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Registered number: 02959920










BIRCHESTER LIMITED










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
Mr R K Gore 
Mrs E A Gore 




Company secretary
Mrs E A Gore



Registered number
02959920



Registered office
Polebrook Nursing Home
Morgans Close

Polebrook

Oundle

Cambridgeshire

PE8 5LU




Independent auditor
MHA
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors

1 The Forum

Minerva Business Park

Lynch Wood

Peterborough

PE2 6FT





 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Group Strategic Report
 
1 - 2
Directors' Report
 
3 - 4
Independent Auditor's Report
 
5 - 8
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
 
9
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
10
Company Balance Sheet
 
11
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
 
12
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
 
13
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 
14
Consolidated Analysis of Net Debt
 
15
Notes to the Financial Statements
 
16 - 35


 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Introduction
 
The directors present their Strategic report on the affairs of the Group for the year ended 31 October 2025.

The principal activity of the Group is the operation of care homes with the provision of nursing and residential care.

The strategy of the business is:
•  To provide a high quality care and service to residents of varying age and needs.
•  To achieve continued growth and expansion to surrounding areas to confirm our position as one of the    top providers of residential care in the UK.

Business review and future developments
 
The turnover for the year was £7,722,865 (As restated 2024: £6,441,947). Combined with other operating income of £42,300 (2024: £36,465), this resulted in total income for the year of £7,765,165 (As restated 2024: £6,478,412)

The Group made a profit before tax for the year of £968,081 (As restated 2024: £314,300)

The strategy of the business is to provide a high quality care and service to residents of varying age and needs. 

To achieve continued growth and expansion to confirm our position as one of the top providers of Nursing and Residential Care in the surrounding area.

With the increased pressure on living costs within the home during the year, after the refinancing at December 2023 the Company has made steady growth as shown by the profitability year on year. Although, margins and National Insurances increases have eroded throughout the whole sector nationally due to annual increases in the national living wage, inflationary pressures, plus local authority spending cuts further impacting the rates available to Health Service and Local Authority funded clients.  Despite this, we continue to offer the same high  level of care and service to our residents that we continually strive to provide.

Although these have been challenging times, we continue to improve the qualifications, training and quality of our Nursing and the Care Staff enabling us to keep and improve the quality of care given to our clients. Thus, securing the highest level of funding available from The Care Providers ensuring financial performance can be improved upon ongoing. Within the financial year the Company had reduced its debt level, increased profitability and turnover. 

From the perspective of the Directors, they feel that within the year the Company was within its head room for the new facility and can fulfil its financing and regulatory obligations. This is shown on an ongoing basis within the accounts. 

Page 1

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

GROUP STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
Market risk:
The market is subjected to increasing pressure on both costs and quality, however, we feel we are in a good position to be able to increase our turnover as we are able to continually differentiate ourselves from some of the smaller providers within our market sector. The level of fees being paid by funded residents is directly correlated to the pressure exerted by the level of Government and Local Authority spending. Both of which have continued in a downwards trend. The narrow margins for funded residents has been offset by privately funded individuals. The Group ascertains to reduce its financial risk through the application of stringent financial controls and reporting. 

Legislative and regulatory risk:
The increasing regulatory and legislative pressures has meant we have identified the requirement to have more formal accreditations of our operating and quality systems. We are committed to ensure we are in a position to provide high quality levels of care on a consistent basis. We have invested in our internal clinical governance procedures to monitor our care provisions. 

Labour & recruitment:
From a customer perspective all of our turnover is achieved within the United Kingdom. However, in common with many other UK businesses we do have a reliance on overseas labour. The availability of labour is always a risk, however, we have remained proactive in our ability to recruit and retain high quality staff.

Actions of competitors:
There have always been new entrants into our market place offering the same service for apparently less money. We don’t feel that future years will be any different to the past and feel confident that with our strong delivery network that we are in a good place to maintain our position within the market sector.

Financial key performance indicators
 

We utilise a range of measures to control the business, the key ones are as below:



2025
As restated
2024
Turnover
£7.72m
£6.44m
Gross Profit as a % of sales
37.3%
31.7%
Overhead as a % of sales
20.2%
20.0%

We also utilise a regular programme of performance indicators applicable to targets set for each financial and non-financial performance measures which are closely monitored by the Board. We believe all these indicators provide a good basis for control and look forward to all the measures improving in the coming year as a result of initiatives implemented by the Directors.


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



................................................
Mr R K Gore
Director

Date: 23 April 2026

Page 2

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Group Strategic Report, the Directors' Report and the consolidated 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 the Group 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 for the Group's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgments 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 Group 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 the Group 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 the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £652,642 (As restated 2024 - £336,635).

No dividends were paid in the current or previous year.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

Mr R K Gore 
Mrs E A Gore  

Matters covered in the Group Strategic Report

Details concerning principal activity, business review, principal risks and uncertainties (including financial instruments), future developments and financial key performance indicators (KPIs) are included in the Strategic Report.

Page 3

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Disclosure of information to auditor

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 and the Group's auditor is 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 and the Group's auditor is aware of that information.

Auditor

Under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006, MHA will be deemed to have been reappointed as auditor 28 days after these financial statements were sent to members or 28 days after the latest date prescribed for filing the accounts with the registrar, whichever is earlier. 

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





................................................
Mr R K Gore
Director

Date: 23 April 2026

Polebrook Nursing Home
Morgans Close
Polebrook
Oundle
Cambridgeshire
PE8 5LU

Page 4

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of BIRCHESTER LIMITED (the 'Parent Company') and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') for the year ended 31 October 2025, which comprise the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, the Consolidated Analysis of Net Debt, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, the Company 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 Group's and of the Parent Company's affairs as at 31 October 2025 and of the Group's 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's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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.


Page 5

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRCHESTER LIMITED (CONTINUED)


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 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.


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 Group 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 Group 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 Group and the Parent Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Group 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.


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 Group's and the Parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.


Page 6

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRCHESTER LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
 

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

•  Enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims;
•  Enquiry of staff to identify any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
•  Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal
   entries and other adjustments for appropriateness and reviewing accounting estimates for bias;
•  Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
•  Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance
   with applicable laws and regulations.


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 will be 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 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 Auditor's Report.


Page 7

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BIRCHESTER LIMITED (CONTINUED)


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 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.





Ian Jacobs BA FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of MHA, Statutory Auditor
Peterborough, United Kingdom

Date: 24 April 2026

MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC455542)
Page 8

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2025
As restated 2024
Note
£
£

  

Turnover
 4 
7,722,865
6,441,947

Cost of sales
  
(4,845,125)
(4,397,126)

Gross profit
  
2,877,740
2,044,821

Administrative expenses
  
(1,557,855)
(1,285,180)

Other operating income
 5 
42,300
36,465

Operating profit
 6 
1,362,185
796,106

Interest receivable and similar income
 10 
-
49

Interest payable and similar expenses
 11 
(394,104)
(481,855)

Profit before tax
  
968,081
314,300

Taxation
 12 
(315,439)
22,335

Profit for the financial year
  
652,642
336,635

Profit for the year attributable to:
  

Owners of the parent
  
652,642
336,635

  
652,642
336,635

There are no items of other comprehensive income for 2025 or 2024 other than the profit for the yearAs a result, no separate Statement of Comprehensive Income has been presented.

All amounts relate to continuing activities. 

The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 02959920

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025

2025
As restated 2024
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 13 
8,684,142
8,901,497

Investment property
 15 
306,411
306,231

  
8,990,553
9,207,728

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
1,652,686
946,920

Cash at bank and in hand
 17 
1,049,527
649,687

  
2,702,213
1,596,607

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
(4,489,759)
(8,593,034)

Net current liabilities
  
 
 
(1,787,546)
 
 
(6,996,427)

Total assets less current liabilities
  
7,203,007
2,211,301

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 19 
(4,351,954)
(7,887)

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 21 
(253,653)
(258,656)

Net assets
  
2,597,400
1,944,758


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 22 
108,662
108,662

Share premium account
 23 
247,000
247,000

Profit and loss account
 23 
2,241,738
1,589,096

  
2,597,400
1,944,758


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




................................................
Mr R K Gore
Director

Date: 23 April 2026

The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 02959920

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025

2025
2024
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 13 
505,000
505,000

Fixed asset investments
 14 
2,355,935
2,355,835

  
2,860,935
2,860,835

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 16 
1,308,813
1,212,583

Cash at bank and in hand
 17 
2,473
8,036

  
1,311,286
1,220,619

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 18 
(1,377,728)
(1,356,484)

Net current liabilities
  
 
 
(66,442)
 
 
(135,865)

Total assets less current liabilities
  
2,794,493
2,724,970

  

  

Net assets
  
2,794,493
2,724,970


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 22 
108,662
108,662

Share premium account
 23 
27,000
27,000

Profit and loss account brought forward
  
2,589,308
2,485,269

Profit for the year
  
69,523
104,039

Profit and loss account carried forward
  
2,658,831
2,589,308

  
2,794,493
2,724,970


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


................................................
Mr R K Gore
Director

Date: 23 April 2026

The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025


Called up share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss account
Equity attributable to owners of Parent Company
Total equity

£
£
£
£
£


At 1 November 2023
108,662
247,000
1,252,461
1,608,123
1,608,123


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
336,635
336,635
336,635
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
336,635
336,635
336,635



At 1 November 2024 (as previously stated)
108,662
247,000
1,679,551
2,035,213
2,035,213

Prior year adjustment (see note 24)
-
-
(90,455)
(90,455)
(90,455)


Comprehensive income for the year
108,662
247,000
1,589,096
1,944,758
1,944,758



Profit for the year
-
-
652,642
652,642
652,642
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
652,642
652,642
652,642


At 31 October 2025
108,662
247,000
2,241,738
2,597,400
2,597,400


The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025


Called up share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss account
Total equity

£
£
£
£


At 1 November 2023
108,662
27,000
2,485,269
2,620,931


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
104,039
104,039
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
104,039
104,039



At 1 November 2024
108,662
27,000
2,589,308
2,724,970


Comprehensive income for the year

Profit for the year
-
-
69,523
69,523
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
69,523
69,523


At 31 October 2025
108,662
27,000
2,658,831
2,794,493


The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2025
As restated 2024
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the financial year
652,642
336,635

Adjustments for:

Depreciation of tangible assets
229,593
226,733

Interest paid
394,104
481,806

Taxation charge
315,439
(22,335)

Increase in debtors
(735,918)
(323,535)

Increase in creditors
485,881
309,339

Net cash generated from operating activities

1,341,741
1,008,643


Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(29,131)
(89,803)

Sale of tangible fixed assets
16,893
32,988

Purchase of investment properties
(180)
(4,327)

Net cash from investing activities

(12,418)
(61,142)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of loans
(535,379)
(155,013)

Interest paid
(394,104)
(481,806)

Net cash used in financing activities
(929,483)
(636,819)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
399,840
310,682

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
649,687
339,005

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year
1,049,527
649,687


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year comprise:

Cash at bank and in hand
1,049,527
649,687

1,049,527
649,687


The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 

CONSOLIDATED ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025




At 1 November 2024
Cash flows
At 31 October 2025
£

£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

649,687

399,840

1,049,527

Debt due after 1 year

(7,887)

(4,344,067)

(4,351,954)

Debt due within 1 year

(5,602,390)

4,879,446

(722,944)


(4,960,590)
935,219
(4,025,371)

The notes on pages 16 to 35 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1.


General information

Birchester Limited (Company) and its subsidiaries are private companies limited by shares, incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act.

The registered number and address of the registered office is given in the company information page and the nature of the Group and Company's operation and its principal activity are set out in the Strategic Report.

The functional and presentational currency of the group and company is pounds sterling (£) and rounded to the nearest whole pound.

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 Group management to exercise judgment in applying the Group's accounting policies (see note 3).

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Profit and Loss Account in these financial statements.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements present the results of the Company and its own subsidiaries ("the Group") as if they form a single entity. Intercompany transactions and balances between group companies are therefore eliminated in full.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the results of business combinations using the purchase method. In the Balance Sheet, the acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are initially recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date. The results of acquired operations are included in the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account from the date on which control is obtained. They are deconsolidated from the date control ceases.
 

Page 16

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.3

Subsidiary Guarantee

The Company, Birchester Limited, with registered office Polebrook Nursing Home, Morgans Close, Polebrook, Oundle, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, PE8 5LU, United Kingdom shall fully guarantee for all the liabilities of three subsidiary companies:

Birchester Developments Limited with registered office 1 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT, United Kingdom, company number 02955468.

Birchester Care Holdings Limited with registered office Polebrook Nursing Home, Morgans Close, Polebrook, Peterborough, PE8 5LU, United Kingdom, company number 11343010.

Birchester Medicare Services Limited with registered office Polebrook Nursing Home, Morgans Close, Polebrook, Peterborough, PE8 5LU, United Kingdom, company number 14123869.

The subsidiaries Birchester Developments Limited, Birchester Care Holdings Limited and Birchester Medicare Services Limited are therefore exempt from audit obligations in accordance with section 479A of the Companies Act.

 
2.4

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors have considered relevant information, including the annual budget, forecast future cash flows and the impact of subsequent events in making their assessment.

Based on these assessments and having regard to the resources available to the entity, the Directors have concluded that there is no material uncertainty and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

 
2.5

Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group 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:

Rendering of services

Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognised in the period in which the services are provided in accordance with the stage of completion of the contract when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
the amount of revenue can be measured reliably;
it is probable that the Group will receive the consideration due under the contract;
the stage of completion of the contract at the end of the reporting period can be measured reliably; and
the costs incurred and the costs to complete the contract can be measured reliably.

Page 17

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.6

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.

At each reporting date the Group assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined which is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

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

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property
-
2% straight-line
Short-term leasehold property
-
10% straight-line
Fixtures and fittings
-
10% 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.

 
2.7

Investment property

Investment property is carried at fair value determined annually by the directors and derived from the current market rents and investment property yields for comparable real estate, adjusted if necessary for any difference in the nature, location or condition of the specific asset. No depreciation is provided. Changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.8

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

 
2.9

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.

Page 18

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.10

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.

In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management.

 
2.11

Financial instruments

The Group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 “Basic Financial Instruments” 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, with 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

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 Group's cash and cash equivalents, trade and most other debtors due with the operating cycle fall into this category of financial instruments.

Basic 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 Group after the deduction of all its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, which include trade and other creditors, bank loans, other loans and loans due to fellow group companies 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 19

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.11
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.

Derecognition of financial instruments

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised when their contractual right to future cash flow expire, or are settled, or when the Group 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 Group 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 Group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

 
2.12

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.

 
2.13

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.

 
2.14

Pensions

Defined contribution pension plan

The Group operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Group 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 other creditors as a liability in the Balance Sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Group in independently administered funds.

 
2.15

Interest income

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

Page 20

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.16

Borrowing costs

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

 
2.17

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 and the Group operate and generate 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.


Page 21

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

3.


Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the Financial Statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the period. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates. 

Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies

There are no critical judgements (apart from those involving estimates and in particular those for depreciation and doubtful debt provisions) that the directors have made in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies that have had a significant effect on amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the statement of financial position date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are discussed below.

- Determining residual values and useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets

The Group depreciates tangible assets over their estimated useful lives. The estimation of the useful lives of assets is based on the historic performance as well as expectations about future use and therefore requires estimates and assumptions to be applied by management. The actual lives of these assets can vary depending on a variety of factors, including technology innovation, product life cycle and maintenance programmes. 

Estimation is applied by management when determining the residual values for tangible fixed assets. When determining the residual value, management aim to assess the amount that the Group would currently obtain for the disposal of the asset, if it were already of the condition expected at the end of its useful economic life. Where possible this is done with reference to external market prices. 

- Recoverability of debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised to the extent that they are judged recoverable. Management performs reviews to estimate the level of irrecoverable debt, and provisions are made specifically against invoices where recoverability is uncertain.

Management makes allowances for doubtful debts based on an assessment of the recoverability of debtors. Allowances are applied to debtors where events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Management specifically analyse historical bad debts when making a judgment to evaluate the adequacy of the provision for doubtful debts. Where the expectations are different from the original estimate, such differences will impact the carrying value of debtors and the charge in the profit and loss account.
 
Page 22

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

3.Judgments in applying accounting policies (continued)


- Impairment of investment property

Investment property is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets are impaired. Where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the carrying value of the asset (or cash-generating unit to which the asset has been allocated) is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's (or cash-generating unit's) fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (being at the cash generating unit level). Investment property that has been previously impaired is reviewed at each reporting date to assess whether there is any indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.


4.


Turnover

The whole of the turnover is attributable to the one principal activity of the group.

All turnover arose within the United Kingdom.


5.


Other operating income

2025
2024
£
£

Rents receivable
42,300
36,465



6.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2025
As restated 2024
£
£

Impairment of trade receivables
19,358
12,803

Other operating lease rentals
55,000
49,801

Page 23

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

7.


Auditor's remuneration

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


2025
2024
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the consolidated, parent and subsidiary Company's financial statements
41,500
37,000


8.


Employees

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


Group
Group
2025
2024
£
£


Wages and salaries
4,009,397
3,603,713

Social security costs
434,577
320,924

Cost of defined contribution scheme
60,656
56,516

4,504,630
3,981,153


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


       Group
2025
      Group 2024
            No.
            No.







Employees during the year
158
148

The Company has no employees other than the directors, who did not receive any remuneration (2024 - £NIL)

9.


Directors' remuneration




During the year retirement benefits were accruing to no directors (2024 - NIL) in respect of defined contribution pension schemes.

Page 24

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

10.


Interest receivable

2025
2024
£
£


Other interest receivable
-
49

-
49


11.


Interest payable and similar expenses

2025
2024
£
£


Bank interest payable
394,056
467,514

Other loan interest payable
-
14,341

Other interest payable
48
-

394,104
481,855


12.


Taxation


2025
As restated 2024
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
320,442
(30,152)

Adjustments in respect of previous periods
-
(310)


Total current tax
320,442
(30,462)

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
(5,003)
8,127

Total deferred tax
(5,003)
8,127


Taxation on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities
315,439
(22,335)
Page 25

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
 
12.Taxation (continued)


Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is higher than (2024 - lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of25% (2024 - 25%). The differences are explained below:

2025
As restated 2024
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
968,081
314,300


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25% (2024 - 25%)
242,021
78,575

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
33,526
12,693

Capital allowances for year exceeded by depreciation
44,895
28,941

Utilisation of tax losses
-
(149,629)

Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
-
(310)

Origination and reversal of deferred tax timing differences
(5,003)
8,127

Unrelieved tax losses carried forward
-
433

Other differences leading to an (decrease)/increase in the tax charge
-
(1,165)

Total tax charge for the year
315,439
(22,335)

Page 26

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

13.


Tangible fixed assets

Group



Freehold property
Short-term leasehold property
Fixtures and fittings
Total

£
£
£
£



Cost 


At 1 November 2024
9,575,900
11,895
457,674
10,045,469


Additions
-
-
29,131
29,131


Disposals
(16,893)
-
-
(16,893)



At 31 October 2025

9,559,007
11,895
486,805
10,057,707



Depreciation


At 1 November 2024
888,444
8,429
247,099
1,143,972


Charge for the year on owned assets
181,334
1,190
47,069
229,593



At 31 October 2025

1,069,778
9,619
294,168
1,373,565



Net book value



At 31 October 2025
8,489,229
2,276
192,637
8,684,142



At 31 October 2024
8,687,456
3,466
210,575
8,901,497

Page 27

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

           13.Tangible fixed assets (continued)


Company






Freehold property

£

Cost


At 1 November 2024
505,000



At 31 October 2025

505,000






Net book value



At 31 October 2025
505,000



At 31 October 2024
505,000







14.


Fixed asset investments

Company





Investments in subsidiary companies

£



Cost 


At 1 November 2024
2,355,835


Additions
100



At 31 October 2025
2,355,935






Net book value



At 31 October 2025
2,355,935



At 31 October 2024
2,355,835

Page 28

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Direct subsidiary undertakings


The following were direct subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Registered office

Principal activity

Class of shares

Holding

Birchester Care Holdings Limited
Polebrook Nursing Home Morgans Close, Polebrook, Peterborough, PE8 5LU
Residential care home
Ordinary
100%
Birchester Developments Limited
1 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT
Dormant
Ordinary
100%
Addington Road Care Limited
1 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT
Dormant
Ordinary
100%

The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 31 October 2025 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertakings were as follows:

Name
Aggregate of share capital and reserves
Loss
£
£

Birchester Care Holdings Limited
(1,712,759)
(111,930)

Birchester Developments Limited
(115,353)
-

Addington Road Care Limited
100
-


Indirect subsidiary undertakings


The following were indirect subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Registered office

Principal activity

Class of shares

Holding

Birchester Care Limited
Polebrook Nursing Home Morgans Close, Polebrook, Peterborough, PE8 5LU
Residential care home
Ordinary
100%
Birchester Medicare Services Limited
Polebrook Nursing Home Morgans Close, Polebrook, Peterborough, PE8 5LU
Residential care home
Ordinary
100%

Page 29

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025
Indirect subsidiary undertakings (continued)

The aggregate of the share capital and reserves as at 31 October 2025 and the profit or loss for the year ended on that date for the subsidiary undertakings were as follows:

Name
Aggregate of share capital and reserves
Profit
£
£

Birchester Care Limited
1,700,541
591,678

Birchester Medicare Services Limited
296,850
103,371


15.


Investment property

Group


Freehold investment property

£



Valuation


At 1 November 2024
306,231


Additions at cost
180



At 31 October 2025
306,411

During the year the directors reconsidered the value of the investment property held and concluded that its likely market value has not moved significantly from its cost price / previous revaluations. 

The 2025 valuations were made by the directors, on an open market value basis.









Page 30

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

16.


Debtors

Group

Group
As restated
Company

Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£


Trade debtors
178,439
89,313
-
-

Amounts owed by group undertakings
-
-
965,925
991,645

Other debtors
1,301,136
675,657
-
-

Prepayments and accrued income
173,111
181,950
342,888
220,938

1,652,686
946,920
1,308,813
1,212,583


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

Group
Group
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
1,049,527
649,687
2,473
8,036



18.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Group
Group
As restated
Company
Company
2025
2024
2025
2024
£
£
£
£

Bank loans
722,944
5,602,390
-
-

Trade creditors
76,837
215,722
8,340
6,216

Amounts owed to group undertakings
-
-
71,109
70,000

Corporation tax
290,290
-
23,175
-

Other taxation and social security
1,517,822
977,604
-
-

Other creditors
1,681,383
1,566,953
1,257,259
1,270,268

Accruals and deferred income
200,483
230,365
17,845
10,000

4,489,759
8,593,034
1,377,728
1,356,484


Details of bank loans are given in note 20.

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

Page 31

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

19.


Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

Group
Group
2025
2024
£
£

Bank loans
4,351,954
7,887


Details of bank loans are given in note 20.




20.


Loans


Analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:


Group
Group
2025
2024
£
£

Amounts falling due within 1 year

Bank loans
722,944
5,602,390

Amounts falling due 1-2 years

Bank loans
215,090
7,887

Amounts falling due 2-5 years

Bank loans
645,268
-

Amounts falling due after more than 5 years

Bank loans
3,491,596
-

5,074,898
5,610,277


Included in bank loans is a loan of £7,854 of which £7,854 is due for payment within 1 year. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 2.5%, is repayable by monthly installments and due for repayment in full in July 2026. The loan is secured against the assets of the group. 

Also included in bank loans is a loan of £5,067,044 of which £715,090 is due for payment within 1 year, £215,090 is due for payment within 1-2 years, £645,268 is due for payment within 2-5 years and £3,491,596 is due for payment after 5 years. The loan accrues interest on a monthly basis at 7.5%, is repayable by quarterly installments and is secured against the assets of the group. 

Page 32

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

21.


Deferred taxation


Group



2025
2024


£

£






At beginning of year
258,656
250,529


(Credited)/Charged to profit or loss
(5,003)
8,127



At end of year
253,653
258,656







The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:

Group
Group
2025
2024
£
£

Accelerated capital allowances
261,706
261,978

Short term timing differences
(8,053)
(3,322)

253,653
258,656


22.


Share capital

2025
2024
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



108,662 (2024 - 108,662) Ordinary shares of £1.00 each
108,662
108,662

There is a single class of ordinary shares. There are no restrictions on the distribution of dividends and the repayment of capital.



23.


Reserves

Share premium account

Represents the difference between the par value of shares issued and the subscription or issue price.

Profit and loss account

Includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses less any dividends paid. 

Page 33

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

24.


Prior year adjustment

A correction has been made to the financial statements to restate the prior year consolidated figures, reflecting adjustments for rent expenditure, VAT on sales and taxation.

As a result of these adjustments, creditors falling due within one year have increased from £8,543,233 to £8,593,034, and debtors have decreased from £987,574 to £946,920. Turnover has decreased from £6,512,753 to £6,441,947 and administration expenses have increased from £1,235,379 to £1,285,180.

The taxation charge for the year ended 31 October 2024 (see note 12) has been revised from a charge of £7,817 to a taxation credit of £22,335. Consequently, profit after tax for that year has decreased from £427,090 to £336,635.

The adjustment has also reduced the opening profit and loss reserve as at 1 November 2024 from £1,679,551 to £1,589,096 (see the Statement of Changes in Equity on page 12).


25.


Pension commitments

The Group operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group in an independently administered fund. 

The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Group to the fund and amounted to £60,656 (2024: £56,516). 

Contributions totalling £32,216 (2024: £35,436) were payable to the fund at the Balance Sheet date and are included in other creditors falling due within one year.


26.


Commitments under operating leases

At 31 October 2025 the Group had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

2025
2024
Group
£
£


Not later than 1 year
55,000
55,000

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
220,000
220,000

Later than 5 years
6,219,583
6,274,583

6,494,583
6,549,583


27.


Related party transactions

Included in other creditors is a balance of £1,353,617 (2024: £1,269,159) due to a director. During the year £96,458 (2024: £Nil) was introduced by the director and £12,000 (2024: £10,000) repaid. No interest has been charged on this balance.

The Group has taken advantage of the exemption contained in FRS 102 section 33.1A Related Party Disclosures, and has therefore not disclosed transactions or balances with wholly owned entities which form part of the Group.

Page 34

 
BIRCHESTER LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

28.


Controlling party

The Company was under the control of Irwin Gore Investments Ltd, which is under the control of Mr R K Gore and Mrs E A Gore.

 
Page 35