The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The company and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) continue to operate in the United Kingdom with an expanding overseas presence. The Group’s principal activity is the manufacture and sale of fire, thermal and acoustic insulation solutions, including the provision of technical services and site support services.
Key performance indicators (percentages shown are based on £’000 values from the financial statements)
(£m) | 2025 | 2024 | Growth/(decline) |
Turnover | 54.3 | 53.5 | 1.5% |
Gross Profit | 30.6 | 31.3 | (2.2)% |
Gross Margin | 56.4% | 58.6% | (2.2)% |
EBITDA* | 13.9 | 17.2 | (19.2)% |
*Operating profit before deducting depreciation, amortisation and exceptional items
Turnover (£m) | 2025 | 2024 | Growth/(decline) |
Passive Fire Protection | 48.2 | 47.9 | 0.6% |
Acoustics & Interiors | 6.1 | 5.6 | 8.9% |
Total | 54.3 | 53.5 | 1.5% |
Turnover (£m) | 2025 | 2024 | Growth/(decline) |
United Kingdom | 43.7 | 46.2 | (5.4)% |
Export | 10.6 | 7.3 | 45.2% |
Total | 54.3 | 53.5 | 1.5% |
Turnover grew 1.5% to £54.3m.
The Passive Fire Protection Division’s turnover grew 0.6% to £48.2m, with a decline of 7.3% in the UK to £38.4m but growth of 43.8% in Export to £9.8m with Export now making up 19.5% of Passive Fire turnover (2024 13.6%) with growth in MEIAP and Europe. The decline in the UK is entirely due to the construction industries slow down on obtaining approval, through the BSR, of new buildings and remediation projects over 11 metres which has caused project delays across the industry. The Groups pipeline of visible projects remains very strong.
The Acoustics & Interiors Division’s turnover grew by 8.9% to £6.1m with growth in other verticals.
Despite the slight overall turnover growth, there was a reduction of 2.2% of gross profit, and margin fell by 2.2 base points to 56.4% this is predominately due to the change in geographical and product mix.
Following on from previous years, and despite the reduction in turnover in the UK, the Group invested in sales, marketing and technical resource to ensure continuation of the Group's market leading technical services proposition, as the UK pipeline remains very strong, and will return, and to develop international sales.
As a consequence of the reduction in margin and increase in overheads, to support growth, EBITDA* declined 19.2% to £13.9m but the Group is in a very strong position to take advantage of the pipeline when the BSR accelerates the release approvals.
At the end of the financial year, the Group had cash of £10.6m, bank loans of £18.9m due for repayment on 25 June 2027, interest due on those borrowings of £0.5m and investor / shareholder loans of £12.6m. Subsequently, in January 2026, the Group repaid £5m of the investor / shareholder loans and in March 2026 has increased its bank loan to £25.5m for the sole purpose of repaying the remainder of the investor / shareholder loans with total debt not changing.
The Group continues to recognise the importance of long-term investment to support future growth and to drive the business forward as it seeks to become the global leader in passive fire solutions for all building types.
The Group continues to invest in its head office site in Maesteg, South Wales, and in particular in its manufacturing capability and competence, alongside investment in digital, research and development and testing, investing a further £1.3m in capital expenditure.
Principal risks and uncertainties
Risk | Mitigation |
Geopolitical Risk
In today’s interconnected global economy, businesses face a landscape marked by significant geopolitical fragmentation, from trade wars and regulatory shifts to regional threats. This is currently most specific in the Middle East.
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The Group has global operations including an operation in Dubai, UAE, where it has offices and a factory to serve the MEIAP region which could be impacted by the Middle East issues.
Production can be carried out from its factory in Maesteg, Wales, and whilst this could extend lead times and increase costs, in times when freight costs are impacted, The Group would be able to continue to meet demands.
MEIAP accounts for approximately 15% of Revenues so there is significant regional mix mitigation in The Groups financial performance to offset any negative impact in that region.
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Compliance with regulations, legal and ethical standards The Group’s products and associated services are designed to protect lives and property. It is essential that those products and services comply, at the very least, with the laws and regulations in the territories in which the Company operates.
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The Group engages in regular testing of its products in line with all applicable laws and regulations and is committed to achieving the highest levels of integrity in all that it does. The Group is also represented on external committees overseeing the setting of standards and regulatory processes.
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Credit Risk The Group's credit risk is almost entirely attributable to its trade receivables. |
The Group continues to insure the majority of its trade receivables through Atradius, and, at 31 December 2025 had over 85% of its trade receivables insured. Provision is made for specific doubtful debts based on knowledge and ageing of the debtor. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of these provisions. All receivable accounts are credit checked using reputable agencies, and the Group's approach to giving credit is cautious. The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a number of customers. |
Cyber Security All modern businesses face an increasing inherent cyber security risk as criminals become more sophisticated and technology’s involvement continues to grow.
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The Group has controls in place to mitigate cyber security risk, including regular security audits and independent penetration testing. The Group operates a layered cyber security control framework aligned to recognised standards, supported by enterprise‑grade security tooling, continuous monitoring of security posture and exposure, and risk‑based testing of key controls.
Cyber security is governed through documented policies, defined accountability, and established incident response and business continuity arrangements, alongside regular employee awareness training.
The Group holds Cyber Security Essentials Plus certification and is progressing a formal programme during 2026 to further mature its information‑security management framework in line with ISO 27001.
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Under section 172(1) of the Companies Act 2006, each director of a company has a duty to promote the success of the company, acting in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and, in doing so, have regard, amongst other things, to the following:
the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;
the interests of the company’s employees;
the need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;
the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment;
the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
the need to act fairly as between members of the company.
Long-term impact of decisions
The Board’s decisions are measured against its strategy, underpinned by its long-term business plan. Each decision takes into account, as appropriate, the impact on the Group's short-, medium- and long-term goals and on its wider stakeholder community. The Board, and its wider leadership team, understand the importance of engaging with all stakeholders and regularly discuss issues concerning its employees, suppliers, customers, community and the environment, and factors in the interests of these groups when making decisions.
The interests of the Group's employees
The Group recognises the key role its employees have in building a successful organisation. Siderise Insulation Limited achieved various awards and recognition in 2025 for its people-centric culture including being recognised as one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ in the prestigious Sunday Times listing in both 2024 and 2025, as well as being included in the inaugural Building Magazine Good Employer guide in 2025. Each Executive is responsible for one or more departments in the organisation and therefore, directly or indirectly, every employee’s interests are considered during discussions.
The Group’s average number of employees grew to 208 in 2025 (2024: 202). The need to recruit, develop and retain the best talent is key to the Group's success. The Board continues to focus on recruitment and retention, and will continue to do so, with 0.8% average employee turnover per month in 2025. Developing and upskilling remain fundamental to the employee proposition, underpinned by a bespoke Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (“SKEB”) matrix for each employee, providing focus on current and desired levels of performance, with training provided to address identified areas for growth. In 2025, Siderise invested in a new Learning Management System (LMS) which has allowed the business to improve its performance management and learning processes, demonstrating our continued commitment to staff development, globally.
“Safety matters” is a key value of the business, and, while this extends across the spectrum of stakeholders, it starts with the Group's employees. Delivery of the Group's mission will make the world a safer place. By extension, safety should be intrinsic to everything the Group does. The Group aims to foster a culture of safety, a culture that is expansive and transferrable, so that people take it with them wherever they go.
Fostering the Group's business relationships with suppliers
The Board recognises that the quality, reliability and integrity of the goods and services it procures are fundamental to delivering high-quality products and sustainable outcomes for our customers and wider stakeholders. The Group’s values, in particular Integrity in all we do, underpin its approach to building transparent, ethical and mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers.
The Board maintains oversight of key strategic supplier relationships, with material contracts and associated risks regularly reviewed at Board level under its delegated authority’s framework. Responsibility for the management of broader supplier relationships is appropriately delegated across the organisation, enabling timely and effective engagement, while maintaining clear accountability through Executive oversight.
The Group continues to strengthen its supply chain capability and governance. The appointment of a Head of Supply Chain in 2025 has enhanced central coordination, supplier risk management and the development of more consistent procurement practices across the business. This includes a greater focus on supplier performance, resilience and alignment with the Group’s standards on quality, ethics and sustainability.
Fostering the Group's business relationships with customers
“Customer First” lies at the heart of the Company’s values. The Group’s customers are the ultimate priority, and the quality of their experience when engaging with Siderise, at any point and with any product or service is central to building long‑term, trusted relationships. The Group’s Commercial function, led by the Chief Commercial Officer, ensures that customer insight informs decision‑making, with the Board placing significant emphasis on customer experience indicators, including Net Promoter Score (NPS), and the frequency and nature of customer complaints. In 2025, the business achieved an average NPS score of 57, increasing to 72 in the fourth quarter.
Impact on community and the environment
Under the leadership of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Manager, the impact the business has, and will have on its community and environment is appropriately monitored and managed. The Board has agreed specific science-based targets for the coming years across the spectrum of ESG.
The desirability of the Group maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct and the need to act fairly as between members of the Group
The business has a strong and growing reputation, evidenced by positive customer feedback, and high standards of business conduct evidenced by its value of “Integrity in all we do”. Balancing the interests of all stakeholders is not always simple, but the need to act fairly and take those, sometimes competing, interests into account, is the foundation upon which Siderise operates.
Energy use and emissions
Consumption and emissions disclosure
The table below shows the Company’s energy consumption for the year with comparatives:
Energy Consumption (kWh) | 2025 | 2024 as restated | ||
| UK | Overseas | UK | Overseas |
Electricity consumption on site | 1,179,334 | 40,630 | 1,150,400 | 32,892 |
Electricity consumption at public chargers | 89,503 |
| 63,399 |
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Solar energy generated and consumed | 2,149 |
| - |
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Natural gas | 303,749 |
| 401,973 |
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Heating oil | 156,439 |
| 281,167 |
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LPG | 123,944 |
| 98,511 |
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Propane | 42,687 |
| 65,202 |
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White diesel | 429 |
| 429 |
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Petrol | 27,203 |
| 70,074 |
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Diesel | 15,421 |
| 45,793 |
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Total: | 1,940,858 | 40,630 | 2,176,948 | 32,892 |
1,981,488 | 2,209,840 | |||
The energy intensity per kg of product produced (excluding overseas energy consumption and including the company vehicle fleet), expressed in kWh/kg, decreased across both manufacturing entities in 2025. At Siderise Insulation Limited (SIL), energy intensity reduced by 11% to 0.13 (2024: 0.15), while at Siderise Special Products Limited (SSPL), energy intensity decreased by 21% to 0.37 (2024: 0.47). These reductions reflect the impact of energy efficiency initiatives implemented across the sites, the progressive electrification of the company vehicle fleet, and comparatively milder weather conditions in 2025. Performance at SIL was also influenced by the absence of a one-off heating requirement in January 2024 associated with floor curing activities.
The associated emissions are shown in Table 2: SIL: GHG Emissions below:
GHG Emissions (tCO2e) | 2025 | 2024 as restated | ||
UK | Overseas | UK | Overseas | |
Natural gas (heating) | 55.57 | - | 73.52 | - |
Heating oil (heating) | 38.39 | - | 69.01 | - |
LPG (test centre furnace) | 27.26 | - | 21.67 | - |
Propane (forklifts) | 9.25 | - | 13.03 | - |
White diesel (backup generator) | 0.11 | - | 0.11 | - |
F-gas R32 leak/top up (air conditioners) | 1.15 | - | - | - |
Petrol (company vehicles) | 5.90 | - | 15.30 | - |
Diesel (company vehicles) | 3.79 | - | 11.00 | - |
Total Scope 1 | 141.42 | 203.64 | ||
| UK | Overseas | UK | Overseas |
Electricity | 208.74 | 16.29 | 238.19 | 13.29 |
Public charging of company electric vehicles | 15.84 | - | 13.13 | - |
Scope 2 (location-based) | 224.58 | 16.29 | 251.32 | 13.29 |
Scope 2 (market-based) | 24.17 | 16.29 | 34.01 | 13.29 |
Total Scope 2 (location-based) | 240.87 | 264.61 | ||
Total Scope 2 (market-based) | 40.46 | 47.30 | ||
Methodologies used to calculate the amounts disclosed
For scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, our energy consumption data was obtained from invoices, while emission factors were sourced from the UK Government's Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024 and 2025 publications. Overseas energy consumption and emissions include our office and the manufacturing site in the UAE. We used the most recent and reliable publicly available sources for the UAE's electricity emission factors. The calculation includes emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Our emissions consolidation approach follows the operational control method.
Improvements in the energy performance of our sites
In 2025, we undertook a range of site-specific energy efficiency initiatives across our manufacturing operations to support our ambition of achieving a 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2030. As a result of these initiatives, improvements were delivered across both SIL and SSPL through enhanced monitoring, operational optimisation, and targeted equipment upgrades.
As our manufacturing site in Dubai was newly established during the reporting period, the focus in 2025 was on commissioning operations and embedding site systems and processes. As a result, no dedicated energy efficiency projects were undertaken at this site during the year.
At SIL, a full compressed air leak survey was completed, delivering estimated annual savings of 15,535 kWh. Data loggers were installed on the largest Significant Energy User (SEU) in Q4 2025 to support detailed energy analysis, with further optimisation measures and site-wide expansion planned for 2026. Inefficient equipment was removed, including a 4 kW vacuum pump and two 3 kW macerator motors. Operational controls were strengthened through improved management of heating systems, including standardised temperature setpoints and locked thermostats. Nominal operating hours were reduced from 16 to 10 hours per day. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) fan speeds were also reduced from 50 Hz to 45 Hz to better align with demand.
At SSPL, energy performance improvements focused on enhanced monitoring and heating efficiency. 14 data loggers were installed across SEUs to support more data-driven decision-making. Heating efficiency measures included reducing warehouse temperatures from 14°C to 12°C and site-wide setpoints from 19°C to 18°C, alongside locking thermostats to ensure consistent control. Heating oil consumption was further reduced through the utilisation of fast-acting roller shutter doors and improved behavioural practices in door management.
We continued to develop our onsite renewable energy capacity. Following the installation of a small solar PV array at the Siderise Innovation Centre at SIL in 2024 (generating approximately 2,087 kWh per year, equivalent to 0.4 tCO₂e), a significant milestone was achieved in September 2025 with the approval of a 249 kWp solar PV system at SIL. Scheduled to be operational by the end of Q1 2026, the system is expected to generate approximately 209.44 MWh annually and deliver an estimated lifetime reduction of 1,312 tCO₂e. These developments represent important progress towards our target of meeting 20% of our energy demand through onsite renewables by 2030.
In parallel, we continued to assess the feasibility of heat pump technologies across our manufacturing sites, with plans to phase out heating oil (kerosene) from Building 2 at SIL and fully electrify the heating system by Q3 2026. Across our UK sites, we procure 100% renewable electricity.
In 2025, we made significant progress towards ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System (EnMS) certification, successfully completing the Stage 1 audit, which confirmed that our EnMS is effectively established and ready for certification. The Stage 2 audit is scheduled for February 2026, with certification targeted by the end of Q1 2026.
We also continued to electrify transport across our operations. At SIL, six forklifts are electric, with one remaining propane unit to be phased out in 2026. At SSPL, one forklift is electric, and two are LPG-powered, with a short-term transition to bio-LPG planned ahead of full electrification by 2027.
In addition, our company car fleet is now predominantly electrified, with 91% of vehicles fully electric, 5% hybrid, and 4% diesel. We aim to transition to a fully electric fleet by 2030. At SIL, free electric vehicle charging is provided for employees and visitors to support the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
Improvements in GHG emissions
Total Scope 1 emissions decreased from 203.64 tCO₂e in 2024 to 141.42 tCO₂e in 2025 (-31%), primarily driven by significant reductions in heating oil and natural gas consumption, alongside lower emissions from company vehicles and forklifts, reflecting improved energy efficiency and fleet electrification. LPG emissions increased due to higher test centre activity. Scope 2 (location-based) emissions decreased from 264.61 tCO₂e to 240.87 tCO₂e (-9%), largely reflecting a reduction in UK grid emission factors, partially offset by increased overseas electricity consumption following the commencement of manufacturing operations. Market-based Scope 2 emissions decreased from 47.30 tCO₂e to 40.46 tCO₂e (-14%), reflecting the commencement of renewable electricity procurement at SSPL, despite a slight increase in emissions associated with public charging of electric vehicles. Overall, the data demonstrates strong progress in reducing both direct and indirect emissions across the Group. Our target is to achieve net zero emissions across Scope 1 and Scope 2 by the end of 2030, using 2024 as the baseline year.
Prior period energy use and emissions adjustment
During 2025, a review of the 2024 base year data identified opportunities to improve the accuracy and consistency of energy and emissions calculations. As a result, selected 2024 figures have been restated to reflect updated methodologies and corrected data inputs.
Revisions included the correction of a data entry issue relating to natural gas consumption at the Group, which impacted the associated GHG emissions. In addition, the methodology for estimating heating oil and propane consumption at the Group was refined. Previously based on cost-derived estimates due to limited invoice detail, this has been updated to a stock-based approach using opening and closing fuel levels, resulting in improved accuracy of reported consumption and emissions.
Furthermore, in line with the operational control approach adopted by the Group, electricity consumption from overseas locations where the Group does not have operational control (including Singapore and India) has been reclassified from Scope 2 to Scope 3 emissions. This has resulted in a decrease in reported overseas Scope 2 electricity consumption and associated emissions.
Future Developments
The Group is the UK, Ireland and UAE market leader in passive fire solutions for high rise buildings and has strong prospects for future growth as it focuses on its strategy to become the global leader in passive fire solutions for the building envelope on all building types. The business continues to develop new products and expand into new territories to enable it to address wider applications and markets, recently launching a new offering for Industrial portal-frame buildings as well as solutions for pre-cast concrete applications.
The Group has offices in Dubai, Singapore, India and North America, in addition to its manufacturing facilities, innovation centre and offices in the UK, with manufacturing now established in Dubai also. We continue to focus on developing our international footprint, building out in North America from early wins in New York, and across Asia with specific focus on countries that are undertaking significant vertical urbanism. We have further boosted our presence in Australia and New Zealand with our own team now on the ground there. The business will continue to make appropriate capital and overhead investments to continue its strong record of growth.
The directors believe these investments will deliver substantial returns in the coming years.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The results for the year are set out on page 14.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Azets Audit Services be reappointed as auditor of the group will be put at a General Meeting.
The Group has included this disclosure within the Strategic Report.
We have audited the financial statements of Obice Topco Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise 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, the company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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.
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.
Extent to which the audit was considered 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 and on the Financial Reporting Council’s website, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.
We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we 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. This includes consideration of the risk of acts by the entity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included:
Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims as well as actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
Assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the entity through enquiry and inspection;
Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
Performing audit work over the risk of management bias and override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of potential bias.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk 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.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
As permitted by s408 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 £1,008,697 (2024 - £309 profit).
Obice Topco Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Siderise Forge Industrial Estate, Nantyfyllon, Maesteg, Mid Glamorgan, United Kingdom, CF34 0AH.
The group consists of Obice Topco 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 £'000.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The consolidated group financial statements consist of the financial statements of the parent company Obice Topco Limited together with all entities controlled by the parent company (its subsidiaries).
All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2025. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes the company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. In making their assessment the directors have reviewed the balance sheet, the likely future cash flows of the business and have considered facilities that are in place at the date of signing the report.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has 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.
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received 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.
Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.
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.
An associate is an entity, being neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, in which the company holds a long-term interest and where the company has significant influence. The group considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Investments in associates are initially recognised at the transaction price (including transaction costs) and are subsequently adjusted to reflect the group’s share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income and equity of the associate using the equity method. Any difference between the cost of acquisition and the share of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the associate on acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates.
Losses in excess of the carrying amount of an investment in an associate are recorded as a provision only when the company has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.
In the parent company financial statements, investments in associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.
Entities in which the group has a long-term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
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 are 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 taxable 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.
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 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.
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
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 exceptional costs in the prior year comprise:
c.£1.25m in relation to exit preparation in readiness for the next stage in the life cycle of a private equity owned business;
£763k in relation to asset and stock impairment, see note 12.
There are no such costs for the financial year ending 31 December 2025.
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:
The impairments result from work undertaken to develop a safe method to vertically integrate production of certain ancillary products. The manufacturing process and stock produced during the testing phase of development were not satisfactory. An alternative solution was found and the original project curtailed. The asset under construction and resulting stock were therefore written-off. Given the size and unusual nature of this loss, it has been disclosed as an exceptional item. No such costs existed in the year ending 31 December 2025.
More information on impairment movements in the year is given in note 12.
More information on impairment movements in the year is given in note 12.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2025 are as follows:
Registered office addresses (all UK unless otherwise indicated):
A fixed and floating charge was created on 25 June 2019 in favour of HSBC UK Bank Plc over all the property and undertakings of the company and each of its material subsidiaries, as defined under the group's Senior Facilities Agreement. This remained in place at 31 December 2025.
A fixed and floating charge was created on 13 May 2025 in favour of HSBC UK Bank Plc over all the property and undertakings of the company and each of its material subsidiaries, as defined under the group's Senior Facilities Agreement. This remained in place at 31 December 2025.
The above bank loan balances are repayable in full on the termination date of June 2027. Interest is accruing at a percentage rate per annum which is the aggregate of the applicable margin and LIBOR. Loan margin is 4.0%.
Included within other loans are investor loan notes of £4,571k (2024: £5,263k). The loan notes are unsecured. Interest on the loan notes will accrue daily based on a 365 day year at a rate of 10% per annum fixed coupon. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears up to and including the redemption date of 25 June 2029.
Also included within other loans are fixed coupon 10% unsecured management loan notes of £8,015k (2024: £9,229k) including accrued interest. Interest accrues daily based on a 365 day year at a rate of 10% per annum fixed coupon. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears up to and including the redemption date of 25 June 2029.
At the end of the financial year, the Group had cash of £10.6m, bank loans of £18.9m due for repayment on 25 June 2027, interest due on those borrowings of £0.5m and investor / shareholder loans of £12.6m. Subsequently, in January 2026, the Group repaid £5m of the investor / shareholder loans and in March 2026 has increased its bank loan to £25.5m for the sole purpose of repaying the remainder of the investor / shareholder loans with total debt not changing. For further details see note 27.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:
The deferred tax asset relates to interest deductions and will reverse as the interest is paid.
The deferred tax liability relates to accelerated capital allowances and is expected to reverse within 12 months against capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
Deferred tax has been recognised at a rate of 25%.
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
1,700 Ordinary C3 shares were issued on the 22nd April 2025. Consideration of £124.20 was received for each share resulting in a premium of £124.19 per share.
600 Ordinary C3 shares were issued on the 22nd October 2025. Consideration of £124.20 was received for each share resulting in a premium of £124.19 per share.
333 Ordinary C2 shares were repurchased on 22nd October 2025. Consideration of £432.43 was paid for each share resulting in a premiun of £432.42 per share.
365 Ordinary C3 shares were repurchased on 22nd October 2025. Consideration of £90.82 was paid for each share resulting in a premiun of £90.81 per share.
A and B ordinary shares entitle holders to one vote per share held and dividend rights should dividends be declared.
C1, C2 and C3 ordinary shares have no voting rights but entitle holders to dividend rights should dividends be declared.
At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:
Subsequent to the reporting date, a group subsidiary, Obice Bidco Limited, obtained additional loan financing of £6.6m from HSBC on 2 April 2026. The proceeds of this financing were used to repay £5m of loan notes owed by another subsidiary company, Obice Midco Limited included in other borrowings, held in amounts due after more than one year.
As these financing arrangements were entered into after 31 December 2025, they do not provide evidence of conditions existing at the reporting date and have therefore been treated as a non‑adjusting post‑balance‑sheet event. No adjustment has been made to the amounts recognised in these consolidated financial statements.
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
During the year the group entered into the following transactions with related parties:
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
Advances or credits have been granted by the group to its directors as follows:
Included within other loans are management loan notes owed to two of the Directors as follows: