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

Despite a challenging market, 2025 has been another positive year for Paxton group.

In brief, the group did not grow during the year, with turnover decreasing by 1.3% (2024: 0.7% increase) and gross profit increasing by 2.1% (2024: 9.7%). At the same time administrative expenses increased by 8.6% (2024: 8.6%) and net profit for the year before tax ended up at £4,233,627 (2024: £4,731,908). The group's net worth at the end of the year was £36,724,465 (2024: £33,267,008).

Paxton operates in a highly competitive market. In order to maintain and improve its position in this market substantial investment has continued to be made by the group in Research and Development. This investment goes to improving existing products and creating new innovative products for the market with a focus on providing returns over the longer term.

The group did not enter any new markets in the year, instead looking to cultivate the overseas markets already entered into, with particular focus on the US.

The group is committed to being environmentally responsible and has shown this in achieving the ISO 14001:2015 accreditation for its manufacturing facility in Eastbourne (originally in February 2018) and passing the audit for this in the years since. The group continuously reviews its policies and capital to see where environmental improvements can be made and has installed charge-points for plug in hybrid cars to encourage the use of low emission vehicles. As well as this, Paxton has a cross company environmental group to track and report on environmental initiatives.

The group takes social and community issues seriously and has arranged multiple charity days through the year to generate donation income for selected charities.

1. The group's business is partly speculative, in that it is not known which new products will succeed, even though sales trends for existing products are known. The Directors cannot give any undertaking as to the success or otherwise of new products yielded by its research and development work. There is therefore a significant risk inherent with expenditure related to this.

2. The Directors are not privy to new products currently in development by the group's competitors; there is therefore a risk that sales of its own products may suffer in the future as a result of unknown improvements in competitors' products.

3. The group is typical of many businesses of its type in that it is heavily reliant on IT systems. Whilst the Directors diligently review and improve measures for ensuring resilience of its systems and back up of its data, they cannot absolutely ensure that failures will not damage the group's business at some point. In order to mitigate this risk the group continues to invest heavily in its IT infrastructure.

4. Sales to the group's customers are made on a credit basis. Trade debtors amount to a substantial sum. Mindful of the current credit conditions affecting all companies, including our customers, there is an increased awareness regarding the importance of adherence to our credit terms. The Board has satisfied itself that its customers are financially sound and will continue to be able to fund their debt for the foreseeable future. There is continued focus on strong credit management to ensure timely payment from customers and a healthy corporate liquidity position.

5. As a group with a global presence, we are aware of the risk posed by worldwide geo-political instability. To mitigate this, we always take this under consideration whenever looking to expand into new markets and when sourcing new materials, as well as keeping our current positions under ongoing review.

The Directors consider the successful running of the company and group in terms of achieving its long-term strategy which centres on building a resilient company and group that is great to work for and known for the quality of our products. The ongoing success of the company and group centres around positively engaging all stakeholders of the company and group. The Directors remain mindful of the long term consequences of key commercial decisions and determined that these were in the interests of the company and group’s owner, employees, agency staff, contractors, customers, installers, suppliers and local community.

• Invested in automation equipment to significantly improve the efficiency of our manufacturing processes.

• Continued focus on our impact to the environment through our cross departmental Paxton Green Team, achieving carbon neutral status, through a combination of procedural changes and carbon offsetting initiatives.

• Opened our new bespoke office and factory space in Greenville, SC, to facilitate our growth in the US.

• Continued focus on controlling stock levels whilst providing the same service to our distribution network and installers worldwide.

• Continuous investment in new products and systems for future release.

As set out in the Directors’ report, the company and group takes employee involvement very seriously and we ensure we engage with our teams at all levels on a wide range of matters. The company and group regularly engages with its distributors, installers, and suppliers to seek feedback and maintain these important relationships.

The Directors confirm that throughout the year they have acted in the way they consider in good faith, to be most likely to promote the continued success of the company and group for the benefit of its members.

On behalf of the board

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

Paxton Access Group Limited is a holding company whose principal activity, carried on through subsidiary undertakings, is the manufacture and distribution of electronic goods and software development.

The results for the year are set out on page 12.

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

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

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

The group operates a treasury function which is responsible for managing the liquidity, interest and foreign currency risks associated with the company’s activities.

The group’s principal financial instruments are cash balances. In addition, the group has various other financial assets and liabilities such as trade debtors and trade creditors arising directly from its operations.

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

Interest rate risk arises from cash balances, bank overdrafts and loans. The directors continually review the group's exposure to interest rates and take action to ensure that the risk is appropriate in relation to the financial results of the group.

The group’s principal foreign currency exposures arise from trading with overseas companies. Dollar and Euro bank accounts are maintained in order to try and mitigate foreign currency risk.

The group has implemented policies that require appropriate credit checks on potential customers before sales are made. In addition the company has insured its risk of debtor irrecoverability.

The group is heavily committed to research and development activities. During the year the group concentrated its research and development activities on both continuous improvement on its current product portfolio as well as diversification into other market sectors.

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the group continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the group that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

The group is conscious of the need to keep employees informed regarding the progress and future plans of the group and the mutual benefit that can be engendered by good internal communications. This is achieved through regular meetings with managers and staff and an open forum in which a two way flow of comment and ideas is encouraged. An example of this is the Paxton Exchange which offers senior management the opportunity to communicate the group goals and achievements to all members of staff. A significant amount of time and money is invested in employee training in the group and is available to all levels of staff. The Paxton Seagull, the employee magazine, is a further commitment to improving communications within the group. This is complimented by a fortnightly Paxton E-gull, emailed to all employees. The group is committed to providing a fantastic company culture for all its staff members.

The directors consider the fostering of good relationships with all stakeholders as essential for the ongoing success of the company. In that regard they have always considered the impact on the suppliers, customers, end users, staff and others of all decisions made. Key decisions, and their impact on specific groups, have been summarised in the s172 statement included on both our website and in the strategic report.

The group is continuing to develop its overseas marketing and sales strategy and the directors expect that this will contribute to an increase in profitability.

The auditor, Humphrey & Co Audit Services Ltd, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

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

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

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

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

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

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

• state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and parent company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the group’s and parent company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and parent company, and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and parent company, and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

We have audited the financial statements of Paxton Access Group Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the group income statement, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group statement of financial position, the company statement of financial position, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows, the company 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:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of the group's profit for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

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

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

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group and parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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

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

We obtained an understanding of the group and the laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a direct effect on the financial statements through discussion with the directors and management and the application of our knowledge and experience. We discussed with management whether there were any known or suspected instances of fraud and/or non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also obtained an understanding of the company's and group's accounting systems and internal controls.

We audited the risk of management override of controls, by testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business. Our other group audit procedures included, but were not limited to, attending a year end stock count, carrying out detailed substantive testing of a sample of income and expenditure transactions arising in the year and a sample of balance sheet items such as fixed assets, debtors, creditors, etc. We also reviewed the financial statements and checked disclosures to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable law and regulation.

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

A further description of our responsibilities is 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.

The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s loss for the year was £238,887 (2024 - £561,396 profit).

Paxton Access Group Limited (“the Company”) is a limited company by shares domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Paxton House, Home Farm Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9HU.

The Group consists of Paxton Access Group Limited and all of its subsidiaries.

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

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Paxton Access Group Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries).

All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2025. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.

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

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

The group and company's ability to continue as a going concern has been assessed by the directors by reference to the financial health and prospects of the group as a whole, including a review of financial forecasts and cashflow projections. Based on this assessment, the directors have a reasonable expectation that both the group and the company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

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.

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 subscription services is recognised on a straight-line basis over the subscription period, reflecting the continuous transfer of services to the customer. Amounts received in advance are recognised as deferred income and released to revenue over the period to which the subscription relates.

Other income

Other operating income includes:

• Research & Development Expenditure Credits calculated in accordance with HMRC guidance, as disclosed under note 4 to the accounts.

• Rental income which is recognised in respect of the period to which it relates.

Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.

Intangible assets comprise of software costs and product development costs.

Software costs are classified as assets under construction where the asset is not yet available for use. Amortisation will commence once the asset is available for use, at which point the useful economic life will be determined and an appropriate amortisation policy applied.

Development Costs comprise of compliance expenditure needed when releasing products in new markets and are capitalised where the economic benefit of this work will be recognised in future years. Product development assets are considered to have a finite useful life and the costs are amortised on a reducing balance basis over their estimated useful life.

Intangible assets are stated at cost less amortisation and are reviewed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the carrying value may be impaired.

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:

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:

Freehold land is not depreciated. Leasehold properties represent long leases.

Assets in the course of construction are carried at cost and relate to development expenditure incurred on the refurbishment of property. Depreciation will commence once the asset is available for use and transferred to the appropriate asset category, at which point the relevant depreciation policy set out above will be applied.

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

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

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

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

At each reporting period end date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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 carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

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.

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.

The cost of stock is based on an average cost basis, where the actual cost of stock purchased to obtain the quantity held is identified and an average cost calculated.

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

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

Financial instruments are recognised in the group's statement of financial position when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

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

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

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

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

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

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

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

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Provisions are recognised when the group has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the group will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.

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

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

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

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

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

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

Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts and finance leases are capitalised as tangible assets and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their useful lives. Obligations under such agreements are included in creditors net of the finance charge allocated to future periods. The finance element of the rental payment is charged to the profit and loss account so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge on the net obligation in each period.

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

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

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

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

The critical judgments which have the most significant impact on amounts recognised in the financial statements are as follows:

Provision is made where necessary for obsolete, slow moving and defective stocks. The directors review the level of provision based on the level and condition of stock items and their knowledge of the business.

The directors estimate the expected useful lives of the company's fixed assets which in turn impacts on the amount of depreciation charged in the year.

The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.

The directors estimate the amount of deferred tax that is likely to be recovered by the likely availability of future taxable profits. These are based on the current best estimates for allowable research and development expenditure for which a claim is to be finalised. There is annually the potential for a material change in the carrying value of the deferred tax asset which at the time of finalising the financial statements cannot be estimated. The deferred tax asset at the year end is £2,198,746. The directors consider the estimate to be prudent.

The group provides a 5 year warranty on its products. A provision for expected warranty claims is calculated based on prior experience of levels of warranty claims incurred and future expectations. Further details of the carrying amount, movements in the year, and nature of the provision are disclosed in note 23.

The liability recognised in respect of the Installer Incentive Scheme is sensitive to two key estimates: the cost attributable to each redeemable point, and the expected redemption rate. The cost per point has been derived from current pricing; however, as the number of points required to redeem a reward is subject to change at the company’s discretion, the future cost of the scheme may differ from current estimates. The redemption rate is inherently uncertain due to the change in the basis of points issuance during the year, and accordingly a blended rate has been applied reflecting observed behaviour under both the previous and revised arrangements. Further details of the carrying amount, movements in the year, and nature of the provision are disclosed in note 23.

An analysis of the group's turnover is as follows:

Research & Development Expenditure Credits totalling £1,397,099 are recognised within other operating income.

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

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 3 (2024 - 3).

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

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

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2025 are as follows:

The investments in subsidiaries are all stated at cost. All subsidiaries have been included within the consolidation.

Amounts due from group undertakings are interest free and have no set repayment date.

Amounts owed to group undertakings are interest free and have no set repayment date.

Bank loans are secured over the company's freehold and leasehold properties. There is also a debenture in favour of HSBC Bank comprising a fixed and floating charge over all the assets and undertakings of Paxton Access Limited and Paxton Access Inc.

There were seven bank loans at the year end and they are repayable in monthly instalments and are due to be repaid fully between 2026 and 2034. Interest is charged at rates of between 2.35% to 2.75% over the Bank of England base rate.

Loans from related parties are detailed further in note 31.

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is 5 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

The provision for warranty repairs is a provision for future product costs arising in the normal course of business from prior year sales. The group provides a 5 year warranty on its products. As this is based on future events, there are inherent uncertainties surrounding both the timing and values of these outflows. The warranty provision has been calculated based on available data, considering quality improvements implemented where appropriate.

The provision for the Installer Incentive Scheme represents the estimated liability for points awarded to customers but not yet redeemed. As this is based on future events, there are inherent uncertainties surrounding the timing and value of these outflows. The provision has been calculated based on the number of outstanding unredeemed points, the cost attributable to each redeemable point, and an expected redemption rate. Given the change in the basis of points issuance during the year, a blended redemption rate has been applied reflecting observed behaviour under both the previous and revised arrangements.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the group or company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:

It is estimated that £130,000 of the deferred tax asset set out above is expected to reverse within the next 12 months.

Deferred tax balances have been measured at 25%.

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

At the Balance Sheet date the group had a pension liability of £183,953 (2024 - £160,871).

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the company. All ordinary shares rank equally with regard to the company's residual assets.

The holders of preference shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time but the shares do not carry any voting rights. The preference shares are not redeemable and rank ahead of the ordinary shares with regard to the company's residual assets.

Merger Reserve

This reserve was created following a share for share exchange whereby Paxton Access Group Ltd acquired all of the share capital of Paxton Access Inc from Mr A Brotherton-Ratcliffe.

Operating lease rentals consist of rentals payable by the group for motor vehicles, software, equipment and property. The motor vehicle leases are generally for a term of 3 years. Software and equipment leases are generally for a term of 5 years. The property lease is for a term of 15 years ending in 2039.

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

The operating lease represents a lease of property to a third party. The lease is over a term of 10 years ending in 2027.

At the reporting end date the group had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments:

Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:

As at 31 December 2025, the Group had contracted to purchase plant and machinery amounting to £533,900 (2024: £282,738). The related assets had not been received or brought into use at the reporting date.

Included within group and company other creditors due within one year (note 19), is a joint loan from a shareholder and director, and his spouse totalling £790,947 (2024 - £1,281,649). During the year, repayments of £1,101,328 (2024 - £2,310,150) were made on the loan and advances of £581,564 (2024 - £1,436,732) were provided. Interest of £29,062 (2024 - £54,487) was charged on the loan balance. No dividends were paid to the shareholder during the year and credited to the loan (2024 - £279,720).

The shareholder and director is separately owed £26,500 (2024 - £26,500) by the group and company. This amount is included within group and company other creditors due within one year.

Included within group and company other creditors due within one year (note 19), are loans from a shareholder and director with a controlling interest totalling £1,151,052 (2024 - £1,308,357). During the year, repayments of £895,737 (2024 - £182,202) were made on the loan and advances of £695,926 (2024 - £881,103) were provided. Interest of £42,506 (2024 - £27,412) was charged on the loan balance. No dividends were paid to the shareholder during the year (2024 - £280).

All loans are repayable on demand. Interest is charged on the loans at a rate equal to the Bank of England base rate.

The ultimate controlling party up to 23 January 2025 was A Brotherton-Ratcliffe, by virtue of their shareholding. With effect from that date, the ultimate controlling party became S Brotherton-Ratcliffe, also by virtue of their shareholding.

The comparative information has been restated to reclassify group other debtors totalling £513,050 from amounts falling due within one year to amounts falling due greater than one year, within note 18 and on the face of the group statement of financial position.