The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 October 2025.
During the financial year, the group maintained the provision of its services across all sectors. Turnover reduced marginally compared with the previous year, while the gross profit margin and the net profit margin decreased by 2.05% and 3.69% respectively. These reductions were primarily attributable to increased employment costs, inflationary pressures on material prices, and rising overhead costs across the business. In addition, the group incurred an unexpected bad debt following the administration of a longstanding customer.
We have continued to focus on delivering lower-risk, repeatable work that maximises the expertise and efficiency of its directly employed workforce. This strategy has enabled the business to maintain operational stability while continuing to deliver a high standard of service to its clients.
Strong relationships have been maintained with the existing client base, while efforts to secure new business have continued throughout the year. Particular emphasis has been placed on expanding opportunities within the housing sector, and they are optimistic that this will result in work being secured with several new clients during the forthcoming financial year. This continued diversification of the client portfolio remains a key strategic objective.
Whilst the group anticipates a challenging start to the next financial year due to prevailing market conditions, the current order book provides confidence in future trading. Work already secured indicates a significant increase in activity from early summer onwards, with a healthy pipeline extending through the remainder of the financial year and beyond.
Future developments
The primary objective for the forthcoming year is to retain and strengthen its existing client relationships by continuing to provide a high-quality, reliable, and competitively priced service. In parallel, we intend to expand its presence within the housing sector by obtaining accreditation as a Safe Isolation Provider (SIP). This accreditation will enable the business to offer a specialist service, creating additional opportunities with both existing and prospective clients.
The group will also continue to strengthen its financial performance through disciplined cost management, enhanced operational controls, and careful monitoring of income and expenditure. These measures are intended to support sustainable growth, maintain a strong order book, and improve profit margins over the medium to long term.
Financial risk management objectives and policies
The group finances its operations through a mixture of retained profits and, where necessary to fund expansion or capital programmes, through bank borrowings and a director's current account. The management's objectives are to:
-retain sufficient liquid funds to enable the group to meet its day to day obligations as they fall due whilst maximising returns on surplus funds;
-minimise the group's exposure to fluctuating interest rates when seeking new borrowings; and
-match the repayment schedule of any external borrowings with the expected future cash flows expected to arise from the group's trading activities.
As all of the group's surplus funds are invested in sterling bank accounts and all of its borrowings are obtained from standard banks, the directors believe that there is no price risk.
All normal banking arrangements are with Bank of Scotland plc and the directors believe their choice of bank minimises any credit risk. The group also relies on the support from the directors from time to time through the use of a director's current account. Again, they believe this minimises any credit risk.
As for many groups of our size, the business environment in which we operate continues to be challenging. With these risks and uncertainties in mind, we are aware that any plans for the future development of the business may be subject to unforeseen events outside of our control. However, we will continue to show flexibility and respond to market conditions and opportunities as they arise. Management also reviews these risks and appropriate processes are put in place to monitor and mitigate them.
The key business risks affecting the group are set out below.
Credit Risk
The group's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including price risk, credit risk, cash flow and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the group's policies approved by the board of directors, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
The group's principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other debtors. The group's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade debtors.
The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful debts. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows. The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because of the extensive customer database.
Liquidity Risk
In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available for on-going operations and future developments, the group primarily uses it's available cash in the bank.
The group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the group should be able to operate with its current working capital and will not require, in the short to medium term, any bank borrowings.
Competition Risk
The competition consists of numerous groups operating in the same sector both in the local area plus further afield. There is always a threat of losing customer orders, primarily on price, however by providing a customer focused service plus a quality service, we strive to keep this threat to a minimum.
Inflation Risk
Risk of increasing costs, in particular increases to materials and labour elements of the business, this will have the greatest effect on the profitability of the business. At times due to frameworks and agreements already in place the company may have to wait longer than desired to be able to pass these onto customers.
Operational Risks/People Risk
In order to maintain profitability people must be invested in the reduce the risk of human error, key employee leaving and workplace safety issues. The team is currently stable and is working well together but it is important to review employees’ situations and ensure training upkeep in all areas.
Compliance Risk
Failing to adhere laws, regulations and industry standards can lead to fines and penalties being imposed. Upkeep of training and a lose eye on workloads will help prevent this occurring and negate unwanted financial costs and even reputational damage.
Gross Profit percentage: 2025: 22.92%; 2024: 24.97%
Net Profit before tax percentage: 2025: 5.44%; 2024: 9.13%
Current ratio: 2025: 2.67; 2024: 1.81
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.
The results for the year are set out on page 12.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £56,110. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to groups and companies entitled to the exemptions of the small companies regime.
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 McVickers Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 October 2025 which comprise the group profit and loss account, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group 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).
Basis for 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
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.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to fraud
To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud ("fraud risks") we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included:
- Enquiring of Directors, the Audit and Risk Committee, internal audit, compliance officers and inspection of policy documentation as to the Company's high-level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud, including the internal audit function, and the Company's channel for "whistleblowing", as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud.
- Reading Board and all relevant Committee minutes.
- Considering remuneration incentive schemes (primarily the annual incentive plan) and performance targets for management and Directors, including underlying profit from operations targets for management remuneration.
- Using analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
- Using our own forensic specialists to assist us in identifying fraud risks based on discussions of the circumstances of the Company.
We communicated identified fraud risk factors throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit. This included communication from the Company component audit teams of relevant fraud risks identified at the Company level and request to component audit teams to report to the Company audit team any instances of fraud that could give rise to a material misstatement at the Company.
As required by auditing standards, and taking into account possible pressures to meet profit targets and our overall knowledge of the control environment, we performed procedures to address the risk of management override of controls and the risk of fraudulent revenue recognition, in particular the risk that revenue earned from construction and support services is recorded in the wrong period and the risk that Company and component management may be in a position to make inappropriate accounting entries, and the risk of bias in accounting estimates and judgements such as the estimation of forecast costs and the recognition of variable consideration.
On this audit we do not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue recognition in the Infrastructure Investments segment based on the contractual nature of the segment's revenue with no significant judgement or estimation required in recognising revenue.
We also performed procedures including:
- Identifying journal entries and other adjustments to test for all full scope components based on specific risk-based criteria and comparing the identified entries to supporting documentation. These included those posted to unusual accounts, those posted by users who post journals infrequently and those with missing user identification; and
- Assessing significant accounting estimates for bias.
We discussed with the Audit and Risk Committee matters related to actual or suspected fraud, for which disclosure is not necessary, and considered any implications for our audit.
Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations
We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, through discussion with the Directors and other management (as required by auditing standards), and from inspection of the Company's regulatory and legal correspondence and discussed with the Directors and other management the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations.
As the Company is regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including the entity's procedures for complying with regulatory requirements.
We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. This included communication to audit teams of relevant laws and regulations identified at the Company level, and a request to report any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement at the Company.
The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, the Company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including related company legislation), distributable profits legislation, and taxation legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, the Company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation or the loss of the Company's license to operate. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: health and safety, anti-bribery, employment law and environmental law. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Directors and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Therefore, if a breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.
We discussed with the Audit and Risk Committee matters related to actual or suspected breaches of laws or regulations, for which disclosure is not necessary, and considered any implications for our audit.
Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.
In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as this may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
· Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
· Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the group's internal control.
· Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.
· Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the group's or the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the group or the parent company to cease to continue as a going concern.
· Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
· Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
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 parent 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 parent 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 parent company and the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
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 profit for the year was £31,745 (2024 - £768,255 profit).
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 20 to 34 form part of these financial statements.
McVickers Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .
The group consists of McVickers Holdings 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 company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements for parent company information presented within the consolidated financial statements:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for financial instruments not measured at fair value; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 26 ‘Share based Payment’: Share-based payment expense charged to profit or loss, reconciliation of opening and closing number and weighted average exercise price of share options, how the fair value of options granted was measured, measurement and carrying amount of liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments, explanation of modifications to arrangements;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company McVickers Holdings Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries).
All financial statements are made up to 31 October 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.
Audit exemption
One of the company's subsidiaries, McVickers Free Solar Limited, have taken advantage of the audit exemption in accordance with Section 479A Companies Act 2006. McVickers Holdings Limited has guaranteed all liabilities held as at 31 October 2025.
Non-controlling interests
Minority interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity. Minority interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the minority’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.
The proportions of profit or loss and changes in equity allocated to the owners of the parent and to the minority interests are determined on the basis of existing ownership interests and do not reflect the possible exercise or conversion of options or convertible instruments.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the group will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due.
The group has the continued support of Mr A Storey, a director and majority shareholder, for the foreseeable future.
During the year the group has considered these factors and believe that it is appropriate to prepare its financial statements on a going concern basis.
For long term contracts, turnover represents amounts applied for the provision of goods and services, net of value added taxation. Profit on contracts is taken throughout the life of the contract, when a contract's outcome can be assessed with reasonable certainty. The profit included is calculated on a prudent basis to reflect the proportion of work carried out at the year end, by recording turnover and related costs as contract activity progresses. Turnover is based upon the value of work completed to date. Revenues derived from variations on contracts are recognised only when they have been accepted by the customer.
For installation of solar panels, income represents the value of goods installed and sold during the year, less returns, at selling price, exclusive of value added tax. Sales are recognised at the point at which the company has fulfilled its contractual obligations and the risks and rewards attaching to the product have been transferred to the customer.
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 profit and loss account.
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 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.
The group 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 group's balance sheet 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
The 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.
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.
Rectification provision
A proportion of sales income is set aside to cover the cost of rectification work and is released to the profit and loss account after a twelve month period.
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 average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The actual charge 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:
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 October 2025 are as follows:
Debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment.
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
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.
Capital redemption reserve - This reserve records the nominal value of shares repurchased by the company.
Merger reserve - This reserve records the difference between the cost of the investment and the nominal value of the share capital (McVickers Limited) acquired.
Profit and loss account - This reserve records retained earnings and accumulated losses.
The company has taken advantage of the exemption under Financial Reporting Standard 102 "Related Party Transactions" from disclosing the transactions with McVickers Limited and McVickers Free Solar Limited on the ground that they are all subsidiary companies.
During the year Mr A Storey, a director of the company maintained a current account with the company through which advances and repayments were made. This account is unsecured, interest charged at a rate of 1% and is repayable in less than 1 year. Included in other creditors at the balance sheet date was a balance of £56,110 (2024: £191,076).
Advances or credits have been granted by the group to its directors as follows: