Company registration number 09431011 (England and Wales)
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
S Husband
T Williams
K Babb
I Winton
(Appointed 16 July 2026)
Secretary
F Bailey
Company number
09431011
Registered office
50 Britton Street
London
England
EC1M 5UP
Auditor
Goodman Jones LLP
1st Floor Arthur Stanley House
40-50 Tottenham Street
London
United Kingdom
W1T 4RN
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Statement of comprehensive income
8
Statement of financial position
9
Statement of changes in equity
10
Statement of cash flows
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 25
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 1 -
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2026.
The Board is delighted with the performance of the business, with the success of our strategy clearly demonstrated in the published results for 2025/26.
Turnover remains healthy and our strong cash position provides the business with the financial resilience and capacity to continue investing in future growth. During the year, the senior management team has expanded, while our Leeds office has played an increasingly significant role in developing new services and generating new business opportunities.
Our current business activity is particularly strong across the Real Estate and Travel sectors, both domestically and internationally. Our client portfolio now includes major travel businesses across airlines, car rental and cruise, with an increasing number of these relationships being serviced across multiple global markets.
The Board sees considerable potential for further growth within both Real Estate and Travel and will continue to invest in these opportunities. We have established significant sector expertise and credentials, creating a highly competitive proposition from which to pursue further expansion.
Developing our proposition
The Media People has a strong track record of building long-term partnerships with major clients. These relationships are underpinned by a consistently high standard of service, combined with our ability to innovate and introduce new capabilities in response to changing client requirements.
During the year, we have continued to broaden our proposition. We are now providing market-leading insight through bespoke research projects; delivering specialist digital services through Total Digital solutions; and helping clients tell their stories through Creative Content designed to engage and influence their customers.
These capabilities strengthen our core media proposition and provide additional opportunities to deepen existing client relationships while attracting new business.
Investing for growth
The outlook for the year ahead is challenging with both Market and Government influence needing to be more consistent and stable. Having said this The Media People are remaining positive and we have taken larger office premises in Leeds and are introducing a more proactive new business strategy to support the next stage of our development.
Artificial Intelligence has had a significant influence on the media and marketing sector during the year and represents both an important opportunity and an area of strategic focus for the business. Our partnership with the University of Leeds is helping us explore research and commercial opportunities associated with AI, while developing our understanding of how emerging technologies can create additional value for our clients.
Looking ahead to 2026/27, the Board will continue to explore where AI can enhance our services, create new commercial opportunities and deliver greater efficiencies for both The Media People and our clients.
Our people
The Board recognises that our people remain the most important asset within the business. Our future success will depend upon developing our existing talent, identifying the new skills required as the business evolves and making strategic hires where appropriate.
Like many businesses, we continue to face challenges associated with skills shortages, wage inflation and increasing employment costs arising from both fiscal and inflationary pressures. The Board expects these factors to remain an important consideration in the management of the business.
Against this backdrop, we remain committed to ensuring that The Media People is not only a great place to develop a career, but also a place where employees can participate in the financial success they help to create.
The Employee Board has continued to grow in stature over the past 12 months, developing employee-focused initiatives and improving communication across the business through measures including staff surveys. It is also working closely with the Employee Trust to strengthen engagement and relationships across the company.
The Employee Trust is now entering its fifth year and will once again make an additional payment to more than 54% of our employees. The initiative has proved extremely positive in creating a stronger commercial partnership between the business and its beneficiaries. Our philosophy remains straightforward: our people contribute directly to the success of The Media People and should therefore have the opportunity to share in that financial success.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 2 -
Strengthening the business
As The Media People continues to mature, the Board has made the strategic decision to appoint two Non-Executive Directors who will bring additional financial and commercial expertise to the business. Their experience will provide further insight and perspective as we consider the next stage of the company's development.
Founders Stel Tzirki and Steve Husband remain hands-on and fully committed to the day-to-day needs of the business, while increasingly focusing on the longer-term opportunities available to the company.
Together with our senior management team, Employee Board, Employee Trust and Non-Executive Directors, we are building the structure required for the next stage of The Media People's development.
Our priorities for 2026/27 are clear: to continue growing our Real Estate and Travel businesses; expand our international capabilities; invest in our people and services; embrace the commercial opportunities presented by AI; and maintain the financial discipline that has supported the business to date.
The Board enters the new financial year with confidence in the strength of the business, its people and the opportunities ahead.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The markets we operate in are strong as both structural and cyclical trends remain favourable. We are confident that as the market grows, our share will also increase. We are well diversified across a large number of sectors which dilutes the risk that would come if we were overly reliant on any one market. Our markets are also one of the last parts of the economy to be affected by a change in economic conditions.
This means we have a good degree of visibility on when we are likely to be affected as the signs will have been visible in other parts of the economy for some time. We are therefore able to plan accordingly and react in a timely manner when necessary. Due to the nature of the company's business, and the assets and liabilities contained within the company's balance sheet, the only financial risks that the directors consider relevant to the company are credit risk through its trade
debtors.
Credit risk is mitigated by credit control policies and the fact that exposure is spread over a large number of customers. Credit insurance is also used where it is available to further protect against credit risk. The company has always ensured that it retains a significant amount of its income in cash retained in the business. This provides significant comfort and assurance to customers and suppliers alike, in the financial strength of the company.
Key performance indicators
The board monitors the company' s performance in a number of ways including key performance indicators. The
key performance indicator for the year is as follows:
Year ended Year ended
31 March 2026 31 March 2025
Operating profit £1,065,884 £1,166,782
Operating profit margin 2.88% 3.12%
The directors are pleased with the operating results which are in line with expectations and believe the strategic investments position the company as a significant competitor within it’s business category.
S Husband
Director
9 September 2026
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 3 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company is that of a media agency.
During the year a capital contribution of £1,720,000 was paid to the Employee Ownership Trust (2025: £1,720,000).
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
S Husband
S Tzirki
(Resigned 31 March 2026)
T Williams
K Babb
I Winton
(Appointed 16 July 2026)
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 8.
Financial instruments
Liquidity risk
The company manages its cash and borrowing requirements in order to maximise interest income and minimise interest expense, whilst ensuring the company has sufficient liquid resources to meet the operating needs of the business. Investments of cash surpluses, borrowings and derivative instruments are made through banks and companies which must fulfil credit rating criteria approved by the Board.
Credit risk
Credit risk is mitigated by credit control policies and the fact that exposure is spread over a large number of customers. All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Trade debtors are monitored on an ongoing basis and provision is made for doubtful debts where necessary. Credit insurance is also used where it is available to further protect against credit risk.
Going concern
The Company's business activities, are set out in the Strategic Report. The company meets its day to day working capital requirements through its trading activities together with a significant cash reserve held, in excess of short-term working capital requirements. The Company's forecasts and projections, taking into account, the high value of secured forward order-book and reasonable possible changes in trading performance, show that the Company will be able to operate within the level of its current arrangements. The directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the statement of accounting policies in the financial statements.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 4 -
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible 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 then apply them consistently;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 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.
Statement of disclosure to auditor
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.
On behalf of the board
S Husband
Director
9 September 2026
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
- 5 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Media People Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 March 2026 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, 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).
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 March 2026 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.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the 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 director's 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 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.
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. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
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 course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
- 6 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the 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 or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, 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 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.
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.
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:
Based on our understanding of the company and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to industry sector regulations and unethical and prohibited business practices, and we considered the extent to which noncompliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006 and UK Tax Legislation. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls). Appropriate audit procedures in response to these risks were carried. These procedures included:
• Discussions with management, including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
• Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
• Obtaining and reading correspondence from legal and regulatory bodies including HMRC;
• Identifying and testing journal entries;
• Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
- 7 -
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members; and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above 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 would become aware of it. Also, 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 or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
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.
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.
Sarf Malik (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Goodman Jones LLP
9 September 2026
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
1st Floor Arthur Stanley House
40-50 Tottenham Street
London
United Kingdom
W1T 4RN
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 8 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
Revenue
3
37,000,781
37,394,414
Cost of sales
(30,114,146)
(30,979,100)
Gross profit
6,886,635
6,415,314
Administrative expenses
(5,820,751)
(5,248,532)
Operating profit
4
1,065,884
1,166,782
Investment income
8
82,886
137,320
Finance costs
9
(1,595)
(2,899)
Profit before taxation
1,147,175
1,301,203
Tax on profit
10
(350,289)
(403,890)
Profit for the financial year
796,886
897,313
Other comprehensive income
Currency translation gain taken to retained earnings
3,541
Total comprehensive income for the year
800,427
897,313
The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
31 March 2026
- 9 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
12
103,137
110,391
Investments
13
10,100
10,100
113,237
120,491
Current assets
Trade and other receivables
15
5,769,604
3,528,268
Cash and cash equivalents
4,205,486
5,633,790
9,975,090
9,162,058
Current liabilities
16
(8,447,602)
(6,777,672)
Net current assets
1,527,488
2,384,386
Total assets less current liabilities
1,640,725
2,504,877
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
17
15,286
16,742
(15,286)
(16,742)
Net assets
1,625,439
2,488,135
Equity
Called up share capital
19
10,000
10,000
Retained earnings
1,615,439
2,478,135
Total equity
1,625,439
2,488,135
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions relating to medium-sized companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 9 September 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
S Husband
Director
Company registration number 09431011 (England and Wales)
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 10 -
Share capital
Retained earnings
Total
Notes
£
£
£
Balance at 1 April 2024
10,000
3,212,614
3,222,614
Year ended 31 March 2025:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
897,313
897,313
Capital contribution to the Employee OwnershipTrust
11
-
(1,720,000)
(1,720,000)
Credit to equity for equity settled share-based payments
20
-
88,208
88,208
Balance at 31 March 2025
10,000
2,478,135
2,488,135
Year ended 31 March 2026:
Profit for the year
-
796,886
796,886
Other comprehensive income:
Currency translation differences
-
3,541
3,541
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
800,427
800,427
Capital contribution to the Employee OwnershipTrust
11
-
(1,720,000)
(1,720,000)
Credit to equity for equity settled share-based payments
20
-
56,877
56,877
Balance at 31 March 2026
10,000
1,615,439
1,625,439
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 11 -
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
23
1,427,994
3,188,160
Interest paid
(1,595)
(2,899)
Income taxes paid
(429,014)
(489,914)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
997,385
2,695,347
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(72,116)
(38,623)
Short term loans
(720,000)
Interest received
82,886
137,320
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
(709,230)
98,697
Financing activities
Dividends and distributions paid
(1,720,000)
(1,720,000)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,720,000)
(1,720,000)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(1,431,845)
1,074,044
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
5,633,790
4,559,746
Effect of foreign exchange rates
3,541
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
4,205,486
5,633,790
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
The Media People Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 50 Britton Street, London, England, EC1M 5UP.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2
Going concern
The Directors are committed to carrying out regular reviews of the Company’s cash flows to monitortrue the ongoing economic situation and take any steps that are required. They are confident that sufficient cash reserves are available to support the company for a period of a least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements.
The Company's business activities, are set out in the Strategic Report. The company meets its day to day working capital requirements through its trading activities together with a significant cash reserve held, in excess of short-term working capital requirements. The Company's forecasts and projections, taking into account, the high value of secured forward order-book and reasonable possible changes in trading performance, show that the Company will be able to operate within the level of its current arrangements. The directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the statement of accounting policies in the financial statements.
1.3
Revenue
Revenue 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 media discounts and commission earned on media sales.
When the outcome of a transaction can be estimated reliably, revenue from advertising space and the management of media work is recognised by reference to the stage of completion at the reporting date. Stage of completion is measured by reference to when services are rendered.
When the outcome cannot be measured reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that are recoverable.
1.4
Research and development expenditure
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.
1.5
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold improvements
Over the life of the lease
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
25% straight line
Computer equipment
25% straight line
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.
1.6
Non-current investments
Interests in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the company. 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 company considers that it has significant influence where it has the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the associate.
Entities in which the company has a long term interest and shares control under a contractual arrangement are classified as jointly controlled entities.
The fixed asset investment additions represent a new investment in the year in The Media People (London) Limited.
1.7
Impairment of non-current assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
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 MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.8
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.9
Financial instruments
The company 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 company's statement of financial position when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with 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
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables 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
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.
Impairment of financial assets
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.
Derecognition of financial assets
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.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Classification of financial liabilities
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
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables, 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 payables 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 payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Other financial liabilities
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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.10
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company 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 company.
1.11
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement 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 company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, 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 when the company has 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.
1.12
Employee benefits
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 non-current 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.
1.13
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.14
Share-based payments
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the estimate of shares that will eventually vest. A corresponding adjustment is made to equity.
The expense in relation to options over the parent company’s shares granted to employees of a subsidiary is recognised by the company as an expense.
When the terms and conditions of equity-settled share-based payments at the time they were granted are subsequently modified, the fair value of the share-based payment under the original terms and conditions and under the modified terms and conditions are both determined at the date of the modification. Any excess of the modified fair value over the original fair value is recognised over the remaining vesting period in addition to the grant date fair value of the original share-based payment. The share-based payment expense is not adjusted if the modified fair value is less than the original fair value.
Cancellations or settlements (including those resulting from employee redundancies) are treated as an acceleration of vesting and the amount that would have been recognised over the remaining vesting period is recognised immediately.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
When the terms and conditions of equity-settled share-based payments at the time they were granted are subsequently modified, the fair value of the share-based payment under the original terms and conditions and under the modified terms and conditions are both determined at the date of the modification. Any excess of the modified fair value over the original fair value is recognised over the remaining vesting period in addition to the grant date fair value of the original share-based payment. The share-based payment expense is not adjusted if the modified fair value is less than the original fair value.
Cancellations or settlements (including those resulting from employee redundancies) are treated as an acceleration of vesting and the amount that would have been recognised over the remaining vesting period is recognised immediately.
1.15
Leases
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 leases asset are consumed.
1.16
Foreign exchange
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.
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
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.
A charge has been recognised in relation to the Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option scheme established in the year. The charge was estimated based on the number of employees in the scheme, their retention rate, the number of options granted, their fair value and the vesting period. The charge was recognised as an employment cost and then credited to retained earnings.
The directors have concluded that there are no other critical accounting judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty.
3
Revenue
An analysis of the company's revenue is as follows:
2026
2025
£
£
Revenue analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
37,000,781
37,394,414
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
3
Revenue
(Continued)
- 18 -
2026
2025
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
82,886
137,320
4
Operating profit
2026
2025
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Exchange losses
23,640
179,670
Research and development costs
23,963
49,443
Depreciation of owned property, plant and equipment
79,370
111,046
Share-based payments
56,877
88,208
Operating lease charges
258,776
235,843
5
Auditor's remuneration
2026
2025
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
23,000
17,000
6
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2026
2025
Number
Number
Other staff
74
69
Directors
4
4
Total
78
73
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2026
2025
£
£
Wages and salaries
3,633,255
3,121,947
Social security costs
447,380
319,573
Pension costs
89,402
70,570
4,170,037
3,512,090
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 19 -
7
Directors' remuneration
2026
2025
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
262,080
262,282
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
7,085
6,712
269,165
268,994
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2026
2025
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
135,057
131,639
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
4,052
3,687
8
Investment income
2026
2025
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
82,886
137,320
2026
2025
Investment income includes the following:
£
£
Interest on financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss
82,886
137,320
9
Finance costs
2026
2025
£
£
Other finance costs
Other interest
1,595
2,899
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 20 -
10
Taxation
2026
2025
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
351,745
421,637
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(1,456)
(17,747)
Total tax charge
350,289
403,890
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:
2026
2025
£
£
Profit before taxation
1,147,175
1,301,203
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2025: 25.00%)
286,794
325,301
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
48,092
55,839
Depreciation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
19,888
27,762
Share based payment charge
14,219
22,052
Capital allowances
(18,387)
(10,014)
Deferred taxation
(1,456)
(17,747)
Pensions
1,139
697
Taxation charge for the year
350,289
403,890
11
Dividends and distributions
2026
2025
£
£
Distributions to parent undertaking
Capital contribution to the Employee Ownership Trust
1,720,000
1,720,000
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 21 -
12
Property, plant and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
Computer equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2025
280,725
97,085
195,405
573,215
Additions
21,829
50,287
72,116
At 31 March 2026
280,725
118,914
245,692
645,331
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2025
235,937
86,847
140,040
462,824
Depreciation charged in the year
44,788
6,816
27,766
79,370
At 31 March 2026
280,725
93,663
167,806
542,194
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2026
25,251
77,886
103,137
At 31 March 2025
44,788
10,238
55,365
110,391
13
Fixed asset investments
2026
2025
Notes
£
£
Investments in subsidiaries
14
10,100
Investments in associates
10,100
10,100
10,100
14
Subsidiaries
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 March 2026 are as follows:
Name of undertaking
Registered office
Class of
% Held
shares held
Direct
The Media People (London) Ltd
England and Wales
Ordinary
100.00
15
Trade and other receivables
2026
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade receivables
4,691,503
3,204,959
Other receivables
723,719
4,495
Prepayments and accrued income
354,382
318,814
5,769,604
3,528,268
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 22 -
16
Current liabilities
2026
2025
£
£
Trade payables
6,748,923
5,613,159
Corporation tax
137,368
214,637
Other taxation and social security
1,133,464
540,687
Other payables
42,197
24,858
Accruals and deferred income
385,650
384,331
8,447,602
6,777,672
17
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2026
2025
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
15,286
16,742
2026
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 April 2025
16,742
Credit to profit or loss
(1,456)
Liability at 31 March 2026
15,286
The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.
18
Retirement benefit schemes
2026
2025
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
89,402
70,570
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.
19
Share capital
2026
2025
2026
2025
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
10,000 ordinary shares of £1 each
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 23 -
20
Share-based payment transactions
The company established an Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option scheme and issued share options to certain employees. The EMI is an HMRC approved scheme open to eligible employees. These are non-performance vesting options which vest in 3 to 5 years from the date of grant.
Number of share options
Weighted average exercise price
2026
2025
2026
2025
Number
Number
£
£
Outstanding at 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026
2,142
2,142
319.77
319.77
Exercisable at 31 March 2026
1,074
319.77
The options outstanding at 31 March 2026 had an exercise price of £319.77 and a remaining contractual life of 6 years. The weighted average fair value of options granted was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model is considered to apply the most appropriate valuation method to the options granted.
Liabilities and expenses
During the year, the company recognised total share-based payment expenses of £56,877 (2025 - £88,208) which related to equity settled share based payment transactions.
21
Operating lease commitments
As lessee
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:
2026
2025
£
£
Within 1 year
220,454
143,000
Years 2-5
801,866
After 5 years
1,022,320
143,000
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 24 -
22
Directors' transactions
Advances or credits have been granted by the company to its directors as follows:
Loans
% Rate
Opening balance
Amounts advanced
Closing balance
£
£
£
S Husband - Short term loan
-
-
720,000
720,000
-
720,000
720,000
23
Cash generated from operations
2026
2025
£
£
Profit after taxation
796,886
897,313
Adjustments for:
Taxation charged
350,289
403,890
Finance costs
1,595
2,899
Investment income
(82,886)
(137,320)
Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
79,370
111,046
Equity settled share based payment expense
56,877
88,208
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
(1,521,336)
1,677,586
Increase in trade and other payables
1,747,199
144,538
Cash generated from operations
1,427,994
3,188,160
24
Analysis of changes in net funds
1 April 2025
Cash flows
Exchange rate movements
31 March 2026
£
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
5,633,790
(1,431,845)
3,541
4,205,486
25
Ultimate controlling party
The company is under the control of The Media People Employee Ownership Trust.
THE MEDIA PEOPLE LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
- 25 -
26
Related party transactions
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
2026
2025
£
£
Aggregate compensation
575,274
670,052
The company paid rent of £183,907 (2025: £180,491) to Britton Street Ltd. At the year end, an amount of £4,527 (2025: £4,527) was owed by the company to Britton Street Ltd. The company is under the control of S Husband and S Tzirki.
During the year, a capital contribution of £1,720,000 (2025: £1,720,000) was paid by the company to The Media People Employee Ownership Trust (the EOT). The EOT is the ultimate controlling party.
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