The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The statement of income and retained earnings is set out on page 13 and shows turnover for the year at £33,196,751 (2024 - £37,668,836) and profit before tax for the year of £1,987,707 (2024 - £2,147,951) with profit after tax of £1,462,609 (2024 - £1,588,658). Further details of turnover are given in note 3 to the financial statements.
Turnover decreased on the prior year by £4,472,085 (2024 – £3,264,297); this decline is predominantly attributed to the economic landscape of market-driven price reductions, continuing high interest rates and, whilst lower than in prior years, the impact of inflation. These have led to a continued caution across all industry sectors throughout 2025. Despite these challenges, the company has continued to work with its customers to navigate through, efficiently managing stock levels and preserving overall margins.
As we transition into 2026, the initial months have demonstrated a continuing caution still in the marketplace, but alongside a quiet optimism for the remainder of the year in certain industry sectors. While acknowledging this level of initial uncertainty, management continues to closely monitor economic drivers that will shape the year ahead, in particular the ongoing events in the Middle East.
Sterling has continued to fluctuate during the year, and therefore foreign currency (particularly Euros) continues to require careful management.
Cash management controls continue to be successful, and the company continues to maintain the positive cash position achieved in prior years. The cash position for the business continues to be relatively stable.
The position of the company at the year end
The balance sheet on page 14 of the financial statements shows the company's financial position at the year end in terms of its net assets position. Details of amounts owed to group undertakings, which include the parent company, are shown in note 13 on page 24.
Whilst there are no longer any restrictions with regards to COVID-19, ALBIS UK and the Otto Krahn Group continue to remain vigilant, actively monitoring the situation throughout the year. This ongoing commitment ensures continuous and responsive support to both our customers and staff.
The ongoing uncertainty stemming from the current economic climate, coupled with the impact of the new government policies, continue to pose challenges. In response, the Board, in collaboration with the Group Management Board, has undertaken an assessment of the potential financial implications on the company. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of the company's financial position and results for future periods. The Board has prepared a forecast grounded in prudent estimates, considering the company's robust cash resources, absence of external borrowings, group support, and the ability to secure funds if needed. It is crucial to note that, based on these robust forecasts, the financial statements have been prepared with the confident assumption that there is no material uncertainty regarding the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
There have been no other events since the balance sheet date which materially affect the position of the company.
The directors of ALBIS (U.K.) Limited confirm that we have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the company, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. The principal risks and uncertainties facing the company are as follows:-
Competitive risk
Competitive pressure in the UK is a continuing risk for the company, which could result in it losing sales. The company manages this risk by delivering customer excellence and by providing added value to its customers, having competitive lead and response times in the supply of material and handling of customer queries as well as by maintaining strong relationships and local representation with key customers and suppliers.
Foreign currency risk
Sales to Ireland and mainland Europe are made in Euros and to the Far East and the US in US dollars. The company is therefore exposed to movements in the Euro to Sterling and US dollar to Sterling exchange rates.
Management monitors the exchange rate fluctuations closely according to its clearly defined strategy and considers the need to take out forward foreign currency contracts to fix the exchange rate, where it appears there will be significant fluctuations. In addition, most of the company’s supplies are bought in Euros to mitigate the receipt of Euros generated from such sales.
Liquidity risk
The company has an overdraft facility with its main bank, Deutsche Bank. This facility is charged at rates over SONIA and EONIA. If the company uses this facility then it is exposed to any interest rate fluctuation.
The overall position is monitored closely by the Board of Directors and the group to ensure the company has sufficient funds for operations.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party will cause a financial loss for that other party by failing to discharge an obligation. Group and company policies are aimed at minimising such losses and require that deferred terms are only granted to customers who demonstrate an appropriate payment history and satisfy credit worthiness procedures. Details of the company’s debtors are shown in note 12 on page 23 to the financial statements.
The company’s credit risk is managed through insurance and appropriate credit checks which are made on all business prior to sales being allowed.
Impact of Brexit
In the aftermath of the UK referendum's decision to exit the European Union, the UK and EU encountered an extended period of political and economic uncertainty. Although a trade deal defining the UK's relationship with the EU was negotiated by the end of 2020, the repercussions persist, particularly in the wake of the new customs and duties rules that were introduced and subsequently evolved at the commencement of 2022.
Recognizing the dynamic nature of this situation, the Board remains steadfast in closely monitoring any new developments. Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring that our staff receives ongoing training to comprehend and implement any new requirements that may arise, demonstrating our dedication to compliance in a continually changing landscape.
Impact of COVID 19
The global pandemic significantly impacted nearly all entities, creating uncertainty about the immediate outlook as countries managed their own variants, outbreaks, and borders. The COVID-19 pandemic presented considerable challenges for supply chains globally. Following the initial wave, the polymer industry witnessed an unexpected surge in demand, leading to gradual fulfilment and, at times, extended lead times. Multiple national lockdowns impeded the flow of raw materials, resulting in unforeseeable delays across the entire supply chain.
All pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted. The business continues to successfully operate with the majority of staff based in the office. The group and local Board remain vigilant and continue to monitor developments, ensuring a proactive approach to any potential future challenges.
Impact of Russia - Ukraine War
The geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe escalated on February 24, 2022, when Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine. The conflict between the two nations is ongoing, marked by evolving military activities and the imposition of additional sanctions. Now, approaching the fourth year since the commencement of this conflict, its repercussions persist, significantly influencing economic and global financial markets. The war further compounds existing economic challenges, contributing to rising inflation and continued disruption in global supply chains.
The group and local Board maintain a vigilant stance, actively monitoring the potential impacts stemming from this prolonged conflict. Close attention is being given to the ongoing supply-chain and travel disruptions in Eastern Europe, with a keen eye on the repercussions on the volatility of commodity prices and currencies. Additionally, the escalation of the conflict has resulted in increased costs and expenditures, prompting the need for continuous evaluation and proactive management.
Impact of Palestine – Israel Conflict
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas, officially designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including Israel, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, initiated an armed assault against Israel. This crisis, resulting in heightened tensions in the Middle East, has had a discernible impact on global supply chain routes and the flow of goods and materials in and through the region. This has led to increased operational costs and extended lead times, as efforts are made to identify alternative transportation routes.
The group and local Board remain actively engaged in monitoring the potential impacts arising from this conflict, particularly its effects on the supply chain. Close attention is given to the potential impact on the volatility of commodity prices and currencies, as well as the consequent rise in costs and expenditures.
Impact of US-Israel-Iran conflict
On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel co-ordinated strikes on Iran in response to ongoing concerns regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities and military infrastructure. This crisis, resulting in further tensions in the Middle East, has disrupted global supply chain routes and the flow of goods and materials in and through the region. This has contributed to increased operational costs and extended lead times, as efforts are made to identify alternative transport routes.
The group and local Board continue to actively monitor the ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East, and the potential implications for the supply chain. Close attention is given to the potential impact on the volatility of commodity prices and currencies, as well as the consequent rise in costs and expenditures.
The company now operates to the ISO 9001 Quality Standard and is part of the distribution business trading under the globally established ALBIS brand. During the year ALBIS UK was externally audited and successfully obtained recertification. Management reviews the current systems and processes to ensure the company continues to meet the requirements of the standard and the demands customers place on us.
As part of this quality regime, management has identified Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are constantly monitored for improvement in the business. Two such indicators which are important to the business and are measured monthly are stock days and debtors days. Average monthly stock days were 57 days in 2025 (2024 - 37 days) and average monthly debtors days were 58 in 2025 (2024 - 57 days). They continue to be part of a wider group focus on working capital, in particular stock management and these measures continue to be key focuses in 2026 with management continuing to monitor these levels.
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulation 2018 requires ALBIS (UK) to disclose annual UK energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from SECR regulated sources. Energy and GHG emissions have been independently calculated by Envantage Ltd for the reporting 12- month period ending 31 December 2025.
Reported energy and GHG emissions data is compliant with SECR requirements and has been calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol and SECR guidelines. Energy and GHG emissions are reported from buildings and transport where operational control is held – this includes electricity, gaseous fuels such as natural gas and business travel in company-owned and grey-fleet cars. The table below details the regulated SECR energy and GHG emission sources from the current and previous reporting period.
|
| FY25 | FY24 | % Change |
Energy (kWh) |
|
|
|
|
| Company vehicles | 116,388 | 78,302 | 48.6% |
| Electricity | 24,605 | 22,302 | 10.3% |
| Total energy | 140,993 | 100,604 | 40.1% |
Emissions (tCO2e) |
|
|
|
|
Scope 1 | Company vehicles | 28.7 | 18.3 | 56.4% |
Scope 2 (LB) | Electricity | 4.4 | 4.6 | -5.7% |
Scope 2 (MB) | Electricity | - | 1.9 | -100% |
Total SECR emissions (MB) | 28.7 | 20.2 | 41.7% | |
Emission intensity ratio |
|
|
| |
Intensity metric (£m turnover) | 33.2 | 37.6 | 8.1% | |
Emissions intensity (tCO2e / £m turnover) (MB) | 0.863 | 0.538 | 60.5% | |
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled every effort is made to ensure that their employment with the company continues and that appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the company that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical with that of other employees.
The company places considerable value on the involvement of its employees and has continued to keep them informed on matters affecting them as employees and on the various factors affecting the performance of the company and group. This is achieved through regular meetings and newsletters to allow a free flow of information and ideas. Employee representatives are consulted regularly on a wide range of matters affecting their interests.
During the year, the directors have acted together and individually in good faith when performing their duties to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole while having regard (amongst other matters) to the following matters, examples of which can be found throughout this strategic report:
Likely long-term consequences
Interests of the company’s staff and colleagues
Business relationships with suppliers and customers
Impact on the community and environment
Reputation for high standards of business conduct
Acting fairly between shareholders
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 £4,500,000 (2024: £1,500,000). The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Details of financial instruments are provided in the accounting policies. Details of financial risk management, objectives and strategies are provided in the strategic report.
There have been no significant events affecting the company since the year end.
The directors aim to maintain the management policies which have resulted in the company's growth and improved profitability in recent years.
Details of the energy and carbon report are provided in the strategic report.
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 ALBIS (U.K.) Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of income and retained earnings, the balance sheet and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
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.
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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:
Enquiries with management, about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud;
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to stock provisioning, debtor recoverability and future performance in light of the impact of the current economic uncertainty;
Reviewing board minutes and legal and professional expenditure to identify any evidence of ongoing litigation or enquiries;
Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business; and
Auditing the risk of fraud in revenue, through the testing of a sample of sales to assess whether revenue is complete in the financial statements and recognised in the correct accounting period.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
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.
ALBIS (U.K.) Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is No. 5 LGA/LGC Booths Park, Chelford Road, Cheshire, WA16 8GS.
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 £.
This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’: Presentation of a statement of cash flow and related notes and disclosures;
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues: Interest income/expense and net gains/losses for financial instruments not measured at fair value; basis of determining fair values; details of collateral, loan defaults or breaches, details of hedges, hedging fair value changes recognised in profit or loss and in other comprehensive income;
Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’: Compensation for key management personnel.
The financial statements of the company are consolidated in the financial statements of ALBIS Distribution GmbH & Co. KG. These consolidated financial statements are available from Otto Krahn (GmbH & Co.) KG, Grimm 10, D-20457, Hamburg, Germany.
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 and loans from fellow group companies, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in profit or loss immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.
Group commissions receivable and management fee
Group commissions are determined annually and accounted for on a receivable basis. A management service fee is determined on an annual basis for services provided by Head Office.
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 directors review the stock held for slow moving items which may indicate impairment. For items which have not been sold for a period greater than 12 months, a provision is generally made. Items which have not been sold for more than a period of 24 months are provided for in full unless there is a specific reason not to.
This policy is in line with the parent company, ALBIS Distribution GmbH & co. KG.
The Company insures the majority of its trade debtors. For debts that are not insured, the directors make an estimate of the recoverable value. When assessing recoverability the directors consider the net risk along with the ageing profile of debtors and historic experience.
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
Total employee costs are net of recharges relating to work performed in the UK which is subsequently recharged to other group companies, totalling £918,070 (2024 - £95,912).
The number of directors and key management personnel for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (2024 - 3).
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit and the standard rate of tax as follows:
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
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. The pension cost charge above represents contributions payable by the company to the fund. Contributions totalling £59,651 (2024 - £25,313) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
All shares have equal voting rights and equal rights to participate in dividends and other distributions.
Capital reserves
The Capital reserve represents a capital contribution from the company's parent undertaking.
Profit and loss account
Retained earnings represents accumulated comprehensive income for the year and prior periods less dividends paid.
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: