351,965
Charge to profit or loss
45,492
Liability at 31 March 2025
397,457
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 22 -
20
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
73,136
67,254

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. At the year end £11,714 (2024: £12,015) was accrued in relation to outstanding pension contributions.

21
Share capital
2025
2024
2025
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
A shares of £1 each
600
600
600
600
B shares of £1 each
300
300
300
300
C shares of £1 each
100
100
100
100
1,000
1,000
1,000
1,000

All shares carry equal voting and dividend rights and are entitled to participate in distribution on a winding up.

22
Reserves
Profit and loss reserves

Cumulative profit and loss net of distributions to owners.

23
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

Whisky Auctioneer has provided security by way of bonds and floating charges over the assets of the company in favour of Barclays Security Trustee Limited and Barclays Bank PLC.

24
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

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

2025
2024
£
£
Within one year
142,961
130,506
Between two and five years
188,793
217,420
331,754
347,926
WHISKY AUCTIONEER LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 23 -
25
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties

During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:

Purchase of goods
2025
2024
£
£
Key management personnel
13,705
-

The company has taken advantage of the exemption with FRS 102 Section 33 paragraph 33.1A, not to disclose transactions entered into between two or more members of the group, as the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the group to which it is party to the transactions.

 

The company's banking facilities are secured by an unlimited guarantee by Still Life Ltd and Vintage Saga Ltd.

26
Ultimate controlling party

The immediate parent company is Vintage Saga Ltd. The ultimate parent company and the parent of the smallest and largest group for which consolidated accounts are drawn up of which the company is a member is Still Life Ltd. The immediate parent company is registered at West Building, Ruthvenfield Grove, Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth, PH1 3FN and the ultimate parent company are registered at Balinshaw, Forgandenny, Perth, PH2 9HR.

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