The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 30 July 2025.

The results for the year and financial position of the group are as shown in the financial statements.

Trading

Turnover in the period was £18.2m (£18.6m last year) and the company maintained its margins at a reasonable level.

The company continues to invest in its IT and marketing resources and we have continued to trade profitably and generate cash.

Cash

During the year construction was completed of a new 10,000 sq ft warehouse with cash and carry shop attached close to our existing Holywell depot to improve our access to the Welsh market. In July 2025 the existing Holywell depot was closed and trading in the Welsh market was facilitated from the new warehouse

It is the intention of the directors to continue to support the group financially, and the profits and cash flows generated are considered sufficient to ensure the group has adequate resources. Therefore, the directors have adopted a going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

The group manages the inherent uncertainty due to the general economic climate by continually reviewing its operations and implementing efficiencies in every area of its business.

The group does not use financial instruments as part of its financial risk management. It is exposed to the usual credit and cash flow risk associated with selling on credit and manages this through credit control procedures.

The Group’s principal KPIs are turnover, gross profit, and cash flow, which together provide a balanced assessment of financial performance and sustainability. Turnover measures the level of revenue generated from trading activities and indicates the Group’s ability to grow and maintain market demand. Gross profit reflects operational efficiency and pricing discipline by measuring revenue after direct costs, while cash flow demonstrates the Group’s liquidity, financial resilience, and capacity to meet obligations and invest in future growth. These KPIs are reviewed regularly by the Board to monitor performance against strategic objectives.

Employees

The group has continued to follow the requirements of Health & Safety at Work Act with concern of the welfare of its employees. The group gives full consideration to applications for employment from disabled persons where the requirements of the job can be adequately fulfilled by a handicapped or disabled person. The group provides employees with information about the group through internal media methods and newsletters.

On behalf of the board

The directors present their annual report and consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 July 2025.

The principal activity of the company and group continued to be that of wholesalers, distributors and retailers of

beers, spirits and soft drinks and the running of social clubs.

The results for the year are set out on page 5. Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £250,915.

The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

J K Ravenscroft and C A Doran held office as directors during the year and up to the date of signature of financial statements.

The auditor, Royce Peeling Green Limited, is deemed to be reappointed under s487(2) Companies Act 2006.

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

United Kingdom company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the directors have elected to prepare the group and parent company 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 parent 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 then apply them consistently;

• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable United Kingdom 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 group and parent 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 parent company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and parent 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 parent company, and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditor of the company is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor of the company is aware of that information.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to groups and companies entitled to the exemptions of the small companies regime.

We have audited the financial statements of Hops and Barley Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 30 July 2025 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice)("UKGAAP").

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 30 July 2025 and of the group's profit for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with UK GAAP; 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's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent 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 group's and parent 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 auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

• The information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• The strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their 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 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.

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, 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 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 parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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.

• At the planning stage of the audit we gain an understanding of the laws and regulations which apply to the company and how management seek to comply with them. This helps us to make appropriate risk assessments.

• During the audit we focus on relevant risk areas and review compliance with laws and regulations through making relevant enquiries and corroboration by, for example, reviewing Board Minutes and other documentation.

• We assess the risk of material misstatement in the financial statements including  as a result of  fraud and undertake procedures including:

  1. Review of controls set in place by management

  2. Enquiry of management as to whether they consider fraud or other irregularities may have occurred or where such opportunity might exist

  3. Challenge of management assumptions with regard to accounting estimates

  4. Identification and testing of journal entries, particularly those which may appear to be unusual by size or nature.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements, or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is located on the FRC's website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the parent 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 parent 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 parent company and the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £198,271 (2024 - £242,124 profit).

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £198,271 (2024 - £242,124 profit).

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.

Hops and Barley Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .

The group consists of Hops and Barley Limited and all of its subsidiaries.

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

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

In the parent company financial statements, the cost of a business combination is the fair value at the acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. The excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.

The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Hops and Barley Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries).

All financial statements are made up to 30 July 2025. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.

All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

Subsidiaries are consolidated in the group’s financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group and parent company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. Changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss. Where fair value cannot be achieved without undue cost or effort, investment property is accounted for as at cost.

Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.

In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

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

At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

The group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the group's balance sheet when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. 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.

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

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

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans and loans from fellow group companies, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

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

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

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

Equity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.

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

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

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

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

Auditors liability limitation agreement

The company has entered into a liability limitation agreement with Royce Peeling Green Limited, the statutory auditor for the year ended 30th July 2025. The proportionate liability agreement follows the standard terms in Appendix B to the FRC's June 2008 Guidance on Auditor Liability Agreements, and has been approved by the shareholders.

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

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

All turnover relates to the principal activities of the wholesale, distribution and retail of beers, spirits and soft drinks and the running of social clubs and has been undertaken wholly within the UK.

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

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Exceptional income is receipts relating to the historic fraud which is subject to ongoing legal action by the company.

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 1 (2024 - 1).

A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the group in independently administered funds.

Other gains and losses comprise a increase in the fair value of investment properties of £Nil (2024: £57,103).

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

Included within tangible fixed assets are assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts, as follows:

Certain land and buildings were revalued in 2024 by MO Valuations Limited, independent valuers not connected with the company on the basis of market value at a carrying amount of £500,000 . The valuation conforms to International Valuation Standards and was based on recent market transactions on arm's length terms for similar properties.

If revalued land and buildings were measured using the cost model, the carrying amounts would have been approximately £142,528 (2023 - £145,210), being cost £184,211 (2023 - £184,211) and depreciation £41,684 (2023 - £39,000).

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 30 July 2025 are as follows:

The directors consider that the current value of investment properties is a fair reflection of their estimated open market value having taken independent professional advice.

The following secured debts were outstanding as at the balance sheet date:

Hops and Barley Limited

The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC ("RBS") holds a debenture dated 20 May 2002 on all assets of the Company. It also holds an all monies first legal charge dated 27 November 2009 on The Prince Alfred Public House, 77 High Street, Wavertree, Liverpool, L15 8HB. RBS also holds an inter-company guarantee dated 24 May 2012 on the following companies: Hops and Barley Limited, Whiston Social Limited and W. Hall & Son (Holywell) Limited. In addition to the above RBS also olds an all monies first legal charge dated 11 February 2025 on Plot 1, Mathonwy, Tir Llwyd Enterprise Park, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl, LL18 5JH.

Whiston Social Limited

RBS holds an all monies legal charge dated 4 July 2010 on Whiston Social Club, Windy Arbor Road, Prescot, L35 3RZ and a debenture dated 23 April 2012 on all assets of the Company. Molson Coors Brewing Company (UK) Limited hold an all monies legal charge dated 6 August 2010 on Pemberton Central Ward Labour Club, Enfield Street, Wigan, WN5 8DJ. The Trustees of the Ravenscroft Family SSAS hold a debenture over the company's freehold assets dated December 2019.

W. Hall & Son (Holywell) Limited

RBS also holds a debenture dated 23 April 2012 on all assets of this company.

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is four years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

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

All shares have identical rights.

In accordance with Section 32 of FRS 102, the directors have considered events occurring after the end of the reporting period.

After the reporting date, the Company received damages following the settlement of a court case relating to a historical fraud. At the reporting date, the legal proceedings were ongoing and the outcome was not virtually certain.

This event is considered a non‑adjusting event after the end of the reporting period, as the settlement was finalised after the reporting date and did not provide evidence of conditions that existed at that date. Accordingly, no adjustment has been made to the amounts recognised in these financial statements.

The settlement proceeds will be recognised in the financial statements for the accounting period in which the settlement was finalised and the damages were received.

At 30 July 2025 the company was owed an amount of £328,039 (2024: £334,444) by Merseyside Equestrian Centre Limited, a company of which Mr J K Ravenscroft and Ms C A Doran are directors. The amount is unsecured, repayable on demand and interest free.

The company leases premises from the Ravenscroft Family SSAS. Rental charges in the year were £105,000 (2024: £105,000). At 30 July 2025 the company owed the SSAS £349,096 (2024: £230,496).

Dividends totalling £250,915 (2024 - £280,107) were paid in the year in respect of shares held by the company's directors and their immediate family.

At 30 July 2025 the directors and connected parties owed the company an amount of £123,605 (2024: £148,557). The amount is unsecured, repayable on demand and interest free.

The ultimate controlling party of the company is considered to be Mr J K Ravenscroft by virtue of his majority share holding.