Registration number:
Bentham Limited
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Bentham Limited
Contents
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Company Information |
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Independent Auditor's Report |
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Balance Sheet |
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Notes to the Financial Statements |
Bentham Limited
Company Information
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Directors |
Mr L Feierabend Mrs L Robson Mr R I Matthews |
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Registered office |
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Auditors |
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Bentham Limited
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Bentham Limited
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Bentham Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the Balance Sheet, 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 FRS 102 Section 1A '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 profit 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 company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the 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 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:
Bentham Limited
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Bentham Limited (continued)
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• |
the information given in the for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and |
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• |
the has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. |
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 .
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, 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; or |
• | the directors were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemptions in preparing the directors’ report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. |
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the [set out on page ], the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Procedures to identify risks:
- enquiring of management concerning the group's procedures relating to: identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
- discussing among the engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. As part of this discussion, we identified potential for fraud in the following areas: timing of recognition of sales and purchases and their related stock movements, posting of unusual journals; and
- obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on the operations of the group. The key laws we considered in this context included UK Companies Act, employment law, health and safety, pensions legislation and tax legislation.
Bentham Limited
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Bentham Limited (continued)
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.
For and on behalf of
Church Street
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 1HB
Bentham Limited
(Registration number: 04026676)
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
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Note |
2024 |
2023 |
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Fixed assets |
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Tangible assets |
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Investments |
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Current assets |
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Stocks |
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Debtors |
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Cash at bank and in hand |
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Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year |
( |
( |
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Net current assets |
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Total assets less current liabilities |
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Provisions for liabilities |
( |
( |
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Net assets |
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Capital and reserves |
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Called up share capital |
1,000 |
1,000 |
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Retained earnings |
469,606 |
570,025 |
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Shareholders' funds |
470,606 |
571,025 |
Approved and authorised by the
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Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
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General information |
The company is a private company limited by share capital, incorporated in England and Wales.
The address of its registered office is:
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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 have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 1A smaller entities - 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006 (as applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime).
Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except that as disclosed in the accounting policies certain items are shown at fair value.
These financial statements are prepared in Sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
Group accounts not prepared
Audit report
The Independent Auditor's Report was unqualified.
The name of the Senior Statutory Auditor who signed the report on 31 December 2025 was Ian Dodds CA FCA, who signed for and on behalf of Lanham & Francis.
Revenue recognition
Turnover comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and provision of services in the ordinary course of the company’s activities. turnover is shown net of sales/value added tax, returns, rebates and discounts.
The company 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 company's activities.
Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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2 |
Accounting policies (continued) |
Foreign currency transactions and balances
Tax
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss, except that a change attributable to an item of income or expense recognised as other comprehensive income is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income.
The current income 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 company operates and generates taxable income.
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences between taxable profits and profits reported in the financial statements.
Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised when it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits.
Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are stated in the balance sheet 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, other than land and properties under construction over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
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Asset class |
Depreciation method and rate |
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Leasehold improvements |
Over the period of the lease |
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Equipment, fixtures and fittings |
15% per annum straight line |
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Computer equipment |
33% per annum straight line |
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Plant and machinery |
20% per annum straight line |
Amortisation
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Asset class |
Amortisation method and rate |
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Intellectual property |
20% per annum straight line |
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Goodwill |
20% per annum straight line |
Investments
Investments in equity shares which are not publicly traded and where fair value cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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2 |
Accounting policies (continued) |
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 merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is determined using an average cost method.
The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. At each reporting date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stocks are 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.
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 company 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 subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
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.
Dividends
Dividend distribution to the company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the financial statements in the reporting period in which the dividends are declared.
Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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2 |
Accounting policies (continued) |
Defined contribution pension obligation
A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the company 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
Basic financial instruments are defined as one of the following:
- cash
- a debt instrument (such as accounts receivable and payable)
- commitment to receive a loan that satisfy certain criteria
- investments in non-convertible preference shares, and non puttable ordinary shares.
All other financial instruments are classed as other financial instruments and treated accordingly.
Recognition and measurement
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Staff numbers |
The average number of persons employed by the company (including directors) during the year, was
Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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Tangible assets |
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Land and buildings |
Furniture, fittings and equipment |
Total |
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Cost or valuation |
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At 1 January 2024 |
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Additions |
- |
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At 31 December 2024 |
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Depreciation |
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At 1 January 2024 |
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Charge for the year |
- |
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At 31 December 2024 |
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Carrying amount |
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At 31 December 2024 |
- |
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At 31 December 2023 |
- |
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Included within the net book value of land and buildings above is £Nil (2023 - £Nil) in respect of short leasehold land and buildings.
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Investments |
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2024 |
2023 |
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Investments in subsidiaries |
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Subsidiaries |
£ |
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Cost or valuation |
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At 1 January 2024 |
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Provision |
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Carrying amount |
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At 31 December 2024 |
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At 31 December 2023 |
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Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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5 |
Investments (continued) |
Details of undertakings
Details of the investments (including principal place of business of unincorporated entities) in which the company holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital are as follows:
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Undertaking |
Registered office |
Holding |
Proportion of voting rights and shares held |
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2024 |
2023 |
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Subsidiary undertakings |
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As parent company England and Wales |
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Subsidiary undertakings |
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IJT Direct Limited The principal activity of IJT Direct Limited is |
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Stocks |
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2024 |
2023 |
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Other inventories |
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Debtors |
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Current |
2024 |
2023 |
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Trade debtors |
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Prepayments |
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Other debtors |
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Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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Creditors |
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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2024 |
2023 |
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Due within one year |
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Trade creditors |
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Taxation and social security |
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Accruals and deferred income |
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Other creditors |
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Share capital |
Allotted, called up and fully paid shares
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2024 |
2023 |
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No. |
£ |
No. |
£ |
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1,000 |
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1,000 |
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Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts |
Operating leases
The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:
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2024 |
2023 |
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Not later than one year |
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Later than one year and not later than five years |
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The amount of non-cancellable operating lease payments recognised as an expense during the year was £
Bentham Limited
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
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Parent and ultimate parent undertaking |
The company's immediate parent is
The ultimate parent is
The most senior parent entity producing publicly available financial statements is
Unit 1
Polham Lane Industrial Estate
Somerton
Somerset
TA11 6SP