SIMARCO_INTERNATIONAL_LIM - Accounts

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2020.

As with a large number of companies in 2020, Simarco International Ltd had to contend with the uncertainties & challenges presented by the Covid-19 virus to both businesses in the UK, as well as in core exports markets in the EU. In addition, the continued uncertainty regarding the structure of any Brexit deal weighed on the European transport market through to the end of December 2020, meaning a sizeable amount of management & staff time, as well as company resources, were allocated to preparing for various, as then, indeterminate scenarios.

Notwithstanding these challenges Simarco had another successful year of trading in 2020, encompassing both increased sales and profitability, while continuing to invest in new premises, new equipment, new service offerings, staff & enhanced IT systems.

In 2020 Simarco increased sales by 11% compared with the prior year to £69.9m, while operating profit before amortization increased by 18% to £3.9m. This shows the continuing benefit of prior year investments in staff, technology & service to drive efficiency throughout the business & also the confidence that our customers had in Simarco to deliver under challenging conditions. The result provided an operating profit as a percentage of turnover of 5.6%, which is well above the industry average of around 1.5% & up from 5.2% in the prior year.

Our cash generation remained strong and in line with our operating profit, reflecting the quality of our customers, our service and our procedures. Conscious of the uncertainty during the Covid-19 lockdowns Simarco worked closely with our customers and suppliers to maintain appropriate cash flows & bolster long term relationships. Simarco sought limited support from the UK government via the Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) but did not require any further support outside of this and ensured all taxes & supplier payments were contemporaneous.

We have also been pleased with the development of some of the service areas that have previously not been a major part of the Simarco offering but which we see as core to our future growth. In 2020 these services counter-balanced reductions in the European work due to lockdowns in Q2 & Q3 and showed the benefit of having a more-broad business base. Through a policy of ensuring high service levels, building long term relationships & through the cross selling of services we are now seeing increased revenues and profitability across all divisions of the business. In addition, the development of these areas has led us to winning the British International Forwarding Association (BIFA) 2020 award for Air Cargo Services.

During 2020 Simarco was able to fully integrate its’ new, purpose built 108,000 square foot warehouse in Stoke into the operation allowing for an efficient balancing of services across the group. In addition, Simarco merged the full load business, ACC Freight Management, which was purchased in late 2019, into the business & was able to provide enhanced service offerings to both existing Simarco & ACC clients so that the whole was greater than the sum of the parts as customers benefited from the combined expertise in full load & groupage operations.

Simarco continues to invest in our staff as our core asset and we are pleased that these efforts have shown a continuing positive effect on staff retention, service and profitability. We continue to attract high quality staff from our competitors as well as investing heavily in the Simarco apprentice scheme and internal staff development.

Simarco was also pleased to be able to support local NHS services with their logistics needs using our transport fleet, to be able to provide much needed IT equipment to nearby schools to help facilitate home learning for their pupils and to continue our long-term sponsorship of neighbourhood charities and community projects.

We are also fully aware of our responsibilities to the environment and have commenced a programme to contain and reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible. Although Covid-19 delayed the delivery of our first electric vehicles, we are fully committed to such investments as our fleet is renewed in 2021.

Through investment in our IT systems and a close and early engagement with clients with regards to Brexit, we are pleased that our volume remained robust during the first quarter of 2021 and indeed increased compared with prior years. Simarco believes that given its’ strong balance sheet, management team and staff, that it is strategically well placed to weather any economic issues and to take advantage of any opportunities that Brexit may bring to our industry during the coming year.

The directors are fully aware of the risks and uncertainties that the logistics industry faces. The key risks the current Covid-19 Pandemic, changed global economic conditions as a result of Covid-19 and Brexit uncertainty. Simarco believes that it is well placed to be able to continue to develop the business even in these challenging business conditions.

The Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 require qualifying companies to publish a statement explaining how the directors have had regard to matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006 in performing their duties under section 172.

In accordance with section 172, the Directors confirm that they have acted in a way that they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole. The paragraphs below summarise how the Directors have had regard to the matters set out in section 172(1) (a) to (f) of the Act.

The likely long-term consequences of decisions – Simarco operates with an extended timeline & evaluates the consequences of significant decisions for the business several years into the future. Due consideration is given to the consequences of these decisions on the profitability of the business, the ability to provide a consistently improving environment for employees & the likely developments in the freight market.

Simarco also gives due consideration to the environmental impact of our decisions as is evidenced by the expenditure in our new Stoke facility in greener infrastructure & the planned investment in more environmentally friendly vehicles.

The interests of the Company’s employees – Simarco strives to provide a safe & stimulating working environment for its’ employees. Our intention is to provide sustainable employment conditions over time & to have staff benefit from the success of the company in the short & long term. Simarco aims to be a supporter of local employment & is committed to providing opportunities & training to younger staff through our apprentice scheme.

We believe that the significant proportion of our employees who have been with the company for an extended period is a testament to the fact that we are meeting these goals.

Need to foster business relationships – Simarco is acutely aware of the need to foster & maintain mutually beneficial relationships in order to achieve sustainable business success. Customer relationships are encouraged at all levels of the business with a focus on customer service at all times. Our strong customer retention indicates that the structure & strategy in place is successful.

We strive to treat our suppliers in a manner that we would like to be treated ourselves & as a result are consistently voted one of the Top 10 freight businesses in the UK to do business with.

The need to act fairly between shareholders – all Simarco shareholders are directly involved in the day to day management of the business.

On behalf of the board

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The principal activity of the company and group continued to be that of a shipping agent, freight forwarder and warehousing services.

The results for the year are set out on page 11.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

The group operates a treasury function which is responsible for managing the liquidity, interest and foreign currency risks associated with the group’s activities.

The group's principal financial instruments include trade and other creditors, including accruals, and trade and other debtors. Other than some hire purchase contracts, the group has no external borrowings.

The group manages its cash and borrowing requirements in order to maximise interest income and minimise interest expense, whilst ensuring the group has sufficient liquid resources to meet the operating needs of the business.

The group’s principal foreign currency exposures arise from trading with overseas companies. Group policy permits but does not demand that these exposures may be hedged in order to fix the cost in sterling. This hedging activity involves the use of foreign exchange forward contracts.

Investments of cash surpluses, borrowings and derivative instruments are made through banks and companies which must fulfil credit rating criteria approved by the Board.

All customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification procedures. Trade debtors are monitored on an ongoing basis and provision is made for doubtful debts where necessary.

The group's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through unions, staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests.

Information about matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the group's performance.

There is no employee share scheme at present, but the directors are considering the introduction of such a scheme as a means of further encouraging the involvement of employees in the company's performance.

Disabled persons

Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the group continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the group that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

Simarco is acutely aware of the need to foster & maintain mutually beneficial relationships in order to achieve sustainable business success. Customer relationships are encouraged at all levels of the business with a focus on customer service at all times. Our strong customer retention indicates that the structure & strategy in place is successful.

We strive to treat our suppliers in a manner that we would like to be treated ourselves & as a result are consistently voted one of the Top 10 freight businesses in the UK to do business with.

The group will invest in continued system development and strategic location expansion aiming to remain competitive and present in all markets.

The auditor, Ensors Accountants LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

Simarco International Limited’s group annual UK Greenhouse gas emissions and energy data for the financial year ended 31 December 2020 was:

The group has followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. The group has also used the GHG Reporting Protocol – Corporate Standard and have used the 2020 UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting

The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric KG CO2e per £1 sales revenue.

The following measures have been taken to improve energy efficiency in the period:

• Conversion from gas and diesel powered forklift trucks to fully electric

• On site waste solution, increasing recycling and reducing waste to landfill

• Invested in new high cubic capacity trailers that reduce comparative cargo miles and emissions. This per annum will reduce truck activity by approximately:

- 90,000 miles

- 34,000 litres

- 91 Tonne CO2e

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 auditor of the company 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 auditor of the company is aware of that information.

The group has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the group'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 further information about employee engagement and a statement summarising how the directors have had regard to the need to foster the company's business relationships.

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 group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group 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;

•     state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

•     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 group’s and company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and 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 group and company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

We have audited the financial statements of Simarco International Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the group income statement, the group statement of comprehensive income, the group statement of financial position, the company statement of financial position, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows, the company statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 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 group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the group's 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 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 group's and parent 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.

Other information

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.

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' 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.

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

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

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

• the parent company 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.

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the parent company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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 extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, the audit engagement team:

• obtained an understanding of the nature of the industry and sector, including the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in and how the company are complying with the legal and regulatory framework;

• inquired of management, and those charged with governance, about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, including any known actual, suspected or alleged instances of fraud;

• discussed matters about non-compliance with laws and regulations and how fraud might occur including assessment of how and where the financial statements may be susceptible to fraud.

However, it is the primary responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity's operations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and for the prevention and detection of fraud.

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.

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 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.

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £1,583,107 (2019 - £2,221,985 profit).

Simarco International Limited (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Simarco House, Crittall Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 3DR. The company registration number is 03341900.

The group consists of Simarco International Limited and all of its subsidiaries.

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 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.

In the parent company financial statements, the cost of a business combination is the fair value at the acquisition date of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed, plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. The excess of the cost of a business combination over the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recognised as goodwill. The cost of the combination includes the estimated amount of contingent consideration that is probable and can be measured reliably, and is adjusted for changes in contingent consideration after the acquisition date. Provisional fair values recognised for business combinations in previous periods are adjusted retrospectively for final fair values determined in the twelve months following the acquisition date. Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are accounted for at cost less impairment.

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the value of assets (other than goodwill) and liabilities recognised in a business combination accounted for using the purchase method and the amounts that can be deducted or assessed for tax, considering the manner in which the carrying amount of the asset or liability is expected to be recovered or settled. The deferred tax recognised is adjusted against goodwill or negative goodwill.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Simarco International Limited and all of its subsidiaries (ie entities that the group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). Subsidiaries acquired during the year are consolidated using the purchase method.

All financial statements are made up to 31 December 2020. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by other members of the group.

All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

At the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

Turnover is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for goods and 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 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. Warehouse services revenue is recognised on an accruals basis commencing from when goods are received or handled. Freight forwarding revenue is recognised at the point goods are collected.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a business 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 10 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.

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:

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:

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 recognised in the income statement.

In the parent company financial statements, investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the group. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

At each reporting period end date, the group 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.

The carrying amount of the investments accounted for using the equity method is tested for impairment as a single asset. Any goodwill included in the carrying amount of the investment is not tested separately for impairment.

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.

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition.

Stocks held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured at the lower of the lower of cost and replacement cost, adjusted where applicable for any loss of service potential.

At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. 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.

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.

The group 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 group's statement of financial position when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and 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, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments which are not subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value, which is normally the transaction price. Such assets are subsequently carried at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss, except that investments in equity instruments that are not publicly traded and whose fair values cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment.

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the group transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

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 group after deducting all of its 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.

Derivatives, including interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in profit or loss in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless hedge accounting is applied and the hedge is a cash flow hedge.

Debt instruments that do not meet the conditions in FRS 102 paragraph 11.9 are subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. Debt instruments may be designated as being measured at fair value through profit or loss to eliminate or reduce an accounting mismatch or if the instruments are measured and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the group's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Equity instruments issued by the group 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 group.

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

The 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 income statement, 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 if, and only if, there is 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.

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.

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to profit or loss so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received 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.

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.

Exemption from audit

Three of the company's subsidiaries are exempt from the requirements of this Act relating to the audit of accounts under Section 480 of the Companies Act 2006.

These are:

IFB Limited, company registration number 07427926

Formula Goss International Limited, company registration number 07626463

Sutch & Searle Shipping (Heathrow) Limited, company registration number 03515248

In the application of the group’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.

Bad debt provision

The group makes an estimate of the recoverable value of trade and other debtors. When assessing impairment of trade and other debtors, management considers factors including the current credit rating of the debtor, the aging profile of debtors, whether covered by insurance and historical experience.

Depreciation

The group estimates the rates of depreciation used to write down the different classes of assets the group owns. This is based on prior experience of asset lives while taking into account any additional circumstances. Once fully depreciated over its useful life the asset should be stated at its residual value or £nil if there is no residual value.

Dilapidations provision

The group makes an estimate for dilapidations on its leased premises. Management have based their assessment on the terms of the lease agreements as well using third party experts at interim stages during the lease term to best estimate the provision required.

On 31 May 2017, the group acquired the entire share capital of Formula Goss International Limited of which the trade and assets were subsequently hived up into Simarco International Limited on 31 December 2017. The acquisition created goodwill in Simarco International Limited amounting to £1,485,804 and has been amortised over 10 years in accordance with the accounting policy.

On 17 July 2017, the group acquired the entire share capital of Sutch & Searle Shipping (Heathrow) Limited of which the trade and assets were subsequently hived up into Simarco International Limited on 31 December 2017. The acquisition created goodwill in Simarco International Limited amounting to £337,118 and has been amortised over 10 years in accordance with the accounting policy.

On 1 November 2019, the group acquired the entire share capital of A.C.C. Freight Management Limited. The acquisition created goodwill on consolidation amounting to £4,904,422 and has been amortised over 10 years in accordance with the accounting policy.

Exchange differences recognised in profit or loss during the year, except for those arising on financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss, amounted to £128,204 (2019 - £341,177).

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the group and company during the year was:

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (2019 - 2).

Investment income includes the following:

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:

The net carrying value of tangible fixed assets includes the following in respect of assets held under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

All the subsidiaries have been included in the consolidated financial statements.

The registered office of all subsidiaries at 31 December 2020 was Simarco House, Crittall Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 3DR.

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is 36 months. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the group and company, and movements thereon:

A defined contribution pension scheme is operated for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund.

The profit and loss account includes all current and prior period retained profits and losses.

At the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

Applying Section 33.1A of FRS 102 the directors have not disclosed transactions and balances with wholly owned members of the group.

The parent company, and the parent of the largest group of undertakings for which group accounts are drawn up is Simarco Holdings Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. It's registered office is located at Crittall Road, Witham, CM8 3DR. This was by virtue of a 100% shareholding in the company.

The ultimate controlling party throughout the year was Mr S Reed by virtue of his majority shareholding in Simarco Holdings Limited.