Company registration number 01607961 (England and Wales)
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Mrs Y J Stafford
Mr A T Little
Mr J J Little
Ms A Stafford
(Appointed 18 May 2021)
Company number
01607961
Registered office
Melton Enterprise Park
5 Redcliff Road
Melton
HU14 3RS
Auditor
MHA Moore and Smalley
Richard House
9 Winckley Square
Preston
PR1 3HP
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 4
Directors' responsibilities statement
5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 23
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 1 -
The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 28 February 2022.
Fair review of the business
The Board is pleased to report a year of great progression, which is partly reflected in the significantly improved financial performance. Turnover increased significantly, by over 40% to £25,292,781 (2021: £18,002,817), owing to societal conditions returning towards normality following the pandemic, further expansion into new markets, and the increased operating capacity delivered from the company's new premises.
The company specialises in the supply of books, e-books, DVDs and related services to schools, colleges and academic institutions throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Educational institutions have been under budget pressure for a number of years which is a significant risk to operations, even though reading materials and complementary services are essential to them. Furthermore some of the company's sales are not subject to any long term agreements, presenting a further inherent risk within its chosen key markets.
The directors monitor performance using levels of turnover, gross margin and by comparing actual results with budgets so again, on all levels, the financial performance was positive. Gross margins were increased at 17.5% (2021: 16.1%). Whilst this is partly due to changes in product mix, it also demonstrates that the company maintains efficiency in how it delivers all service offerings to our customers, alongside the vast range available to purchase.
In recent years, the Board noted its aim of fuelling further growth with investments in additional staffing, the utilisation of the latest technology and novel marketing techniques. In May 2021 the company moved into new, purpose built 44,000 sq ft premises. We are very proud of our new building which provides significant additional capacity, processing efficiencies and surrounds colleagues with a modern working environment, including well being facilities. This was the principal project within a further overall capital investment of £2.76m during the year.
The company invested further in its staff base with average staff numbers, a non-financial KPI, increasing significantly to 94 (2021: 84). The board strives to provide each department with sufficient numbers and appropriate skill sets in situ to deliver the projected growth and will continue to invest in additional colleagues over the current financial year . In spite of this investment and costs associated with moving premises, operating profits grew to £1,005,640 (2021: £639,171), which the Board are delighted with, demonstrating success in the overall approach. Each facet of this approach is sustained in a continued investment to future proof the company and aid its position within the principal markets in which it operates.
A further key performance indicator is the significant positive cash at bank balance of £819,986 (2021: £1,014,927).The reduced cash balance is solely due to the significant capital investments noted above. The directors and company finance department monitor working capital controls tightly given the sometime fragmented profile of the company's turnover over the course of a twelve month period. The company therefore remains highly liquid and so has the ability to be agile in its operations where opportunities may present themselves. A key component of working capital management is the monitoring of credit risk. Partly due to the typical nature of the company's customer base, allied with its financial controls and management, it has not suffered any bad debts in the year and has further reduced average trade debtor days. Financial risk management is further referenced within the Directors' Report.
The company increased its balance sheet to £3,249,290 (2021: £2,539,113), providing a strong base from which to operate in the year ahead. As a consequence of this backdrop, the directors consider that the year to February 2023 should deliver growth in turnover and the company remains very well placed to continue the sustainable growth set out as part of their plans. The directors remain fully committed towards targeting further increases in relevant market share over the year ahead and beyond.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 2 -
Finally, the directors would like to place on record their sincere thanks to the dedicated and talented staff employed throughout the company, without whose efforts the company would not continue to thrive.
On behalf of the board
Mrs Y J Stafford
Director
16 June 2022
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 3 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2022.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company is the supply of books, e-books, DVDs and related services to libraries and educational establishments.
The company specialises in the supply of books and related services to schools, colleges and academic institutions throughout the United Kingdom and overseas.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 9.
No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Mrs Y J Stafford
Mr A T Little
Mr J J Little
Ms A Stafford
(Appointed 18 May 2021)
Financial instruments
Financial risk managment objectives and policies
The company's operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. The company has in place a risk management programme that seeks to limit the adverse effect of these risks on the performance of the company. The company does not use derivative financial instruments and as such no hedge accounting is applied.
Given the size of the company, the directors have not delegated the responsibility of monitoring financial risk management to a sub-committee of the board. The policies set by the board of directors are implemented by the company's finance department.
Credit Risk
The company has implemented policies that require appropriate credit checks on potential customers before sales are made.
Liquidity and interest rate risk
The company currently has sufficient cash balances to make debt finance unnecessary. Bank interest rates are monitored to ensure the company is earning maximum interest whilst maintaining liquidity.
Auditor
The auditor, MHA Moore and Smalley, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.
Information referred to 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
future developments.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 4 -
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
Mrs Y J Stafford
Director
16 June 2022
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 5 -
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.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
- 6 -
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of A.T. Little & Sons Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 28 February 2022 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, 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 28 February 2022 and of its profit for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the
Auditor's
responsibilities for the audit of the
financial statements
section of our report. We are independent of the
company
in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the
financial statements
in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard
, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 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.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
- 7 -
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'
r
eport 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.
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 identifie
d
material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors'
r
eport
. 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
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'
r
esponsibilities
s
tatement, 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:
-
Enquiries with management about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
-
Enquires with management about any known or suspected instances of fraud;
-
Examination of journal entries and other adjustments to test for appropriateness and identify any instances of management override of controls;
-
Review of legal and professional expenditure to identify any evidence of ongoing litigation or enquiries
.
Because of the field in which the client operates we identified that employment law, health and safety legislation and compliance with the UK Companies Act are the area
s
most likely to have a material impact on the financial statements.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBERS OF A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
- 8 -
Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). For instance, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognize the non-compliance.
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.
Joe Sullivan (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of MHA Moore and Smalley
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Richard House
9 Winckley Square
Preston
PR1 3HP
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 9 -
2022
2021
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
25,292,781
18,002,817
Cost of sales
(20,856,379)
(15,095,544)
Gross profit
4,436,402
2,907,273
Distribution costs
(572,817)
(385,068)
Administrative expenses
(3,007,121)
(2,262,593)
Other operating income
149,176
379,558
Operating profit
4
1,005,640
639,170
Interest receivable and similar income
7
326
3,363
Interest payable and similar expenses
8
(35,000)
(1,667)
Profit before taxation
970,966
640,866
Tax on profit
9
(260,789)
(121,214)
Profit for the financial year
710,177
519,652
The statement of comprehensive income has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
28 FEBRUARY 2022
28 February 2022
- 10 -
2022
2021
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
5,541,236
3,017,162
Current assets
Stocks
11
34,650
15,602
Debtors
12
2,808,320
1,961,972
Cash at bank and in hand
819,986
1,014,927
3,662,956
2,992,501
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
(3,631,994)
(2,408,431)
Net current assets
30,962
584,070
Total assets less current liabilities
5,572,198
3,601,232
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
14
(2,000,000)
(1,000,000)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
15
322,908
62,119
(322,908)
(62,119)
Net assets
3,249,290
2,539,113
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
17
10,000
10,000
Profit and loss reserves
3,239,290
2,529,113
Total equity
3,249,290
2,539,113
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 16 June 2022 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mrs Y J Stafford
Mr J J Little
Director
Director
Company Registration No. 01607961
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 11 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
Balance at 1 March 2020
10,000
2,009,461
2,019,461
Year ended 28 February 2021:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
519,652
519,652
Balance at 28 February 2021
10,000
2,529,113
2,539,113
Year ended 28 February 2022:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
710,177
710,177
Balance at 28 February 2022
10,000
3,239,290
3,249,290
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
A.T. Little & Sons Limited is a
private
company
limited by shares
incorporated in
England and Wales
.
The registered office is
Melton Enterprise Park, 5 Redcliff Road, Melton, HU14 3RS.
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 a
mounts
in these financial statements are
rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
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
.
T
he company has
therefore
taken advantage of
e
xemptions from the following disclosure requirements:
-
Section 4 ‘Statement of Financial Position’ – Reconciliation of the opening and closing number of shares
;
-
Section 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows’ – Presentation of a statement of cash
f
low and related notes and disclosures
;
-
Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’ – Carrying amounts, interest income/expense and net gains/losses for each category of financial instrument; 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
The Little Group Limited
. These consolidated financial statements are available from its registered office,
1 Whittle Drive, Willingdon Drove, Eastbourne, BN23 6QH
.
1.2
Going concern
A
true
t the time of approving the financial statements
,
t
he directors have a
every
expectation that the
company
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus
t
he directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
The company
is not experiencing any restrictions on operations as a consequence of Covid-19. After preparing prudent financial budgets for the upcoming year it is projected to
ha
ve
more than
sufficient levels of working capital available to see it through the
2022/23 financial year and beyond. It has also received confirmation that the parent company will provide financial support during the upcoming twelve months should it be required
.
Based upon the factors noted above the directors believe the company is a going concern at the date of signing
.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.3
Turnover
Turnover represents the net amounts invoiced by the company in respect of goods and services supplied during the year and is stated net of trade discounts and value added tax. Income is recognised on despatch of physical books, or when e-books are downloaded. Income in respect of services provided is recognised when that service is delivered.
1.4
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:
Freehold land and buildings
- 2% per annum straight line
Leasehold land and buildings
- 5% per annum straight line
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
- 15% per annum reducing balance
Computer equipment
- 20% per annum straight line
Motor vehicles
- 25% per annum reducing balance
Freehold land and assets in the course of construction are not depreciated.
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
.
1.5
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the
company
reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible
assets
to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the
company
estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
1.6
Stocks
Stocks
are stated at the lower of cost and
estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct
purchase expense
and, where applicable, those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the
stocks
to their present location and condition.
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment
due to obsolescence or slow moving stock
. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
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 and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
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 balance sheet 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
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
All of the company's financial assets are basic financial instruments.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets 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.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including
creditors and
loans from
fellow group companies 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 receipts 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. A
m
ounts 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
All of the company's financial liabilities are basic financial instruments.
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
profit and loss account
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 is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balances sheet date where transactions or events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more, or a right to pay less or to receive more tax.
Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
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
The company operates two contributory pension schemes for the employees. Both are defined contribution schemes, the assets of which are held separately from those of the company. Contributions are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable.
The company also operates a Group Life scheme (a defined contribution scheme) under a centralised scheme administered by Gardners Books Limited, and contributions are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable.
1.13
Government grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset receive
d
or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Critical judgements
The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant
effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.
Useful economic life of tangible fixed assets
The useful economic life of tangible fixed assets is judged at the point of purchase and reviewed at each balance sheet date. Further details are provided within note 1.4 to the financial statements.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
(Continued)
- 17 -
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are
as follows.
Provision for irrecoverable trade debtors
At each balance sheet date, management undertake a review of the outstanding trade debtor balances and estimate the balance that should either be impaired or provided against.
This calculation is based on the financial position of the customers, the historical speed of payment compared to approved credit terms and the status/progress of any ongoing communications with them.
3
Turnover and other revenue
An analysis of the company's turnover is as follows:
2022
2021
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Attributable to the company's continuing principal activities
25,292,781
18,002,817
2022
2021
£
£
Turnover analysed by geographical market
UK
23,517,144
16,070,032
Overseas
1,775,637
1,932,785
25,292,781
18,002,817
2022
2021
£
£
Other revenue
Interest income
326
3,363
Grants received
70,764
324,867
4
Operating profit
2022
2021
Operating profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Government grants
(70,764)
(324,867)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
8,400
8,400
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
196,586
64,774
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets
41,047
(1,120)
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 18 -
5
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2022
2021
Number
Number
Administration
27
25
Directors
4
3
Sales and management
15
15
Warehouse and production
48
45
Total
94
88
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2022
2021
£
£
Wages and salaries
1,701,330
1,464,354
Social security costs
128,448
104,809
Pension costs
56,227
37,801
1,886,005
1,606,964
6
Directors' remuneration
2022
2021
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
113,000
60,236
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
6,083
119,083
60,236
The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 1 (2021 - 0).
7
Interest receivable and similar income
2022
2021
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
185
3,289
Other interest income
141
74
Total income
326
3,363
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 19 -
8
Interest payable and similar expenses
2022
2021
£
£
Other interest
35,000
1,667
9
Taxation
2022
2021
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
56,357
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(2,107)
Total current tax
54,250
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
158,222
65,426
Changes in tax rates
102,567
(348)
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
1,886
Total deferred tax
260,789
66,964
Total tax charge
260,789
121,214
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:
2022
2021
£
£
Profit before taxation
970,966
640,866
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.00% (2021: 19.00%)
184,484
121,765
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
417
18
Effect of change in corporation tax rate
102,567
(348)
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
(32,469)
Depreciation on assets not qualifying for tax allowances
5,790
Under/(over) provided in prior years
(2,107)
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
1,886
Taxation charge for the year
260,789
121,214
The Chancellor stated his intention to maintain the main rate of corporation tax at 19%. This change to previously announced policy was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020. The Chancellor subsequently announced his intention to increase the headline rate of corporation tax to 25% from 1 April 2023, this policy was substantively enacted on 25 May 2021.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 20 -
10
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Leasehold land and buildings
Assets under construction
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Computer equipment
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 March 2021
152,348
2,767,926
142,546
161,020
219,582
3,443,422
Additions
2,273,930
390,047
97,730
2,761,707
Disposals
(152,348)
(96,194)
(44,379)
(292,921)
Transfers
4,910,710
(5,041,856)
131,146
At 28 February 2022
4,910,710
567,545
214,371
219,582
5,912,208
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 March 2021
123,647
106,397
105,446
90,770
426,260
Depreciation charged in the year
43,651
640
52,906
31,898
67,491
196,586
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(124,287)
(83,945)
(43,642)
(251,874)
At 28 February 2022
43,651
75,358
93,702
158,261
370,972
Carrying amount
At 28 February 2022
4,867,059
492,187
120,669
61,321
5,541,236
At 28 February 2021
28,701
2,767,926
36,149
55,574
128,812
3,017,162
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
10
Tangible fixed assets
(Continued)
- 21 -
The carrying value of land comprises:
2022
2021
£
£
Freehold
731,770
11
Stocks
2022
2021
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
34,650
15,602
12
Debtors
2022
2021
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
2,603,939
1,585,900
Corporation tax recoverable
124,000
10,824
Other debtors
52,112
309,699
Prepayments and accrued income
28,269
55,549
2,808,320
1,961,972
13
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2022
2021
£
£
Trade creditors
221,967
209,491
Amounts owed to group undertakings
3,144,414
1,565,057
Taxation and social security
47,944
40,273
Accruals and deferred income
217,669
593,610
3,631,994
2,408,431
14
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2022
2021
£
£
Amounts owed to group undertakings
2,000,000
1,000,000
Loan balances owed to group undertakings must be repaid in full by 1 March 2031, with no further defined capital repayments within the intervening period. The loan balance is unsecured and interest of 2% per annum is levied upon the principal. Such interest is repayable in monthly instalments which commenced on 1 March 2021.
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
14
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
(Continued)
- 22 -
Amounts included above which fall due after five years are as follows:
Payable by instalments
2,000,000
1,000,000
15
Deferred taxation
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the company has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
Liabilities
Liabilities
2022
2021
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
442,901
62,119
Losses
(119,993)
-
322,908
62,119
2022
Movements in the year:
£
Liability at 1 March 2021
62,119
Charge to profit or loss
158,222
Effect of change in tax rate - profit or loss
102,567
Liability at 28 February 2022
322,908
The deferred tax balance above is expected to unwind by circa £100,000 over the next 12 months.
16
Retirement benefit schemes
2022
2021
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
56,227
37,801
The company operates defined contribution pension scheme
s
for all qualifying employees.
The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
17
Share capital
2022
2021
2022
2021
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
A.T. LITTLE & SONS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2022
- 23 -
18
Operating lease commitments
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:
2022
2021
£
£
Within one year
340
12,680
Between two and five years
12,340
340
25,020
19
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
During the year the company entered into the following transactions with related parties:
Category
Description of
Income
Expenditure
transaction
2022
2021
2022
2021
£
£
£
£
Key management personnel
Rent paid
13,333
40,000
20
Ultimate controlling party
The ultimate parent company of A. T. Little & Sons Limited is The Little Group Limited.
The smallest and largest group into which A. T. Little & Sons Limited is consolidated is that of The Little Group Limited, the ultimate parent company. The Little Group Limited is a company registered in the United Kingdom, with a registered office of 1 Whittle Drive, Eastbourne, BN23 6QH. Its group financial statements can be obtained from Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff.
The directors consider that the Little family possess ultimate control of the company.
2022-02-28
2021-03-01
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Mr A T Little
Mr J J Little
Ms A Stafford
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