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

A summary of the results of the business is shown below.

The Key financial highlights are as below

The current year marked the first full year of operations from the Company's new packing facility. Following a comprehensive restructure, the Company made the strategic decision to sell its older buildings (Blocks C, D, and E) and consolidate all packing and office operations into a single site at Block A. This consolidation has significantly improved operational efficiency and created a more modern and collaborative working environment for our staff.

To support this transition, substantial investment was made to convert the former chill store into a bespoke packhouse, including a dedicated packhouse office and print room. Further investment was also undertaken to develop new, modern office facilities, enabling all administrative and management teams to operate under one roof.

During the year, inflationary pressures and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continued to impact the entire supply chain. The effects of Brexit also remain evident, primarily through increased administrative requirements and additional inflationary pressures across the supply chain. Despite these challenges, strong and long-standing relationships with vendors, shippers, and haulers' have enabled Peter Gilding & Co. Limited to transition smoothly and minimise disruption. The Directors recognise that, in the medium term, supply-related challenges are likely to persist, as outlined in the Principal Risks and Uncertainties section.

Global oversupply of Top Fruit and Citrus continued throughout the year, placing downward pressure on sales values and margins. In response, the Company made a strategic decision to diversify into the vegetable, salad and exotics sectors, establishing a dedicated team to develop new grower relationships across the UK and internationally.

Continued supermarket price competition has, at certain times of the year, adversely affected wholesale market prices, particularly where rejected fruit has been released into the market, increasing supply and suppressing values.

The Company continues to provide a high-quality service to both suppliers and customers and remains fully accredited to the AA BRC Standard. Peter Gilding & Co. Limited benefits from an ideal geographic location, enabling efficient and cost-effective nationwide distribution of both inbound and outbound product across the UK.

To support growth into new product lines and improve service levels, the Company established three strategically located distribution hubs across the country. These hubs have enabled the Company to reach a wider customer base while reducing overall logistics costs.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, the Company has continued to invest significantly in renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint and support its carbon offsetting objectives. During the year, the solar panel installation at Block A was expanded and now covers approximately 60% of the roof area. The system is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of January 2026 and has required associated investment in upgraded electrical infrastructure.

The Directors would also like to formally acknowledge the retirement of two of the Company's founders, Peter and Penny Gilding, on 29 August 2025, and wish them every success and happiness in the future. Finally, the Directors would like to thank all employees for their continued commitment, enthusiasm, and contribution in achieving the Company's results for 2025.

There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties, which could have a material impact on the Company's long-term performance and cause actual results to materially differ from expected and historic results.

The risk management process seeks to enable the early identification, evaluation and effective management of the key risks facing the company at an operational level and to operate internal controls that adequately mitigate these risks.

The Directors have identified the following to be the principal risks and uncertainties that could have the most significant impact upon the company's value generation.

Risk area nature of risk mitigation

Operational risk:

Competitor environment and customer risk. There is strong competition within the market in which the Company operates. The loss of all or part of the Company's business with one or all of its major customers would adversely impact on the Company's results. The Company manages this risk by maintaining strong customer and supplier relationships. Delivering high levels of service and quality supports this process. The monitoring of KPIs including service levels and customer complaints enables the business to ensure it offers strong customer service, quality products, low costs and innovative product development.

Cost and supply of produce. The cost and supply of produce is largely influenced by the environment in which the produce originates. Changes in price would impact the profitability of the Company's business and any related shortage in supply will impact upon the business' ability to maintain its service levels to customers. The Company maintains high level of expertise in its buying team, enabling it to monitor produce sources on a global basis and to negotiate forward supply contracts, where appropriate, on favorable terms with key vendors. The team also cultivates close relationships with major vendors to ensure continuity of supply at competitive prices. In addition, the Company has a strong wholesale department resulting in a fully comprehensive package to the supplier.

State of the economy. The global economic recovery continues at a slow pace. A relapse could adversely impact sales mix or sales and, ultimately, lower profitability and cash flow. Although the Company cannot directly influence the general economic conditions or consumer spending, the Company has the ability to adapt very quickly to changes in customer trends.

The company has the ability to adapt very quickly to changes in customer trends.

Brexit. Brexit's implications are that the Company potentially faces several more risks. Brexit has changed the regulatory framework in which the Company operates. How the Company is mitigating currency fluctuations is detailed below. As Britain ceased to be a member of the 'single market', this resulted in more paperwork and costs relating to importation of goods from the EU. The Company already has a procedure for non-EU imports that it uses and will have to recover the additional costs within sales prices.

Financial risk:

Credit. A large proportion of the sales are made on credit terms. Granting of credit to inappropriate parties or the failure to collect debts on a timely basis could leave the Company exposed to losses. The Company maintains strong relationships with its customers and has established credit control parameters. Credit evaluations are performed on all customers requiring credit and outstanding debts are continuously monitored. The Company maintains credit insurance and adheres to all credit parameters set by the insurer.

Currency fluctuations. The Company is exposed to foreign currency risk on purchases of imported produce denominated in foreign currencies. The Company actively manages its exposure by constant review of the currency markets and also by the use of forward contracts when appropriate. During the year the company sought to further mitigate its risk by setting up a series of 'natural hedges'.

Liquidity and access to funding The Company needs access to funding for current business and future growth. The Company maintains a strong, long-term relationship with its banker. Debt requirements, along with appropriate headroom, are periodically reviewed, in conjunction with Barclays. CAPEX is funded, where possible, from internally generated cash flows.

Human resources:

Loss of key personnel. The company is reliant upon attracting and successfully holding on to the best personnel. The Company aims to mitigate the loss of key personnel by offering competitive remuneration packages and ensuring that good performance is recognised and rewarded. The company operates strong recruitment processes and aims to develop talent within the company.

Annual budgets and long-term financial plans are developed by the Directors to target improved performance in all areas of the business. On a monthly basis, the Directors review the performance of the Company by comparing actual results against budget expectations and prior year achievements and analysing the results where necessary. Particular emphasis is placed upon monitoring turnover, operating costs, cash flows and working capital levels. In addition, other KPIs are monitored by the Directors as listed below:

Profit ratios: gross profit margin, net profit margin and return on capital employed (ROCE)

Liquidity ratios: current ratio, debtor cover, free cash flow generated.

Activity ratios: debtor days, creditor days and stock turnover.

Capital ratios: total assets/total liabilities

We believe the employees are one of the most valuable assets to any company. We have a very low staff turnover and pride ourselves in treating our staff well and this is key to this family business. We offer training in a variety of disciplines. We also endeavour, wherever possible, to promote from within the current workforce and external recruitment is seldom necessary. We retain our staff by providing a first-class working environment and rewarding them with regular bonuses, subject to the results and future plans of the company. These bonuses are both discretionary and performance related.

Harassment - a zero tolerance policy exists towards sexual, physical or mental harassment in the workplace. It is expected that incidents of harassment be reported to the appropriate line manager and human resources manager.

Equal opportunities - the Company is committed to offering equal opportunities to all individuals within the Company through recruitment, training, and career development. Full and fair consideration is given to applicants with disabilities and every effort is made to give employees who become disabled while employed by PGCL, an opportunity for retraining.

On behalf of the board

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

The principal activity of the company in the year under review was that of importation into the United Kingdom of fruit and horticultural produce for sale direct to outlets and wholesale markets and to provide service facilities for the multiples.

The results for the year are set out on page 10.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £26,250. 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:

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.

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.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to groups and companies entitled to the exemptions of the medium companies regime.

We have audited the financial statements of Peter Gilding & Co. 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).

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 October 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's 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 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.

• Enquiry of management, those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims

• Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations

• Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business

• Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in its significant accounting estimates in particular

• Depreciation – we carried out a review and recalculation of depreciation to assess its appropriateness for inclusion within the financial statements

• Accruals and Prepayments – we reviewed a sample of accruals and prepayments in the year to determine that these were applied correctly

• Tax Provision – we carried out a review of the tax computations and ensured it was applied correctly

• Bad Debt Provision – we reviewed the bad debt provision and bad debts provided for and ensured that the bad debt policy was applied consistently

• Identifying and testing journals entries, in particular any journal entries posted with unusual account combinations

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.

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

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 £516,723 (2024 - £533,658 profit).

Peter Gilding & Co. Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Caddick Road, Knowsley Business Park, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 9HP.

The group consists of Peter Gilding & Co. 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, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. 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.

In the parent company financial statements, the cost of a business combination is the fair value at the acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. The excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. The cost of the combination includes the estimated amount of contingent consideration that is probable and can be measured reliably, and is adjusted for changes in contingent consideration after the acquisition date. Provisional fair values recognised for business combinations in previous periods are adjusted retrospectively for final fair values determined in the 12 months following the acquisition date. Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the value of assets (other than goodwill) and liabilities recognised in a business combination accounted for using the purchase method and the amounts that can be deducted or assessed for tax, considering the manner in which the carrying amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. The deferred tax recognised is adjusted against goodwill or negative goodwill.

The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Peter Gilding & Co. Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries) and the group’s share of its interests in joint ventures and associates.

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.

Entities in which the group holds an interest and which are jointly controlled by the group and one or more other venturers under a contractual arrangement are treated as joint ventures. Entities other than subsidiary undertakings or joint ventures, in which the group has a participating interest and over whose operating and financial policies the group exercises a significant influence, are treated as associates.

Investments in joint ventures and associates are carried in the group balance sheet at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the entity, less any impairment in value. The carrying values of investments in joint ventures and associates include acquired goodwill.

If the group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the group does not recognise further losses unless it has incurred obligations to do so or has made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.

Unrealised gains arising from transactions with joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the group’s interest in the entity.

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group and parent company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Revenue comprises sales of goods 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.

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:

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, 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 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 is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exceptional items relate to costs associated with the purchase of own shares and sale of property blocks C, D and E.

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 2 (2024 - 1).

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:

The company's banking facilities are secured by a charge over the freehold property of the company under the terms of a standard bank form and by fixed and floating charges over the assets of the group.

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:

The deferred tax liability set out above relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.

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.

During the year, the company cancelled 7,800 ordinary shares with a nominal value of £1 each. This resulted in a reduction of £7,800 in issued share capital.

At the start of the year, the ultimate controlling party was P B Gilding. Control then passed to P B Gilding and L P Gilding jointly from 20 December 2024 to 29 August 2025, and subsequently to A B Gilding who remains the ultimate controlling party.