Company registration number 06191865 (England and Wales)
Watts Farms Packers Limited
Annual report and financial statements
For the year ended 30 September 2025
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
J Cottingham
A M Gray
M B Gray
E D B Gray
Company number
06191865
Registered office
Section A, Unit 14
Mills Road
Quarry Wood Industrial Estate
AYLESFORD
Kent
ME20 7NA
Auditor
DJH Audit Limited
Nexus House
2 Cray Road
Sidcup
Kent
DA14 5DA
Watts Farms Packers Limited
Contents
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Directors' responsibilities statement
5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 8
Profit and loss account
9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Statement of cash flows
12
Notes to the financial statements
13 - 24
Watts Farms Packers Limited
Strategic report
For the year ended 30 September 2025
- 1 -

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

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company is the growing, packaging and distribution of fresh produce.

 

Watts Farms Packers Limited is a fresh produce company specialising in the growing, packing and distribution of leaf, herbs, legumes, asparagus, spinach and other vegetables. It farms over 600 hectares in Kent and Essex, distributing to retailers, wholesalers, processors and packers via its sister company, Watts Farms (Sales) Limited.

 

It supplies the majority of its products 52 weeks of the year. When Watts Farms Packers Limited does not have a UK grown product, it imports from both the fellow group company, Quinta Fresca, in Portugal and from its other growing partners abroad, most of whom have been trading with the company over many years.

Review of the business

Turnover levels were slightly lower - £18.9m FY25 (£21.7m FY24) - but GP margins show an increase to 12.7% (10.6% FY24).

 

The business also continues to provide support to its Portugal operation, which represents a part of the procurement programme for each winter season to ensure supply of high-quality produce to our customers.

 

The overall net loss for FY25 was reported at £387k - slightly higher than the £379k loss for FY24.

 

Principal risks and uncertainties

 

In common with other businesses operating in the farming sector, the company’s performance is susceptible to fluctuating producer prices, increased competition from imports and falling or static consumption of certain vegetable and salad produce. In addition, turnover for the individual farm can fluctuate from year to year depending on the range of crops grown, crop yields, the level of producer prices, the quality of each crop and wastage.

 

Weather conditions also play a large part in determining yields, quality and demand, which is largely out of the control of the producer. In the winter period, when there is limited UK supply of produce, the business relies on European suppliers to deliver produce to the UK.

 

It is the directors’ view that the business can withstand anticipated detrimental impacts such as those referred to above and still have the resources to trade successfully over the coming FY26.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watts Farms Packers Limited
Strategic report (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 September 2025
- 2 -
Key performance indicators

Management use a range of performance measures to monitor and manage the business. The main KPIs used to determine the progress and performance are set out below:

 

Turnover

Turnover has decreased by 14.4% to £18.9m (£21.7m, FY24).

 

Gross Profit

The company's gross profit as a percentage of turnover has increased to 12.7% (10.6%, FY24).

 

Operating Loss

The operating loss was £387k (£379k, FY24).

 

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet shows that the company’s net liabilities have increased from £1.46m to £1.84m at the end of FY25.

 

On behalf of the board

J Cottingham
Director
26 June 2026
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 3 -

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

Results and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 9.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.

Directors

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

J Cottingham
A M Gray
M B Gray
E D B Gray
Financial instruments

Objectives and policies

 

The company’s principal financial instruments include bank overdrafts, loans and hire purchase arrangements, the main purpose of which is to provide finance for its operations. In addition, the company has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade debtors and trade creditors arising directly from operations.

 

Investment of cash surpluses and borrowings are made through banks and institutions which must fulfil credit rating criteria approved by the Board. All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures, and trade debtors are reviewed on a regular basis with provision made for doubtful debts when necessary.

 

Price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow risk

 

The company operates a treasury function which is responsible for managing the liquidity, interest and currency risk associated with its activities.

 

The company manages its cash and borrowing requirements in order to maximise interest income and minimise interest expense, whilst ensuring it has sufficient liquid resources to meet the operating needs of the business.

 

The company is exposed to fair value interest rate risk on its fixed rate borrowings and cash flow interest rate risk on bank overdrafts and loans.

 

Future developments and post balance sheet events

 

It is expected the company will continue to operate within the scope of its existing activities for the foreseeable future. Further details are provided in the ‘Fair Review’ section of the Strategic Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 4 -
Statement of disclosure to auditor

Each director has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that information. The directors confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditors are unaware.

On behalf of the board
J Cottingham
Director
26 June 2026
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 5 -

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.

Watts Farms Packers Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Watts Farms Packers Limited
- 6 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Watts Farms Packers Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 30 September 2025 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:

Watts Farms Packers Limited
Independent auditor's report (CONTINUED)
To the members of Watts Farms Packers Limited
- 7 -
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 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.

Discussions were held with, and enquiries made of, management and those charged with governance with a view to identifying those laws and regulations that could be expected to have a material impact on the financial statements. During the engagement team briefing, the outcomes of these discussions and enquiries were shared with the team, as well as consideration as to where and how fraud may occur in the entity.

 

The following laws and regulations were identified as being of significance to the entity:

 

Audit procedures undertaken in response to the potential risks relating to irregularities (which include fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations) comprised of: inquiries of management and those charged with governance as to whether the entity complies with such laws and regulations; enquiries with the same concerning any actual or potential litigation or claims; inspection of relevant legal correspondence; review of board minutes; testing the appropriateness of entries in the nominal ledger, including journal entries; reviewing transactions around the end of the reporting period; and the performance of analytical procedures to identify unexpected movements in account balances which may be indicative of fraud.

 

 

Watts Farms Packers Limited
Independent auditor's report (CONTINUED)
To the members of Watts Farms Packers Limited
- 8 -

No instances of material non-compliance were identified. However, the likelihood of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is limited by the inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities, the effectiveness of the entity's controls, and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities that result from fraud might be inherently more difficult to detect than irregularities that result from error. As explained above, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements may not be detected, even though the audit has been planned and performed in accordance with ISAs (UK).

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.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Nigel Ling (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of DJH Audit Limited, Statutory Auditor
Accountants
Nexus House
2 Cray Road
Sidcup
Kent
DA14 5DA
26 June 2026
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 9 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
18,943,082
21,667,561
Cost of sales
(16,543,686)
(19,364,337)
Gross profit
2,399,396
2,303,224
Administrative expenses
(3,135,820)
(3,259,232)
Other operating income
354,138
578,355
Operating loss
4
(382,286)
(377,653)
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(4,796)
(1,609)
Loss before taxation
(387,082)
(379,262)
Tax on loss
9
-
0
-
0
Loss for the financial year
(387,082)
(379,262)

No Statement of Comprehensive Income has been presented as there is no movement through other comprehensive income for the year.

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
30 SEPTEMBER 2025
30 September 2025
- 10 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
582,738
584,671
Current assets
Stocks
12
1,541,525
1,618,286
Debtors
13
13,371,897
8,933,887
Cash at bank and in hand
1,095
6,239
14,914,517
10,558,412
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
14
(17,339,730)
(12,598,476)
Net current liabilities
(2,425,213)
(2,040,064)
Net liabilities
(1,842,475)
(1,455,393)
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
16
100
100
Share premium account
171,839
171,839
Profit and loss reserves
(2,014,414)
(1,627,332)
Total equity
(1,842,475)
(1,455,393)
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 26 June 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
J Cottingham
Director
Company registration number 06191865 (England and Wales)
Watts Farms Packers Limited
Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 September 2025
- 11 -
Share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 October 2023
100
171,839
(1,248,070)
(1,076,131)
Year ended 30 September 2024:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
-
(379,262)
(379,262)
Balance at 30 September 2024
100
171,839
(1,627,332)
(1,455,393)
Year ended 30 September 2025:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
-
(387,082)
(387,082)
Balance at 30 September 2025
100
171,839
(2,014,414)
(1,842,475)
Watts Farms Packers Limited
Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 September 2025
- 12 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
19
97,800
80,896
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(106,648)
(95,385)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
8,500
-
0
Net cash used in investing activities
(98,148)
(95,385)
Financing activities
Interest paid
(4,796)
(1,609)
Net cash used in financing activities
(4,796)
(1,609)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(5,144)
(16,098)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
6,239
22,337
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
1,095
6,239
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 13 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Watts Farms Packers Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office and principal place of business is Section A, Unit 14, Mills Road, Quarry Wood Industrial Estate, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NA.

1.1
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.

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.

1.2
Going concern

The directors are of the view that the budgets and forecasts for the next twelve months are realistic and achievable.true

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. This assumption is based on the company’s ability to manage cash flows and settle short term liabilities as they fall due using the various financial resources at its disposal, including cash generated from the sale of group property post year end and ongoing facilities offered by funders and the support of Directors and certain related parties.

In addition, the Portuguese growing activity at Quinta Fresca, now operating on a targeted, smaller scale, will continue to help the directors evaluate business performance and ease the financial pressures experienced across the group in recent years, enabling the business to assess the future viability of this part of the group.

1.3
Revenue

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and provision of services in the ordinary course of the company’s activities. Revenue is shown net of sales/value added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the company.

The company recognises revenue when:

- the amount of revenue can be reliably measured;

- it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity;

- and specific criteria have been met for each of the company's activities

1.4
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill

Goodwill is amortised over its useful life, which shall not exceed 5 years if a reliable estimate of the useful life cannot be made.

1.5
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:

Plant and equipment
15% reducing balance
Motor vehicles
3-5 years 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.

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -

 

1.6
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.

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.

1.7
Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

The cost of growing and harvested crops comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. The cost of raw materials and consumables (mainly packaging, fertilisers and chemicals) comprises the price charged by suppliers. At each reporting date, stocks are assessed for impairment. If stocks are impaired, the carrying amount is reduced to its selling price less costs to complete and sell; the impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 

Perennial crops such as asparagus, chives, mint etc. can be harvested multiple times over a number of years. Such crops have a first year production cost which in turn becomes a ‘standing cost’ that is ‘depreciated’ on a straight line basis over the expected useful life of each perennial crop type. Such crops are biological assets under FRS 102 where the cost method has been adopted.

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.

1.8
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.

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
1.9
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.

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.

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
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.

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.

1.10
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.

1.11
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.

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -

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.

1.12
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.

1.13
Retirement benefits

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

1.14
Leases
As lessee

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.

1.15
Government grants

The company has adopted the accrual model for accounting for government grants. Grants relating to

revenue are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the same period as the related costs for which the grant is intended to compensate. Grants relating to assets are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the expected useful life of the asset.

1.16
Foreign exchange

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated into the respective functional currency of the entity at the rates prevailing on the reporting period date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the initial transaction dates.

Non-monetary items measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

1.17

Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Equity instruments are measured at the fair value of the cash on other resources received or receivable, net of the direct costs of issuing the equity instruments. If payment is deferred and the time value of money is material, the initial measurement is on a present value basis.

WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 18 -
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.

 

Specifically, judgements and estimates are required in determining the useful economic lives of fixed assets, the valuation of stock, the recoverability of trade debtors and the use of the going concern basis of preparation.

 

 

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
Turnover and other revenue
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Sales of goods
18,902,453
21,638,053
Other income
40,629
29,508
18,943,082
21,667,561
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
UK
18,943,082
21,667,561
2025
2024
£
£
Other operating income
Grants received
234,240
325,127
Rental income
225,042
253,228

Income from government grants consists of grants received from the Rural Payments Agency of £234,240 (2024: £325,127).

4
Operating loss
2025
2024
Operating loss for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Exchange losses/(gains)
52,572
(3,173)
Government grants
(234,240)
(325,127)
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
104,773
114,414
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(4,692)
-
Operating lease charges
753,201
708,554
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 19 -
5
Auditor's remuneration
2025
2024
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
12,000
13,500
6
Employees

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

2025
2024
Number
Number
Direct staff
156
208
Administration and support
11
10
Total
167
218

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
5,464,357
6,052,746
Social security costs
619,536
540,464
Pension costs
53,654
59,042
6,137,547
6,652,252
7
Directors' remuneration
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
288,638
353,008
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
1,265
1,321
289,903
354,329

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

 

Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
199,468
232,485
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 20 -
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2025
2024
£
£
Interest on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Other interest on financial liabilities
2,541
-
0
Other finance costs
Interest on finance leases and hire purchase contracts
2,255
1,609
4,796
1,609
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 21 -
9
Taxation

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

2025
2024
£
£
Loss before taxation
(387,082)
(379,262)
Expected tax credit based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
(96,771)
(94,816)
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
1,199
75
Unutilised tax losses carried forward
105,927
94,615
Tax increase/(decrease) from effect of capital allowances and depreciation
(10,355)
126
Taxation charge for the year
-
-

The company has unused tax losses of £1.9m (2024: £3.6m) for which a deferred tax asset is recognised on the balance of losses necessary to offset against the deferred tax liability in relation to accelerated capital allowances.

10
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
£
Cost
At 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025
400,000
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025
400,000
Carrying amount
At 30 September 2025
-
0
At 30 September 2024
-
0
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 22 -
11
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 October 2024
2,970,634
387,356
3,357,990
Additions
93,648
13,000
106,648
Disposals
(7,750)
-
0
(7,750)
At 30 September 2025
3,056,532
400,356
3,456,888
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 October 2024
2,399,440
373,879
2,773,319
Depreciation charged in the year
95,167
9,606
104,773
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(3,942)
-
0
(3,942)
At 30 September 2025
2,490,665
383,485
2,874,150
Carrying amount
At 30 September 2025
565,867
16,871
582,738
At 30 September 2024
571,194
13,477
584,671
12
Stocks
2025
2024
£
£
Raw materials and consumables
619,214
583,645
Goods for resale
72,627
85,819
Growing and harvested crops
849,684
948,822
1,541,525
1,618,286

Growing and harvested crops include biological assets (i.e. perennial crops such as asparagus, chives and mint). Perennials had a carrying value at the beginning of the year of £179,702, there were no new plantings, and depreciation of £23,385, leaving a carrying value at the year-end of £156,317.

13
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
2,922,566
3,293,845
Amounts owed by group undertakings
9,770,741
4,922,150
Other debtors
132,056
244,611
Prepayments and accrued income
546,534
473,281
13,371,897
8,933,887
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 23 -
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
Trade creditors
2,787,663
2,600,453
Amounts owed to group undertakings
13,721,366
8,832,290
Taxation and social security
347,015
232,716
Other creditors
11,600
12,047
Accruals and deferred income
472,086
920,970
17,339,730
12,598,476
15
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
53,654
59,042

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

16
Share capital
2025
2024
2025
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
of £1 each
100
100
100
100
17
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

The company's bank borrowing is subject to a cross guarantee and debenture between Watts Farms Fresh Produce Holdings Limited, Watts Farms (Sales) Limited, Watts Farms Catering Limited & Watts Farms Packers Limited dated 21 February 2019. The amount guaranteed is £144,716 (2024: £2,990,373).

18
Operating lease commitments
As lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
Within 1 year
250,618
143,750
Years 2-5
575,000
575,000
After 5 years
288,288
432,038
1,113,906
1,150,788
WATTS FARMS PACKERS LIMITED
Watts Farms Packers Limited
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
- 24 -
19
Cash generated from operations
2025
2024
£
£
Loss after taxation
(387,082)
(379,262)
Adjustments for:
Finance costs
4,796
1,609
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(4,692)
-
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
104,773
114,414
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
76,761
(24,604)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(4,438,010)
3,207,156
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
4,741,254
(2,838,417)
Cash generated from operations
97,800
80,896
20
Analysis of changes in net funds
1 October 2024
Cash flows
30 September 2025
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
6,239
(5,144)
1,095
21
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties

The.company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 102 33.1A "Related Party Disclosures" from disclosing transactions with other members of the group.

 

22
Ultimate controlling party

The company was controlled by Watts Farms Fresh Produce Holdings Limited which is the ultimate parent company and in which theses financial statements are consolidated. In the opinion of the directors, there is no ultimate controlling party.

Copies of the consolidated financial statements can be obtained from Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.

2025-09-302024-10-01falsefalsefalseCCH SoftwareCCH Accounts Production 2026.100J CottinghamA M GrayM B GrayE D B Gray061918652024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:Director12024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:Director22024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:Director32024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:Director42024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:RegisteredOffice2024-10-012025-09-30061918652025-09-30061918652023-10-012024-09-3006191865core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-10-012024-09-3006191865core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-10-012025-09-30061918652024-09-3006191865core:PlantMachinery2025-09-3006191865core:MotorVehicles2025-09-3006191865core:PlantMachinery2024-09-3006191865core:MotorVehicles2024-09-3006191865core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2025-09-3006191865core:CurrentFinancialInstrumentscore:WithinOneYear2024-09-3006191865core:ShareCapital2025-09-3006191865core:ShareCapital2024-09-3006191865core:SharePremium2025-09-3006191865core:SharePremium2024-09-3006191865core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2025-09-3006191865core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2024-09-3006191865core:ShareCapital2023-09-3006191865core:SharePremium2023-09-3006191865core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses2023-09-3006191865core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12025-09-3006191865core:ShareCapitalOrdinaryShareClass12024-09-30061918652024-09-30061918652023-09-3006191865core:Goodwill2024-10-012025-09-3006191865core:PlantMachinery2024-10-012025-09-3006191865core:MotorVehicles2024-10-012025-09-3006191865core:UKTax2024-10-012025-09-3006191865core:UKTax2023-10-012024-09-300619186512024-10-012025-09-300619186512023-10-012024-09-3006191865core:Goodwill2024-09-3006191865core:Goodwill2025-09-3006191865core:Goodwill2024-09-3006191865core:PlantMachinery2024-09-3006191865core:MotorVehicles2024-09-3006191865core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2025-09-3006191865core:CurrentFinancialInstruments2024-09-3006191865bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:OrdinaryShareClass12025-09-3006191865bus:OrdinaryShareClass12024-09-3006191865core:WithinOneYear2025-09-3006191865core:WithinOneYear2024-09-3006191865core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2025-09-3006191865core:BetweenTwoFiveYears2024-09-3006191865core:MoreThanFiveYears2025-09-3006191865core:MoreThanFiveYears2024-09-3006191865bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd2024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:FRS1022024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:Audited2024-10-012025-09-3006191865bus:FullAccounts2024-10-012025-09-30xbrli:purexbrli:sharesiso4217:GBP