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Registration number: 03614275

Careroom Limited

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

 

Careroom Limited

Contents

Company Information

1

Strategic Report

2

Directors' Report

3

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

4

Independent Auditor's Report

5 to 7

Profit and Loss Account

8

Balance Sheet

9

Statement of Changes in Equity

10

Statement of Cash Flows

11

Notes to the Financial Statements

12 to 22

 

Careroom Limited

Company Information

Directors

I A Y Dardas

C L French

A Ridha

G J Tanner

Registered office

Glover Centre
23-25 Bury Mead Road
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG5 1RT

Auditors

Hazlewoods LLP Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

 

Careroom Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

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

Principal activity

The principal activity of the company is the provision of childcare services.

Fair review of the business

Careroom Limited trading as Toad Hall Nursery Group now consists of 14 (2024 - 13) children's day nurseries covering the Home Counties of England. The nurseries are based in varied premises and provide full day care and early education for children from the age of 3 months to 5 years.

The nurseries accept Government funding for children from the age of 9 months old, following the change in the government policy, and offer a school day session to accommodate the 30 hours free education that children between 9 months and 5 years old are entitled to. We have maintained good relationships with Local Authority advisory staff and their advice is sought when necessary.

We have robust and rigorous risk assessments and policies. Our approach to Health and Safety continued throughout the year with regular audits at every site, designed to ensure we maintain best practice and are always fully complaint.

The results for the year which are set out in the profit and loss account show turnover of £19,240,710 (2024 - £14,903,374) and an operating profit of £2656,190 (2024 - £1,215,395). At 31 December 2024, the company had net assets of £4,748,477 (2024 - £4,539,685). The directors consider the performance for the year end the financial position at the year end to be satisfactory.

The primary key performance indicator is regarded as percentage occupancy. Average occupancy across all nurseries in 2025 was 72% (2024 - 67%).

Principal risks and uncertainties

Public funding

The market in some areas is challenging as the impact of the current governmental and Local Authority cutbacks continues to make its mark. The economic climate has also affected how parents use childcare and we have seen an increase in children taking part-time places and reducing their days. In common with all nurseries the company receives and applies for funding from government bodies and from Local Authorities. In an economic environment where public spending and Local Authority cuts are expected to be significant the amount of such funding which will be available to the company in the future is uncertain.

Credit risk

Nursery fees are paid at the start of the month in advance, and increasingly by direct debit, therefore the credit risk is minimal. There is a healthy cash flow and this is monitored carefully by the Board and Management.

Approved by the Board on 6 August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:


C L French
Director

 

Careroom Limited

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

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

Directors of the company

The directors who held office during the year were as follows:

I A Y Dardas

L El-Dukair (resigned 4 July 2025)

C L French

A Ridha

G J Tanner

T A J Wieder (resigned 21 February 2025)

Dividends

The directors propose the payment of a dividend of £1,935,500 (2024 - £329,000).

Employment of disabled persons

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered having regard to their particular aptitudes, abilities and suitability for employment in our industry but no special provision is made for training or career development. Within the limits of their disabilities, they are eligible for promotion and are given equal consideration with other applicants. Every effort is made to continue the employment of persons who have become disabled during service with the Company.

Going concern

The business aims to reinvest heavily each year as part of its strategy to establish itself as a provider of choice for families. After consolidating our existing nurseries our focus for 2025 can now turn to increasing our company footprint by looking for nurseries with a 60 to 100 place capacity. The increase in turnover and an increased operating profit this year have resulted in an increase in net assets at 31 December 2025 to £5,171,542 from £4,539,685 in 2024.

The business expects to be able to meet all its financial commitments for the next 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The business is on target to meet its three year plan to substantially improve turnover and profitability.

The Directors, therefore, consider it appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

Employee involvement

The directors acknowledge the importance of good communication and working relationships with employees. Regular contact and exchanges of information are maintained by the board through meetings with the departmental managers whose responsibility it is to communicate with the employees generally.

Future developments

The main focus for 2026 is to continue to provide quality childcare and search for new investment opportunities to expand capacity.

Disclosure of information to the auditors

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

Re-appointment of auditors

The auditor, Hazlewoods LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office.

Approved by the Board on 6 August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:


C L French
Director

 

Careroom Limited

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

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

select suitable accounting policies and 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 company will continue in business.

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

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

 

Careroom Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Careroom Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Careroom Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025, which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Cash Flows, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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

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

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

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

the information given in the Strategic Report and Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the Strategic Report and Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report.

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

 

Careroom Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Careroom Limited

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

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

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

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

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 4, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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

Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We considered the nature of the company’s industry and its control environment and reviewed the company’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in and identified the key laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, including the UK Companies Act and tax legislation, and, those that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

In common with all audits conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override of controls. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:

reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatements due to fraud;

enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

 

Careroom Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Careroom Limited

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of this 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.





Martin Howard (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Hazlewoods LLP, Statutory Auditor

Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

6 August 2026

 

Careroom Limited

Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Turnover

3

19,240,710

14,903,374

Cost of sales

 

(12,123,072)

(9,456,009)

Gross profit

 

7,117,638

5,447,365

Administrative expenses

 

(4,535,508)

(4,304,213)

Other operating income

4

74,060

72,243

Operating profit

5

2,656,190

1,215,395

Other interest receivable and similar income

6

210,860

193,321

Interest payable and similar expenses

7

(24,210)

(224,708)

Profit before tax

 

2,842,840

1,184,008

Tax on profit

11

(698,548)

(366,219)

Profit for the financial year

 

2,144,292

817,789

The above results were derived from continuing operations.

The company has no recognised gains or losses for the year other than the results above.

 

Careroom Limited

(Registration number: 03614275)
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Fixed assets

 

Intangible assets

12

-

-

Tangible assets

13

920,604

699,454

 

920,604

699,454

Current assets

 

Debtors

14

6,278,582

5,548,487

Cash at bank and in hand

 

1,364,018

474,507

 

7,642,600

6,022,994

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

15

(3,548,750)

(1,969,919)

Net current assets

 

4,093,850

4,053,075

Total assets less current liabilities

 

5,014,454

4,752,529

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

15

(53,023)

(59,759)

Provisions

17

(73,447)

(73,447)

Deferred tax liabilities

11

(139,507)

(79,638)

Net assets

 

4,748,477

4,539,685

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

19

1,450,000

1,450,000

Retained earnings

3,298,477

3,089,685

Shareholders' funds

 

4,748,477

4,539,685

Approved and authorised by the Board on 6 August 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
 


C L French
Director

 

Careroom Limited

Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

Share capital
£

Revaluation reserve
£

Retained earnings
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2025

1,450,000

-

3,089,685

4,539,685

Profit for the year

-

-

2,144,292

2,144,292

Dividends

-

-

(1,935,500)

(1,935,500)

At 31 December 2025

1,450,000

-

3,298,477

4,748,477



 

Share capital
£

Revaluation reserve
£

Retained earnings
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2024

1,450,000

100,000

2,500,896

4,050,896

Profit for the year

-

-

817,789

817,789

Dividends

-

-

(329,000)

(329,000)

Other movements on reserves

-

(100,000)

100,000

-

At 31 December 2024

1,450,000

-

3,089,685

4,539,685

 

Careroom Limited

Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 December 2025

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the year

 

2,144,292

817,789

Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items

 

Depreciation and amortisation

5

311,121

246,218

Finance income

6

(210,860)

(193,321)

Finance costs

7

24,210

224,708

Income tax expense

11

698,548

366,219

 

2,967,311

1,461,613

Working capital adjustments

 

Increase in trade debtors

14

(868,556)

(495,862)

Increase in trade creditors

15

1,622,821

201,989

Increase in provisions

17

-

5,660

Cash generated from operations

 

3,721,576

1,173,400

Income taxes paid

11

(287,432)

(121,838)

Net cash flow from operating activities

 

3,434,144

1,051,562

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Interest received

6

210,860

193,321

Acquisitions of tangible assets

(532,271)

(397,004)

Proceeds from sale of investment properties

 

-

100,000

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

(321,411)

(103,683)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Interest paid

7

(24,210)

(224,708)

Repayment of bank borrowing

 

-

(250,496)

Proceeds from other borrowing draw downs

 

-

400,000

Repayment of other borrowing

 

(401,973)

-

Dividends paid

21

(1,935,500)

(329,000)

Advance of loan to group undertaking

 

(41,539)

-

Repayment of loan to group undertaking

 

180,000

-

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

(2,223,222)

(404,204)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

889,511

543,675

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

 

474,507

(69,168)

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

 

1,364,018

474,507

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

1

General information

The company is a private company limited by share capital, incorporated in England and Wales.

The address of its registered office is:
Glover Centre
23-25 Bury Mead Road
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG5 1RT
England and Wales

 

2

Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006'.

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except for, where disclosed in these accounting policies, certain items that are shown at fair value.

The presentational currency of the financial statements is Pounds Sterling, being the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest Pound.

Going concern

The business aims to reinvest heavily each year as part of its strategy to establish itself as a provider of choice for parents. The increase in turnover and an increase in operating profit this year have resulted in an increase in net assets to £5,171,542 from £4,539,685 in 2024.

The directors have prepared and reviewed a forecast and budget and are therefore satisfied that the accounts can be prepared on a going concern basis.

The business expects to be able to meet all its financial commitments for the next 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The business is on target to meet its three year plan to substantially improve turnover and profitability.

The directors, therefore, consider it appropriate to continue to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

Judgements and estimation uncertainty

These financial statements do not contain any significant judgements or estimation uncertainty

Revenue recognition

Turnover comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of early years education exclusive of value added tax. Turnover is shown net of discounts. The company recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and specific criteria have been met for the company's activities.

Any payment received on account from parents is initially recognised as a liability. Subsequently, fees from parents are credited to the profit and loss account in the period that the services are rendered.

Any payment received from parents as a deposit is initially recognised as a liability and refunded when the child resigns from the nursery,

 

Careroom Limited

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

Tax

The tax expense for the period comprises corporation tax and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the profit and loss account, except that a charge attributable to an item of income or expense recognised as other comprehensive income is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income.

The current tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the company operates and generates taxable income.

Full provision is made for deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from all timing differences between the recognition of gains and losses in the financial statements and recognition in the tax computation.

A net deferred tax asset is recognised only if it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.
Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are stated in the statement of financial position at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Asset class

Depreciation method and rate

Buildings

5 years straight line

Computer Equipment

3 years straight line

Fixtures

5 years straight line

Furniture

4 years straight line

Kitchen Equipment

4 years straight line

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the Company’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired business at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of businesses is included in ‘intangible assets’. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and any impairments. Goodwill amortisation is calculated by applying the straight-line method to its estimated useful life. The useful life of goodwill has been identified as 3 years based on the industry’s average customer retention period.

Amortisation

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their useful life as follows:

Asset class

Amortisation method and rate

Goodwill

3 years straight line

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. All trade debtors are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted cost of cash expected to be received. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the debtors.

 

Careroom Limited

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

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the company does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and all are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted amount of cash expected to be paid.

Borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the profit and loss account over the period of the relevant borrowing.

Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the company has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Provisions

A provision is recognised when the Company has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

A dilapidations provision is created on inception of a lease. These provisions are a best estimate of the cost required to return leased properties to their original condition upon termination of the lease. Where the obligation arises from ‘wear and tear’, the provision is accrued as the ‘wear and tear’ occurs. The effect of the time value of money is not material and therefore the provisions are not discounted.

Leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

Operating leases: The company as a lessee
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Operating leases: The company as a lessor
Amounts due from leases under operating leases are credited to income on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Share capital

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

Dividends

Dividend distribution to the company’s shareholders is recognised as a liability in the financial statements in the reporting period in which the dividends are declared.

Defined contribution pension obligation

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the company has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.

 

Careroom Limited

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

Financial instruments

Classification
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Where shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the company is presented as a liability on the balance sheet. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expenses in the profit and loss account.

 Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.


Impairment
Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss as described below.

A non financial asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the estimated recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

The recoverable amount of goodwill is derived from measurement of the present value of the future cash flows of the cash-generating units ('CGUs') of which the goodwill is a part. Any impairment loss in respect of a CGU is allocated first to the goodwill attached to that CGU, and then to other assets within that CGU on a pro-rata basis.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised. Where a reversal of impairment occurs in respect of a CGU, the reversal is applied first to the assets (other than goodwill) of the CGU on a pro-rata basis and then to any goodwill allocated to that CGU.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of an impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

For financial assets carried at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the best estimate of the amount that would be received for the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired financial asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.

 

3

Turnover

The analysis of the company's Turnover for the year from continuing operations is as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Rendering of services

19,240,710

14,903,374

The total turnover of the company has been derived from its principal activity wholly undertaken in the United Kingdom.

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

4

Other operating income

The analysis of the company's other operating income for the year is as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Miscellaneous other operating income

74,060

72,243

 

5

Operating profit

Arrived at after charging/(crediting)

2025
£

2024
£

Depreciation expense

311,121

246,218

Operating lease expense - property

1,121,013

1,020,270

Operating lease expense - other

60,998

47,802

 

6

Other interest receivable and similar income

2025
£

2024
£

Other interest receivable

210,860

193,321

 

7

Interest payable and similar expenses

2025
£

2024
£

Interest on borrowings

21,213

60,226

Interest expense on other finance liabilities

2,997

164,482

24,210

224,708

 

8

Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs (including directors' remuneration) were as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Wages and salaries

9,663,480

8,221,397

Social security costs

952,175

611,735

Pension costs, defined contribution scheme

192,914

147,029

Other employee expense

-

5,565

10,808,569

8,985,726

 

Staff numbers

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

2025
 No.

2024
 No.

Administration and support

17

15

Nursery staff

419

381

Directors

6

6

442

402

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

9

Directors' remuneration

The directors' remuneration for the year was as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Remuneration

285,722

286,416

Contributions paid to money purchase schemes

9,000

9,202

294,722

295,618

During the year the number of directors who were receiving benefits and share incentives was as follows:

2025
No.

2024
No.

Accruing benefits under defined benefit pension scheme

2

2

In respect of the highest paid director:

2025
£

2024
£

Remuneration

92,163

99,033

Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes

4,500

4,601

 

10

Auditors' remuneration

2025
£

2024
£

Audit of the financial statements

25,250

26,700


 

 

11

Taxation

Tax charged/(credited) in the profit and loss account

2025
£

2024
£

Current taxation

UK corporation tax

650,751

286,324

UK corporation tax adjustment to prior periods

(12,072)

12,077

638,679

298,401

Deferred taxation

Arising from origination and reversal of timing differences

89,062

67,818

Arising from previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference of prior periods

(29,193)

-

Total deferred taxation

59,869

67,818

Tax expense in the income statement

698,548

366,219

 

Careroom Limited

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

The tax on profit before tax for the year is higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (2024 - higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK) of 25% (2024 - 25%).

The differences are reconciled below:

2025
£

2024
£

Profit before tax

2,842,840

1,184,008

Corporation tax at standard rate

710,710

296,002

(Decrease)/increase in UK and foreign current tax from adjustment for prior periods

(12,072)

12,077

Tax increase/(decrease) from effect of capital allowances and depreciation

29,103

(50,798)

Effect of expense not deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss)

-

41,120

Deferred tax credit from unrecognised temporary difference from a prior period

(29,193)

-

Deferred tax expense relating to changes in tax rates or laws

-

67,818

Total tax charge

698,548

366,219

Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

2025

Liability
£

Fixed asset timing differences

139,507

2024

Liability
£

Fixed asset timing differences

79,638

 

12

Intangible assets

Goodwill
 £

Cost

At 1 January 2025 and at 31 December 2025

1,936,089

Amortisation

At 1 January 2025 and at 31 December 2025

1,936,089

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2024 and 31 December 2025

-

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

13

Tangible assets

   

     

Leasehold property and improvements
£

Furniture, fittings and equipment
 £

Office Equipment
 £

Site Reinstatement
£

Total
£

Cost

At 1 January 2025

318,998

3,256,699

473,530

73,447

4,122,674

Additions

356,892

148,985

26,394

-

532,271

At 31 December 2025

675,890

3,405,684

499,924

73,447

4,654,945

Depreciation

At 1 January 2025

102,243

2,918,168

361,038

41,771

3,423,220

Charge for the year

110,603

137,671

59,475

3,372

311,121

At 31 December 2025

212,846

3,055,839

420,513

45,143

3,734,341

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2025

463,044

349,845

79,411

28,304

920,604

At 31 December 2024

216,755

338,531

112,492

31,676

699,454

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

14

Debtors

2025
£

2024
£

Trade debtors

35,925

87,830

Amounts owed by group undertakings

5,367,942

4,995,543

Other debtors

513,464

126,529

Prepayments

361,251

338,585

6,278,582

5,548,487

Amounts owed by group undertakings include principle of £2,962,626 (2024 - £2,821,188) of which interest is charged on £2,219,087 (2024 - £2,119,188) at either 1% per month or based on the Bank of England base rate. The principle and interest is considered due within one year.

 

15

Creditors

Note

2025
£

2024
£

Due within one year

 

Loans and borrowings

16

-

401,973

Trade creditors

 

324,216

223,560

Social security and other taxes

 

180,168

141,493

Outstanding defined contribution pension costs

 

31,759

32,539

Other payables

 

1,387,014

267,953

Accruals

 

587,832

262,638

Corporation tax liability

 

650,754

298,398

Deferred income

 

387,007

341,365

 

3,548,750

1,969,919

Due after one year

 

Other creditors

 

53,023

59,759

Other creditors due after more than one year relates to rent-free periods in relation to operating leases where the Company is a lessee.

 

16

Loans and borrowings

Current loans and borrowings

2025
£

2024
£

Other borrowings

-

401,973

Other borrowings included a principle of £400,000 which has been repaid in full in the financial year. Interest was charged at 15% per annum.

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

17

Provisions

Dilapidation provision
£

At 1 January 2025 and at 31 December 2025

73,447

As part of the property leasing agreements, the Company is contractually obliged to repair any damage incurred during the life of the leases. The cost is charged to the profit and loss as the obligation arises. The provision is expected to be utilised as the lease agreements expire.

 

18

Pension and other schemes

Defined contribution pension scheme

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the company to the scheme and amounted to £192,914 (2024 - £147,029).

Contributions totalling £31,759 (2024 - £32,539) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

 

19

Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares

2025

2024

No.

£

No.

£

Ordinary shares of £1 each

1,450,000

1,450,000

1,450,000

1,450,000

       
 

20

Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts

Operating leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2025
£

2024
£

Not later than one year

1,320,266

1,074,596

Later than one year and not later than five years

4,472,306

2,357,718

Later than five years

1,822,393

2,176,223

7,614,965

5,608,537

 

21

Dividends

2025
 £

2024
 £

Dividends paid

1,935,500

329,000

 

Careroom Limited

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

 

22

Related party transactions

Key management compensation

2025
£

2024
£

Other long-term benefits

410,774

295,618

Key management personnel in the year are considered to be the statutory directors and other board members.

Summary of transactions with key management

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors of the company and key management personnel compensation is disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements.
 

Summary of transactions with other related parties

During the year, the company paid rental expenses to a company which is controlled by the ultimate controlling party. The rental expenses amounted to £355,000 (2024 - £355,000).
 

 

23

Parent and ultimate parent undertaking

The company's immediate parent is Murviel Trading Limited, incorporated in British Virgin Islands.

 The ultimate controlling party is Maccarthur Investment Trust.