The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2025.
General Traffic supplies and distributes high quality components to the automotive industry at competitive prices through a comprehensive and efficient distribution service.
Review of the Business
The company’s sales totalled £78,727,874 in 2025 (2024: £81,175,695) with a profit before tax of £10,407,121 (2024: £10,214,364). The directors acknowledge the decline in turnover, consistent with expectations in a highly competitive trading environment and note the significant improvement in profitability in line with the company’s long-term margin-focused strategy.
Turnover reduced year on year as a result of ongoing competitive pressure within the UK automotive aftermarket, including localised competitor expansion and aggressive pricing. In response, the company continued to prioritise margin protection and service-led value, rather than engaging in unsustainable price competition. The improved profit before tax performance reflects continued progress in procurement, pricing discipline and operational execution, with gross margin improvements outweighing inflationary cost pressures.
The 2025 year also marked a continued focus on operational resilience following the structural reset and operational investment undertaken in 2023. The company continued to strengthen its distribution and service model, enhancing consistency of customer service across the branch network and building resilience to external disruption.
Principal Risks & Uncertainties
The directors monitor business performance by tracking key performance and strategic indicators on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis. This proactive monitoring ensures that management can swiftly implement corrective actions to mitigate adverse trends or capitalise on emerging opportunities. The company recognises several principal risks and uncertainties that could impact operational and financial performance.
Business Performance Risk
Business performance may be adversely affected by internal and external factors, including execution risk, cost fluctuations, operational disruption and competitive pressures.
The company mitigates this risk through maintaining a capable management team, robust business planning, regular forecasting, strong financial controls and frequent KPI monitoring, enabling resilience across the network and timely corrective action when variances arise.
Competition and Market Share Risk
The UK automotive aftermarket remains highly competitive, with continued competitor footprint expansion, aggressive pricing strategies and increasingly price-led market dynamics creating challenging trading conditions.
The company mitigates this risk by maintaining commercial discipline, prioritising value-added services and focusing on a sustainable long-term strategy rather than margin-eroding price competition.
Inflation and Cost Pressure Risk
Inflationary pressures across core cost categories, including payroll, logistics, fleet, energy and facilities, continue to affect the cost base.
The company mitigates this risk through disciplined cost control, productivity initiatives, operational efficiencies and considered pricing, while maintaining service levels and investing appropriately to protect long-term capability.
Supply Chain and Geopolitical Risk
The business is exposed to supply chain disruption, supplier availability constraints, freight volatility, trade policy changes and wider geopolitical developments that may affect lead times, availability and input costs. Recent disruptions to major maritime routes have increased global shipping costs, lead times and freight rate volatility.
The company mitigates this risk by maintaining a diversified supplier and logistics base, securing alternative sourcing channels and adapting stockholding policies to prioritise high-demand and critical lines. Regular engagement with suppliers and continued investment in supply chain systems enhance visibility and responsiveness, enabling the company to respond quickly to emerging issues.
Customer and Credit Risk
Macroeconomic uncertainty and cost pressures may affect customer cash flow, increasing the risk of delayed payments and bad debts.
The company mitigates this risk through robust credit management procedures. Credit checks are undertaken prior to approving facilities, appropriate credit limits are established and reviewed regularly, and overdue balances are actively monitored. A defined credit control policy supports early intervention and proactive debt collection, reducing financial exposure.
Technology and Vehicle Evolution Risk
The automotive sector continues to evolve, particularly through increasing vehicle electrification and the growing adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems. These developments may alter demand for traditional product categories and require changes in product mix, tooling and technical capability across the independent aftermarket.
The company mitigates this risk through active product range development, aligned procurement strategy and continued investment in staff training and customer support. Ongoing monitoring of vehicle technology trends and engagement with relevant industry bodies help ensure the business and its customers remain well positioned as service requirements evolve.
Vehicle Parc and Lifecycle Risk
Aftermarket demand is influenced by the age and composition of the UK vehicle parc. The continued increase in average vehicle age supports demand for replacement parts but also alters product mix and availability requirements.
The company mitigates this risk through maintaining broad product availability, disciplined stock planning and aligning its offering with the needs of an ageing and increasingly diverse parc.
Other Risks
In addition to the principal risks outlined above, the company remains attentive to other risks, including regulatory and data-related risks, cyber security, procurement concentration risk, business continuity and workforce retention risks. Each of these areas is subject to ongoing monitoring, with mitigation strategies developed and refined as part of the company’s risk management framework.
The key performance indicators that the company regards as important are:
KPI | 2025 | 2024 |
1. Gross profit margin | 55.6% | 51.7% |
2. Ratio of operating expenses to turnover | 42.4% | 40.1% |
3. Ratio of operating profit to turnover | 13.2% | 12.6% |
4. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and | £12,510,792 | £12,138,781 |
1. The gross profit margin increased to 55.6%, reflecting the company’s ongoing strategy of sourcing more products directly from manufacturers, securing bulk discounts and building long-term supplier partnerships.
2. The ratio of operating expenses to turnover rose to 42.4%, primarily due to inflationary pressures on core cost categories. The reduction in turnover also increased the ratio, as certain fixed and semi-fixed cost commitments were maintained. The company did not implement material workforce reductions or significant resource cuts during the year, reflecting its focus on long-term capability and service continuity.
3. The ratio of operating profit to turnover improved as higher gross margins more than offset increases in operating expenses.
4. EBITDA increased year-on-year as a result of the improved gross margin and enhanced profitability.
Non-Financial Key Performance Indicators
In addition to financial performance measures, the directors recognise the importance of monitoring non-financial key performance indicators to assess operational effectiveness, workforce stability and long-term sustainability.
The company closely monitors employee turnover and recruitment activity as key indicators of workforce stability. Employee turnover increased to 27.12% in 2025 (2024: 21.23%). This increase reflects a combination of factors, including the impact of a highly competitive labour market, with some employees being actively recruited by competitors. Recruitment activity also increased, with 186 hires in 2025 (2024: 126), ensuring that the business maintained an appropriate workforce level to support ongoing operations rather than reflecting expansion.
The company continues to invest in training and development to support employee performance and retention. Initial induction training improved from an average of 1 hour in 2024 to 3 hours in 2025, reflecting a more structured onboarding process and greater emphasis on equipping new employees with the skills required to perform effectively from the outset.
Diversity and inclusion remain an important area of focus. Female representation at management level increased to 14.29% in 2025 (2024: 11.43%), demonstrating continued, albeit gradual, progress towards a more balanced leadership structure.
Health and safety remains a critical priority given the operational nature of the business. The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate improved to 1.8 (2024: 2.4), and there were no RIDDOR-reportable incidents during the year (2024: 1), reflecting a reduction in serious workplace incidents. Reported accidents increased to 118 (2024: 69), which is attributed to improved reporting awareness rather than a deterioration in safety standards. Mandatory health and safety training completion improved significantly to 91% (2024: 79%), demonstrating stronger compliance and engagement with safety procedures.
Operational performance is monitored through a range of internal metrics, including units sold, workforce productivity and delivery reliability. Total units sold reduced slightly by 2.9% in line with softer demand, while output per employee decreased marginally due to lower volumes. Despite this, service levels improved, with on-time delivery increasing to 96% (2024: 93%), reflecting continued improvements in logistics efficiency and service consistency.
The directors believe that maintaining strong performance across these non-financial indicators is essential to supporting the company’s financial performance and ensuring long-term resilience and growth.
Future Developments
General Traffic remains committed to its long-term vision of growth, resilience and value creation. The company’s strategic roadmap continues to focus on evolving market dynamics, customer expectations and technological advancements. In the medium and long term, the business will prioritise the following key initiatives:
I. Regional Strengthening and Network Optimisation
The company will continue to enhance the efficiency and service capability of its branch network, with a focus on optimising the hub and cluster operating model across three regional hubs. Ongoing review of logistics infrastructure, stock deployment and regional service models will support customer service consistency and cost-effective delivery performance.
II. Margin Protection and Commercial Discipline
In response to continued competitive pressure and cost inflation, the company will maintain disciplined pricing, strategic procurement and focused supplier negotiations to protect margin. Ongoing operational efficiency initiatives and cost management will support sustainable profitability while preserving service quality and long-term capability.
III. Digital Innovation and Data-Led Growth
The company will continue to invest in digital platforms that enhance online ordering, stock visibility, forecasting and customer engagement. Greater use of data analytics will support smarter forecasting, targeted promotions and improved supply chain responsiveness.
IV. Customer Engagement and Value Proposition
The company will continue to differentiate itself through service-led value, technical support, product expertise and local service capability. Ongoing investment in training and relationship management will ensure the business remains aligned with the needs and expectations of its customers.
V. Product Development and Technology Adaptation
As the vehicle parc evolves with increased electrification and advanced vehicle systems, the company will expand relevant product categories and technical capability to support changing service requirements. The company will work closely with suppliers, trade bodies and training partners to ensure relevance in a rapidly shifting aftermarket environment.
VI. People and Culture
The company acknowledges the importance of developing and retaining a skilled workforce. General Traffic will continue to invest in employee development, leadership training and culture-building initiatives to ensure long-term organisational strength.
VII. Strategic Growth Opportunities
The company will remain open to organic growth initiatives, selective acquisition opportunities and strategic partnerships that align with its long-term objectives, while maintaining a continued focus on operational resilience and disciplined capital allocation.
This is an overview of how the directors performed their duty to promote the success of the company under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
Duty to promote the success of the company
In executing our strategy, directors must act in accordance with a set of general duties detailed in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006. These general duties include a duty to promote the success of the company, and specifically, to act in a way that the director considers, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole and, in doing so, having regard (amongst other matters) to the:
likely consequences of any decisions in the long-term.
interests of the company's employees.
need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers, and others.
impact of the company's operations on the community and environment.
desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and
need to act fairly as between shareholders of the company.
This statement has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of The Companies (Miscellaneous
Reporting) Regulations 2018, which require the company to describe how the directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 during the financial year under review. It is noted that the directors have always acted in accordance with such duties in their decision making and they will continue to do so. Considering the additional disclosure requirements, we have set out in the strategic report how the directors have fulfilled their duties during the course of the year ended 31 December 2025.
The likely consequences of any decisions in the long term:
Directors remain mindful that strategic decisions have long term implications for the company and its stakeholders and these implications are carefully assessed when approving the company’s budget which facilitated the acquisition of N.P. Alliance Limited, fulfilling General Traffic’s commitment to a long-term strategy of market expansion and growth to offer a comprehensive and efficient distribution service to customers. The company has pursued sustainable growth strategies that balance short-term financial objectives with the long-term success and value creation for shareholders. This approach ensure the stability and profitability of the company in the future.
The interests of the Company’s employees:
Directors take active steps to ensure that the suggestions, views and interests of staff members are gathered and considered in decision making. Directors benefit from having a knowledgeable, experienced and long-serving senior management team who continue to be actively involved on a daily basis by maintaining regular communication with branch staff. Further examples of how directors engage with staff include provision of regular updates on business performance as KPIs are monitored to assist with linking an element of employee reward to the overall financial success of the company. The General Traffic Academy offers staff the opportunity for career development through various initiatives designed to improve skills, promote growth and nurture new talent. Directors have also enforced regular communication where necessary from General Traffic’s in house human resources department on all matters relating to the welfare and health and safety of all its staff.
The need to foster the Company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others:
Directors recognise that the success of the company is reliant on developing and maintaining strong relationships with customers and suppliers. Directors acknowledge it is their duty to protect, promote and prioritise customer concerns and interests when making decisions as the foundation of General Traffic’s operation is built on an unwavering commitment to deliver value to customers through procuring a diverse range of brands ranging from OE pedigree to competitively priced aftermarket alternatives. Directors are actively engaged in fostering business relationships with suppliers through agreement of multi-year contracts with key suppliers encompassing growth incentives alongside regular meetings to review performance. General Traffic’s contributions to the RAPID Group and TEMOT International further equip directors with the information and influence required to preserve and grow successful supplier relationships.
The impact of the company's operations on the community and environment:
Directors recognise their social responsibility and are committed to delivering a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people and communities in which General Traffic operates. In addition to monetary contributions to charitable bodies locally and globally, directors extend their support to grassroots causes through assisting local sports teams, clubs and community initiatives. Directors are committed to encouraging innovation inside and outside of the business through supporting educational initiatives in partnership with Essa Academy and Alliance Manchester Business School. General Traffic is committed to minimising its environmental impact by reducing both the carbon intensity of its activities and the natural resources it uses through the development and operation of good business practices to manage resources more efficiently. Directors continue to liaise with suppliers to eliminate avoidable plastics in product packaging and utilise route optimisation software to reduce fleet fuel consumption. Directors will continue to keep under review what process changes can be made to General Traffic’s operation to reduce the impact on the environment.
The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct:
The directors pride themselves on a long history of responsible business conduct underpinned by strong ethics. In line with regulatory requirements, directors have implemented policies and procedures to prevent misconduct and discrimination. Directors employ a rigorous onboarding process and robust due diligence when establishing relationships with any new suppliers to ensure there is no slavery or forced labour in the supply chain.
The need to act fairly as between shareholders of the company:
Directors openly engage with shareholders to ensure long-term strategy and objectives are understood, this close involvement assists greatly in ensuring that their interests are not only aligned but also addressed in an effective manner. Directors recognise their responsibility to extend fair and equal treatment to all shareholders enabling them to benefit from the overall success of General Traffic.
On the basis of the above, the members of the Board consider, both individually and together, that they have acted 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 (having regard to the stakeholders and matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act 2006) in the decisions taken during the year ended 31 December 2025.
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 13.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £6,012,000. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
In accordance with s414(c)(11) of the Companies Act, included in the strategic report is information relating to the future developments of the business which would otherwise be required by schedule 7 of the "Large and Medium Sized Company's (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008" to be contained in the directors report.
The auditor, Sumer Auditco Limited is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Following the change in reporting requirements our report on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is set out below:
We have followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We have also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2025 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting.
The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2e per £100,000 of turnover, the recommended ratio for the sector.
In order to meet our ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme) compliance responsibilities, site and transport surveys have been carried out to identify cost effective energy saving opportunities.
The following energy saving measures have been identified and are currently being considered:
Radiators behind storage racking to be turned off.
All heated spaces should be thermally separated from all external areas to avoid heat being lost from the warehouses. The roller shutter doors to the warehouses should be closed when not in use.
All non-LED lighting to be converted to LED's and lights in less frequently occupied spaces should be placed on motion sensors.
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 then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK 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.
We have audited the financial statements of General Traffic Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity, the 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
Other information
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the 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.
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 identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussions with the directors (as required by auditing standards) and discussed with the directors the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.
Firstly, the company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation and taxation legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
Secondly, the company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: laws related to health and safety, employment laws, gender pay gap, consumer protection and COSHH for the handling of chemicals and hazardous materials .
Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these procedures we did not become aware of any actual or suspected non-compliance.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined below to detect material misstatement due to fraud:
• Matters are discussed amongst the audit engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud
• Identifying and assessing the design and effectiveness of controls that management have in place to prevent and detect fraud
• Detecting and responding to the risks of fraud following discussions with management and enquiring as to whether management have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
General Traffic Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Rutland Mill, Adelaide Street, Bolton, Lancs, BL3 3NY.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The 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 credited or charged to profit or loss.
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 are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company 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 company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
In the application of the company’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 estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.
Management calculate an annual estimate of provisions for stock items based on historical customer data for the products that are held by the business. The value of the stock provision is £973,769 at 31 December 2025 (2024: £976,173).
Refer to note 15 for the carrying values of stocks impacted by this key accounting estimate.
All turnover was generated from the principal activity in the United Kingdom.
In the prior year, the company owed £798,742 to its wholly owned subsidiary, N.P. Alliance Limited. The entire loan balance was waived and formally released.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 3 (2024 - 3).
The actual charge 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:
A dividend of £60.00 (2024: £60.00) per share was paid during the year on each class of Ordinary shares (A, B and C).
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2025 are as follows:
Culmac Motor Factors Limited, Potteries Motor Factors Limited and N.P. Alliance Limited ceased trading on the dates of acquisition when the trade and net assets were transferred to General Traffic Limited, being 30 September 2016, 29 August 2008 and 2 June 2023 respectively.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
The deferred tax liability set out above, predominately relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature over the associated fixed assets useful economic life. Pension contributions and remuneration will attract tax relief in the year paid.
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
As at the year-end, contributions due to the schemes in respect of the current reporting year were £33,849 (2024: £25,115).
Ordinary A Shares of £1 each carry full voting rights, full dividend and capital distribution rights (including on winding up) and do not confer any rights of redemption.
Ordinary B Shares and Ordinary C Shares, both of £1 each, have no voting rights but full dividend rights,
Operating lease payments represent rentals payable by the company for certain of its properties. Leases are negotiated for an average term of 5 years.
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
The company paid rent on commercial terms of £343,200 (2024: £321,600) to Asante Investment Limited, £177,360 (2024: £177,360) to YARA International Ltd and £336,960 (2024: £336,480) to Southern Island Investment Limited during the year.
A H Umarji and I H Umarji are individual beneficial owners of these companies.
The company released an intercompany creditor due to N.P. Alliance Limited during the year of £Nil (2024: £798,742).
Dividends totalling £6.0m (2024: £6.0m) were paid in the year in respect of shares in which the Directors, close family members and companies they control hold an interest.
Dividends totalling 1,518,000 (2024 - 1,518,000) were paid in the year in respect of shares held by the company's directors.