Company Registration No. 04661899 (England and Wales)
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Balance sheet
2
Notes to the financial statements
3 - 9
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
- 1 -
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2020.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of an architecture practice.
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Mrs E J Berry
Mr D J Pickersgill
Mr N Turner
Mr J F Yates
Mr K Handy
Auditor
Harlands Accountants LLP were appointed as auditor to the company and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.
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.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
On behalf of the board
Mr J F Yates
Director
29 October 2020
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2020
31 March 2020
- 2 -
2020
2019
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
3
185,044
252,446
Tangible assets
4
75,445
85,608
260,489
338,054
Current assets
Debtors
5
2,381,758
2,076,713
Cash at bank and in hand
661,129
784,701
3,042,887
2,861,414
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
6
(846,892)
(943,588)
Net current assets
2,195,995
1,917,826
Total assets less current liabilities
2,456,484
2,255,880
Provisions for liabilities
(12,610)
(9,581)
Net assets
2,443,874
2,246,299
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
9
9
Share premium account
964,803
964,803
Profit and loss reserves
1,479,062
1,281,487
Total equity
2,443,874
2,246,299
The directors of the company have elected not to include a copy of the profit and loss account within the financial statements.
true
These financial statements have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 29 October 2020 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr J F Yates
Director
Company Registration No. 04661899
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
- 3 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Howarth Litchfield Partnership Limited is a
private
company
limited by shares
incorporated in England and Wales.
The registered office is
Liddon House, Belmont Business Park, Durham, England, DH1 1TW.
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 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.
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 under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2
Turnover
Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for 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.
When cash inflows are deferred and represent a financing arrangement, the fair value of the consideration is the present value of the future receipts. The difference between the fair value of the consideration and the nominal amount received is recognised as interest income.
Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that
it is probable will be
recover
ed
.
1.3
Intangible fixed assets - goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of unincorporated businesses over the fair value of net assets acquired. It is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less accumulated
amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is considered to have a finite useful life and is amortised on a systematic basis over its expected life, which is 13 years.
For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 4 -
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
25% Straight Line
1.5
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Plant and equipment
25% Straight Line
Fixtures and fittings
25% Reducing Balance
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.
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 5 -
1.7
Construction contracts
Where the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the reporting end date. Variations in contract work, claims and incentive payments are included to the extent that the amount can be measured reliably and its receipt is considered probable.
When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract turnover, the expected loss is recognised as an expense immediately.
Where the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognised to the extent of contract costs incurred where it is probable that they will be recoverable. Contract costs are recognised as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When costs incurred in securing a contract are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred, they are not included in contract costs if the contract is obtained in a subsequent period.
The “percentage of completion method” is used to determine the appropriate amount to recognise in a given period. The stage of completion is measured by the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to date compared to the estimated total contract costs. Costs incurred in the year in connection with future activity on a contract are excluded from contract costs in determining the stage of completion. These costs are presented as stocks, prepayments or other assets depending on their nature, and provided it is probable they will be recovered.
1.8
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
are basic financial assets
and
include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.9
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's 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.
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.
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 6 -
Basic financial liabilities
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
paymen
ts 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.
1.10
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
1.11
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the 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 liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the
company
has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 7 -
1.12
Employee benefits
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or 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.
1.13
Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.14
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 lease
s
asset are consumed.
1.15
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.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met
. Where a
grant does not specify performance conditions
it
is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable
. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
2
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2020
2019
Number
Number
Total
27
24
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
- 8 -
3
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
Other
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020
1,500,000
37,319
1,537,319
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2019
1,253,842
31,031
1,284,873
Amortisation charged for the year
61,538
5,864
67,402
At 31 March 2020
1,315,380
36,895
1,352,275
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2020
184,620
424
185,044
At 31 March 2019
246,158
6,288
252,446
4
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and machinery etc
£
Cost
At 1 April 2019
93,534
Additions
14,443
At 31 March 2020
107,977
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2019
7,926
Depreciation charged in the year
24,606
At 31 March 2020
32,532
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2020
75,445
At 31 March 2019
85,608
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
- 9 -
5
Debtors
2020
2019
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
716,089
329,001
Corporation tax recoverable
-
31,638
Amounts owed by group undertakings
1,411,233
1,411,233
Other debtors
254,436
304,841
2,381,758
2,076,713
6
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2020
2019
£
£
Trade creditors
67,096
77,131
Corporation tax
10
10
Other taxation and social security
134,678
97,915
Other creditors
645,108
768,532
846,892
943,588
7
Audit report information
As the income statement has been omitted from the filing copy of the financial statements
,
the following information in relation to the audit report on the statutory financial statements is provided in accordance with s444(5B) of the Companies Act 2006
:
The auditor's report was unqualified.
The senior statutory auditor was Glyn Davison.
The auditor was Harlands Accountants LLP.
8
Parent company
The immediate and ultimate parent company is HLP (holdings) Limited, a company incorporated in England. HLP (Holdings) Limited owns 100% of the capital in the company.