ACCOUNTS - Final Accounts


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Registered number: 04239357










HOUSTON COX LIMITED










ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
COMPANY INFORMATION


Directors
B Q Morrisroe 
G Marapao 
A D Beckett 




Company secretary
M A Kemp



Registered number
04239357



Registered office
Oakmere
Barley Way

Fleet

England

GU51 2UT




Independent auditors
MHA MacIntyre Hudson
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

6th Floor

2 London Wall Place

London

EC2Y 5AU





 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 

CONTENTS



Page
Strategic Report
1 - 2
Directors' Report
3 - 4
Independent Auditors' Report
5 - 7
Statement of Comprehensive Income
8
Balance Sheet
9 - 10
Statement of Changes in Equity
11
Notes to the Financial Statements
12 - 23


 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

Introduction
 
The directors present the Strategic Report for the year ended 31 October 2019.

Business review
 
The company acts as a holding company for its two trading subsidiaries:
• Houston Cox Central Limited – joinery contractors
• Piper Joinery Limited – joinery manufacturer
During the year the freehold factory formerly occupied by Piper Joinery Limited in Ashford, Kent was sold. In November 2018 the company purchased a larger freehold factory in Ashford, Kent, to be occupied by Piper Joinery Limited. After some refurbishment, in October 2019 the new factory was professionally valued at £2.75m.
The company incurred an operating profit for the year of £9k (2018: £47k).
Shortly after the end of the financial year, in December 2019, the company completed the purchase of a freehold office in Fleet, Hampshire for £1.7m. This has the benefit of an existing tenant in part of the building, and the remainder is leased to Houston Cox Central Limited as its new head office.

Principal risks and uncertainties
 
As the company acts as a property-owning holding company with no borrowings, then the company’s exposure to risks and uncertainties is very low.

Financial key performance indicators
 
The key financial highlights for the company for the last four years are as follows:


2019
2018
2017
2016
      £000's
      £000's
      £000's
      £000's



 
 
Profit after tax

2,662

1,125

2,954
 
162
 
Cash

1,019

280

82
 
39
 
Net assets

5,364

1,861

1,857
 
635
 

Going Concern
 
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Directors have considered relevant information, including the rolling monthly reforecast of future cash flows. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic shutdown has had a limited impact on the company’s operations, as rent continues to be received from the company properties, and the two subsidiaries continue to trade successfully. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Directors have performed a robust analysis of forecast future cash flows taking into account the potential impact on the business of possible future scenarios arising from the impact of COVID-19. This analysis also considers the effectiveness of available measures to assist in mitigating the impact.
Based on these assessments and having regard to the resources available to the entity, the Directors have concluded that there is no material uncertainty and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

Page 1

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 

STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019


This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.



M A Kemp
Secretary

Date: 23 July 2020

Page 2

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2019.

Directors' responsibilities statement

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors' 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 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 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 for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;

make judgments 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 to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006They 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.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the company during the year was that of a holding company. 

Results and dividends

The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £2,662,490 (2018 : £1,124,660).

A dividend of £80,000 (2018: £1,120,004) was paid in the year.

Directors

The directors who served during the year were:

B Q Morrisroe 
G Marapao 
A D Beckett 

Environmental matters

The Company seeks to minimise adverse impacts on the environment from its activities, whilst continuing to address health, safety and economic issues. The Company has complied with all applicable legislation and regulations.

Page 3

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

Future developments

The company is focussed on securing profitable work for the company and subsidiaries and continuing to increase the market share by expanding the customer base. 

Research and development activities

The company continues to look for ways to improve its efficiency both operationally and financially with the support of its subsidiaries. 

Qualifying third party indemnity provisions

Directors' liability and indemnity insurance was in force throughout the year to cover the directors and officers of the company against actions brought against them in their personal capacities. Cover is not provided where the individual has acted fraudulently or dishonestly.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are directors at the time when this Directors' Report is approved has confirmed that:
 
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditors are unaware, and

the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditors are aware of that information.

Post balance sheet events

There have been no significant events affecting the Company since the year end.

Auditors

The auditorsMHA MacIntyre Hudsonwill be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
 





M A Kemp
Secretary

Date: 23 July 2020

Page 4

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS, AS A BODY, OF HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Houston Cox Limited (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 October 2019, which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policiesThe financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


In our opinion the financial statements:


give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 October 2019 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.



Basis for opinion


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 Auditors' 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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


We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:


the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.



Other information


The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. 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.


In connection with our audit of the financial statementsour 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material
Page 5

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS, AS A BODY, OF HOUSTON COX LIMITED (CONTINUED)


misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:


the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the Strategic Report and the Directors' Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.



Matters on which we are required to report by exception
 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors' Report.


We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:


adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.


Responsibilities of directors
 

As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement on page 3, 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.


Page 6

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS, AS A BODY, OF HOUSTON COX LIMITED (CONTINUED)


Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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.


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 Auditors' Report.


Use of our 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 2006Our 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 Auditors' 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.





Brendan Sharkey FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
  
for and on behalf of
MHA MacIntyre Hudson
 
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
  
6th Floor
2 London Wall Place
London
EC2Y 5AU

 
Date: 
23 July 2020
Page 7

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

2019
2018
Note
£
£

  

Administrative expenses
  
(463,885)
(13,101)

Other operating income
 4 
472,854
60,000

Operating profit
 5 
8,969
46,899

Income from shares in group undertakings
  
2,600,000
1,070,000

Interest receivable and similar income
 8 
55,962
22,903

Profit before tax
  
2,664,931
1,139,802

Tax on profit
 9 
(2,441)
(15,142)

Profit for the financial year
  
2,662,490
1,124,660

Other comprehensive income for the year
  

Unrealised surplus on revaluation of tangible fixed assets
  
920,290
-

Other comprehensive income for the year
  
920,290
-

  

Total comprehensive income for the year
  
3,582,780
1,124,660

The notes on pages 12 to 23 form part of these financial statements.

Page 8

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 04239357

BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2019

2019
2018
Note
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 10 
2,750,000
932,500

Investments
 11 
176,067
176,042

  
2,926,067
1,108,542

Current assets
  

Debtors: amounts falling due after more than one year
 13 
1,463,296
702,024

Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
 13 
1,854
12,100

Cash at bank and in hand
 14 
1,019,130
279,690

  
2,484,280
993,814

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 15 
(45,694)
(240,900)

Net current assets
  
 
 
2,438,586
 
 
752,914

Total assets less current liabilities
  
5,364,653
1,861,456

Provisions for liabilities
  

Deferred tax
 16 
(417)
-

  
 
 
(417)
 
 
-

Net assets
  
5,364,236
1,861,456


Capital and reserves
  

Called up share capital 
 17 
713
713

Share premium account
 18 
183,954
183,954

Revaluation reserve
 18 
920,290
-

Capital redemption reserve
 18 
350,000
350,000

Profit and loss account
 18 
3,909,279
1,326,789

  
5,364,236
1,861,456


Page 9

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER: 04239357
    
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2019

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by 




A D Beckett
Director

Date: 23 July 2020

The notes on pages 12 to 23 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

 

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED


 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019



Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
Total equity


£
£
£
£
£
£



At 1 November 2017
713
183,954
350,000
-
1,322,133
1,856,800



Comprehensive income for the year


Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
1,124,660
1,124,660


Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
-
(1,120,004)
(1,120,004)





At 1 November 2018
713
183,954
350,000
-
1,326,789
1,861,456



Comprehensive income for the year


Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
2,662,490
2,662,490


Surplus on revaluation of freehold property
-
-
-
920,290
-
920,290


Dividends: Equity capital
-
-
-
-
(80,000)
(80,000)



At 31 October 2019
713
183,954
350,000
920,290
3,909,279
5,364,236



The notes on pages 12 to 23 form part of these financial statements.

Page 11

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

1.


General information

Houston Cox Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales in the United Kingdom. The adress of the registered office is given in the company information on the front pages of these financial statements. The nature of the company's operations and principal activities is that of a holding company. 

2.Accounting policies

 
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in applying the Company's accounting policies (see note 3).

Houston Cox Limited is a parent company. These financial statements are those of the company only. Group accounts have not been prepared as the financial statements of Houston Cox Limited and its subsidiaries are consolidated into the financial statements of the parent company, Morrisroe Group Limited.
The financial statements are prepared in pounds sterling, the functional currency, rounded to the nearest £1.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied:

 
2.2

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by the FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland":
the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;
the requirements of Section 3 Financial Statement Presentation paragraph 3.17(d);
the requirements of Section 11 Financial Instruments paragraphs 11.41(b), 11.41(c), 11.41(e), 11.41(f), 11.42, 11.44 to 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c);
the requirements of Section 12 Other Financial Instruments paragraphs 12.26 to 12.27, 12.29(a), 12.29(b) and 12.29A;
the requirements of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures paragraph 33.7.

This information is included in the consolidated financial statements of Morrisroe Group Limited as at 31 October 2019 and these financial statements may be obtained from Companies House.

 
2.3

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income using the effective interest method.

Page 12

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.4

Current and deferred taxation

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date in the countries where the Company operates and generates income.

Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the Balance Sheet date, except that:
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.

Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

 
2.5

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Freehold property
-
20 years straight line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Page 13

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.6

Revaluation of tangible fixed assets

Individual freehold and leasehold properties are carried at current year value at fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are undertaken with sufficient regularity to ensure the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the Balance Sheet date.
Fair values are determined from market based evidence normally undertaken by professionally qualified valuers.

Revaluation gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income unless losses exceed the previously recognised gains or reflect a clear consumption of economic benefits, in which case the excess losses are recognised in profit or loss.

 
2.7

Valuation of investments

Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

Investments in unlisted Company shares, whose market value can be reliably determined, are remeasured to market value at each balance sheet date. Gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period. Where market value cannot be reliably determined, such investments are stated at historic cost less impairment.

 
2.8

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

 
2.9

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

 
2.10

Creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Page 14

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

2.Accounting policies (continued)

 
2.11

Financial instruments

The Company only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors, loans from banks and other third parties, loans to related parties and investments in non-puttable ordinary shares.

Debt instruments (other than those wholly repayable or receivable within one year), including loans and other accounts receivable and payable, are initially measured at present value of the future cash flows and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Debt instruments that are payable or receivable within one year, typically trade debtors and creditors, are measured, initially and subsequently, at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received. However, if the arrangements of a short-term instrument constitute a financing transaction, like the payment of a trade debt deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate or in the case of an out-right short-term loan not at market rate, the financial asset or liability is measured, initially, at the present value of the future cash flow discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument and subsequently at amortised cost.

Financial assets that are measured at cost and amortised 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 recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

For financial assets measured at amortised cost, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between an asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. If a financial asset has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract.

For financial assets measured at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is measured as the difference between an asset's carrying amount and best estimate of the recoverable amount, which is an approximation of the amount that the Company would receive for the asset if it were to be sold at the balance sheet date.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the Balance Sheet when there is an 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.

 
2.12

Dividends

Equity dividends are recognised when they become legally payable. Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.

Page 15

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

2.Accounting policies (continued)

  
2.13

Amounts recoverable on contracts

Amounts recoverable on contracts comprises work completed or measured parts thereof not yet invoiced to customers and is stated after making due allowance for irrecoverable amounts. Profit on contracting activities is taken as work progresses, unless a more conservative approach is necessary. The percentage margin on each individual contract is the lower of the margin earned to date and that forecast to completion, taking account of agreed claims. Profit for the year includes settlement of claims arising on completed contracts with a provision made for notified claims during the year where further work is required.
Amounts recoverable on contracts are included in debtors.


3.


Judgments in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company's accounting policies, which are described above, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are described below:
Fixed Assets
Judgments have been made in relation to thevaluation of the freehold property. The directors have concluded that the year end valuation is appropriate. 


4.


Other operating income

2019
2018
£
£

Net rents receivable
5,000
60,000

Profit on disposal of tangible assets
467,854
-

472,854
60,000


Page 16

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

5.


Operating profit

The operating profit is stated after charging:

2019
2018
£
£

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
31,712
10,000

Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates for the audit of the company's annual financial statements
3,000
3,000


6.


Auditors' remuneration

2019
2018
£
£


Fees payable to the Company's auditor and its associates for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements
3,000
3,000




7.


Employees




The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:


        2019
        2018
            No.
            No.







Employees
3
3


8.


Interest receivable

2019
2018
£
£


Interest receivable from group companies
46,017
22,760

Other interest receivable
9,945
143

55,962
22,903

Page 17

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

9.


Taxation


2019
2018
£
£

Corporation tax


Current tax on profits for the year
-
14,966


Total current tax
-
14,966

Deferred tax


Origination and reversal of timing differences
2,441
176

Total deferred tax
2,441
176


Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
2,441
15,142

Factors affecting tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is lower than (2018 - lower than) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018 - 19%). The differences are explained below:

2019
2018
£
£


Profit on ordinary activities before tax
2,664,931
1,139,802


Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018 - 19%)
506,337
216,562

Effects of:


Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, other than goodwill amortisation and impairment
1,045
-

Other timing differences leading to an increase (decrease) in taxation
(89,131)
1,880

Non-taxable income
(494,000)
(203,300)

Group relief
78,190
-

Total tax charge for the year
2,441
15,142


Factors that may affect future tax charges

There were no factors that may affect future tax charges.



Page 18

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

10.


Tangible fixed assets





Freehold property

£



Cost or valuation


At 1 November 2018
950,000


Additions
1,856,422


Disposals
(950,000)


Revaluations
893,578



At 31 October 2019

2,750,000





At 1 November 2018
17,500


Charge for the year
31,712


Disposals
(22,500)


On revalued assets
(26,712)



At 31 October 2019

-



Net book value



At 31 October 2019
2,750,000



At 31 October 2018
932,500

Cost or valuation at 31 October 2019 is as follows:

Land and buildings
£


At cost
1,856,422
At valuation:

2019
893,578



2,750,000

Page 19

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

           10.Tangible fixed assets (continued)

If the land and buildings had not been included at valuation they would have been included under the historical cost convention as follows:

2019
2018
£
£



Cost
1,856,422
950,000

Accumulated depreciation
(26,712)
(17,500)

Net book value
1,829,710
932,500


11.


Fixed asset investments





Investments in subsidiary companies
Other fixed asset investments
Total

£
£
£



Cost or valuation


At 1 November 2018
176,042
-
176,042


Additions
-
25
25



At 31 October 2019
176,042
25
176,067




During the year, there was an acquisition of an investment amounting to £25. This investment relates to Ordinary shares in an unlisted company which has been measured at cost. 


Subsidiary undertakings


The following were subsidiary undertakings of the Company:

Name

Principal activity

Class of shares

Holding

Houston Cox Central Limited
Carpentry and fit out contractors
Ordinary
100%
Piper Joinery Limited
Joinery manufacturer
Ordinary
100%
London Architectural Hardware Limited
Ironmongery
Ordinary
25%

Page 20

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

12.


Dividends

2019
2018
£
£


Dividends paid on ordinary share capital
80,000
1,120,004

Total dividends paid
80,000
1,120,004


13.


Debtors

2019
2018
£
£

Due after more than one year

Amounts owed by group undertakings
1,096,017
700,000

Other debtors
367,279
-

Deferred tax asset
-
2,024

1,463,296
702,024


2019
2018
£
£

Due within one year

Amounts owed by group undertakings
1,453
12,000

Other debtors
-
100

Prepayments and accrued income
401
-

1,854
12,100



14.


Cash and cash equivalents

2019
2018
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
1,019,130
279,690

1,019,130
279,690


Page 21

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

15.


Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

2019
2018
£
£

Trade creditors
5,099
23,566

Amounts owed to group undertakings
-
170,000

Corporation tax
-
14,966

Other taxation and social security
30
3,235

Accruals and deferred income
40,565
29,133

45,694
240,900



16.


Deferred taxation




2019
2018


£

£






At beginning of year
2,024
2,200


Charged to profit or loss
(2,441)
(176)



At end of year
(417)
2,024

The deferred tax asset is made up as follows:

2019
2018
£
£


Depreciation in excess of capital allowances
(417)
2,024

(417)
2,024


17.


Share capital

2019
2018
£
£
Allotted, called up and fully paid



641 (2018 - 641) Ordinary A shares of £1.00 each
641
641
72 (2018 - 72) Ordinary B shares of £1.00 each
72
72

713

713

Page 22

 
HOUSTON COX LIMITED
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2019

18.


Reserves

Share premium account

There were no movements in the share premium account in the year. 

Revaluation reserve

The revaluation reserve of £920,290 (2018: £nil) is represented by amounts gained on revaluation of freehold property during the year. 

Capital redemption reserve

The capital redemption reserve of £350,000 (2018: £350,000) is represented by amounts transferred on the redemption of preference capital and is not distributable. 

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss account is represented by retained earnings. Changes in reserves are set out in the Statement of Changes in Equity. 


19.


Related party transactions

The company has taken advantage of the exemption avaliable in Financial Reporting Standard 102 Section 33 whereby it has not disclosed transactions with the ultimate parent company or any wholly owned subsidiary undertaking of the group. The consolidated financial statements of the ultimate parent company, Morrisroe Group Limited are avaliable from Registrar of Companies, Companies House, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ.
During the year a director received dividends of £80,000 (2018: £220,982). 
During the year, the company advanced a loan amounting to £360,000 to AJB Property Developments Limited, a company in which Mr A Beckett, a director of Houston Cox Limited, is also a director. The loan is unsecured, bares 6% interest and is repayable on 20 December 2020. 


20.


Ultimate parent company

The ultimate parent undertaking is Morrisroe Group Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.


21.


Controlling party

The ultimate controlling interest is held by B Q Morrisroe by virtue of 100% shareholding in Morrisroe Group Limited.

 
Page 23