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Registration number: 13353997

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Contents

Company Information

1

Strategic Report

2

Directors' Report

3 to 4

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

5

Independent Auditor's Report

6 to 8

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

9

Consolidated Balance Sheet

10

Balance Sheet

11

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

12

Statement of Changes in Equity

13

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

14

Notes to the Financial Statements

15 to 30

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Company Information

Directors

M A Crosby

R L Crosby

E E Podbury

J A Ross

Registered office

4 Churchgates
The Wilderness
Berkamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2UB

Auditors

Hazlewoods LLP
Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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

Principal activity

The principal activity of the group is the provision of early years education. The principal activity of the company is that of a holding company.

Fair review of the business

The results for the year which are set out in the profit and loss account show turnover of £14,735,855 (2024 - £12,512,241) and an operating loss of £766,766 (2024 - £934,961). At 31 March 2025 the company had net assets of £11,518,536 (2024 - £12,467,147).

The business continues to monitor its profitability through the use of a non-statutory measure of EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation). The directors believe this gives a more accurate figure of the position of the Group. During the year, there were 68 franchisee sites (2024 - 67) and the Group owned 6 nurseries (2024 - 6). There has been an increase in full time equivalent (FTE) number of placements within Nursery Group.

The group's key financial and other performance indicators during the year were as follows:

Financial KPIs

Unit

2025

2024

Nursery Group sites

6

6

Franchisee sites

68

67

Nursery Group FTE

275

240

EBITDA

£

2,157,754

774,587

Franchise income

£

5,328,865

4,726,970

Nursery Group income

£

7,077,261

5,818,071

Principal risks and uncertainties

The commercial environment is expected to remain competitive. There is a continued demand for quality early years care. The overall market has potential to grow with further government funding making it a viable option for more families across the country. However, there is a level of uncertainty regarding the level of funding available and how it will impact requirements on early year’s providers. The Group will keep abreast of these situations as they develop to be in the best position possible to act diligently in the interest of clients and the shareholders as well as be able to advise any franchisees as necessary.

There are risks around new sites opening as there is a potential for unforeseen circumstances that mean a project starts but falls through part way through, this would lead to sunk costs that would be liable to the Group with no future revenue. Through thorough checks and investigations prior to starting any new project the Directors are confident this risk is minimised as much as possible.

Approved by the Board on 16 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:


M A Crosby
Director

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

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

Directors of the company

The directors who held office during the year were as follows:

M A Crosby

R L Crosby

E E Podbury

D Hancock (appointed 11 June 2024 and resigned 25 February 2025)

R Blunden (resigned 11 June 2024)

The following director was appointed after the year end:

J A Ross (appointed 11 April 2025)

Future developments

The Group has a good pipeline of new nurseries and potential franchisee sites, and the Directors are confident they can build on the current levels whilst improving the cash balance available to the Group. This is forecast to improve as more sites reach maturity and achieve better profit margins.

Financial instruments

Objectives and policies

The board constantly monitors the Group and Company's trading results and revise projections as appropriate to ensure that the Group and Company can meet its future obligations as they fall due.

The group takes steps to mitigate cash flow risks by forecasting income and expenditure. Reviewing this regularly to implement any known changes and to ensure the Group can meet its financial demands. These forecasts and reviews also help identify cost saving opportunities that the Group intend to take to ensure the continuity of the business. This is most noticeable in an evaluation of the business staffing needs.

Going concern

The Group and Company's ability to continue as a going concern, for twelve months after the date of these financial statements are signed, has been assessed with reference to the Group's forecasts and available facilities including a letter of support from the shareholders.

The Group and Company are currently operating within the financing terms, agreed with the shareholders in 2024, and remains under obligations to meet requirements set out by those agreements. The forecasts show that the Group and Company can continue to operate within the available facilities. The current financing terms expire in March 2027 when the amounts are due to be repaid.

Considering the mentioned risks, and the tools the Group and Company have at their disposal to reduce their risks; the Directors have concluded that the expectation is that the Group and Company will continue to meet their day-to-day working capital requirements through available cash funds. The Directors believe the Group and Company are well-positioned to manage their overall business risks successfully and have a reasonable expectation that they have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. Therefore, the business continues to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Disclosure of information to the auditor

Each director has taken the steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditor is aware of that information. The directors confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.

Reappointment of auditors

Hazlewoods LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office.

Approved by the Board on 16 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:


M A Crosby
Director

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

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 group and company and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and 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 group's and the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and 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 group and the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of the group's loss for the year then ended;

have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were 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 directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the Strategic Report and Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our 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 and the Directors' Report.

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

adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 5, 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 group’s and the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s 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.

Extent to which the audit was 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 considered the nature of the group’s industry and its control environment and reviewed the group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the group operates in and identified the key laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, including the UK Companies Act and tax legislation, and, those that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override of controls. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:

reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatements due to fraud;

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement 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 deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. 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.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at 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.





Martin Howard (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Hazlewoods LLP, Statutory Auditor

Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

16 December 2025

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Note

Continuing operations
2025
£

Discontinued operations
2025
£

Total
2025
£

Continuing operations
2024
£

Discontinued operations
2024
£

Total
2024
£

Turnover

3

14,735,855

-

14,735,855

12,392,994

119,247

12,512,241

Cost of sales

 

(8,355,552)

-

(8,355,552)

(6,550,729)

(136,005)

(6,686,734)

Gross profit/(loss)

 

6,380,303

-

6,380,303

5,842,265

(16,758)

5,825,507

Exceptional costs

4

(553,210)

-

(553,210)

(412,963)

-

(412,963)

Administrative expenses

 

(6,593,859)

-

(6,593,859)

(7,363,817)

(101,105)

(7,464,922)

Other exceptional income

-

-

-

1,117,417

-

1,117,417

Operating loss

4

(766,766)

-

(766,766)

(817,098)

(117,863)

(934,961)

Loss on disposal of operations

 

(43,534)

-

(43,534)

-

-

-

Income from shares in group undertakings

 

-

-

-

-

(85,052)

(85,052)

Other interest receivable and similar income

4,146

-

4,146

755

-

755

Interest payable and similar expenses

5

(82,919)

-

(82,919)

(31,770)

-

(31,770)

Loss before tax

 

(889,073)

-

(889,073)

(848,113)

(202,915)

(1,051,028)

Tax on loss

9

(59,538)

-

(59,538)

(171,716)

-

(171,716)

Loss for the financial year

 

(948,611)

-

(948,611)

(1,019,829)

(202,915)

(1,222,744)

Profit/(loss) attributable to:

 

Owners of the company

 

(948,611)

-

(948,611)

(1,019,829)

(202,915)

(1,222,744)

The group has no recognised gains or losses for the year other than the results above.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

(Registration number: 13353997)
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Fixed assets

 

Intangible assets

10

11,883,423

13,990,947

Tangible assets

11

3,167,245

2,841,134

 

15,050,668

16,832,081

Current assets

 

Stocks

13

4,899

5,000

Debtors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

14

1,277,138

1,125,532

Debtors

14

3,538,302

3,360,623

Cash at bank and in hand

 

356,599

64,450

 

5,176,938

4,555,605

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

16

(4,339,498)

(4,686,503)

Net current assets/(liabilities)

 

837,440

(130,898)

Total assets less current liabilities

 

15,888,108

16,701,183

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

16

(2,254,767)

(2,127,141)

Provisions

18

(961,834)

(773,752)

Deferred tax liabilities

9

(1,152,971)

(1,333,143)

Net assets

 

11,518,536

12,467,147

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

20

18,405,416

18,405,416

Share premium reserve

2,199,697

2,199,697

Profit and loss account

(9,086,577)

(8,137,966)

Equity attributable to owners of the company

 

11,518,536

12,467,147

Shareholders' funds

 

11,518,536

12,467,147

Approved and authorised by the Board on 16 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
 

M A Crosby
Director

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

(Registration number: 13353997)
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Fixed assets

 

Investments

12

17,968,476

17,968,476

Current assets

 

Debtors

14

146,155

38,228

Cash at bank and in hand

 

43

20

 

146,198

38,248

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

16

(1,684,301)

(1,535,936)

Net current liabilities

 

(1,538,103)

(1,497,688)

Net assets

 

16,430,373

16,470,788

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

20

18,405,416

18,405,416

Share premium reserve

2,199,697

2,199,697

Profit and loss account

(4,174,740)

(4,134,325)

Shareholders' funds

 

16,430,373

16,470,788

The company made a loss after tax for the financial year of £40,415 (2024 - loss of £428,743).

Approved and authorised by the Board on 16 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
 

M A Crosby
Director

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Equity attributable to the parent company

Share capital
£

Share premium
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 April 2024

18,405,416

2,199,697

(8,137,966)

12,467,147

Loss for the year

-

-

(948,611)

(948,611)

At 31 March 2025

18,405,416

2,199,697

(9,086,577)

11,518,536

Share capital
£

Share premium
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 April 2023

18,405,416

2,199,697

(6,915,222)

13,689,891

Loss for the year

-

-

(1,222,744)

(1,222,744)

At 31 March 2024

18,405,416

2,199,697

(8,137,966)

12,467,147

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Share capital
£

Share premium
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 April 2024

18,405,416

2,199,697

(4,134,325)

16,470,788

Loss for the year

-

-

(40,415)

(40,415)

At 31 March 2025

18,405,416

2,199,697

(4,174,740)

16,430,373


 

Share capital
£

Share premium
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 April 2023

18,405,416

2,199,697

(3,705,582)

16,899,531

Loss for the year

-

-

(428,743)

(428,743)

At 31 March 2024

18,405,416

2,199,697

(4,134,325)

16,470,788

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss for the year

 

(948,611)

(1,222,744)

Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items

 

Depreciation, amortisation and loss on disposal of fixed assets

4

2,372,587

2,398,102

Provision charged to the profit and loss

18

-

(1,233,221)

Loss on disposal of operations

 

43,534

-

Loss from disposals of investments

-

85,052

Finance income

(4,146)

(755)

Finance costs

5

82,919

31,770

Income tax expense

9

59,538

171,716

 

1,605,821

229,920

Working capital adjustments

 

Decrease in stocks

13

101

-

(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors

14

(82,689)

562,660

Decrease in trade creditors

16

(503,563)

(143,720)

Increase/(decrease) in provisions

18

119,695

(117,490)

Cash generated from operations

 

1,139,365

531,370

Income taxes paid

9

(177,566)

(215,956)

Net cash flow from operating activities

 

961,799

315,414

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Interest received

4,146

755

Acquisitions of tangible assets

11

(666,972)

(246,937)

Proceeds from sale of operations

 

21,156

-

Proceeds from sale of subsidiary (net of cash disposed)

 

-

260,090

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

(641,670)

13,908

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Interest paid

5

(20,161)

(19,515)

Repayment of bank borrowing

 

-

(633,333)

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

(20,161)

(652,848)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

299,968

(323,526)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April

 

56,631

380,157

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March

 

356,599

56,631

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

1

General information

The company is a private company limited by share capital, incorporated in England and Wales.

The address of its registered office is:
4 Churchgates
The Wilderness
Berkamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2UB

 

2

Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006'.

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except for, where disclosed in these accounting policies, certain items that are shown at fair value.

The presentational currency of the financial statements is Pounds Sterling, being the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest Pound.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the company and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 March 2025.

No Profit and Loss Account is presented for the company as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The company made a loss after tax for the financial year of £40,415 (2024 - loss of £428,743).

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

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the Profit and Loss Account from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with those used by the group.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for business combinations that result in the acquisition of subsidiaries by the group. The cost of a business combination is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange, plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. Any excess of the cost of the business combination over the acquirer’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities recognised is recorded as goodwill.

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between the company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, are eliminated in full.

Intra-group losses are also eliminated but may indicate an impairment that requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the group. Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the group’s equity therein. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the non-controlling shareholder’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Going concern

After reviewing the company's forecasts and projections, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
 

Judgements and estimation uncertainty

Dilapidations provision (see note 18)

The provision for dilapidations is based on management's best estimate of the costs required to restore the leased properties to their original condition. This estimate considers the current condition of the properties, the terms of the lease agreements, and any legal or constructive obligations. The estimation process involves significant judgement due to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future costs and the condition of the properties at the end of the lease term.

The estimated costs of dilapidations are discounted to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. This rate reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The discounting process involves judgement in selecting the discount rate.

Management have also considered the impact of any break clauses within the lease agreements. Judgement has been applied to determine whether it is reasonably certain that these break clauses will not be exercised, thereby affecting the lease term used for calculating the dilapidation provision..

Onerous lease provision (see note 18)

The company has identified certain property leases as onerous where the sub-lessor pays lower rent than the company pays on the head lease.

The provision for onerous leases is based on management's best estimate of the unavoidable costs of meeting the lease obligations, net of any expected rental income from sub-leases. This estimate considers the current market conditions and the expected rental income from such sub-leases.

The estimated costs of onerous leases are discounted to their present value using an appropriate discount rate. This rate reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The discounting process involves judgement in selecting the discount rate..

VAT provision (see note 18)

The provision for historic VAT liabilities is based on management's best estimate of the amount required to settle any potential obligations arising from past transactions. This estimate considers the results of internal reviews and advice from external tax advisors. The estimation process involves significant judgement due to the complexity of VAT regulations and the potential for differing interpretations..

Revenue recognition

Turnover comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of services in the ordinary course of the group’s activities. Turnover is shown net of sales/value added tax and discounts and after eliminating sales within the group. The group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been met for each of the group's activities.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Tax

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

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

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements and on unused tax losses or tax credits in the group. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

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.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are stated in the statement of financial position at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Asset class

Depreciation method and rate

Leasehold properties and improvements

Over the length of the lease

Fixtures, fittings and office equipment

20% - 33% straight line

Other fixed assets

20% straight line

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values at acquisition date of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the group in exchange for control of the acquired, plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination. When a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent on future events, the group includes the estimated amount of that adjustment in the cost of the combination at the acquisition date if the adjustment is probable and can be measured reliably.

Intangible assets

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of an entity represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the group’s interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the entity recognised at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is held in the currency of the acquired entity and revalued to the closing rate at each reporting period date.

Separately acquired trademarks and licences are shown at historical cost.

Trademarks, licences and customer-related intangible assets have a finite useful life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their useful life as follows:

Asset class

Amortisation method and rate

Goodwill

Straight line over 10 years

Customer relationships

Straight line over 10 years

Brand-business name

Straight line over 10 years

Media content

Straight line over 5 years

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Investments

Investments in equity shares which are publicly traded or where the fair value can be measured reliably are initially measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss. Investments in equity shares which are not publicly traded and where fair value cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

Interest income on debt securities, where applicable, is recognised in income using the effective interest method. Dividends on equity securities are recognised in income when receivable.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. All trade debtors are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted cost of cash expected to be received. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the debtors.

Stocks

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

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the group does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and all are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted amount of cash expected to be paid.

Borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the profit and loss account over the period of the relevant borrowing.

Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the group has an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, it is probable that the group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Equity instruments are measured at the fair value of the cash or other resources received or receivable, net of the direct costs of issuing the equity instruments. If payment is deferred and the time value of money is material, the initial measurement is on a present value basis.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Defined contribution pension obligation

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.


Financial instruments

Classification
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Where shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the company is presented as a liability on the balance sheet. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expenses in the profit and loss account.

Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
 

Impairment
Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss as described below.

A non financial asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the estimated recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

The recoverable amount of goodwill is derived from measurement of the present value of the future cash flows of the cash-generating units ('CGUs') of which the goodwill is a part. Any impairment loss in respect of a CGU is allocated first to the goodwill attached to that CGU, and then to other assets within that CGU on a pro-rata basis.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised. Where a reversal of impairment occurs in respect of a CGU, the reversal is applied first to the assets (other than goodwill) of the CGU on a pro-rata basis and then to any goodwill allocated to that CGU.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of an impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

For financial assets carried at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the best estimate of the amount that would be received for the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired financial asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.

 

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

3

Turnover

The analysis of the group's Turnover for the year from continuing operations is as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Franchise fees

5,328,865

4,726,970

Nursery fees

7,077,261

5,818,071

Property rental income

2,234,383

1,934,020

Other revenue

95,346

33,180

14,735,855

12,512,241

The total turnover of the company has been derived from its principal activity wholly undertaken in the United Kingdom.

 

4

Operating profit

Arrived at after charging/(crediting)

2025
£

2024
£

Depreciation expense

263,655

290,578

Amortisation expense

2,107,524

2,107,524

Operating lease expense - property

3,268,288

2,687,415

Exceptional expenses

553,210

412,963

Exceptional expenses in the prior related to one off professional fees associated with group structure and VAT advice, aborted costs and other one off professional fees. Exceptional expenses in the current year relate to one off payroll costs in addition to one off professional fees associated with group structure.

 

5

Interest payable and similar expenses

2025
£

2024
£

Interest on bank overdrafts and borrowings

49,048

18,156

Other finance costs

33,871

13,614

82,919

31,770

 

6

Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs (including directors' remuneration) were as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Wages and salaries

5,914,234

5,424,756

Social security costs

433,150

476,244

Pension costs, defined contribution scheme

124,318

139,083

Other employee expense

119,596

145,415

6,591,298

6,185,498

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The average number of persons employed by the group (including directors) during the year, analysed by category was as follows:

2025
No.

2024
No.

Directors

4

4

Administration

50

40

Operations

150

139

204

183


Company
The company incurred no staff costs and had no employees other than the directors.

 

7

Directors' remuneration

The directors' remuneration for the year was as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Remuneration

158,111

290,504

Compensation for loss of office

250,233

-

Contributions paid to money purchase schemes

33,213

23,237

441,557

313,741

Directors remuneration in the current year includes £385,622 (2024 - £Nil) of costs that relate to compensation for loss of office and notice pay included within exceptional expenses.

During the year the number of directors who were receiving benefits and share incentives was as follows:

2025
No.

2024
No.

Accruing benefits under money purchase pension scheme

2

1

In respect of the highest paid director:

2025
£

2024
£

Remuneration

43,432

290,504

Compensation for loss of office

180,000

-

Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes

15,713

23,327

 

8

Auditors' remuneration

2025
£

2024
£

Audit of these financial statements

31,050

30,000


 

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

9

Taxation

Tax charged/(credited) in the consolidated profit and loss account

2025
£

2024
£

Current taxation

UK corporation tax

392,097

294,084

UK corporation tax adjustment to prior periods

(152,387)

-

239,710

294,084

Deferred taxation

Arising from origination and reversal of timing differences

(180,172)

(122,368)

Tax expense in the income statement

59,538

171,716

The tax on profit before tax for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (2024 - higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK) of 25% (2024 - 25%).

The differences are reconciled below:

2025
£

2024
£

Loss before tax

(889,073)

(1,051,028)

Corporation tax at standard rate

(222,268)

(262,757)

Decrease in UK and foreign current tax from adjustment for prior periods

(152,387)

(791)

Tax increase from effect of capital allowances and depreciation

66,937

60,381

Effect of revenues exempt from taxation

-

(2,070)

Effect of expense not deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss)

367,256

514,573

Decrease from tax losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognised

-

(163,423)

Deferred tax expense relating to changes in tax rates or laws

-

1,502

Tax increase from other tax effects

-

24,301

Total tax charge

59,538

171,716

Deferred tax

Group

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

2025

Liability
£

Fixed asset timing differences

64,120

Difference between fair value and tax bases of intangible fixed assets

1,207,606

Short term timing differences

(118,755)

1,152,971

2024

Liability
£

Fixed asset timing differences

69,467

Short term timing differences

(118,755)

Losses and other deductions

1,382,431

1,333,143

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

10

Intangible assets

Group

Goodwill
 £

Brand name
 £

Customer relationships
 £

Media content
 £

Total
£

Cost or valuation

At 1 April 2024 and at 31 March 2025

13,801,700

4,076,000

2,917,000

140,269

20,934,969

Amortisation

At 1 April 2024

5,121,655

1,035,192

740,838

46,337

6,944,022

Amortisation charge

1,380,170

407,600

291,700

28,054

2,107,524

At 31 March 2025

6,501,825

1,442,792

1,032,538

74,391

9,051,546

Carrying amount

At 31 March 2025

7,299,875

2,633,208

1,884,462

65,878

11,883,423

At 31 March 2024

8,680,045

3,040,808

2,176,162

93,932

13,990,947

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

11

Tangible assets

Group

Leasehold properties and improvements
£

Fixtures, fittings and office equipment
 £

Other fixed assets
£

Total
£

Cost or valuation

At 1 April 2024

2,709,065

403,267

146,872

3,259,204

Additions

600,279

46,743

19,950

666,972

Disposals

(68,270)

(14,156)

-

(82,426)

At 31 March 2025

3,241,074

435,854

166,822

3,843,750

Depreciation

At 1 April 2024

216,533

170,934

30,603

418,070

Charge for the year

144,985

82,683

35,987

263,655

Eliminated on disposal

(1,964)

(3,256)

-

(5,220)

At 31 March 2025

359,554

250,361

66,590

676,505

Carrying amount

At 31 March 2025

2,881,520

185,493

100,232

3,167,245

At 31 March 2024

2,492,532

232,333

116,269

2,841,134

At the year end assets that the Group leases out under operating leases have a cost of £446,454 (2024 - £387,599) and a net book value of £355,774 (2024 - £299,376).

 

12

Investments

Company

2025
£

2024
£

Investments in subsidiary companies

15,731,237

15,731,237

Loans to subsidiaries

2,237,239

2,237,239

17,968,476

17,968,476

Subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiary companies
£

Loans to subsidiaries
£

Total
£

Cost or valuation

At 1 April 2024 and at 31 March 2025

18,405,015

2,452,159

20,857,174

Provision

At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025

2,673,778

214,920

2,888,698

Carrying amount

At 31 March 2025

15,731,237

2,237,239

17,968,476

At 31 March 2024

15,731,237

2,237,239

17,968,476

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Details of undertakings

Details of the investments in which the company holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital are as follows:

Undertaking

Registered office

Holding

Proportion of voting rights and shares held

2025

2024

Subsidiary undertakings

MPDN Limited*

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

MPNG Limited*

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

MPDN Holdings Limited*

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (West Kensington) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

BHK Childcare Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Woodford Green) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Loughton) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (East Sheen) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Guildford) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Lightwater) Ltd

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Dormant 1) Ltd

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Dormant 2) Ltd

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Ealing) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Thanos) Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

*Shares are held directly.

The principal activity of MPDN Limited, MPNG Limited and Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Limited is that of a head office company. The principal activity of MPDN Holdings Limited is that of a holding company. The principal activity of Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Ealing) Limited, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Thanos) Limited, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Dormant 1) Limited and Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Dormant 2) Limited is that of dormant companies. The principal activity of all other subsidiaries is the provision of early years education.

All subsidiaries are registered at the same address as the Company.

For the year ending 31 March 2025 the following subsidiaries were entitled to exemption from audit under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 relating to subsidiary companies:

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

MPDN Limited

MPNG Limited

MPDN Holdings Limited

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (West Kensington) Limited

BHK Childcare Limited

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Woodford Green) Limited

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Loughton) Limited

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (East Sheen) Limited

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Guildford) Limited

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries (Lightwater) Ltd

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Limited

 

13

Stocks

 

Group

Company

2025
£

2024
£

2025
£

2024
£

Merchandise

4,899

5,000

-

-

 

14

Debtors

 

Group

Company

2025
£

2024
£

2025
£

2024
£

Trade debtors

515,828

814,665

2,600

2,600

Amounts owed by group undertakings

-

-

13,644

-

Other debtors

1,998,804

1,456,721

82,811

35,363

Prepayments and accrued income

2,300,808

2,214,769

45,954

265

Corporation tax asset

-

-

1,146

-

 

4,815,440

4,486,155

146,155

38,228

Less non-current portion

(1,277,138)

(1,125,532)

-

-

3,538,302

3,360,623

146,155

38,228

Details of non-current trade and other debtors

Group

£1,277,138 (2024 - £1,125,532) of prepayments and accrued income is classified as non current and relates to rent-free periods and other related lease incentives in relation to operating leases where the Group is a lessor.

 

15

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Group

Company

2025
£

2024
£

2025
£

2024
£

Cash at bank

356,599

64,450

43

20

Bank overdrafts

-

(7,819)

-

-

Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash flows

356,599

56,631

43

20

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

16

Creditors

   

Group

Company

Note

2025
£

2024
£

2025
£

2024
£

Due within one year

 

Loans and borrowings

17

-

7,819

-

-

Trade creditors

 

984,255

1,142,378

78,477

107,095

Amounts due to group undertakings

 

-

-

1,548,161

1,146,338

Social security and other taxes

 

249,481

858,154

-

-

Other payables

 

1,258,017

997,629

-

-

Accruals and deferred income

 

1,158,607

1,260,307

57,663

276,654

Corporation tax liability

 

689,138

420,216

-

5,849

 

4,339,498

4,686,503

1,684,301

1,535,936

Due after one year

 

Other creditors

 

2,254,767

2,127,141

-

-

Creditors due after more than one year relates to rent-free periods and other related lease incentives in relation to operate leases where the Group is a Lessee.

 

17

Loans and borrowings

Current loans and borrowings

 

Group

Company

2025
£

2024
£

2025
£

2024
£

Bank overdrafts

-

7,819

-

-

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

18

Provisions

Group

VAT provision
£

Onerous lease provision
£

Dilapidations provision
£

Total
£

At 1 April 2024

153,519

264,786

355,447

773,752

Additional provisions

-

-

37,805

37,805

Increase (decrease) in existing provisions

83,241

-

70,051

153,292

Provisions used

-

(15,000)

-

(15,000)

Increase (decrease) due to passage of time or unwinding of discount

-

4,781

7,204

11,985

At 31 March 2025

236,760

254,567

470,507

961,834


VAT provision
Previously, the Group recognised a provision in relation to VAT charged on rental income from properties that has not been opted to tax. This provision reflects the potential need to refund VAT to tenants. There is significant uncertainty regarding the necessity of these refunds. Additionally, if refunds are deemed necessary, there is further uncertainty regarding the timing and amount of such refunds. During the year, the provision has been adjusted based on further VAT advice received. The provision has been estimated based on the best available information at the reporting date. The company will continue to monitor the situation and adjust the provision as more information becomes available.

Onerous lease provision
Previously, the Group recognised a provision for onerous leases in respect of its property leases. This provision represents the estimated costs that will be incurred under the lease agreements where the unavoidable costs of meeting the lease obligations exceed the economic benefits expected to be received from the leased properties. The nature of the obligation arises from the Group's commitment to pay lease rental and associated costs for properties that are sublet at a lower rental income than the lease payments. The expected amount of the provision is based on the present value of the future lease payments, net of any expected sublease income. The timing of the resulting payments is expected to occur over the remaining lease terms, which range from 20 years and 9 months to 24 years.

Dilapidations provision
Previously, the Group recognised a provision for dilapidations in respect of its leased properties. The provision represents the estimated costs required (based on a detailed assessment of the properties and their condition) to restore the properties to their original condition at the end of the lease term, as stipulated in the lease agreements. The timing of the resulting payments is expected to coincide with the end of the respective lease terms, which range from 1 year to 22 years and 5 months.

 

19

Pension and other schemes

Defined contribution pension scheme

The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the group to the scheme and amounted to £124,318 (2024 - £139,083).

Contributions totalling £36,706 (2024 - £41,492) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in other creditors.

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

20

Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares

2025

2024

No.

£

No.

£

Ordinary of £1 each

14,905,416

14,905,416

14,905,416

14,905,416

Preference of £1 each

3,500,000

3,500,000

3,500,000

3,500,000

18,405,416

18,405,416

18,405,416

18,405,416

All shares have full voting rights. Ordinary shares rank ahead of Preference shares in respect of the rights to receive a dividend until 19 January 2029, following this date all shares will rank pari passu. Preference shares rank ahead of Ordinary shares in respect of any distribution of capital of the Company. The Preferences shares are not redeemable.

 

21

Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts

Group

Operating leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Not later than one year

3,426,804

3,217,529

Later than one year and not later than five years

13,262,906

12,539,274

Later than five years

52,684,332

58,452,235

69,374,042

74,209,038

Operating leases - lessor

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Not later than one year

2,320,023

1,972,085

Later than one year and not later than five years

9,059,092

8,571,430

Later than five years

28,664,012

28,193,385

40,043,127

38,736,900

 

Monkey Puzzle Group Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

 

22

Related party transactions

Group

Summary of transactions with shareholders

During the year, the Group paid fees of £22,500 (2024 - £15,000) in relation to management charges from a shareholder. The shareholder also owed a loan of £446,022 (2024 - £400,000) to the group which is included within other creditors. This loan incurs interest of 10% per annum, which is paid on maturity, along with principal on 19 January 2026. The loan is secured by a debenture establishing a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the Parent Company and Group.

In addition, at 31 March 2025 £1,048,984 (2024 - £693,641) was owed to the company by the directors.

 

Summary of transactions with entities with joint control or significant interest

At 31 March 2025, the group owed companies under common control £10,000 (2024 - £10,000) and this is included within other creditors. The amount is interest free and payable on demand.

At 31 March 2025, the group was owed £272,176 from companies under common control (2024 - £199,540) and this is included within other debtors.

 

Company

Key management personnel

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors of the company and key management personnel compensation is disclosed in note 7 to the financial statements.

 

23

Parent and ultimate parent undertaking

The ultimate controlling party is M A Crosby and R L Crosby.