Company registration number 04661899 (England and Wales)
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Balance sheet
1
Notes to the financial statements
2 - 8
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
31 MARCH 2023
31 March 2023
- 1 -
2023
2022
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
4
61,543
Tangible assets
5
97,248
78,745
97,248
140,288
Current assets
Debtors
6
2,681,841
2,916,641
Cash at bank and in hand
754,230
1,219,732
3,436,071
4,136,373
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
7
(1,213,566)
(1,348,716)
Net current assets
2,222,505
2,787,657
Total assets less current liabilities
2,319,753
2,927,945
Provisions for liabilities
(17,526)
(13,801)
Net assets
2,302,227
2,914,144
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
9
9
Share premium account
964,803
964,803
Profit and loss reserves
1,337,415
1,949,332
Total equity
2,302,227
2,914,144
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 18 November 2023 and are signed on its behalf by:
Mr J F Yates
Director
Company registration number 04661899 (England and Wales)
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 2 -
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 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 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 recovered.
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 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 3 -
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 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 4 -
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 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 5 -
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 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.
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.
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.
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 6 -
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 leases asset are consumed.
1.15
Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
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.
3
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2023
2022
Number
Number
Total
31
28
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 7 -
4
Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
Other
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023
1,500,000
37,319
1,537,319
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
1,438,457
37,319
1,475,776
Amortisation charged for the year
61,543
61,543
At 31 March 2023
1,500,000
37,319
1,537,319
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
61,543
61,543
5
Tangible fixed assets
Plant and machinery etc
£
Cost
At 1 April 2022
152,988
Additions
49,734
At 31 March 2023
202,722
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2022
74,243
Depreciation charged in the year
31,231
At 31 March 2023
105,474
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023
97,248
At 31 March 2022
78,745
6
Debtors
2023
2022
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
841,117
1,213,620
Amounts owed by group undertakings
1,419,902
1,415,282
Other debtors
420,822
287,739
2,681,841
2,916,641
HOWARTH LITCHFIELD PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
- 8 -
7
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
2022
£
£
Trade creditors
163,540
319,336
Corporation tax
132,006
69,223
Other taxation and social security
137,664
175,297
Other creditors
780,356
784,860
1,213,566
1,348,716
8
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.
Senior Statutory Auditor:
Glyn Davison
Statutory Auditor:
Harlands Accountants LLP
Date of audit report:
18 November 2023
9
Operating lease commitments
Lessee
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, as follows:
2023
2022
£
£
340,902
338,975
10
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.
11
Non-audit services provided by auditor
In common with many businesses of our size and nature we use our auditor to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities and assist with the preparation of the financial statements.
In common with many other businesses of our size and nature we use our auditor to provide tax advice.