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Registered number: 00171327









Widdop Bingham & Co Limited









Annual Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
Company Information


Directors
D R Illingworth 
S S Illingworth 
R M Keavey 
A R Attwood 




Company secretary
R M Keavey



Registered number
00171327



Registered office
Broadgate
Broadway Business Park

Chadderton

Oldham

OL9 9XE




Independent auditors
Hurst Accountants Limited
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors

3 Stockport Exchange

Stockport

SK1 3GG





 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 

Contents



Page
Strategic Report
 
1 - 2
Directors' Report
 
3 - 4
Independent Auditors' Report
 
5 - 8
Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
9
Balance Sheet
 
10
Statement of Changes in Equity
 
11
Notes to the Financial Statements
 
12 - 29


 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
Strategic Report
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Introduction
 
The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Business review
 
This review is consistent with the size and nature of the Company's operations and considers the risks and uncertainties faced during the period.
Revenue for the Company was £21.5m (
2023: £23.1m). In already tough trading conditions, sales were unfortunately negatively impacted by a significant cyber incident on April 27th 2024 that temporarily stopped all operations and led to a significant loss of sales in the following period. Although no exact measure of lost business can be calculated, it is estimated that this amount was in excess of £1m. In addition, the disruption caused by rebuilding systems and processes caused a significant delay in ordering and confirming product for the key Christmas period that led to further lost sales in Q4 due to delayed deliveries in that period. The company losses in 2024 can be wholly attributed to this exceptional event and its associated costs. However, the recovery has been incredible, and the Directors are proud of the team effort during this period of disruption that has enabled the business to return to normal trading in a manageable timeframe when compared against other recent and more public Cyber incidents.  The directors also believe that the business now has a more secure platform, having undertaken a comprehensive and thorough review of its digital infrastructure. 
Gross profit for the Company was £8.1m (
2023: £8.6m).  This was lower than forecast due to the lower sales (as described above) but, encouragingly, overall gross margin was in line with budgeted expectations. There is still volatility in commodity and transport costs due to global factors, but the directors believe that these are more manageable now that in recent years.
The business actively managed direct and overhead costs in the period and overall these remained broadly in line with the prior period, despite continued inflationary pressures and significant disruption arising from the cyber incident in Q2.  Overall, there was an operating loss of £0.7m (
2023: profit of £0.9m).  
The loss after tax was £1.1m (
2023: profit of £0.8m), after payment of £0.3m of financing costs.
The business continued to make all loan payments when due during the period and expects financing costs to reduce in future periods as the level of debt reduces.  Despite the operational disruption in the period, the business remained within its banking facilities and comfortably met the covenant requirements for its working capital facilities.
The business is budgeted and has taken positive action to return to significant profitability in FY25, although this will could be reduced by the additional costs of employment implemented by the UK government in April 2025.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
As with many companies in this industry, our greatest challenge continues to be the volatility and inflationary pressures associated with sourcing and shipping from China, where the majority of our products are manufactured. Global conflicts and their resulting impacts on lead times, pricing, stock availability, and shipping schedules have highlighted the vulnerabilities of distant supply chains and their effect on product launches, particularly those with seasonal deadlines. We are committed to reducing our reliance on China and increasing UK manufacturing, the pricing, quality, and reliability of our newer suppliers in other parts of Asia and Europe remain inconsistent and are often less competitive.
FY 2024 was the first full year of operation of our overseas office in Shenzhen.  This has enabled us to operate more closely with our Chinese suppliers is enabling us to implement efficiencies in product sourcing, quality control, and supply chain management.
 
Page 1

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 

Strategic Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Our sales are closely linked to consumer spending patterns.  Consumer confidence continues to be weak and disposable incomes for most families remain under pressure. Independent retailers also face ongoing challenges in remaining competitive on the high street, with rising minimum wages and rates. In addition, there are growing competitive pressures from discount retailers and direct imports from Asia. We mitigate these risks by expanding shipping options for our customers, such as drop ship and FOB, and by differentiating our product through our design capabilities and license agreements, alongside more white-label product development.
The business buys stock across ranges of products which requires minimum quantity orders (“MOQs).  This can lead to a requirement for clearance at reduced profitability that can impact Company margin.  We now manufacture certain small run items in the UK through our Now or Never Studios.  This enables us to continue to offer attractive ranges without having to stock uncommercial MOQs to improve our stock turn efficiency.
Changes in currency (US$) and shipping rates directly impact the profitability of the business.  The business looks to mitigate any uncertainty through forward purchasing of US$.  The business does not operate any speculative hedging with regard to currency.  The position with Euros is different as the company a net seller so the directors closely manage currency fluctuations to optimise our Euro exposures.

Financial key performance indicators
 
Our key financial performance indicators are turnover, gross margin, operating profits, and cash generation. 
In FY24:
Turnover: £21.57m (
2023: £23.15m)
Gross margins: 37.5% (
2023: 37%)
Operating loss before exceptional items: £0.7m 
(2023: profit £0.05m)
Cash carried forward: £0.67m (
2023: £1.37m)

Other key performance indicators
 
The company monitors sales by distribution channel to ensure that sales targets are met and to understand the various segments of retail that it fulfils.  It also monitors sales by brand to ensure that sales are maintained over a balanced portfolio of products and to focus investment on those brands that have the most growth potential.
The company monitors gross margins by range and by sales channel to ensure that it meets its required blended gross margin targets and maintains a platform for the overall profitability of the Company.
The company monitors aged stock to ensure that any clearance stock is managed to produce the optimum return and to ensure that working capital is managed efficiently by seeking to maintain a high proportion of saleable stock at any particular time.


This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.




S S Illingworth
Director

D R Illingworth
Director


Date: 30 December 2025


Page 2

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Directors' Report
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the 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 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

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 to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They 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.

Results and dividends

The loss for the year, after taxation, amounted to £1,066,120 (2023 - profit £766,397).

Dividends paid on equity capital amounted to £NIL (2023: £NIL). The Directors do not recommend the payment of a final dividend.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

D R Illingworth 
S S Illingworth 
R M Keavey 
A R Attwood 

Research and development activities

This period, the Company continued to develop the in-house IT system and website, to develop digital channels and expand Business to Consumer e-commerce. We constantly review and develop our own website and also our bespoke digital “sales tool” for the various sales teams. Constant improvements to our CRM system also help to enhance our whole IT suite. It is to the credit of this team and the systems that we were able to resume our operations in some form so quickly after our Cyber Incident when many firms never can.

Page 3

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Directors' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

Environmental, social and governance

The Company continues to recognise the importance of  Environmental, Social and Governance matters and seeks to achieve a market leading status for its industry in each area despite a mounting volume of mandatory legislation to support our sales across the EU and USA in particular.
In 2024, we utilised 210 factories, an increase from the 184 in 2023 (184 – FY23) and 90% (88% - FY23) of our purchases came from factories audited to a minimum of a BSCI or SMETA 2 Pillar Audit. We aim to increase this percentage to over 95% in the short term. In addition, our Widdop and Co HQ and manufacturing facility has also now been audited for the first time by QIMA with outstanding results.
We continue to reduce our Carbon Footprint and remove single use plastics from our operations and our products with an objective to have completely removed any non-biodegradable items by 2026.
Following the conclusion of our CEO’s role on the Board of Trustees for the anti-trafficking organisation, Hope for Justice, he has now taken up a position as the deputy Chairman of the UK Giftware Association allowing Widdop to be represented heavily in the key industry body supporting regulatory development and innovation in the industry.

Matters covered in the Strategic Report

Future developments and financial risk management are considered to be of strategic importance and are thus disclosed in the Strategic Report.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware, and

the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events affecting the Company since the year end.

Auditors

The auditorsHurst Accountants Limitedwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
 





S S Illingworth
Director
D R Illingworth
Director


Date: 30 December 2025
Date: 30 December 2025

Page 4

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Widdop Bingham & Co Limited (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe 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 Company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its 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 Auditors' 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual ReportOur 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.


Page 5

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Widdop Bingham & Co Limited (continued)


Opinion on other matters 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 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.


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:


adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the 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 Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on page 3, 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.


Page 6

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Widdop Bingham & Co Limited (continued)


Auditors' 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 Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities 
In identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following: 
 
The nature of the industry and sector in which the company operates; the control environment and business performance including key drivers for directors' remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets.
The outcome of enquiries of local management and parent company management, including whether management was aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations, and whether management had knowledge of any actual, suspected, or alleged fraud. 
Supporting documentation relating to the Company's policies and procedures for:
°Identifying, evaluating, and complying with laws and regulations
°Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud
The internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.
The outcome of discussions amongst the engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.
The legal and regulatory framework in which the Company operates, particularly those laws and regulations which have a direct effect on the financial statements, such as the Companies Act 2006, pensions and tax legislation, or which had a fundamental effect on the operations of the Company, including General Data Protection requirements, and Anti-bribery and Corruption.

Audit response to risks identified
Our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:

Reviewing the financial statements disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with the provisions of those relevant laws and regulations which have a direct effect on the financial statements.
Discussions with management, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.
Evaluation management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities.
Enquiring of management about any actual and potential litigation and claims.
Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships which may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.
Page 7

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Widdop Bingham & Co Limited (continued)


We have also considered the risk of fraud through management override of controls by:
 
Testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments. We have used data analytics software to identify accounting transactions which may pose a heightened risk of material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Challenging assumptions made by management in their significant accounting estimates, and assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and
Evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
 
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above, and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations are from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of them.  Also, 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 or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.


A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' 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 2006Our 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 Auditors' 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.





John Glover (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
Hurst Accountants Limited
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
3 Stockport Exchange
Stockport
SK1 3GG

30 December 2025
Page 8

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
21,566,666
23,147,977

Cost of sales
  
(13,479,264)
(14,581,890)

Gross profit
  
8,087,402
8,566,087

Distribution costs
  
(5,740,671)
(5,750,671)

Administrative expenses
  
(3,081,019)
(2,768,287)

Exceptional administrative expenses
 12 
-
850,351

Operating (loss)/profit
 5 
(734,288)
897,480

Interest receivable and similar income
 9 
20,679
27,559

Interest payable and similar expenses
 10 
(272,929)
(181,381)

(Loss)/profit before tax
  
(986,538)
743,658

Tax on (loss)/profit
 11 
(79,582)
22,739

(Loss)/profit for the financial year
  
(1,066,120)
766,397

Other comprehensive income for the year
  

Currency translation differences
  
(9)
9

Total comprehensive income for the year
  
(1,066,129)
766,406

There were no recognised gains and losses for 2024 or 2023 other than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.

The notes on pages 12 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
Registered number: 00171327

Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 13 
664,393
681,596

Investments
 14 
121
83

  
664,514
681,679

Current assets
  

Stocks
 15 
8,318,406
8,016,914

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
9,208,832
8,529,759

Cash at bank and in hand
 17 
670,838
1,373,197

  
18,198,076
17,919,870

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
(4,920,204)
(3,222,104)

Net current assets
  
 
 
13,277,872
 
 
14,697,766

Total assets less current liabilities
  
13,942,386
15,379,445

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 19 
(1,907,296)
(2,357,808)

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 22 
(118,634)
(39,052)

Net assets
  
11,916,456
12,982,585


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 23 
15,536
15,536

Profit and loss account
 24 
11,900,920
12,967,049

  
11,916,456
12,982,585


The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by: 




S S Illingworth
D R Illingworth
Director
Director


Date: 30 December 2025
Date: 30 December 2025


The notes on pages 12 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 

Statement of Changes in Equity
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024


Called up share capital
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£


At 1 January 2023
15,536
12,200,643
12,216,179


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
766,397
766,397

Currency translation differences
-
9
9
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
766,406
766,406



At 1 January 2024
15,536
12,967,049
12,982,585


Comprehensive income for the year

Loss for the year
-
(1,066,120)
(1,066,120)

Currency translation differences
-
(9)
(9)
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
(1,066,129)
(1,066,129)


At 31 December 2024
15,536
11,900,920
11,916,456


The notes on pages 12 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

1.


General information

Widdop Bingham & Co Limited is a private company limited by share capital incorporated in England & Wales, company number 00171327. The address of the registered office and the principal place of business is Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9XE.       
 
The nature of the company's operation and its principal activity is that of an importer and distributor of giftware and associated products.

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Company's accounting policies (see note 3).

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":
-  the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
-  the requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d);
-  the requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7 (key management      compensation).
This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of Diamond Stone International Ltd as at 31 December 2024 and these financial statements may be obtained from Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9XE.

 
2.3

Exemption from preparing consolidated financial statements

The Company is a parent company that is also a subsidiary included in the consolidated financial statements of a larger group by a parent undertaking established under the law of any part of the United Kingdom and is therefore exempt from the requirement to prepare consolidated financial statements under section 400 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 12

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.4

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which the directors consider to be appropriate. In making this assessment, the directors have considered the company’s budgets and cash flow forecasts for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, as well as the current economic environment and the possible effects on the business of reasonably possible changes in trading performance.
The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources, facilities and support of its lenders in order to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. After reviewing the company’s liquidity position, available committed facilities and forecast cash flows, the directors have concluded that the going concern basis is appropriate.

 
2.5

Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentational currency
The company's functional and presentational currency is GBP.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.
Where material, foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income except when deferred in other comprehensive income as qualifying cash flow hedges. At 31 December 2024, the Company determined that the fair value of its forward contracts, net of its firm commitments, are immaterial.
Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within 'finance income or costs'. All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the Statement of Comprehensive Income within 'other operating income'.

Page 13

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.6

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Sale of goods

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the Company has transferred the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer;
the Company retains neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold;
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Company will receive the consideration due under the transaction; and
the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

 
2.7

Operating leases: the Company as lessee

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term, unless another systematic basis is representative of the time pattern of the lessee's benefit from the use of the leased asset.

 
2.8

Leased assets: the Company as lessee

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible fixed assets. Assets acquired by finance lease are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Assets acquired by hire purchase are depreciated over their useful lives. Finance leases are those where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership are assumed by the company. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation outstanding in each period.

 
2.9

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

 
2.10

Finance costs

Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Issue costs are initially recognised as a reduction in the proceeds of the associated capital instrument.

 
2.11

Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.

Page 14

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.12

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Company has no further payment obligations.

The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Balance Sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Company in independently administered funds.

 
2.13

Current and deferred taxation

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

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

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.


  
2.14

Research and development

Research and development expenditure is written off in the year in which it is incurred.

 
2.15

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are transactions that fall within the ordinary activities of the Company but are presented separately due to their size or incidence.

Page 15

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.16

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line and reducing balance method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Plant and machinery
-
20%
straight line
Motor vehicles
-
25%
reducing balance
Fixtures and fittings
-
20%
straight line
Computer equipment
-
33%
straight line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.17

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

 
2.18

Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is based on the cost of purchase on a average cost basis. 
At each balance sheet date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stock is impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell. The impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 
2.19

Debtors

Short-term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.20

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

Page 16

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.21

Creditors

Short-term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

 
2.22

Financial instruments

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, cash and bank balances, are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusted for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial assets that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss) and are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment, 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.

Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Company's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Impairment of financial assets

At the end of each reporting period financial assets measured at amortised cost are assessed for objective evidence of impairment. If an asset is impaired the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss. 

Financial assets are impaired when events, subsequent to their initial recognition, indicate the estimated future cash flows derived from the financial asset(s) have been adversely impacted. The impairment loss will be the difference between the current carrying amount and the present value of the future cash flows at the asset(s) original effective interest rate.

If there is a favourable change in relation to the events surrounding the impairment loss then the impairment can be reviewed for possible reversal. The reversal will not cause the current carrying amount to exceed the original carrying amount had the impairment not been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in the profit or loss.

Financial liabilities

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 the deduction of all its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans and other loans are initially measured at their transaction price (adjusting for transaction costs except in the initial measurement of financial liabilities that are subsequently measured at fair value through profit and loss). When this constitutes a financing transaction, whereby the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest, discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at their amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Page 17

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.22
Financial instruments (continued)

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods and services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Trade creditors are classified as current liabilities if the payment is due within one year. If not, they represent non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are initially recognised at their transaction price and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted where the effect of discounting is immaterial.

Other financial instruments

Derivatives, including forward exchange contracts, futures contracts and interest rate swaps, are not classified as basic financial instruments. These are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into, with costs being charged to the profit or loss. They are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in the profit or loss.

Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions as set out in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through the profit or loss. This recognition and measurement would also apply to financial instruments where the performance is evaluated on a fair value basis as with a documented risk management or investment strategy.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the Company transfers the asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another party. If significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained after the transfer to another party, then the Company will continue to recognise the value of the portion of the risks and rewards retained.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Company's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.


3.


Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make significant judgements and estimates that affect amounts recognised for assets and liabilities at the reporting date and the amounts of revenue and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Actual outcomes may differ from these judgements, estimates and assumptions. The judgements, estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on the carrying value of assets and liabilities of the Company as at 31 December 2024 are discussed below:
Recoverable value of trade debtors
The recoverability of trade debtors is regularly reviewed in the light of the available economic information specific to each debtor and specific provisions are recognised for balances considered to be at risk or irrecoverable. At 31 December 2024, the Company has recognised a provision against trade debtors of £40,308 (2023: £73,367)
Stock valuation
The Company exercises judgement in estimating the obsolescence of stock and making impairments to reflect the difference between cost and estimated net realisable value. At 31 December 2024, the Company has recognised a provision against stock of £1,114,652 (2023: £942,860).

Page 18

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

4.


Turnover

The whole of the turnover is attributable to its principal activity as described in note 1.

Analysis of turnover by country of destination:

2024
2023
£
£

United Kingdom
18,979,676
20,611,568

Rest of Europe
1,940,435
1,819,525

Rest of the world
646,555
716,884

21,566,666
23,147,977



5.


Operating (loss)/profit

The operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

2024
2023
£
£

Exchange differences
(33,553)
(53,226)

Profit on disposal of fixed assets
(3,918)
(5,319)

Operating lease rentals
804,744
752,724


6.


Auditors' remuneration

During the year, the Company obtained the following services from the Company's auditors:


2024
2023
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's financial statements
20,300
18,500

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption not to disclose amounts paid for non-audit services as these are disclosed in the consolidated accounts of the parent Company.

Page 19

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

7.


Employees

Staff costs, including directors' remuneration, were as follows:


2024
2023
£
£

Wages and salaries
4,488,963
4,391,790

Social security costs
414,700
421,074

Cost of defined contribution scheme
182,388
174,361

5,086,051
4,987,225


The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:


        2024
        2023
            No.
            No.







Office and management
72
78



Other
53
47

125
125


8.


Directors' remuneration

2024
2023
£
£

Directors' emoluments
470,227
597,909

Company contributions to defined contribution pension schemes
29,982
33,407

500,209
631,316


During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 3 directors (2023 - 3) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

The highest paid director received remuneration of £151,357 (2023 - £152,947).

The value of the Company's contributions paid to a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the highest paid director amounted to £7,542 (2023 - £11,533).


9.


Interest receivable

2024
2023
£
£


Other interest receivable
20,679
27,559

Page 20

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

10.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2024
2023
£
£


Bank interest payable
-
1,000

Other loan interest payable
272,929
180,381

272,929
181,381


11.


Taxation


2024
2023
£
£

Corporation tax


Adjustments in respect of previous periods
-
(307)


Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
79,582
(22,432)


Tax on (loss)/profit
79,582
(22,739)

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2023 - lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.52   %). The differences are explained below:

2024
2023
£
£


(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax
(986,538)
743,658


(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2023 - 23.52   %)
(246,635)
174,908

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
1,561
(196,301)

Fixed asset differences
3,521
289

Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes in tax rates
-
(1,328)

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
-
(307)

Tax losses carried forward
321,135
-

Total tax charge for the year
79,582
(22,739)

Page 21

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
 
11.Taxation (continued)


Factors that may affect future tax charges

At 31 December 2024, the company had tax losses carried forward of £1,269,536 (2023: £269,580). These losses may be available to offset against future taxable profits, thereby reducing future tax liabilities. The availability and utilisation of these losses will depend on the company generating sufficient taxable profits in future periods. 
No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of the losses carried forward.


12.


Exceptional items

2024
2023
£
£


Release of intercompany balances
-
(850,351)

During the prior year amounts owed to other group companies were waived. 


13.


Tangible fixed assets





Plant and machinery
Motor vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Total

£
£
£
£
£



Cost


At 1 January 2024
1,365,908
265,688
190,921
842,191
2,664,708


Additions
160,428
108,977
14,914
37,825
322,144


Disposals
(55,928)
(49,197)
-
-
(105,125)



At 31 December 2024

1,470,408
325,468
205,835
880,016
2,881,727



Depreciation


At 1 January 2024
1,072,008
104,605
56,750
749,749
1,983,112


Charge for the year 
127,187
45,230
30,593
68,388
271,398


Disposals
(11,184)
(25,992)
-
-
(37,176)



At 31 December 2024

1,188,011
123,843
87,343
818,137
2,217,334



Net book value



At 31 December 2024
282,397
201,625
118,492
61,879
664,393



At 31 December 2023
293,900
161,083
134,171
92,442
681,596

Page 22

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

           13.Tangible fixed assets (continued)

The net book value of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, included above, are as follows:


2024
2023
£
£



Plant and machinery
36,554
94,306

Motor vehicles
165,011
86,577

201,565
180,883


14.


Fixed asset investments





Investments in subsidiary companies

£



Cost


At 1 January 2024
83


Additions
38



At 31 December 2024
121





Subsidiary undertakings


The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Registered office

Class of shares

Holding

Widdop and Co. (Ireland) Limited
104 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, Ireland
Ordinary
100%
WCO International (HK)
Unit 603, 6/F, Office Tower 1, Admiralty Centre, 18 Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Ordinary
100%
WCO (Shenzhen) Trading *
Room F409, No. 6 Wuhe Avenue South, Yangmei Community, Shenzhen, China
Ordinary
100%

*WCO (Shenzhen) Trading is a direct subsidiary of WCO International (HK).

Page 23

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

15.


Stocks

2024
2023
£
£

Finished goods and goods for resale
8,318,406
8,016,914


An impairment loss of £193,181 (2023 - £23,585)was recognised in cost of sales against stock during the period due to slow-moving and obsolete stock.


16.


Debtors

2024
2023
£
£


Trade debtors
3,534,519
2,866,529

Amounts owed by group undertakings
5,168,400
5,017,289

Other debtors
36,970
97,260

Prepayments and accrued income
468,943
548,681

9,208,832
8,529,759


Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, interest free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand.


17.


Cash and cash equivalents

2024
2023
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
670,838
1,373,197


Page 24

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

18.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2024
2023
£
£

Bank loans
277,778
277,777

Trade creditors
1,199,716
796,114

Amounts owed to group undertakings
839,901
601,367

Other taxation and social security
941,628
870,135

Obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts
25,368
33,245

Inventory finance facility
945,984
-

Other creditors
31,055
31,814

Accruals and deferred income
658,774
611,652

4,920,204
3,222,104


Amounts due to group undertakings are unsecured, interest free, have no fixed date of repayment and are repayable on demand.
Amounts included in bank loans relate to an asset-based lending facility comprising:
- A receivables finance facility, with an advance rate of 85%.
- A term loan repayable over 60 months with a 6-month capital repayment holiday.
The inventory finance facility relates to an  inventory revolving credit facility, based on 80% of net orderly liquidation value.
The above facilities are secured by fixed and floating charges over all the assets of the company. Interest is charged at margins ranging from 2.5% to 6.0% over the relevant base rate. 
Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate.

Page 25

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

19.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

2024
2023
£
£

Bank loans
1,717,625
2,222,223

Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts
189,671
135,585

1,907,296
2,357,808


Amounts included in bank loans relate to an asset-based lending facility comprising:
- A receivables finance facility, with an advance rate of 85%.
- A term loan repayable over 60 months with a 6-month capital repayment holiday.
The facilities are secured by fixed and floating charges over all the assets of the company. Interest is charged at margins ranging from 2.5% to 6.0% over the relevant base rate. 
Net obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are secured on the assets to which they relate.


20.


Loans


Analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:


2024
2023
£
£

Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans
277,778
277,777

Amounts falling due 1-2 years

Bank loans
277,778
277,778

Amounts falling due 2-5 years

Bank loans
1,439,847
1,944,445


1,995,403
2,500,000


Page 26

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

21.


Hire purchase and finance leases


Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Within one year
44,340
46,912

Between 1-5 years
219,584
46,912

Over 5 years
-
123,145

263,924
216,969


22.


Deferred taxation




2024


£






At beginning of year
(39,052)


Charged to profit or loss
(79,582)



At end of year
(118,634)

The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

2024
2023
£
£


Accelerated capital allowances
(126,301)
(118,152)

Tax losses carried forward
-
79,100

Pension surplus
7,667
-

(118,634)
(39,052)


23.


Share capital

2024
2023
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



41,429 (2023 - 41,429) Ordinary shares of £0.375 each
15,536
15,536


Page 27

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

24.


Reserves

Profit and loss account
The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses, net of dividends paid.


25.


Other financial commitments

At 31 December 2024, the company was committed to purchasing foreign currency under contracts agreeing a set forward rate. Such commitments amounted to £3,054,289 (2023: £3,708,014).  


26.


Pension commitments

The Company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Company to the fund and amounted to £182,388 (2023: £174,361). Contributions totalling £30,670 (2023: £31,814) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
In addition two directors are members of a self administered pension scheme which involves no minimum contractual benefit commitments. During the period no employer contributions were made to the directors' scheme (
2023: £Nil).


27.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 December 2024 the Company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:

2024
2023
£
£


Not later than 1 year
837,801
752,724

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
3,256,654
3,010,896

Later than 5 years
1,129,086
1,881,810

5,223,541
5,645,430


28.


Related party transactions

During the year, the company made sales to directors totalling £4,009 (2023: £1,198). A total balance of £1,375 was outstanding on these sales as at 31 December 2024 (2023: £3,463)
Rental payments of £752,724 
(2023:£752,754) were made during the year to Woodclay Limited, a company which has directors who are considered close family or key management personnel of the Group. 
The company has taken advantage of provisions available under section 33 of FRS 102 and has not disclosed transactions and balances with companies that are 100% owned within the group controlled by its ultimate parent company.

Page 28

 
Widdop Bingham & Co Limited
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024

29.


Controlling party

The company's immediate parent undertaking is Widdop & Co (Holdings) Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, company number 13952440.
The Company's ultimate parent is Diamond Stone International Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales, registered number 14787679.
Diamond Stone International Ltd was the ultimate parent company and the parent of the largest group for which consolidated group accounts are prepared. There was no controlling party of Diamond Stone International Limited. The registered address of Diamond Stone International Ltd is Broadgate Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, United Kingdom, OL9 9XE.
The consolidated financial statements of Diamond Stone International Ltd may be obtained from the Registrar of Companies, Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, C14 3UZ.

Page 29