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REGISTERED NUMBER: 12165148 (England and Wales)









Strategic Report,

Report of the Directors and

Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

Lawrence Stephens Limited

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)






Contents of the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025




Page

Company Information 1

Strategic Report 2

Report of the Directors 4

Report of the Independent Auditors 6

Statement of Income and Retained Earnings 8

Statement of Financial Position 9

Statement of Cash Flows 10

Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows 11

Notes to the Financial Statements 12


Lawrence Stephens Limited

Company Information
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025







DIRECTORS: Mr S Bernstein
Mr D Schwarz
Mr J.L. Rubenstein
Mr G Palos
Mr S. Messias
Mr L. Kelly
Mr A J Conway
Miss G M Banan





REGISTERED OFFICE: 50 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3HE





REGISTERED NUMBER: 12165148 (England and Wales)





AUDITORS: Parker Cavendish
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditor
Suite 301, Stanmore Business
and Innovation Centre
Howard Road
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 1FW

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Strategic Report
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2025.

REVIEW OF BUSINESS
In accordance with The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 the directors set out the following review of the business.

The profit for the year after taxation is £277,474 (2024 - £676,552).

The group's key financial performance indicators are as follows:
12 months 8 months
2025 2024
£'000 £'000

Turnover 22,231 11,909
Operating profit 1,392 1,117
EBITDA 2,842 2,070
Post tax profit for the financial year/period 277 675
Shareholder's equity 360 2,244
Cash 60 10
Debt 3,919 4,586

The financial year ending 31 March 2025 represented another period of growth for the firm. The business continued to build on its established practice areas while investing in strategic growth initiatives. It was another year of substantial increase in the firm's headcount, culminating in the recruitment of 7 new partners, and over 20 people in total, as part of a significant lateral hire.

The firm continued its move towards increasing specialisation in its key practice areas of acting for financial institutions and for entrepreneurial, owner-managed SMEs and the founders of those businesses. This included the recruitment of our first tax partner, a substantial strengthening of our commercial property team, and growing our employment department to meet the demands of our corporate clients.

The corporate department continued to benefit from increased M&A activity whilst the real estate finance and banking teams were able to onboard a significant number of new lender clients, which also required us to increase our real estate disputes department. There was also increased activity within our residential real estate department, including the new build team, where a large number of new developer clients were onboarded. We also restructured our family department.

The firm continued to benefit from the strong relationships that exist with its corporate clients, meaning that many clients were instructing the firm across multiple departments.

The firm continued to experience cost pressures, particularly in relation to salary increases and operational expenses, which were managed through careful cost control and improved utilisation of fee earners. Investment was also made in technology and operational systems to improve efficiency and enhance client service delivery.
The firm operates in a competitive legal market and is exposed to fluctuations in client demand driven by wider economic conditions. The business is dependent on the continued contribution of key personnel, and the firm actively manages this risk through recruitment and retention.

As a regulated entity, the firm is subject to compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements and other applicable regulations. Robust internal policies and procedures are in place to mitigate regulatory risk.
The firm also recognises the importance of cybersecurity and data protection and continues to invest in systems and controls to safeguard client information.

The directors remain cautiously optimistic about the firm's prospects for the coming year. While macroeconomic conditions remain uncertain, the firm is well positioned due to its diversified practice areas, established client base and continued investment in people and infrastructure.

The firm will continue to focus on profitable growth, operational efficiency and delivering high-quality legal services to its clients.


Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Strategic Report
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The directors regularly review and evaluate various risks applicable to the company.

Market and Competitive Risk
The directors believe that the principal risks and uncertainties which the business faces result from the changing nature of the market in which it operates and the associated and continuing price and cost pressures in the economy generally.

Liquidity risks
The company's principal financial risk is cash.The company manages its cash and borrowing requirements daily to ensure it has sufficient working capital resources to meet the operating needs of its business. Where necessary the Company looks to its bankers, other lenders and Directors for support as appropriate.

Taxation risk
The company is exposed to financial risks from increases in tax rates and changes to the basis of taxation including corporation tax and VAT.

Credit risk
All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Receivable balances are monitored on an on-going basis and provision is made for doubtful debts where necessary.

Cyber risk
With a growing reliance on the IT infrastructure to manage the business operations there is a risk of cyber-attack.
The company has robust systems in place to deal with this threat and staff are regularly reminded to be vigilant to reduce the chances of an attack taking place and the Company has adequate insurance in place should it fall victim to such an event.

Recruitment, development and retention of a quality team
The company continues to maintain its positive and vibrant culture , promoting diversity and inclusion and an ethos that helps engender a quality workplace whilst nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit that will enable our staff to meet the challenges ahead. The company's staff are an integral part of our success story.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:





Mr S Bernstein - Director


22 June 2026

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Report of the Directors
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The directors present their report with the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of the provision of legal services.

DIVIDENDS
During the year the company paid total dividends of £2,160,713 (2024: £1,195,258) on all classes of shares.

DIRECTORS
The directors shown below have held office during the whole of the year from 1 April 2024 to the date of this report.

Mr S Bernstein
Mr D Schwarz
Mr J.L. Rubenstein
Mr G Palos
Mr S. Messias
Mr L. Kelly
Mr A J Conway
Miss G M Banan


Other changes in directors holding office are as follows:

Mr M Green - appointed 18 June 2024
Mr A J Edwards - appointed 24 June 2024
Ms A Y Ebberson - appointed 1 July 2024
Mr J Richards - appointed 1 August 2024
Ms E Wood - appointed 1 August 2024
Ms R Coulthard - appointed 1 August 2024
Mr A Yeganeh - appointed 1 August 2024
Ms Zangana - appointed 1 August 2024
Mr D Holden - appointed 13 November 2024
Mr C Cagney - appointed 3 February 2025
Mr S Silverman - appointed 3 February 2025
Mr N Mandora - appointed 3 February 2025
Mr C Aynsley - appointed 3 February 2025
Mr M Hind - appointed 12 February 2025
Mr S Clinning - appointed 17 February 2025
Mrs J A Mackie - resigned 30 April 2024
Mr J Patel - resigned 30 April 2024
Mr G I Mendelsohn - resigned 24 July 2024
Mr A Panteli - resigned 28 February 2025

Mrs N Bhola, Mr A Bose-Mallick, Ms A Y Ebberson, Mr A J Edwards, Mr A Yeganeh, Mr C Cagney, Ms C L Allan, Mr C Mullen, Mrs C A Russell and Mr N T S Marshall ceased to be directors after 31 March 2025 but prior to the date of this report.

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Report of the Directors 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), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

-select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.


Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Report of the Directors
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued
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.

STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the company's auditors are unaware, and each director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information.

AUDITORS
The auditors, Parker Cavendish, are deemed to be reappointed under Section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:





Mr S Bernstein - Director


22 June 2026

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of
Lawrence Stephens Limited

Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Lawrence Stephens Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows and Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows, Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:
-give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its profit for the year then ended;
-have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the 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 directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors, but does not include the financial statements and our Report of the Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether 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 the audit:
- the information given in the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the Strategic Report and the Report of the Directors have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Report of the Directors.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of
Lawrence Stephens Limited


Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on pages four and five, 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 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.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Auditors 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:

- Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of large or otherwise unusual journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness;

- Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with the applicable laws and regulations;

- Review of legal and professional nominal accounts for indications of any actual or potential litigation;

- Reviewing correspondence and discussing with those charged with governance for evidence of any actual or potential litigation or non-compliance with laws or regulations;

- Review of accounting estimates for indications of management bias.

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 Report of the Auditors.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in a Report of the Auditors 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.




Marco Gazza (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Parker Cavendish
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditor
Suite 301, Stanmore Business
and Innovation Centre
Howard Road
Stanmore
Middlesex
HA7 1FW

22 June 2026

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Statement of Income and Retained Earnings
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
Notes £    £   

TURNOVER 3 22,231,436 11,908,742

Administrative expenses (20,839,307 ) (10,792,190 )
OPERATING PROFIT 5 1,392,129 1,116,552

Interest receivable and similar income 375,931 384,737
1,768,060 1,501,289

Interest payable and similar expenses 6 (850,724 ) (284,441 )
PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION 917,336 1,216,848

Tax on profit 7 (639,862 ) (541,296 )
PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 277,474 675,552

Retained earnings at beginning of year 2,243,566 2,763,272

Dividends 8 (2,160,713 ) (1,195,258 )

RETAINED EARNINGS AT END OF YEAR 360,327 2,243,566

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Statement of Financial Position
31 March 2025

2025 2024
as restated
Notes £    £   
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 10 6,049,992 7,149,996
Tangible assets 11 1,167,638 1,452,531
7,217,630 8,602,527

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 12 9,831,893 8,626,869
Cash at bank and in hand 60,470 9,894
9,892,363 8,636,763
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 13 (15,744,046 ) (13,334,587 )
NET CURRENT LIABILITIES (5,851,683 ) (4,697,824 )
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES

1,365,947

3,904,703

CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than one
year

14

(986,369

)

(1,641,846

)

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES 18 (17,951 ) (17,951 )
NET ASSETS 361,627 2,244,906

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 19 1,300 1,340
Retained earnings 20 360,327 2,243,566
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 361,627 2,244,906

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 22 June 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:




Mr S Bernstein - Director



Mr J.L. Rubenstein - Director


Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Statement of Cash Flows
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
Notes £    £   
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 1 4,797,052 1,458,709
Interest paid (850,724 ) (284,441 )
Tax paid (1,023,725 ) (1,038,272 )
Net cash from operating activities 2,922,603 135,996

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (64,939 ) (800,687 )
Interest received 375,931 384,737
Net cash from investing activities 310,992 (415,950 )

Cash flows from financing activities
Movement in Loans 5,011 1,460,136
Finance leases repayments in period (317,915 ) 418,403
Amount withdrawn by directors (355,059 ) (1,221,150 )
Share buyback (40 ) -
Equity dividends paid (2,160,713 ) (1,195,258 )
Net cash from financing activities (2,828,716 ) (537,869 )

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 404,879 (817,823 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year

2

(436,596

)

381,227

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2 (31,717 ) (436,596 )

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS

Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Profit before taxation 917,336 1,216,848
Depreciation charges 1,449,836 953,790
Finance costs 850,724 284,441
Finance income (375,931 ) (384,737 )
2,841,965 2,070,342
Increase in trade and other debtors (1,205,025 ) (1,666,017 )
Increase in trade and other creditors 3,160,112 1,054,384
Cash generated from operations 4,797,052 1,458,709

2. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The amounts disclosed on the Statement of Cash Flows in respect of cash and cash equivalents are in respect of these Statement of Financial Position amounts:

Year ended 31 March 2025
31.3.25 1.4.24
£    £   
Cash and cash equivalents 60,470 9,894
Bank overdrafts (92,187 ) (446,490 )
(31,717 ) (436,596 )
Period ended 31 March 2024
31.3.24 1.8.23
as restated
£    £   
Cash and cash equivalents 9,894 381,227
Bank overdrafts (446,490 ) -
(436,596 ) 381,227


3. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT

At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25
£    £    £   
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand 9,894 50,576 60,470
Bank overdrafts (446,490 ) 354,303 (92,187 )
(436,596 ) 404,879 (31,717 )
Debt
Finance leases (1,131,684 ) 317,915 (813,769 )
Debts falling due within 1 year (2,291,593 ) (296,848 ) (2,588,441 )
Debts falling due after 1 year (716,493 ) 291,836 (424,657 )
(4,139,770 ) 312,903 (3,826,867 )
Total (4,576,366 ) 717,782 (3,858,584 )

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. STATUTORY INFORMATION

Lawrence Stephens Limited is a private company, limited by shares , registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Company Information page.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Significant judgements and estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the accounting policies selected by the Company. When preparing the Financial Statements management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions which affect reported income, expenses, assets and liabilities. Use of available information and application of judgement are inherent in the formation of estimates, together with management's expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Directors consider that the significant estimates included in the financial statements concern the recognition of revenue on unbilled contracts and the amortisation of goodwill.

Revenue
Revenue represents amounts recoverable from clients for professional services provided during the period. It is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable on each client assignment, including expenses and disbursements but excluding Value Added Tax. Revenue is recognised when earned and when a right to consideration has been obtained through performance under each contract. Consideration accrues as contract activity progresses by reference to the value of the work performed.

Unbilled revenue is included within debtors as "Amounts recoverable on contracts".

Revenue is only recognised where the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and it is probable that the economic benefits will be received.

Goodwill
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a business on 1 October 2020 is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses, if any. Amortisation is calculated on a straight line basis and goodwill is being amortised over its expected useful life of ten years. Amortisation charges are reported within operating expenses in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Retained Earnings. Goodwill is reviewed annually by the Directors for impairment.

Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Short leasehold - straight line over the life of the lease
Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.In preparing the financial statements, management has applied the overarching concept of substance over form. Transactions are accounted for and presented in accordance with their economic reality to provide relevant and reliable financial information, irrespective of their strict legal form. As a result assets held under leases where the company assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are capitalised at their fair value at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability is recorded as a finance lease obligation. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful economic life. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and the reduction of the lease obligation using the effective interest method so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Financial instruments

Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are measured at transation price, less any impairment.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and deposits with financial institutions which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade and other creditors
Trade and other creditors are initially recorded at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, inluding bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Taxation
Taxation for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Income Statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

Current or deferred taxation assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Current tax is recognised at the amount of tax payable using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the statement of financial position date.

Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the year end and that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for the Directors and staff. Contributions payable to the company's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate.

Going concern
When assessing going concern the Board of Directors have considered the firm's cost base and short-term liquidity. Forecasts have been prepared to cover a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. These have been stress tested by the Board of Directors and they remain confident that the company has adequate resources to continue trading. The business continues to produce daily cash flows to ensure that the cash position of the company is monitored in real time.

The company is currently in advanced negotiations to refinance its existing borrowings, repay debt and obtain additional working capital to help facilitate the growth in it's business.The senior Directors have also confirmed their intention to provide such financial support if necessary to enable the company to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

Based on this support and the review of projected cash flows, the Directors are satisfied that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

3. TURNOVER

The turnover and profit before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the company.

4. EMPLOYEES AND DIRECTORS
Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Wages and salaries 13,005,389 6,500,410
Other pension costs 236,081 135,410
13,241,470 6,635,820

The average number of employees during the year was as follows:
Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated

Accounts and administration 30 25
Professional 124 103
154 128

Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Directors' remuneration 3,688,473 1,871,864

Information regarding the highest paid director is as follows:
Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Emoluments etc 337,009 283,805

5. OPERATING PROFIT

The operating profit is stated after charging:

Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Other operating leases 426,809 339,783
Depreciation - owned assets 349,832 220,458
Goodwill amortisation 1,100,004 733,333
Auditors' remuneration 55,000 25,000

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6. INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR EXPENSES
Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Interest payable 559,594 245,426
Interest on overdue tax 291,130 39,015
850,724 284,441

7. TAXATION

Analysis of the tax charge
The tax charge on the profit for the year was as follows:
Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Current tax:
UK corporation tax 639,862 546,090

Deferred tax - (4,794 )
Tax on profit 639,862 541,296

Reconciliation of total tax charge included in profit and loss
The tax assessed for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK. The difference is explained below:

Period
1.8.23
Year ended to
31.3.25 31.3.24
as restated
£    £   
Profit before tax 917,336 1,216,848
Profit multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25%
(2024 - 25%)

229,334

304,212

Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 373,930 51,080
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances 36,598 190,797
Deferred tax - (4,793 )
Total tax charge 639,862 541,296

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

8. DIVIDENDS


31.3.2531.3.24
££   

Ordinary A shares500,000250,000
Ordinary B shares68,75034,369
Ordinary C shares1,591,963910,869
-----------------------------
Total2,160,7131,195,258
-----------------------------

9. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

During the year, the directors reviewed the accounting treatment of certain leasehold improvements and related equipment. Following this review, it was concluded that these assets should be recognised within tangible fixed assets to better reflect the substance of the arrangements and the future economic benefits derived from them. Accordingly, the comparative figures have been restated to recognise the assets within tangible fixed assets and to provide for depreciation over their estimated useful economic lives.

10. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Goodwill
£   
COST
At 1 April 2024
and 31 March 2025 11,000,000
AMORTISATION
At 1 April 2024 3,850,004
Amortisation for year 1,100,004
At 31 March 2025 4,950,008
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 6,049,992
At 31 March 2024 7,149,996

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
Short and
leasehold fittings Totals
£    £    £   
COST
At 1 April 2024 522,515 1,325,572 1,848,087
Additions - 64,939 64,939
At 31 March 2025 522,515 1,390,511 1,913,026
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024 24,068 371,488 395,556
Charge for year 5,050 344,782 349,832
At 31 March 2025 29,118 716,270 745,388
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 493,397 674,241 1,167,638
At 31 March 2024 498,447 954,084 1,452,531

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Trade debtors 5,546,986 3,986,440
Amounts recoverable on
contracts 3,353,478 3,704,833
Other debtors 24,028 8,651
Prepayments and accrued income 907,401 926,945
9,831,893 8,626,869

13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 15) 389,244 732,090
Other loans (see note 15) 2,291,384 2,005,993
Finance leases (see note 16) 252,057 206,331
Trade creditors 1,125,997 904,895
Tax 1,156,674 1,540,537
Social security and other taxes 2,208,164 851,284
VAT 980,670 740,995
Directors' current accounts 4,813,907 5,168,966
Accruals and deferred income 2,525,949 1,183,496
15,744,046 13,334,587

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Bank loans (see note 15) 424,657 716,493
Finance leases (see note 16) 561,712 925,353
986,369 1,641,846

15. LOANS

An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:

2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Amounts falling due within one year or on demand:
Bank overdrafts 92,187 446,490
Bank loans 297,057 285,600
Other loans 2,291,384 2,005,993
2,680,628 2,738,083

Amounts falling due between one and two years:
Bank loans - 1-2 years 211,998 297,056

Amounts falling due between two and five years:
Bank loans - 2-5 years 212,659 419,437

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

16. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments fall due as follows:

Finance leases
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Net obligations repayable:
Within one year 252,057 206,331
Between one and five years 561,712 925,353
813,769 1,131,684

Non-cancellable
operating leases
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Within one year 803,188 644,525
Between one and five years 3,083,367 3,252,304
In more than five years 1,268,500 1,902,750
5,155,055 5,799,579

17. SECURED DEBTS

The following secured debts are included within creditors:

2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Bank loans 721,714 1,002,093

The company's bank loans are secured by a first debenture over the assets of the company.

The senior directors have given a joint and several personal guarantee in respect of the bank overdraft.

In the financial year ended 31 July 2022, the company borrowed £1,000,000 under the Government Recovery Loan Scheme. The BEIS have provided a guarantee for 70% of the company's post-recovery liabilities up to the loan amount. In addition the senior directors have given a joint and several personal guarantee in respect of the loan limited to £200,000. At the balance sheet date the sum of £608,776 (2024: £815,554) was outstanding.

18. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Deferred tax 17,951 17,951

Deferred
tax
£   
Balance at 1 April 2024 17,951
Balance at 31 March 2025 17,951

Lawrence Stephens Limited (Registered number: 12165148)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

19. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Allotted, issued and fully paid:

Number Class Nominal value 2025 2024
as restated
£ £
100,000 Ordinary - A shares £0.1 1,000 1,000
10,000 Ordinary - B shares £0.1 100 100
20,000 Ordinary - C shares £0.1 200 240
1 Ordinary - D shares £0.1 - -
..............
130,001 1,300 1,340
..............

During the year, the company issued 1 Ordinary D shares of £0.1 each, and purchased 4,000 Ordinary C shares from exiting shareholders for a consideration of £2.

20. RESERVES
Retained
earnings
£   

At 1 April 2024 2,243,566
Profit for the year 277,474
Dividends (2,160,713 )
At 31 March 2025 360,327

21. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY

The company is not under the control of any one individual.