Company registration number 07352591 (England and Wales)
THE TESTING LAB PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
THE TESTING LAB PLC
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mr S A Swinbourne
Mr P J F Thomas
Mr M Beastall
Mr M J Lister
Mr D L Paddison
Ms M Summers
Mr D Thomas
Mr L B Towill
Secretary
Mr M Appleyard
Company number
07352591
Registered office
Unit 2, James Road Industrial Estate
Adwick-Le-Street
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN6 7HH
Auditor
Henton & Co LLP
Northgate
118 North Street
Leeds
England
LS2 7PN
THE TESTING LAB PLC
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Profit and loss account
8
Balance sheet
9
Statement of changes in equity
10
Statement of cash flows
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 20
THE TESTING LAB PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 1 -

The directors present the strategic report for the period ended 31 March 2026.

 

Principal activity

The principal activity of The Testing Lab PLC is on Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (“TICC”) sector activities.

Review of the business

The 2024–2025 financial year represented a planned period of consolidation and investment for TTL. During this period, the company undertook significant expenditure in infrastructure, equipment, staff development, method validation, and operational capability, all designed to establish a scalable platform for future growth.

 

As anticipated, the consolidation programme resulted in a loss of £233,107 for the financial year. This outcome was in line with management forecasts and reflected deliberate investment decisions rather than any deterioration in underlying business performance.

 

Importantly, the six months of trading, covering October 2025 to March 2026, demonstrated a clear and measurable improvement in both turnover and profitability. These results provide strong evidence that the investment strategy has begun to generate returns and that the company's new technologies, methodologies, and service offerings are gaining market acceptance.

Throughout 2024–2025, TTL focused on strengthening its operational foundations across all business units. Key achievements included:

 

 

These initiatives were undertaken to position the business for sustainable long-term growth and to create the operational resilience typically associated with larger Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) organisations.

Principal risks and uncertainties

Accreditation and Market Position

 

The company continues to make significant progress towards expanding its UKAS-accredited service offering. Final accreditations for the chemistry testing division are expected between late 2026 and early 2027.

 

Whilst accreditation remains an important strategic objective, non-accredited activities continue to perform strongly and have enabled TTL to attract, retain, and expand its customer base. The increasing volume of repeat business demonstrates growing confidence in the company's technical capabilities and service quality.

 

The anticipated accreditation extensions will further strengthen market positioning, create additional revenue opportunities, and enhance the company's competitive advantage within the sector.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 2 -

Leadership and Governance

 

TTL has strengthened its leadership structure through the appointment of experienced and respected professionals to lead each operational department. These individuals now form the Board of Directors and collectively provide the technical, operational, and commercial expertise required to support the next phase of growth.

 

The Board reports directly to the shareholder and maintains responsibility for delivering the strategic objectives established during the consolidation period.

 

Growth Strategy 2026–2028

 

The next stage of development commenced on 1 April 2026 and focuses on scaling each department in line with market demand.

 

Key priorities include:

 

Expanding laboratory throughput and service capacity.

Converting validated methods into accredited services.

Increasing market share across existing and new sectors.

Continuing investment in people, technology, and infrastructure.

Strengthening profitability through operational efficiencies and economies of scale.

Building a diversified service portfolio comparable to established TICC operators.

 

Management believes that the investments made during 2024–2025, combined with the positive trading trend observed during the latter half of 2025–2026, provide a strong foundation for sustained revenue growth and improving profitability over the medium term.

Key performance indicators

The board monitors progress to the overall strategy by refence to two key KPIs

 

 

2026

2025

2024

2023

Growth in sales

7%

-54%

53%

48%

Gross profit margin

63%

32%

58%

51%

 

As the period the accounts presented is for a 6 month period, the sales growth percentage has been calculated based on what the sales would be for a 12 month period.

Other information and explanations

The Board remains confident in the strategic direction of the business. The planned consolidation phase has achieved its objectives, validating both the company's technology platform and its operational model.

 

The improving financial performance recorded during the most recent trading period demonstrates that demand for TTL's services is growing and that the business is successfully converting investment into commercial returns.

 

With additional UKAS scope extensions anticipated, an experienced management team in place, and a scalable operational structure established, TTL is well positioned to deliver continued growth in revenue, profitability, and shareholder value over the coming years.

On behalf of the board

Mr P J F Thomas
Director
4 June 2026
THE TESTING LAB PLC
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 3 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2026.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of environmental consulting activities.

Directors

The directors who held office during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

Mr S A Swinbourne
Mr P J F Thomas
Mr M Beastall
Mr R W Brown
(Resigned 24 February 2026)
Mr M J Lister
Mr D L Paddison
Ms M Summers
Mr D Thomas
Mr L B Towill
Statement of directors' responsibilities

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

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

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 enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 4 -
Statement of disclosure to auditor

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 company’s auditor 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 company’s auditor is aware of that information.

On behalf of the board
Mr P J F Thomas
Director
4 June 2026
THE TESTING LAB PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF THE TESTING LAB PLC
- 5 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Testing Lab PLC (the 'company') for the period ended 31 March 2026 which comprise the profit and loss account, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity, the 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 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:

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 company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the 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 TESTING LAB PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF THE TESTING LAB PLC (CONTINUED)
- 6 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report and 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:

 

Responsibilities of directors

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

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF THE TESTING LAB PLC (CONTINUED)
- 7 -

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company's member in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's member those matters we are required to state to the member 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 member, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Christopher Howitt (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Henton & Co LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Northgate
118 North Street
Leeds
England
LS2 7PN
4 June 2026
THE TESTING LAB PLC
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 8 -
Period ended
Year ended
31 March
29 September
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
Turnover
2,767,608
5,172,193
Cost of sales
(1,025,764)
(3,524,557)
Gross profit
1,741,844
1,647,636
Administrative expenses
(844,939)
(2,011,033)
Operating profit/(loss)
896,905
(363,397)
Interest payable and similar expenses
(41,762)
(114,241)
Profit/(loss) before taxation
855,143
(477,638)
Tax on profit/(loss)
(96,893)
244,531
Profit/(loss) for the financial period
758,250
(233,107)

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

The notes on pages 12 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2026
31 March 2026
- 9 -
31 March 2026
29 September 2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
4
171,667
181,667
Tangible assets
5
1,046,011
1,110,728
1,217,678
1,292,395
Current assets
Stocks
1,077,071
-
Debtors
6
1,555,572
1,385,302
Cash at bank and in hand
1,352,825
1,484,176
3,985,468
2,869,478
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
7
(906,172)
(692,490)
Net current assets
3,079,296
2,176,988
Total assets less current liabilities
4,296,974
3,469,383
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
8
(443,929)
(545,535)
Provisions for liabilities
(253,138)
(269,191)
Net assets
3,599,907
2,654,657
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
275,100
275,100
Profit and loss reserves
3,324,807
2,379,557
Total equity
3,599,907
2,654,657

The notes on pages 12 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

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

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 4 June 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr P J F Thomas
Director
Company registration number 07352591 (England and Wales)
THE TESTING LAB PLC
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 10 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
Balance at 30 September 2024
275,100
2,742,664
3,017,764
Year ended 29 September 2025:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
(233,107)
(233,107)
Dividends
-
(130,000)
(130,000)
Balance at 29 September 2025
275,100
2,379,557
2,654,657
Period ended 31 March 2026:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
758,250
758,250
Dividends
-
187,000
187,000
Balance at 31 March 2026
275,100
3,324,807
3,599,907

The notes on pages 12 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 11 -
Period ended
Year ended
31 March 2026
29 September 2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
9
(133,557)
217,411
Interest paid
(41,762)
(114,241)
Income taxes refunded/(paid)
1
(344,103)
Net cash outflow from operating activities
(175,318)
(240,933)
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
-
0
(200,000)
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(32,427)
(66,680)
Proceeds from disposal of investments
-
0
316,033
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
(32,427)
49,353
Financing activities
Repayment of bank loans
(2,776)
(5,556)
Payment of finance leases obligations
(107,830)
(197,398)
Dividends paid
187,000
(130,000)
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
76,394
(332,954)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(131,351)
(524,534)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
1,484,176
2,008,710
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
1,352,825
1,484,176

The notes on pages 12 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

The Testing Lab PLC is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 2, James Road Industrial Estate, Adwick-Le-Street, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN6 7HH.

1.1
Reporting period

The company changed its year end accounting reference date during the year to 30 September 2021. Hence these accounts are made up of an 18-month period. Last years financial statements were made up over 12 months and hence the comparatives are non-comparable.

1.2
Basis of preparation

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 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.

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. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.3
Revenue

Revenue comprises sales of goods or services provided to customers net of value added tax and other sales taxes, less an appropriate deduction for actual and expected returns and discounts. Revenue is recognised when performance obligations are satisfied and the control of goods or services is transferred to the buyer. Where the performance obligation is satisfied over time, revenue is recognised in accordance with its progress towards complete satisfaction of that performance obligation.

 

When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the promised consideration is adjusted for the effects of the time value of money, which is recognised as interest income.

The company recognises revenue from the following major sources:

The nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations and significant payment terms of the company's major sources of revenue are as follows:

Environmental testing

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.

Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that are recoverable.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.4
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of unincorporated businesses over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life, which is 10 years.

 

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.

1.5
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation 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:

Software
10 years straight line
1.6
Tangible fixed assets

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:

Leasehold improvements
10% straight line
Plant and equipment
10% straight line
Computer equipment
10% straight line
Motor vehicles
20% straight line

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 credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.7
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible 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 TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -

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.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

1.8
Stocks

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.

 

Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.

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.

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

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.

1.10
Financial instruments

The company 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 company's balance sheet when the company 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 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.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Other financial assets

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

Impairment of financial assets

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.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company 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.

Classification of financial liabilities

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

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, 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.

THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
Other financial liabilities

Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.

 

Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11
Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company 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 company.

1.12
Taxation

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

Current 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 company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

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 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 when the company has 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 TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
1.13
Employee benefits

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.

1.14
Retirement benefits

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

1.15
Leases
As lessee

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 leases asset are consumed.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’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 current and future periods.

3
Employees

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

2026
2025
Number
Number
Total
101
95
THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 18 -
4
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
Other
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 30 September 2025 and 31 March 2026
100,000
100,000
200,000
Amortisation and impairment
At 30 September 2025
10,000
8,333
18,333
Amortisation charged for the period
5,000
5,000
10,000
At 31 March 2026
15,000
13,333
28,333
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
85,000
86,667
171,667
At 29 September 2025
90,000
91,667
181,667
5
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold improvements
Plant and equipment
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 30 September 2025
142,928
1,264,951
202,180
250,997
1,861,056
Additions
-
0
32,427
-
0
-
0
32,427
At 31 March 2026
142,928
1,297,378
202,180
250,997
1,893,483
Depreciation and impairment
At 30 September 2025
56,118
365,305
145,139
183,766
750,328
Depreciation charged in the period
7,146
63,788
10,109
16,101
97,144
At 31 March 2026
63,264
429,093
155,248
199,867
847,472
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
79,664
868,285
46,932
51,130
1,046,011
At 29 September 2025
86,810
899,646
57,041
67,231
1,110,728
6
Debtors
2026
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,337,375
1,201,486
Other debtors
218,197
183,816
1,555,572
1,385,302
THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 19 -
7
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2026
2025
£
£
Bank loans
6,240
6,240
Trade creditors
230,060
122,063
Taxation and social security
453,630
334,126
Other creditors
216,242
230,061
906,172
692,490

Creditors include loans and net obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts which are secured of £206,061 (2025 : £215,061).

8
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2026
2025
£
£
Bank loans and overdrafts
16,910
19,686
Other creditors
427,019
525,849
443,929
545,535

Creditors include loans and net obligations under finance lease and hire purchase contracts which are secured of £427,019 (2025 : £525,849).

9
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
2026
2025
£
£
Profit/(loss) after taxation
758,250
(233,108)
Adjustments for:
Taxation charged/(credited)
96,893
(244,531)
Finance costs
41,762
114,241
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
10,000
18,333
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
97,144
193,204
Movements in working capital:
Increase in stocks
(1,077,071)
-
0
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(170,270)
569,154
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
109,735
(199,883)
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(133,557)
217,410
Difference
-
1
Per cash flow statement page
(133,557)
217,411
THE TESTING LAB PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 20 -
10
Analysis of changes in net funds
30 September 2025
Cash flows
31 March 2026
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
1,484,176
(131,351)
1,352,825
Borrowings excluding overdrafts
(25,926)
2,776
(23,150)
Lease liabilities
(740,910)
107,830
(633,080)
717,340
(20,745)
696,595
2026-03-312025-09-30falsefalsefalseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2026.100Mr S A SwinbourneMr P J F ThomasMr M BeastallMs K G BranstonMr R W BrownMr M J ListerMr D L PaddisonMs M SummersMr D ThomasMr L B TowillMr M Appleyard073525912025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director12025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director22025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director32025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director62025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director72025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director82025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director92025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director102025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:CompanySecretary12025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director52025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Director42025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:RegisteredOffice2025-09-302026-03-31073525912026-03-31073525912024-09-302025-09-2907352591core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-09-302025-09-2907352591core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2025-09-302026-03-31073525912025-09-2907352591core:NetGoodwill2026-03-3107352591core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2026-03-3107352591core:NetGoodwill2025-09-2907352591core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2025-09-2907352591core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2026-03-3107352591core:PlantMachinery2026-03-3107352591core:ComputerEquipment2026-03-3107352591core:MotorVehicles2026-03-3107352591core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2025-09-2907352591core:PlantMachinery2025-09-2907352591core:ComputerEquipment2025-09-2907352591core:MotorVehicles2025-09-2907352591core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2026-03-3107352591core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2025-09-2907352591core:Non-currentFinancialInstrumentscore:AfterOneYear2026-03-3107352591core:Non-currentFinancialInstrumentscore:AfterOneYear2025-09-2907352591core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2025-09-2907352591core:ShareCapital2026-03-3107352591core:ShareCapital2025-09-2907352591core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2026-03-3107352591core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2025-09-2907352591core:ShareCapital2024-09-2907352591core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-09-290735259112025-09-302026-03-310735259112024-09-302025-09-29073525912025-09-29073525912024-09-2907352591core:Goodwill2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:ComputerSoftware2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:PlantMachinery2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:ComputerEquipment2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:MotorVehicles2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:NetGoodwill2025-09-2907352591core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill2025-09-2907352591core:NetGoodwill2025-09-302026-03-3107352591core:LandBuildingscore:OwnedOrFreeholdAssets2025-09-2907352591core:PlantMachinery2025-09-2907352591core:ComputerEquipment2025-09-2907352591core:MotorVehicles2025-09-2907352591core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2026-03-3107352591core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2026-03-3107352591core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments2025-09-2907352591bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:FRS1022025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:Audited2025-09-302026-03-3107352591bus:FullAccounts2025-09-302026-03-31xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP