Company Registration No. 07279669 (England and Wales)
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Annual report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Company information
Directors
Mr Nicholas Ogden
Mr Christopher Oldfield
Company number
07279669
Registered office
14 King Street
Leeds
England
LS1 2HL
Auditor
Saffery LLP
10 Wellington Place
Leeds
LS1 4AP
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Contents
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3
Directors' responsibilities statement
4
Independent auditor's report
5 - 7
Income statement
8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Statement of financial position
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 23
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Strategic report
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The business
Castlefield Recruitment is a human capital business, operating in the UK, in the Public, Private and Professional Services sectors and providing specialist recruitment services on a permanent, contract and interim basis.
The company is passionate about ensuring that all employees understand the balance of matching its customers’ needs to a simple and cost-effective resourcing solution.
The key to this service is proactive search methodology. This ensures thorough knowledge of the talent pool, excellence in delivery and long-term value – all part of the commitment to building lasting relationships.
Castlefield Recruitment constantly seeks to deliver a professional, honest and straightforward approach that not only offers the highest level of service, but also strives to stay at the forefront of an ever-changing market place.
Castlefield Recruitment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Castlefield Group Limited, with offices in Manchester and Leeds. Castlefield Group also owns 75% of Ogden Scott Limited, a bespoke recruitment company specialising in permanent, contract and interim actuarial recruitment.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
Credit risk
As its clients are diverse and predominantly in the public sector, the credit risk is relatively low compared to other recruiters. Castlefield Group has a robust credit control function and processes, and a prudent approach to declaring dividends.
Interest risk
Castlefield Group is financed using an invoice finance facility at manageable interest rates and has no other external finance.
Key Personnel
The number of directors of the company was increased on 1st January 2022 with Jack Barnes joining the board. There is no reliance on one individual as the board of directors is supported by an experienced management team, with individuals specialising in the various market sectors.
Economic risk
As an established brand, with a diverse portfolio of clients and sectors predominantly across the public sector, Castlefield Group has mitigated its exposure to economic risk. Castlefield Recruitment trades under a number of public sector framework agreements, having successfully re-tendered for the contracts over the last few years, and it continues to further diversify the income streams through new sectors and new geographical locations.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Strategic report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
2
Performance and KPIs
Castlefield Recruitment has had a positive year of financial performance whilst facing recruitment sector wide challenges resulting from the current political, economic and global climate. In particular, the recruitment sector as a whole has been adversely affected by rising salary costs since April 2025 due to increases to national minimum wage, the employer national insurance percentage and the national insurance threshold.
The company has continued to successfully implement the strategy of diversifying the client base with new customers and geographical locations, along with focusing on cost reducing efficiencies across the business. Continued strengthening and building of the relationships with the company’s original public sector clients in the North West and Yorkshire has contributed to the positive result for 2025 and we have seen growth in the new sectors introduced into the company by the recruitment of key talent in 2024 and early 2025.
A good level of performance has been maintained this year with turnover of £13.0m (2024 - £14.7m) and gross profit of £3.7m (2024 - £3.7m). Although turnover has reduced, gross profit has remained consistently high due to a change in the sales mix to more permanent placements and higher margin temporary contracts.
The decision has been made to strike off and dissolve the loss-making Ogden Scott Limited in February 2026 following it ceasing trading in October 2025. This has resulted in a £243k write off of intercompany debt owed to Castlefield Recruitment by Ogden Scott. This is accounted for as an exceptional item in the Castlefield Recruitment accounts as it does not impact the ongoing performance of the company.
The profit before tax and exceptional items is £20k (2024 - £77k loss) reflecting the improvement in performance in 2025 and the company maintains a strong £0.8m net assets position on the balance sheet (2024 - £1.0m).
Future events
The application to strike off and dissolve the Castlefield Group subsidiary Ogden Scott Limited was made in February 2026.
The business continues to pursue its policy of organic growth.
Mr Nicholas Ogden
Director
19 March 2026
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Directors' report
For the year ended 31 December 2025
3
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the provision of recruitment services.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 8.
Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £10,000. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Mr Nicholas Ogden
Mr Christopher Oldfield
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions
The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.
Matters covered in the strategic report
The company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of financial risk management and future developments.
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
Mr Nicholas Ogden
Mr Christopher Oldfield
Director
Director
19 March 2026
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Directors' responsibilities statement
For the year ended 31 December 2025
4
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;
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.
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.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Castlefield Recruitment Limited
5
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Castlefield Recruitment Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the income statement, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity 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 December 2025 and of its loss 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 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.
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. 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.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Castlefield Recruitment Limited (continued)
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 set out on page 4, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
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 are detailed below.
Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the directors, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the company by discussions with directors and by updating our understanding of the sector in which the company operates.
Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the company include The Companies Act 2006 and UK Tax legislation.
Audit response to risks identified:
We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the company's records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the company's policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Castlefield Recruitment Limited (continued)
7
During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.
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.
Richard Dunkley
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Saffery LLP
19 March 2026
Statutory Auditors
10 Wellington Place
Leeds
LS1 4AP
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Income statement
For the year ended 31 December 2025
8
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
12,970,224
14,724,469
Cost of sales
(9,247,572)
(11,012,855)
Gross profit
3,722,652
3,711,614
Administrative expenses
(3,666,797)
(3,739,549)
Operating profit/(loss)
4
55,855
(27,935)
Interest receivable and similar income
7
3,947
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(36,326)
(53,198)
Exceptional item
9
(243,175)
-
Loss before taxation
(223,646)
(77,186)
Tax on loss
10
3,835
12,574
Loss for the financial year
(219,811)
(64,612)
The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2025
9
2025
2024
£
£
Loss for the year
(219,811)
(64,612)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
Total comprehensive income for the year
(219,811)
(64,612)
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2025
10
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
12
20,417
Tangible assets
13
361,221
418,727
381,638
418,727
Current assets
Debtors
14
1,917,378
2,078,717
Cash at bank and in hand
112,787
15,177
2,030,165
2,093,894
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(1,558,636)
(1,425,808)
Net current assets
471,529
668,086
Total assets less current liabilities
853,167
1,086,813
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
17
41,753
45,588
(41,753)
(45,588)
Net assets
811,414
1,041,225
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
19
100
100
Share premium account
40,475
40,475
Profit and loss reserves
770,839
1,000,650
Total equity
811,414
1,041,225
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 19 March 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr Nicholas Ogden
Mr Christopher Oldfield
Director
Director
Company Registration No. 07279669
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2025
11
Share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss reserves
Total
Notes
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2024
100
40,475
1,075,262
1,115,837
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
-
(64,612)
(64,612)
Dividends
11
-
-
(10,000)
(10,000)
Balance at 31 December 2024
100
40,475
1,000,650
1,041,225
Year ended 31 December 2025:
Loss and total comprehensive income
-
-
(219,811)
(219,811)
Dividends
11
-
-
(10,000)
(10,000)
Balance at 31 December 2025
100
40,475
770,839
811,414
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
12
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Castlefield Recruitment Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 14 King Street, Leeds, England, LS1 2HL.
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
Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company incurred a loss during the year due to the write off of an intercompany balance recognised in exceptional items in the profit and loss account. Management has prepared detailed cash flow forecasts covering a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. These forecasts indicate that the company will be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due.
Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3
Turnover
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, and is shown net of VAT and other sales related taxes. The fair value of consideration takes into account trade discounts, settlement discounts and volume rebates.
Turnover from temporary placements, representing fees billed for the services of temporary staff including their costs, is recognised when the service has been provided to the customer. Turnover from permanent placements is recognised on the invoice date which are raised around the candidate start date.
1.4
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.
Amortisation 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:
Software
33% straight line
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
13
1.5
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold land and buildings
10% straight line
Fixtures, fittings and computer equipment
33% 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
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
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.
1.7
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.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
14
1.8
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 debtors, and amounts owed by group undertakings, 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.
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.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
15
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other creditors, bank loans 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.
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.
1.9
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.
1.10
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.
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.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
16
1.11
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 fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.12
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.13
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.
2
Critical accounting 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.
The group operates an Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme Share Option Plan for the benefit of certain employees as is approved by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs. In determining whether a share-based payment charge should be recognised, management is required to assess the probability of the vesting conditions being met. Based on current performance indicators and the specific vesting criteria attached to the options, management has judged that the likelihood of the options vesting as being remote at this time. As a result, the cost of the share-based payment expense has been disregarded in the preparation of these financial statements. This judgement involves consideration of both internal and external factors and will be reassessed at each reporting date should circumstances change.
Also, a management estimate has been made to write off the intercompany debtor balance with Ogden Scott Limited as part of the decision by the directors to cease trading in Ogden Scott Limited in October 2025 and the subsequent application to voluntarily strike off the company via Companies House on 3 February 2026.
3
Turnover and other revenue
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Provision of recruitment services
12,970,224
14,724,469
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
3
Turnover and other revenue (continued)
17
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
United Kingdom
12,970,224
14,724,469
2025
2024
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
-
3,947
4
Operating profit/(loss)
2025
2024
Operating profit/(loss) for the year is stated after charging:
£
£
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
15,900
15,250
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
60,780
67,633
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
78
-
Amortisation of intangible assets
583
-
Operating lease charges
341,292
357,244
5
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2025
2024
Number
Number
46
53
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
2,505,945
2,379,889
Social security costs
305,050
241,217
Pension costs
77,086
71,094
2,888,081
2,692,200
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
18
6
Directors' remuneration
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
183,333
190,000
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
7,333
7,600
190,666
197,600
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (2024 - 2).
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2025
2024
£
£
Interest income
Other interest income
3,947
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2025
2024
£
£
Interest on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
36,326
53,198
9
Exceptional item
2025
2024
£
£
Exceptional item
(243,175)
-
Within the current year, the intercompany debtor balance with Ogden Scott Limited has been written off as part of the decision by the directors to cease trading in Ogden Scott Limited in October 2025 and the subsequent application to voluntarily strike off the company via Companies House on 3 February 2026.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
19
10
Taxation
2025
2024
£
£
Current tax
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(94)
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
(3,835)
(12,480)
Total tax credit
(3,835)
(12,574)
The actual credit for the year can be reconciled to the expected credit for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Loss before taxation
(223,646)
(77,186)
Expected tax credit based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
(55,912)
(19,297)
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
69,328
3,289
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(93)
Group relief
(17,757)
(2,529)
Fixed asset differences
506
6,056
Taxation credit for the year
(3,835)
(12,574)
11
Dividends
2025
2024
2025
2024
Per share
Per share
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
Ordinary shares
Final paid
1.00
1.00
10,000
10,000
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
20
12
Intangible fixed assets
Software
£
Cost
At 1 January 2025
Additions
21,000
At 31 December 2025
21,000
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
Amortisation charged for the year
583
At 31 December 2025
583
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
20,417
At 31 December 2024
13
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Fixtures, fittings and computer equipment
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2025
472,511
86,901
559,412
Additions
3,351
3,351
Disposals
(8,160)
(8,160)
At 31 December 2025
472,511
82,092
554,603
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
70,878
69,807
140,685
Depreciation charged in the year
47,252
13,528
60,780
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(8,083)
(8,083)
At 31 December 2025
118,130
75,252
193,382
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
354,381
6,840
361,221
At 31 December 2024
401,633
17,094
418,727
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
21
14
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
1,717,068
1,717,855
Amounts owed by group undertakings
158,264
Other debtors
7,278
Prepayments and accrued income
200,310
195,320
1,917,378
2,078,717
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
16
782,933
702,945
Trade creditors
87,927
72,467
Amounts owed to group undertakings
10,000
7,841
Taxation and social security
303,710
261,748
Other creditors
15,383
19,177
Accruals and deferred income
358,683
361,630
1,558,636
1,425,808
16
Loans and overdrafts
2025
2024
£
£
Bank loans
782,933
702,945
Payable within one year
782,933
702,945
The bank loans are held with HSBC Bank PLC who have a fixed, floating charge over all the assets and a legal assignment of contract monies.
HSBC Invoice Finance (UK) Ltd holds a security over all monies due or to become due from the company to the charge on any account whatsoever under the terms of the aforementioned instrument creating or evidencing the charge.
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
22
17
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2025
2024
Balances:
£
£
Timing differences
41,753
45,588
2025
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 January 2025
45,588
Credit to profit or loss
(3,835)
Liability at 31 December 2025
41,753
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
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
77,086
71,094
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
2025
2024
2025
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of 1p each
10,000
10,000
100
100
Castlefield Recruitment Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
23
20
Operating lease commitments
As lessee
At the reporting date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Within 1 year
307,097
302,605
Years 2-5
1,060,584
1,113,288
After 5 years
604,414
848,994
1,972,095
2,264,887
21
Related party transactions
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:
Included within debtors is a loan to Ogden Scott Limited (Castlefield Group Limited is a 75% shareholder of Ogden Scott Limited) which was written off in the current year to £nil (2024 - £158,264).
Included within creditors at 31 December 2025 is a balance of £10,000 (2024 - £7,841) owed to Castlefield Group Limited.
The company rented out office space in the year ended 31 December 2025 to Ogden Scott Limited for the sum of £5,000 (2024 - £6,000).
22
Ultimate controlling party
Castlefield Group Limited is the immediate and ultimate parent undertaking for Castlefield Recruitment Limited.
The smallest and largest group to consolidate these financial statements is Castlefield Group Limited. Copies of the Castlefield Group Limited consolidated financial statements can be obtained from 14 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL.
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