The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The principal activities of the company during the year were both building and civil engineering, acting as a specialist subcontractor in concrete frames.
This year has seen a backlog of work due to the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) which covers higher-risk buildings, e.g. residential. Whilst the business is not solely dependent on residential contracts it has meant a slower than usual performance due to the reduced number of contracts which have passed the BSA. The level of activity seen in the year is still not at the pre-covid levels. As the business entered the year, it was confident at winning work which would not be hampered by the BSA and the business was successful at winning these tenders. Work has been gained with a number of clients which were high rise hotels, Premier Inn and Dakota being examples. The business won the Whaley Bridge Reservoir contract with Kier, where Kier had not been a client for several years. These contracts helped the business to provide contribution to the fixed costs of the business as we addressed the concern about the impact of the change in Government legislation with the BSA which was introduced in April 2024. Contracts mentioned above have certainly helped the business to maintain profitability and bridged some of the gap whilst residential projects are being deferred until late 2025, early 2026.
Whilst the deferment of residential contracts reduced our turnover versus what we had originally forecast, it hasn’t impacted profitability as a credible result has been achieved in the year with double digit percentage points versus prior year for profit before tax.
From a labour perspective, the availability of labour has not been an issue. The levels of activity has meant the business has had to be flexible and reduce labour for periods of time as it saw fit. The business recognises balancing the labour and cost with fluctuations in work volume is key for its financial stability.
During the year the level of enquiries received remained relatively buoyant however, it was clear that the number of tenders submitted were down due to the impact of the backlog of the BSA and contracts being signed off. Whilst the work is there, the timing of it coming through has hampered the level of contracts coming through to not just Heyrod but the construction sector as a whole. As a business some of the enquires it was not feasible to be submitting tenders due to the scarcity in the market, the business was not prepared to run contracts with significant reduced margins. The benefit of owning equipment and assets has meant the business has been in a fortunate position that it is not haemorrhaging money.
Success with key projects such as the work done for Kier with Whalley Bridge Reservoir has once again reinforced the Heyrod success story of being close to key clients which has undoubtedly helped the business in securing work in a competitive market.
The business is confident that it’s turnover will increase in financial year 2025 but only marginally since the deferment of building contracts has meant the deferment of work which would have materialised in 2024 and 2025 will slowly start to materialise towards the end of 2025, early 2026. The pending changes in the Autumn budget has a mixed impact on building contractors, with increased costs from higher National Insurance Contributions and minimum wage potentially hurting profitability, offset somewhat by a larger Employment Allowance and a £3bn investment in SME builders. The budget also introduces potential challenges like uncertainty over future infrastructure plans, and possible difficulties with recruitment due to higher labour costs
The business will continue with the philosophy of keeping close to our clients and maintaining the motto of 'a client today is a client tomorrow'. The service provided will be from concept to completion. By having an open and honest relationship with clients and declaring the risk at the outset of the contract, clients are prepared to proceed with a considered understanding of the risk. Mutual confidence and trust are essential to healthy and successful relationship.
It remains our intention to diversify within the construction industry without diluting our commitment to our core activities. We will continue with the provision of new apprenticeships in our core activities which will pay dividends for the future. We still see opportunities within the industry which will evolve with time and believe we are well prepared to realize these prospects as and when they come to the market.
In summary, we are looking forward to the forthcoming financial year with confidence combined a small degree of trepidation. We will be vigilant to the potential changes that may be ahead considering the current prevailing economic and political circumstances.
The main risks arising from the company's financial instruments can be analysed as follows:-
Credit risk
The company's principal financial assets are bank balances, cash and trade debtors, which represent the company's maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to financial assets.
The company's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade debtors and amounts recoverable on contracts. Credit risk is managed by monitoring the aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one customer depending upon their credit rating. The amounts presented in the statement of financial position are net of allowances for doubtful debts, estimated by the company's management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment.
The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. The company has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.
Liquidity risk
The company has a significant amount of cash on hand and on deposit and therefore has no significant liquidity risk in the foreseeable future.
Environmental issues
The company's policy with regard to the environment is to ensure that they understand and effectively manage the actual and potential environmental impact of their activities. Operations are conducted in such a way that the company complies with all legal requirements relating to the environment in all areas where they carry out their business. During the period covered by this report the company has not incurred any fines or penalties or been investigated for any breach of environmental regulations.
Workforce
The biggest concern we have for the future relates to whether the current labour market can meet the needs of the future developments, and with the lack of investment in our sector to provide apprenticeships this situation will prevail. There is a complete lack of responsibility in the provision of opportunities for new entrants of indigenous people to come into the industry. This disregard is shared by many who are involved in the process from the local authorities through to the developers into the supply chain.
Competition
Whilst there is increased competition within the North West area companies coming from the South and other adjacent counties, we still believe that we are well placed to take on the majority of the works within the Manchester, Liverpool and Salford conurbations. Whilst residential developments will take up the majority of our turnover, there are signs that other sectors are coming into play which will provide a more balanced portfolio. It is still our opinion that whilst Brexit must have created some uncertainty within the UK economy, there is still a great deal of confidence by developers to proceed with work in the North West, which will provide a steady and increasing level of turnover over the next few years.
The key performance indicators used by the directors are:
i) Health & Safety reportable Accident Frequency Rate (AFR)
ii) Net profit percentage
iii) Annual sales growth
There are signs that the market is beginning to become more stable, and this will give us more confidence to rebuild the business by increasing turnover and profit. There will continue to be a degree of volatility until energy costs can be controlled, with the risk of these costs being shared by the various parties to facilitate the delivery of developments. By having an open and honest relationship with Clients and declaring the risk at the outset of the contract, Clients are prepared to proceed with a considered understanding of the risk. Mutual confidence and trust are essential to healthy and successful relationships.
It remains our intention to diversify within the construction industry without diluting our commitment to our core activities. We will continue with the provision of new apprenticeships in our core activities which will pay dividends for the future. We still see opportunities within the industry which will evolve with time and believe we are well prepared to realise these prospects as and when they come to the market.
Throughout financial period to 31 March 2025, the directors have complied with the requirements of Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, in promoting the long-term success of the Company for the benefit of all stakeholders. The following disclosure describes how the directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) and forms the directors' statement required under section 414CZA of The Companies Act 2006.
The Directors give careful consideration to the factors set out above in discharging their duties under section 172. The stakeholders we consider in this regard are the people who work for us, buy from us, supply to us, own us, regulate us and live in the societies we serve and the planet we inhabit. The Board recognises that building strong relationships with our stakeholders will help us deliver our strategy in line with our long term values, and operate the business in a sustainable way. The board is committed to effective engagement with all of its stakeholders.
The Board hold monthly meetings and receive reports from management on issues concerning customers, the environment, communities, suppliers, employees, regulators, governments and investors, which it takes into account in its discussions and its decision-making process under section 172.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
No dividends will be distributed for the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024: £nil).
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
During the year ended 31 March 2025, the company reported the following in respect of Group energy use:
|
| 2025 |
|
Energy Consumption | KWh | 207,165 |
|
Carbon dioxide Emissions | tCO2e | 52,825 |
|
Intensity Ratio (t/C02e/£m turnover) |
| 0.0014 |
|
The figures are based on actual energy consumed across Heyrod Construction’s multiple buildings.
The company will continue to focus on energy reduction and efficiency projects in 2026 and beyond and where it makes sense, both environmentally and financially will adopt best practice in driving improvements in the areas of sustainability and environmental performance.
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 of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and 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.
DJH Bury Limited has indicated its willingness to be reappointed for another term and appropriate arrangements are being made for it to be deemed reappointed as auditor in absence of an Annual General Meeting.
We have audited the financial statements of Heyrod Construction Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity 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 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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
As part of our planning process
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the company. We determined that the following were most relevant: FRS 102, Companies Act 2006, Health & Safety at Work 1974, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
We considered the incentives and opportunities that exist in the company, including the extent of management bias, which present a potential for irregularities and fraud to be perpetuated, and tailored our risk assessment accordingly.
Using our knowledge of the company, together with the discussions held with the company at the planning stage, we formed a conclusion on the risk of misstatement due to irregularities including fraud and tailored our procedures according to this risk assessment.
We enquired of management the systems and controls the company has in place, the areas of the financial statements that are mostly susceptible to the risk of irregularities and fraud, and whether there was any known, suspected or alleged fraud. The company did not inform us of any known, suspected or alleged fraud.
The key procedures we undertook to detect irregularities including fraud during the course of the audit included:
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular those that were significant and unusual.
Performing walkthrough tests of sales and purchases to ensure that appropriate controls and segregation of duties are in place.
Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and determining whether accounting policies have been appropriately applied.
Reviewing and challenging the assumptions and judgements used by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to the calculation of depreciation, lease categorisation and the valuation of work in progress.
Assessing the extent of compliance, or lack of, with the relevant laws and regulations in particular those that are central to the entities ability to continue in operation.
Testing key turnover lines for evidence of management bias.
Performing a physical verification of key assets, including work in progress.
Obtaining third-party confirmation of material bank and loan balances.
Documenting and verifying all significant related party balances and transactions.
Reviewing documentation such as the company board minutes for discussions of irregularities including fraud.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities and fraud rests with the directors of the entity.
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 income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
Heyrod Construction Limited is a private company, limited by shares, registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number is 01354077 and its registered office address is Albion Works, Clowes Street, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 7LY.
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 £.
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:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for financial instruments not measured at fair value; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of Heyrod Holdings Limited. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office, Albion Works, Clowes Street, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 7LY.
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.
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.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company 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 company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Research and development
Expenditure on research and development is written off in the year in which it is incurred.
In the application of the company's accounting policies, the directors are required to make estimates and judgements. The estimates are based on historical experience and other relevant factors. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates are continually evaluated. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised.
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are outlined below.
Estimating the useful economic life of an asset and the anticipated residual value are considered a key judgement in calculating an appropriate depreciation charge.
Determining the expected outcome of long-term contracts prior to their conclusion, the amounts recoverable, and calculating the attributable profit that should be recognised in a manner appropriate to the stage of completion are considered key estimates.
All turnover is generated in the United Kingdom and is attributable to the principal activity of the company.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 4 (2024 - 4).
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
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.
A claim has been lodged against the company in respect of one project. The claim is at an early stage and the directors have obtained legal advice and will be defending the action.
During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date: