The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 January 2026.
The principal activity of the group continued to be the retailing of plants, garden supplies and home and leisure products, together with the operation of hospitality and food retail facilities.
The directors are pleased to report a strong trading performance for the year, with turnover increasing to £29.5 million (2025: £26.5 million), representing growth of 11.3% compared with the previous year. Growth was achieved across a number of areas of the group, reflecting the benefits of the group's diversified income streams and continued investment in its customer proposition.
The business hospitality operations continued to perform well during the year, with restaurant sales increasing by approximately 10%, whilst the Foodhall also delivered growth compared with the prior year. These operations remain an important component of the overall customer offering and continue to contribute positively to customer footfall and customer spend.
The retail business also recorded growth across several product categories. Seasonal ranges performed strongly, with Christmas trading exceeding the previous year. Positive contributions were also achieved from clothing, giftware and a number of gardening-related categories. Plant sales increased overall, supported by growth within outdoor plants, seasonal bedding products and gardening ranges.
The group continued to invest in its infrastructure and customer facilities during the year. This included the development of the Hidden Garden leisure area through the enhancement of previously underutilised parts of the site. The investment supports the Board's strategy of strengthening the garden centre's appeal as a retail and leisure destination and broadening the range of experiences available to customers. The development also facilitated the introduction of the garden centre's first Christmas light trail, which formed part of the seasonal events programme.
The breadth of the group offer across gardening, retail, food and hospitality helped to support trading throughout the year and reduced reliance on any individual product category. The directors believe that this balanced operating model, together with continued investment in the site and customer experience, enhances the resilience of the group and supports sustainable long-term growth.
Gross profit increased to £15.2 million (2025: £13.6 million), with gross margin improving to 51.4% (2025: 51.1%). The improvement reflects the continued focus on product mix, pricing discipline and operational efficiency across the group.
Operating profit and profit before taxation both increased during the year, reflecting the strong trading performance and effective management of operating costs despite ongoing inflationary pressures affecting labour, utilities and other overheads. The group continued to generate positive cash flows and maintained a strong financial position at the year end.
The statement of financial position remains strong with net assets of £25.4 million (2025: £24.8 million), cash reserves of £5.8 million (2025: £5.9 million) and a continued reduction in borrowings.
Matters of Strategic Importance
The core business strategy continues to be the development of Bents as a leading retail and leisure destination. The directors remain committed to investing in the customer experience through infrastructure improvements, destination attractions, hospitality offerings and events.
The directors continually monitor the risks and uncertainties facing the group and are satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to manage these risks effectively.
Legislative Threat
The group monitors legislative and regulatory developments to ensure continued compliance and to understand the operational and financial implications of any changes. External specialists are engaged where appropriate.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The group has exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations through its supply chain. To mitigate this risk, the group maintains holdings of relevant foreign currencies and may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts where appropriate.
Liquidity Risk
The group maintains detailed cash flow forecasting processes and substantial cash reserves to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet operational and strategic requirements.
Property Risk
The group success is dependent upon its trading site and associated infrastructure. Ongoing investment in buildings, grounds and maintenance programmes is therefore a key priority. Appropriate insurance cover is also maintained.
Energy Costs
Energy remains a significant operating cost for the group. The group continues to focus on reducing consumption through investment in energy-saving technologies and renewable energy generation. Continued monitoring and management of energy usage remains a strategic priority.
Management meets regularly to review these risks and determine appropriate actions to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.
The board monitors progress on overall strategy and the individual strategic elements by reference to five key performance indicators.
Performance during the year together with historical trend data is set out in the table below:
2026 2025
Growth in sales 11.3% 6.7% Year on year sales expressed as
a percentage.
Gross profit margin 51.4% 51.1% Gross profit expressed as a percentage of sales.
Footfall growth +8.6% +2.0% Year on year visitor numbers expressed as a percentage.
Footfall conversion 47.6% 49.6% The total number of baskets during the year expressed as a percentage of the total number of visitors to the site. The
conversion rate dropped 2% YOY but
overall transactions were 4.3% higher
due to increased footfall.
Average basket size £20.23 £19.33 Average spend per customer calculated as total net takings divided by the number of baskets during the year.
i. Introduction
Throughout the financial year ending 31 January 2026, the Board has had regard to the matters set out in Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 when making decisions and promoting the long-term success of the group for the benefit of its stakeholders.
ii. Stakeholders
Our stakeholders include shareholders, colleagues, customers, suppliers, local communities, the environment and others.
Throughout the period under review, the Board's decision-making process has been guided by the group long-term strategy, sustainability objectives, values and culture.
In the year ending 31 January 2026 the directors engaged with stakeholders in the following ways:
Shareholders
The Board regularly engages with shareholders regarding business performance, strategy, capital investment and risk management. The strong financial performance during the year reflects the group's continued focus on sustainable long-term value creation.
Colleagues
Our colleagues remain at the heart of the group and are fundamental to delivering the exceptional customer experience for which Bents is renowned.
The group continues to invest significantly in colleague wellbeing, engagement, training and development. Building on recent Great Place to Work recognition, the Company remains committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and rewarding workplace.
During the year, colleagues continued to benefit from a range of wellbeing initiatives including access to mental health support, financial wellbeing resources, health checks and employee assistance programmes. Training and career development remain key priorities, supported through leadership development programmes, apprenticeships and continuous professional development opportunities.
The directors would like to thank all colleagues for their dedication, professionalism and contribution to another successful year.
Suppliers, Customers and Others
The group continues to maintain strong long-term relationships with suppliers, many of whom are local businesses and long-standing trading partners.
We seek to pay suppliers promptly and work collaboratively to deliver value and innovation for our customers.
The group engages with customers through a variety of channels including the Be Inspired privilege scheme, email communications, social media platforms, events and publications. We remain committed to delivering excellent service and an outstanding customer experience.
The group also continues to participate actively in industry bodies including the Garden Centre Association and Horticultural Trades Association.
iii. Impact of Our Operations on the Community and Environment
The group continues to play an active role within its local community through charitable fundraising, sponsorship and support for local initiatives.
The allotment land previously provided for local residents continues to benefit the wider community and reflects the group's commitment to local engagement.
Where possible, we support local suppliers and contractors to reduce transport-related emissions and support the regional economy.
Environmental sustainability remains an important focus for the group. Through the work of the Sustainability Committee, the group continues to identify opportunities to reduce its environmental impact and improve resource efficiency. Investments made in recent years in solar energy technology, energy-efficient lighting, building management systems and heating infrastructure continue to support these objectives.
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting
During the year ended 31 January 2026, the group reported the following in respect of energy use:
2026 2025
UK energy use (kWh) 2,265,313 2,492,834
Associated greenhouse gas emissions (Tonnes of CO²) 477.89 568.17
Intensity ratio (Tonnes of CO² emissions per employee) 0.96 1.32
Associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been calculated using the following rates:
0.18kg of CO² per kWh of electricity consumption.
0.20kg of CO² per kWh of Gas consumption.
2.76kg of CO² per Litre of Gas oil consumption.
2.57kg of CO² per Litre of fuel consumption.
The above GHG emission rates have been derived from a 2025 UK government report on carbon emissions.
Intensity ratio has been calculated using the average number of employees across the group for the year ended 31 January 2026.
The group has implemented a number of measures over the years and continues to invest in new initiatives with the aim of reducing emissions. These initiatives include but aren’t limited to:
- Investing more than £500,000 in solar energy technology, which supplied 28% of the total electricity usage in the year.
- Investing more than £50,000 in LED lighting further improving efficiency.
- Installing a Building Management System to optimise energy consumption across the site.
- Replacing 3 old gas boilers with newer more energy efficient models.
- Installing Smart Plugs to ensure all non-essential equipment is turned off over night.
- Regular meetings regarding sustainability exploring how we can reduce emissions further.
Future Trading
The group has substantial cash reserves and the directors are confident that the group is in a strong position to trade through the current risks and uncertainties associated with inflationary pressures and the cost of living squeeze.
On behalf of the board
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2026.
The results for the year are shown on page 12.
The total distribution of dividends for the year ended 31 January 2026 will be £673,000 (2025: £300,000).
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
The board continually strives to improve and enhance standards of customer care and service throughout the group.
Directors and senior management regularly monitor and discuss with employees matters of current interest and concern.
The group is committed to treating both its employees and its customers with dignity and respect, and to value the differences people bring to the business.
DJH Audit Limited has indicated its willingness to be reappointed for another term and appropriate arrangements are being made for it to be deemed reappointed in the absence of an Annual General Meeting.
A trading subsidiary undertakes research and development relating to horticulture.
We have audited the financial statements of Bents Holdings Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 January 2026 which comprise the group income statement, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group statement of financial position, the company statement of financial position, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Basis for opinion
Conclusions relating to going concern
Other information
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's and parent 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 group or parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
As part of our planning process:
We enquired of management the systems and controls the group has in place, the areas of the financial statements that are mostly susceptible to the risk of irregularities and fraud, and whether there was any known, suspected or alleged fraud. The group did not inform us of any known, suspected or alleged fraud.
We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the group. We determined that the following were most relevant: FRS 102, Companies Act 2006, Health & Safety at Work 1974, Employment Act 2002, Food Safety Act 1990 and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
We considered the incentives and opportunities that exist in the group, including the extent of management bias, which present a potential for irregularities and fraud to be perpetuated, and tailored our risk assessment accordingly.
Using our knowledge of the group, together with the discussions held with the group at the planning stage, we formed a conclusion on the risk of misstatement due to irregularities including fraud and tailored our procedures according to this risk assessment.
The key procedures we undertook to detect irregularities including fraud during the course of the audit included:
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular those that were significant and unusual.
Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and determining whether accounting policies have been appropriately applied.
Reviewing and challenging the assumptions and judgements used by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to the calculation of depreciation and the valuation of stock.
Assessing the extent of compliance, or lack of, with the relevant laws and regulations in particular those that are central to the entity's ability to continue in operation.
Testing key turnover lines, in particular cut-off, for evidence of management bias.
Testing controls surrounding cash sales to ensure the risk of cash misappropriation is minimized.
Testing controls surrounding the authorization of purchase invoices.
Performing a physical verification of key assets, including stock.
Obtaining third-party confirmation of material bank and loan balances.
Documenting and verifying all significant related party and consolidated balances and transactions.
Testing all material consolidation adjustments.
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities and fraud rests with the directors.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Auditors.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the parent 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 parent 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 parent company and the parent company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Bents Holdings Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Bents Garden Centre Limited Warrington Road, Leigh End, Glazebury, Warrington, Cheshire, England, WA3 5NT.
The group consists of Bents Holdings Limited and all of its subsidiaries.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
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, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Bents Holdings Limited, Bents Garden Centre Limited and Bents Property Limited.
In 2009 Bents Garden Centre Limited was acquired via a share for share exchange which was accounted for under the terms of Companies Act 2006, s612 (merger relief), thus creating a merger reserve of £5,645,293. Bents Property Limited was acquired on incorporation.
The results of the subsidiaries have been incorporated from the date that control passes. All financial statements are made up to 31 January 2026.
All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.
The group's business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the fair review of the business on pages 1-5.
The group has considerable financial resources available with net assets of £25,404,687 (2025: £24,773,511) including cash at bank and in hand of £5,823,062. The directors believe that this strong financial position, together with the group's well known and established trading name, ensures that the group is in the best possible position to manage its business risks successfully.
The UK is currently experiencing a cost of living crisis which presents various risks for the retail sector. Forecasts for the next 12 months have been prepared and show a positive cash position. The directors believe that the company can manage the risks at these challenging times and therefore continue to adopt a going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.
Turnover represents the amount receivable arising from the supply of goods to customers, excluding value added tax. Turnover is recognized at point of sale to the customer.
Rents receivable are recognised on property rentals on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Amounts received in advance are deferred and recognized as they fall due.
Freehold land is not depreciated.
The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of property, plant and equipment are reviewed, and adjusted as appropriate, at each statement of financial position date. The effects of any revision are recognized in the income statement when the change arises.
Properties whose fair value can be measured reliably are held under the revaluation model and are carried at a revalued amount, being their fair value at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. The fair value of the land and buildings is usually considered to be their market value.
Revaluation gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity, except to the extent that a revaluation gain reverses a revaluation loss previously recognized in profit or loss or a revaluation loss exceeds the accumulated revaluation gains recognized in equity; such gains and loss are recognized in profit or loss.
In the separate accounts of the company, interests 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 group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from the activities
The company enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable, loans from banks and other third parties and loans to related parties.
Financial assets that are measured at cost and amortized cost are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognized in the income statement.
Basic financial liabilities are initially measured at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.
Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 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 group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the group's pension scheme are charged to profit or loss in the period to which they relate.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchanges ruling at the statement of financial position date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.
Other operating income
Other operating income represents concessions income, the amount receivable by the company is an agreed percentage of total revenue for the period.
Research and development
Expenditure on research and development is written off in the year which it is incurred,
In the application of the group's accounting policies, the directors are required to make estimates and judgements. The estimates are based on historical experience and other relevant factors. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates are continually evaluated. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised.
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are outlined below.
Estimating the fair value of the investment property, given a lack of comparable market data.
Estimating the useful economic life of an asset and the anticipated residual value are considered key judgement in calculating an appropriate depreciation charge.
Making judgement based on historical experience on the level of provision required for impairment of inventories. Further information received after the statement of financial position date may impact on the level of provision required.
Estimating an appropriate absorption rate to allocate to the valuation of the own grown products, based on historical experience.
In categorizing leases as finance or operating leases, the directors make judgements as to whether significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the company as lessee.
The revenue and profit before taxation are attributable to the one principal activity of the group.
All turnover has been generated within the United Kingdom.
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes is 1 (2025: 1).
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
If freehold property was not revalued it would have been included at a historical cost of £861,823 (2025: £555,687)
Freehold property was valued on an open market basis on 27 September 2023 by CBRE Limited. The directors are of the opinion that this represents the fair value at the statement of financial position date.
Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 January 2026 are as follows:
Freehold property was valued on an open market bases on 27 September 2023 by Barclays Plc. The directors are of the opinion that this represents the fair value at the statement of financial position date.
The following assets are carried at valuation. If the assets were measured using the cost model, the carrying amounts would be as follows:
The bank loans are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the group's investment properties and land adjoining Warrington Road, Glazebury, Leigh, Lancashire.
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company:
A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.
At the year end unpaid pension contributions totalling £50,460 (2025: £42,087) are included within other creditors.
The "A" Ordinary Shares and the "B" Ordinary Shares shall be different classes of shares and shall have the following rights:
As regards Income:
The profits relating to or arising from the activities of Bents Garden Centre Limited which the company may determine to distribute in respect of any financial period shall be distributed amongst the holders of the "A" Ordinary Shares in proportion to the amounts paid up on the "A" Ordinary Shares and the holders of "B" Ordinary Shares shall not be entitled to any such income.
The profits relating to or arising from the activities of Bents Property Limited which the company may determine to distribute in respect of any financial period shall be distributed amongst the holders of the "B" Ordinary Shares in proportion to the amounts paid up on the "B" Ordinary Shares and the holders of "A" Ordinary Shares shall not be entitled to any such income.
As regards Capital:
On a return of assets on liquidation or other return of capital (including a purchase or redemption by the company of the shares of any class in accordance with the Act), the assets of the company relating to Bents Garden Centre Limited remaining after the payment of the liabilities of Bents Garden Centre Limited (excluding any liability to pay a share premium) shall be distributed amongst the holders of the "A" ordinary shares (as a class) in proportion to the amounts paid up on "A" Ordinary Shares and the holders of the "B" Ordinary Shares shall not be entitled to any such assets or return of capital.
On a return of assets on liquidation or other return of capital (including a purchase or redemption by the company of the shares of any class in accordance with the Act), the assets of the company relating to Bents Property Limited remaining after the payment of the liabilities of Bents Property Limited (excluding any liability to pay a share premium) shall be distributed amongst the holders of the "B" ordinary shares (as a class) in proportion to the amounts paid up on "B" Ordinary Shares and the holders of the "A" Ordinary Shares shall not be entitled to any such assets or return of capital.
As regards Voting:
Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting attached to any shares detailed above, the voting rights of "A" Ordinary Shares and "B" Ordinary Shares rank pari passu in all respects.
The cumulative fair value gains and losses in respect of investment properties and associated deferred tax.
Gains and losses arising on fixed to floating interest rate swaps which have been designated as hedges for hedge accounting purposes and associated deferred tax.
Profit and loss reserves
Cumulative profit and loss net of distribution to owners.
Other reserves
In 2009 Bents Garden Centre Limited was acquired via a share for share exchange which was accounted for under the terms of Companies Act 2006, s612 (merger relief), thus creating a merger reserve of £5,645,293. Bents Property Limited was acquired on incorporation.
Amounts due from family members included within other creditors were £5,175 (2025: £88 due to family members).
During the year no consultancy fees (2025: £5,122) were paid to a family member.
During the year, rental charges of £41,573 (2025: £41,318) were paid to a family member.
Included within other creditors at the year end was an amount of £2,175 (2025: £1,559 amounts owed by R Bent) owed to R Bent by the group. Also included within other creditors at the year end was an amount of £32,183 (2025: £22,183) owed to M Bent by the group. These amounts are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. There were no advances during the year that are considered to be material.
At 31 January 2026 the group had provided guarantees to third parties of £30,000 (2025: £30,000).