East Sussex Press Limited - Period Ending 2022-12-31

East Sussex Press Limited - Period Ending 2022-12-31


East Sussex Press Limited 02872719 false 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 2022-12-31 2022-12-31 The principal activity of the company is the creation, management and supply of marketing print services, technologies, and products. All parts of the Group aim to operate as market leading businesses and work closely with each other to provide clients with the best products and solutions available. Digita Accounts Production Advanced 6.30.9574.0 true true true true true true true false true true false false false false false 02872719 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass1 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass2 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass3 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:FurtherSpecificItem1DeferredTaxComponentTotalForDeferredTax bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital 2022-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:TotalEquityAttributableToOwnersParentBeforeNon-controllingInterests bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2022-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments core:WithinOneYear 2022-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments core:WithinOneYear bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments core:AfterOneYear 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments core:AfterOneYear bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:CustomerRelationships bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Goodwill bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:PatentsTrademarksLicencesConcessionsSimilar bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:BetweenOneFiveYears bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:BetweenTwoFiveYears bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:MoreThanFiveYears bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:WithinOneYear bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:FurnitureFittingsToolsEquipment bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:LandBuildings bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 core:MotorVehicles bus:Consolidated 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:FRS102 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Audited bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:FullAccounts bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:RegisteredOffice bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:CompanySecretary1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director2 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director3 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director4 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director5 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director6 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director7 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director7 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Director8 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:HighestPaidDirector bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass1 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass2 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass3 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 3 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:ConsolidatedGroupCompanyAccounts 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 bus:Agent1 bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:FinancialGuarantees 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:TotalEquityAttributableToOwnersParentBeforeNon-controllingInterests bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 countries:Europe bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 countries:OtherCountriesRegions bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 countries:UnitedKingdom bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:CustomerRelationships bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Goodwill bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:PatentsTrademarksLicencesConcessionsSimilar bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:LandBuildingsUnderOperatingLeases bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:FurnitureFittingsToolsEquipment bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:LandBuildings bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:LeaseholdImprovements bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:MotorVehicles bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:KeyManagementPersonnelCloseFamilyMembersEntitiesUnderKeyManagementPersonnelsControl 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary1 1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary2 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary2 1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary3 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary3 1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary4 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary4 1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary5 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary5 1 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 core:UKTax bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 countries:EnglandWales bus:Consolidated 2022-01-01 2022-12-31 02872719 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2021-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital 2021-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:TotalEquityAttributableToOwnersParentBeforeNon-controllingInterests bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CustomerRelationships bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Goodwill 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Goodwill bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:PatentsTrademarksLicencesConcessionsSimilar bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:FurnitureFittingsToolsEquipment bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:LandBuildings bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:MotorVehicles bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass1 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass2 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:OrdinaryShareClass3 bus:Non-cumulativeNon-redeemableShares bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:AcceleratedTaxDepreciationDeferredTax bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:FurtherSpecificItem1DeferredTaxComponentTotalForDeferredTax bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:TaxLossesCarry-forwardsDeferredTax 2021-12-31 02872719 core:TaxLossesCarry-forwardsDeferredTax bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2021-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital 2021-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:TotalEquityAttributableToOwnersParentBeforeNon-controllingInterests bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments core:WithinOneYear 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CurrentFinancialInstruments core:WithinOneYear bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments core:AfterOneYear 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Non-currentFinancialInstruments core:AfterOneYear bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CustomerRelationships bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Goodwill bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:PatentsTrademarksLicencesConcessionsSimilar bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:CostValuation 2021-12-31 02872719 core:BetweenOneFiveYears bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:BetweenTwoFiveYears bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:MoreThanFiveYears bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:WithinOneYear bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:FurnitureFittingsToolsEquipment bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:LandBuildings bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 core:MotorVehicles bus:Consolidated 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:HighestPaidDirector bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 3 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:TotalEquityAttributableToOwnersParentBeforeNon-controllingInterests bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 countries:Europe bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 countries:OtherCountriesRegions bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 countries:UnitedKingdom bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:LandBuildingsUnderOperatingLeases bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary1 1 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary2 1 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary3 1 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary4 1 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:Subsidiary5 1 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 core:UKTax bus:Consolidated 2021-01-01 2021-12-31 02872719 2020-12-31 02872719 bus:Consolidated 2020-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses 2020-12-31 02872719 core:RetainedEarningsAccumulatedLosses bus:Consolidated 2020-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital 2020-12-31 02872719 core:ShareCapital bus:Consolidated 2020-12-31 02872719 core:TotalEquityAttributableToOwnersParentBeforeNon-controllingInterests bus:Consolidated 2020-12-31 iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure xbrli:shares

Registration number: 02872719

East Sussex Press Limited

Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Contents

Company Information

1

Strategic Report

2 to 5

Directors' Report

6

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

7

Independent Auditor's Report

8 to 10

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

11

Consolidated Balance Sheet

12

Balance Sheet

13

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

14

Statement of Changes in Equity

15

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

16

Notes to the Financial Statements

17 to 35

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Company Information

Directors

D J Bullivant

M W Handford

Z Kasmani

A J Nash

R Osborne

B D Smith

B M Tucker

Company secretary

B D Smith

Registered office

Beacon House
Brambleside
Bellbrook Park
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 1PL

Banker

Barclays Bank PLC
Churchill Place
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5RB

Auditor

Hazlewoods LLP
Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

The directors present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Principal activity

The principal activity of the Group is the creation, management and supply of marketing print services, technologies, and products. All parts of the Group aim to operate as market leading businesses and work closely with each other to provide clients with the best products and solutions available.

Review of the business

The results for the year, which are set out in the profit and loss account, show turnover of £68,624,912 (2021 - £52,350,489) and an operating profit (pre exceptional/goodwill) of £4,596,017 (2021 - £2,229,609).

2022
£ 000

2021
£ 000

Turnover

68,625

52,350

Other operating income

-

299

Gross profit

25,660

19,282

Gross profit % (of turnover)

37%

36%

Overheads

21,062

17,414

Operating profit (pre exceptional/goodwill)

4,596

2,230

EBITDA

7,017

4,739

EBITDA % (of turnover)

10%

9%


Last year was a record year for both revenue and EBITDA, with the latter improving to £7,017,601 (2021 - £4,739,138) being 10% of revenues delivered in the year (2021 – 9% of revenues). The business has been agile in a challenging marketplace and macro environment whilst continuing to invest in automation and technology. New business acquisition was strong and, coupled with our high retention levels, this evidences that customers trust and appreciate the increasingly diverse propositions and the business’s great customer service levels. The result was an improvement in gross profit % which drove the strong EBITDA result.

On 31 December 2022, the Group had total assets less current liabilities of £7,817,451 (2021 - £7,710,416).

The strong performance of 2022 has continued into 2023 despite the uncertain trading conditions. The latter include price inflation, cost of living issues, supply chain challenges, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, energy price increases, and the on-going impact of both Brexit and Covid. Despite this, EBITDA for the first quarter has risen c10% compared to the same period last year.

The directors consider the performance for the year and the financial position at the year end to be an excellent result particularly given the challenging global environment.
 

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Business development
The business Invested in a high-specification Heidelberg XL106 ten-colour press which offers superior quality and productivity to the business’s clients. A new mailing line was installed to expand our secure, environmentally friendly mailing options for clients via our PureMail™ product. Other investments include our IT infrastructure to support current and future growth, including offering customers online “stores” which have been in strong demand.

Further investments have been made throughout the business in both physical machinery and technological solutions which have helped deliver significant underlying improvements to the Gross Profit margin of the Group. Additional competitors exited the market in 2022 resulting in some significant new business wins. This has allowed the business to both diversify further per the long-term strategy, and also strengthen our leading positions in several marketplaces.

In January, the business acquired assets from Screaming Colour to enhance our luxury our box making proposition and creative offering. The integration has gone well, adding to the existing capability, capacity and product range, which has been well received by both Pureprint and former Screaming Colour clients.

Additionally, several former Pepper Communications staff joined the Group, adding to our internal Direct Mail, Creative and Data Management offerings. Again, the integration has gone well, adding significant new clients and volumes to the Group.

The business has continued to develop its technology products with the aim of delivering efficiencies for our clients and within our own business. Usage of our proprietary software solutions has grown to over 100,000 users globally and remains a core offering to our clients. The Group’s creative and visual media division, PIXL, is performing well and further diversifies the customer proposition in both new and existing markets around e-commerce, photography, and video content.

The Group continues to look for other investment opportunities to further our diversification and customer offerings while supporting our growth and sustainability strategies.

Market overview
It was a challenging year for the sector, with inflation, a cost-of-living crisis, economic and political uncertainty and the on-going impacts of Brexit and Covid. 2023 started with warnings of a deep recession and the challenging market saw many businesses exit the market which has presented further opportunities to the Group to support clients and skilled employees by joining the Pureprint Group.

The diversified nature of the Group and the business’s agile, proactive approach saw strong customer retention alongside significant new client acquisition, resulting in increased demand throughout the year despite the challenges and disruptions. The business is experiencing strong demand across in 2023 which, in management’s view, should see the Group continue to grow profitably. Q1 2023 was a record quarter with strong performance from all areas of the Group and good forward pipelines.

Financial instruments

Objectives and policies
The Group does not actively use financial instruments as part of its financial risk management. It is exposed to the usual credit risk and cash flow risk associated with selling on credit and manages this through credit insurance of its trade debtors and credit control procedures.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Group may be affected by a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond its control. The following table sets out the principal risks and uncertainties which could have a material adverse effect on the Group.

Risk

Mitigation

Competition in the print industry arising from a declining market

Continual improvement to reduce the unit cost of production by changing production methods or investing in new more efficient machinery. Marketing activities are continuing to ensure any lost business is replaced by new customers and new business.

New technology reducing the demand for print

The Group monitors technological developments and as a result offers new services arising from such technologies alongside the traditional print offering, for example using its digital presses to offer personalised books.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Challenging economic conditions inhibit growth and create uncertainty

Continue to diversify the Group’s business to be able to provide a wide range of marketing services to customers. Continually review the Group’s cost base. Regularly review the performance of all businesses against their budgets and implement remedial action, where needed.

A loss of facility due to catastrophic event

Regularly review the business continuity plan and maintain a full catastrophic event insurance programme including business interruption cover. The group operates from 6 sites.

The Group’s ability to trade is compromised by a lack of cash funds

The monthly financial information submitted to the Board includes a month cash flow forecast with sensitivities to facilitate the monitoring of performance against a lack of cash funds.

A material unrecoverable debt arises from the Group's practice of trading with the majority of its clients on credit

The Group’s policy is that all customers are granted credit subject to credit verification procedures. A rigorous system of credit control is applied and debtors are continually monitored. Imprint’s debtors are insured.

Major information security breach or cyber attack

The risk of attack is continuous and we look to minimize the risks with firewalls, up to date anti-virus protection systems, and data protection policies through ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditations. Group policies, staff training and data backup routines ensure high levels of protection.

Brexit

The group’s Brexit team continues to assess the potential risks that maybe caused by the outcome of the trade negotiations both directly to itself and its clients and how to best manage these.

Section 172 Statement
The Directors believe that they have effectively implemented their duties under section 172 of the Companies Act 2006. The Company has considered the long-term strategy of the business in the strategic report and consider that this strategy will continue to deliver long term success to the business and its stakeholders.

The Group is committed to maintaining an excellent reputation and strives to achieve high standards across all areas. We are highly selective about which suppliers are used to deliver best value while maintaining an awareness of the environmental impact of the work that they do and strive to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Directors recognise the importance of wider stakeholders in delivering their strategy and achieving sustainability within the business. The main stakeholders in the Company are considered to be the employees, suppliers and customers. The Group’s anti-slavery and gender pay information can be found on our website.

In ensuring that all our stakeholders are considered as part of every decision process we believe we act fairly between all members of the Company.

Sustainability
Data is provided as tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (C02e) for Pureprint Group operations. The Company’s chosen intensity measure is emissions per employee and as a percentage of turnover. The report data has been collated and measured internally.

We have reported on the emissions sources required under The Companies (Directors Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018. The reported sources fall within our Financial Statements and are for emissions over which we have financial control. We do not have responsibility for any emissions sources that are not included in our statements.
 

2022 kWh

2022 tCO2

2021 kWh

2021 tCO2

Scope 1: Emissions Gas

850,492

157

886,166

163

Scope 2: Emissions Electricity

3,812,818

888

3,721,164

867

Scope 3: Emissions Vehicles/Other

498

421

-

421

Total Emissions

4,663,808

1,466

4,607,330

1,451

Emissions per employee

17,338

5.45

18,578

5.85

Emissions per £k turnover

68

0.02

87

0.03

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

The Group is concerned about energy consumption and carbon emissions and wishes to utilise the mandatory SECR legislation to identify ways of saving energy and reduce on carbon emissions. Emissions per head decreased by 7% from last year and the percentage of turnover dropped by 22%. Some of this is due to the impact of Covid on production in 2021, while the investment in equipment, processes and technology continues the business’s proud heritage in reducing its environment impact as much as possible.

As sustainability is a key focus of the Pureprint management the business holds the following certification;

• ISO 14001 Environmental Management certified
• FSC® certified (license code: FSC-C022913)
• A CarbonNeutral® company
• Member of Sedex the ethical supplier register
• Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development Winner 2013, 2008, 2003
 

Approved by the Board on 20 June 2023 and signed on its behalf by:


B D Smith
Director

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Directors' Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

The directors present their report and the for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Directors of the group

The directors who held office during the year were as follows:

D J Bullivant

M W Handford

Z Kasmani

A J Nash

R Osborne

B D Smith

B M Tucker

Z Kasmani is regarded as an investment director.

Employment of 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 training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

Employee involvement

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

Information on 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.

Future developments

The external environment is expected to remain competitive going forward, however the directors remain confident that the company will improve on its current level of performance in the future.

Disclosure of information to the auditor

Each director has taken the steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditor is aware of that information. The directors confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.

Reappointment of auditor

Hazlewoods LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office.

Approved by the Board on 20 June 2023 and signed on its behalf by:


B D Smith
Director

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, 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 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 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; and

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 the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Sussex Press Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of East Sussex Press Limited (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2022, which comprise the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, Consolidated Balance Sheet, Balance Sheet, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Changes in Equity, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2022 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 responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group 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 ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were 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 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 auditor’s 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 statements, 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 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 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.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Sussex Press Limited

Opinion on other matter 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 Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the Strategic Report and 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 our 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 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.

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 7, 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 group’s and 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 group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Extent to which the audit was capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

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:

We considered the nature of the company’s industry and its control environment and reviewed the company’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in and identified the key laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, including the UK Companies Act and tax legislation, and, those that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Sussex Press Limited

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgments made in accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following:

reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;

performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatements due to fraud;.

enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at 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.





Martin Howard (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Hazlewoods LLP, Statutory Auditor

Windsor House
Bayshill Road
Cheltenham
GL50 3AT

21 June 2023

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Note

2022
 £

2021
 £

Turnover

3

68,624,912

52,350,489

Other operating income

4

-

298,643

Cost of sales

 

(42,965,227)

(33,367,455)

Gross profit

 

25,659,685

19,281,677

Distribution costs

 

(4,854,985)

(3,478,131)

Administrative expenses

 

(16,208,683)

(13,935,707)

Other operating income

4

-

361,770

Operating profit before exceptional items and amortisation

 

4,596,017

2,229,609

Exceptional items

6

(386,338)

(251,881)

Amortisation of goodwill

 

(239,321)

(217,571)

Operating profit

5

3,970,358

1,760,157

Interest payable and similar charges

7

(923,710)

(941,289)

Profit before tax

 

3,046,648

818,868

Taxation

11

(592,818)

(202,460)

Profit for the financial year

 

2,453,830

616,408

EBITDA

 

7,017,601

4,739,138

The above results were derived from continuing operations.

The group has no other comprehensive income for the year.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

(Registration number: 02872719)
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022

Note

2022
 £

2021
 £

Fixed assets

 

Intangible assets

12

768,532

946,510

Tangible assets

13

9,485,557

11,230,736

 

10,254,089

12,177,246

Current assets

 

Stocks

15

1,657,652

1,588,838

Debtors

16

14,634,080

12,829,200

Cash at bank and in hand

 

1,042,676

1,530,839

 

17,334,408

15,948,877

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

18

(19,771,046)

(20,346,312)

Net current liabilities

 

(2,436,638)

(4,397,435)

Total assets less current liabilities

 

7,817,451

7,779,811

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

18

7,084,252

9,696,545

Provisions for liabilities

11

704,573

508,470

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

21

1,041

1,041

Profit and loss account

27,585

(2,426,245)

Total equity

 

28,626

(2,425,204)

Total capital, reserves and long term liabilities

 

7,817,451

7,779,811

Approved and authorised by the Board on 20 June 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
 

B D Smith
Director

 

East Sussex Press Limited

(Registration number: 02872719)
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022

Note

2022
 £

2021
 £

Fixed assets

 

Intangible assets

12

1

1

Investments

14

1,838,704

1,838,704

 

1,838,705

1,838,705

Current assets

 

Debtors

16

59,226

128,271

Cash at bank and in hand

 

645

42,461

 

59,871

170,732

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

18

(7,618,548)

(5,086,033)

Net current liabilities

 

(7,558,677)

(4,915,301)

Total assets less current liabilities

 

(5,719,972)

(3,076,596)

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

18

-

1,050,000

Capital and reserves

 

Called up share capital

21

1,041

1,041

Profit and loss account

(5,721,013)

(4,127,637)

Total equity

 

(5,719,972)

(4,126,596)

Total capital, reserves and long term liabilities

 

(5,719,972)

(3,076,596)

The company made a loss after tax for the financial year of £1,593,376 (2021 - loss of £1,297,782).

Approved and authorised by the Board on 20 June 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
 

B D Smith
Director

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
Equity attributable to the parent company

Share capital
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2022

1,041

(2,426,245)

(2,425,204)

Profit for the year

-

2,453,830

2,453,830

At 31 December 2022

1,041

27,585

28,626

Share capital
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2021

1,041

(3,042,653)

(3,041,612)

Loss for the year

-

616,408

616,408

At 31 December 2021

1,041

(2,426,245)

(2,425,204)

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Statement of Changes in Equity for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Share capital
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2022

1,041

(4,127,637)

(4,126,596)

Loss for the year

-

(1,593,376)

(1,593,376)

At 31 December 2022

1,041

(5,721,013)

(5,719,972)

Share capital
£

Profit and loss account
£

Total
£

At 1 January 2021

1,041

(2,829,855)

(2,828,814)

Loss for the year

-

(1,297,782)

(1,297,782)

At 31 December 2021

1,041

(4,127,637)

(4,126,596)

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

Note

2022
 £

2021
 £

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the year

 

2,453,830

616,408

Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items

 

Depreciation and amortisation

5

2,669,529

2,734,070

Profit on disposal of tangible assets

(182,217)

(54,026)

Finance costs

7

923,710

941,289

Income tax expense

11

592,818

202,460

Foreign exchange gains/losses

 

(44,434)

-

 

6,413,236

4,440,201

Working capital adjustments

 

Increase in stocks

15

(68,814)

(456,362)

Increase in trade debtors

16

(1,916,060)

(3,559,551)

Increase in trade creditors

18

357,648

1,448,130

Cash generated from operations

 

4,786,010

1,872,418

Income taxes paid

11

(11,513)

(6,371)

Net cash flow from operating activities

 

4,774,497

1,866,047

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Acquisitions of tangible assets

(403,167)

(729,914)

Proceeds from sale of tangible assets

 

695,000

531,555

Acquisition of intangible assets

12

(61,343)

-

Net cash flows from investing activities

 

230,490

(198,359)

Cash flows from financing activities

 

Interest paid

 

(951,802)

(351,370)

Repayment of other borrowing

 

(1,725,000)

(575,000)

Payments to finance lease creditors

 

(2,306,283)

(2,262,370)

Net cash flows from financing activities

 

(4,983,085)

(3,188,740)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

21,902

(1,521,052)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

 

(1,501,187)

19,865

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

 

(1,479,285)

(1,501,187)

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

1

General information

The company is a private company limited by share capital incorporated in England and Wales.

The address of its registered office is:
Beacon House
Brambleside
Bellbrook Park
Uckfield
East Sussex
TN22 1PL

 

2

Accounting policies

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006'.

Basis of preparation

These financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention except for, where disclosed in these accounting policies, certain items that are shown at fair value.

The presentational currency of the financial statements is Pounds Sterling, being the functional currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest Pound.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the company and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 31 December 2022.

No Profit and Loss Account is presented for the company as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The company made a loss after tax for the financial year of £1,593,376 (2021 - £1,297,782).

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between the company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, are eliminated in full.

Intra-group losses are also eliminated but may indicate an impairment that requires recognition in the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the group. Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the group’s equity therein. Non-controlling interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the non-controlling shareholder’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination.

Parent Company Guarantee
East Sussex Press Limited has provided a guarantee in accordance with section 479A of the companies act 2006 to the below named subsidiary to allow them to claim exemption from audit.

Headford Digital Limited (09952084)

Going concern

After reviewing the company's forecasts and projections, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

2

Accounting policies (continued)

Significant 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 amounts 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 on-going 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 revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

These financial statements contain significant estimates and judgements in relation to bad debt provisions and depreciation policies.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the value of consideration received or recoverable and comprises amounts receivable for goods and services, net of trade discounts, and value added tax.

Revenue is recognised in the profit and loss account when significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the customer, normally on shipment of goods.

Income from advance billings is deferred and released to revenue when conditions for recognition have been fulfilled.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income. The revenue classification has been used in these financial statements.

Foreign currency transactions and balances

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated into the respective functional currency of the entity at the rates prevailing on the reporting period date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the initial transaction dates.

Non-monetary items measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Tax

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the profit and loss account, except that a charge attributable to an item of income or expense recognised as other comprehensive income is also recognised directly in other comprehensive income.

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

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements and on unused tax losses or tax credits in the group. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and a valuation allowance is set up against deferred tax assets so that the net carrying amount equals the highest amount that is more likely than not to be recovered based on current or future taxable profit.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

2

Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are stated in the balance sheet at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

Asset class

Depreciation method and rate

Leasehold land and buildings

Straight line over life of lease

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

10% to 50% straight line

Motor vehicles

25% straight line and 10% reducing balance

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values at acquisition date of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the group in exchange for control of the acquired, plus any costs directly attributable to the business combination. When a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent on future events, the group includes the estimated amount of that adjustment in the cost of the combination at the acquisition date if the adjustment is probable and can be measured reliably.

Goodwill

Goodwill, representing the excess of consideration for an acquired undertaking, or acquired trade and assets, compared with the fair value of net assets acquired is capitalised and written off evenly over 10 years as in the opinion of the directors this represents the period over which the goodwill is expected to give rise to economic benefits. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year following the acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Intangible 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 if the fair value can be measured reliably.

Research expenditure is written off against profits in the year in which it is incurred. Identifiable development expenditure is capitalised to the extent that the technical, commercial and financial feasibility can be demonstrated.

Amortisation

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over their useful life as follows:

Asset class

Amortisation method and rate

Development costs

20% straight line

Customer contracts

20% straight line

Goodwill

5-20% straight line

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

2

Accounting policies (continued)

Investments

Investments in equity shares which are not publicly traded and where fair value cannot be measured reliably are measured at cost less impairment. Dividends on equity securities are recognised in income when receivable.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Trade debtors

Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.

Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. All trade debtors are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted cost of cash expected to be received. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the debtors.

Stocks

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 measure at 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.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the group does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and all are repayable within one year and hence are included at the undiscounted amount of cash expected to be paid.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

2

Accounting policies (continued)

Borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the profit and loss account over the period of the relevant borrowing.

Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.

Leases

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised at the lower of their fair value at inception of the lease and the present value of the minimum lease payments. These assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the lease term. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the Balance Sheet as a finance lease obligation.

Lease payments are apportioned between finance costs in the profit and loss Account and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Defined contribution pension obligation

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as employee benefit expense when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

2

Accounting policies (continued)

Financial instruments


Classification
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities. Where shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the company is presented as a liability on the balance sheet. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expenses in the profit and loss account.

 Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

 Impairment
Assets, other than those measured at fair value, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss as described below.

A non financial asset is impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition, the estimated recoverable value of the asset has been reduced. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

The recoverable amount of goodwill is derived from measurement of the present value of the future cash flows of the cash-generating units ('CGUs') of which the goodwill is a part. Any impairment loss in respect of a CGU is allocated first to the goodwill attached to that CGU, and then to other assets within that CGU on a pro-rata basis.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised. Where a reversal of impairment occurs in respect of a CGU, the reversal is applied first to the assets (other than goodwill) of the CGU on a pro-rata basis and then to any goodwill allocated to that CGU.

For financial assets carried at amortised cost, the amount of an impairment is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate.

For financial assets carried at cost less impairment, the impairment loss is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the best estimate of the amount that would be received for the asset if it were to be sold at the reporting date.

Where indicators exist for a decrease in impairment loss, and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the prior impairment loss is tested to determine reversal. An impairment loss is reversed on an individual impaired financial asset to the extent that the revised recoverable value does not lead to a revised carrying amount higher than the carrying value had no impairment been recognised.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

3

Revenue

The analysis of the group's revenue for the year from continuing operations is as follows:

2022
£

2021
£

Rendering of services

68,624,912

52,350,489

The analysis of the group's turnover for the year by geographical market is as follows:

2022
£

2021
£

UK

68,084,828

47,413,272

Europe

428,779

2,055,013

USA

104,718

2,684,469

Rest of world

6,587

197,735

68,624,912

52,350,489

 

4

Other operating income

The analysis of the group's other operating income for the year is as follows:

2022
£

2021
£

Coronavirus job retention scheme

-

660,413

During the prior year income in relation to coronavirus job retention scheme was split above and below gross profit by £298,643 and £361,770 respectively. This is due to the respective costs being split between direct staff and administrative staff.

 

5

Operating profit

Arrived at after charging/(crediting)

2022
 £

2021
 £

Depreciation expense

2,430,208

2,518,469

Amortisation expense

239,321

217,571

Foreign exchange gains

(44,434)

-

Operating lease charges

1,388,009

1,263,852

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

6

Exceptional items

2022
 £

2021
 £

Redundancy

-

18,862

Holiday pay

-

52,769

Executive bonuses

218,466

180,250

Restructuring

272,313

-

Covid-19 grants

(104,441)

-

 

386,338

251,881

Exceptional items in the current year consist of bonuses paid to directors, restructuring costs and covid rates and energy relief grants.

Exceptional items in the prior year consists of one off bonuses paid to the directors, redundancy costs and holiday pay.

 

7

Interest payable and similar expenses

2022
£

2021
£

Interest on bank overdrafts and borrowings

81,800

29,455

Interest on obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts

594,531

589,919

Interest expense on other finance liabilities

247,379

321,915

923,710

941,289

 

8

Staff costs

Group
The aggregate payroll costs (including directors' remuneration) were as follows:

2022
 £

2021
 £

Wages and salaries

15,659,238

13,238,766

Social security costs

1,713,128

1,436,446

Pension costs, defined contribution scheme

387,906

358,738

17,760,272

15,033,950

The average number of persons employed by the group (including directors) during the year, analysed by category was as follows:

2022
 No.

2021
 No.

Production

215

205

Administration and support

165

139

380

344

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

8

Staff costs (continued)

Company
The aggregate payroll costs (including directors' remuneration) were as follows:

2022
 £

2021
 £

Wages and salaries

968,588

536,757

Social security costs

156,809

59,447

Pension costs, defined contribution scheme

51,315

34,367

1,176,712

630,571

The average number of people employed by the company is 4 directors (2020 - 5).

 

9

Directors' remuneration

The directors' remuneration for the year was as follows:

2022
£

2021
£

Remuneration

997,100

741,056

Contributions paid to money purchase schemes

72,540

74,832

1,069,640

815,888

During the year the number of directors who were receiving benefits was as follows:

2022
No.

2021
No.

Accruing benefits under money purchase pension scheme

5

6

In respect of the highest paid director:

2022
£

2021
£

Remuneration

340,075

212,544

Company contributions to money purchase pension schemes

21,492

22,811

 

10

Auditors' remuneration

2022
£

2021
£

Audit of these financial statements

30,860

28,575

Other fees to auditors

All other non-audit services

17,270

16,425

Non-audit fees paid to the auditors comprise taxation services of £5,830 (2021 - £5,830) and other services of £11,440 (2021 - £10,595).

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

11

Taxation

Tax charged/(credited) in the profit and loss account

2022
 £

2021
 £

Current taxation

UK corporation tax

285,535

11,513

UK corporation tax adjustment to prior periods

(643)

-

284,892

11,513

Deferred taxation

Arising from origination and reversal of timing differences

359,039

194,153

Arising from changes in tax rates and laws

(3,000)

54,007

Arising from previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference of prior periods

(48,113)

(57,213)

Total deferred taxation

307,926

190,947

Tax expense in the income statement

592,818

202,460

The tax on profit before tax for the year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (2021 - higher than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK) of 19% (2021 - 19%).

The differences are reconciled below:

2022
£

2021
£

Profit before tax

3,046,648

818,868

Corporation tax at standard rate

578,863

155,585

Effect of expense not deductible in determining taxable profit (tax loss)

107,234

36,752

Increase in UK and foreign current tax from unrecognised temporary difference from a prior period

643

-

Deferred tax credit from unrecognised tax loss or credit

(24,854)

(190,947)

Deferred tax credit from unrecognised temporary difference from a prior period

(48,113)

-

Tax (decrease)/increase from effect of capital allowances and depreciation

(20,955)

201,070

Total tax charge

592,818

202,460

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

11

Taxation (continued)

Deferred tax

Group

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

2022

Liability
£

Accelerated capital allowances

857,301

Short term timing differences

(152,728)

704,573

2021

Asset
£

Liability
£

Accelerated capital allowances

-

592,402

Short term timing differences

-

(83,932)

Taxable losses

111,823

-

111,823

508,470

Company

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

2022

Asset
£

-

2021

Asset
£

Taxable losses

111,823

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

12

Intangible assets

Group

Goodwill
 £

Development costs
 £

Contractual customer relationships
 £

Total
£

Cost

At 1 January 2022

2,023,230

1,235,449

184,203

3,442,882

Additions

-

61,343

-

61,343

At 31 December 2022

2,023,230

1,296,792

184,203

3,504,225

Amortisation

At 1 January 2022

1,516,725

795,444

184,203

2,496,372

Amortisation charge

1,185

238,136

-

239,321

At 31 December 2022

1,517,910

1,033,580

184,203

2,735,693

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2022

505,320

263,212

-

768,532

At 31 December 2021

506,505

440,005

-

946,510

Company

Goodwill
 £

Cost and carrying amount

At 1 January 2022 and at 31 December 2022

1

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

13

Tangible assets

Group

         

Land and buildings leasehold
£

Furniture, fittings and equipment
 £

Motor vehicles
 £

Total
£

Cost

At 1 January 2022

1,122,616

19,321,339

8,900

20,452,855

Additions

35,622

1,141,695

19,995

1,197,312

Disposals

-

(2,054,180)

-

(2,054,180)

At 31 December 2022

1,158,238

18,408,854

28,895

19,595,987

Depreciation

At 1 January 2022

742,895

8,473,290

5,934

9,222,119

Charge for the year

99,136

2,324,774

6,298

2,430,208

Eliminated on disposal

-

(1,541,897)

-

(1,541,897)

At 31 December 2022

842,031

9,256,167

12,232

10,110,430

Carrying amount

At 31 December 2022

316,207

9,152,687

16,663

9,485,557

At 31 December 2021

379,721

10,848,049

2,966

11,230,736

The company has no tangible fixed assets at 31 December 2022 or 31 December 2021.

Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts

The net carrying amount of tangible assets includes the following amounts in respect of assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts:

 

2022
£

2021
£

Furniture, fittings and equipment

6,743,429

8,152,010

     
 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

14

Investments

Company

2022
£

2021
£

Investments in subsidiaries

1,838,704

1,838,704

Subsidiaries

£

Cost and carrying amount

At 1 January 2022 and at 31 December 2022

1,838,704

Details of undertakings

Details of the investments (including principal place of business of unincorporated entities) in which the company holds 20% or more of the nominal value of any class of share capital are as follows:

Undertaking

Registered office

Holding

Proportion of voting rights and shares held

     

2022

2021

Subsidiary undertakings

Pureprint Group Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Pureprint Abstract Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Imprint Creative Print Solutions Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Perfect Screen Print Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

100%

100%

Headford Digital Limited

England and Wales

Ordinary

51%

51%

Subsidiary undertakings

Pureprint Group Limited

The principal activity of Pureprint Group Limited is printing, marketing and fulfilment services.

Pureprint Abstract Limited

The principal activity of Pureprint Abstract Limited is that of a dormant company.

Imprint Creative Print Solutions Limited

The principal activity of Imprint Creative Print Solutions Limited is the design, production and distribution of point of sale material.

Perfect Screen Print Limited

The principal activity of Perfect Screen Print Limited is that of a dormant company.

Headford Digital Limited

The principal activity of Headford Digital Limited is online printing for high quality brochures, magazines, booklets, leaflets and posters.

The registered office addresses are the same as the company.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

15

Stocks

 

Group

Company

2022
£

2021
£

2022
£

2021
£

Raw materials and consumables

668,352

681,883

-

-

Work in progress

949,300

824,955

-

-

Finished goods and goods for resale

40,000

82,000

-

-

1,657,652

1,588,838

-

-

 

16

Debtors

   

Group

Company

Note

2022
 £

2021
 £

2022
 £

2021
 £

Trade debtors

 

12,852,286

10,711,886

-

-

Other debtors

 

1,350,588

1,557,293

-

-

Prepayments

 

430,563

448,198

59,226

16,448

Deferred tax assets

11

-

111,823

-

111,823

Corporation tax asset

11

643

-

-

-

   

14,634,080

12,829,200

59,226

128,271

 

17

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Group

Company

2022
£

2021
£

2022
£

2021
£

Cash on hand

681

114

-

-

Cash at bank

1,041,995

1,530,725

645

42,461

1,042,676

1,530,839

645

42,461

Bank overdrafts

(2,521,961)

(3,032,026)

-

-

Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash flows

(1,479,285)

(1,501,187)

645

42,461

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

18

Creditors

   

Group

Company

Note

2022
 £

2021
 £

2022
 £

2021
 £

Due within one year

 

Loans and borrowings

19

4,863,263

6,294,477

-

675,000

Trade creditors

 

9,350,153

8,838,006

-

-

Amounts due to group undertakings

 

-

-

7,313,879

4,114,222

Social security and other taxes

 

772,356

747,264

21,176

20,127

Other creditors

 

425,674

831,740

31,314

39,132

Accrued expenses

 

4,074,065

3,623,312

252,179

237,552

Corporation tax liability

 

285,535

11,513

-

-

 

19,771,046

20,346,312

7,618,548

5,086,033

Due after one year

 

Loans and borrowings

19

7,084,252

9,696,545

-

1,050,000

 

19

Loans and borrowings

 

Group

Company

2022
£

2021
£

2022
£

2021
£

Current loans and borrowings

Bank overdrafts

2,521,961

3,032,026

-

-

HP and finance lease liabilities

2,341,302

2,587,451

-

-

Amounts due to related parties

-

675,000

-

675,000

4,863,263

6,294,477

-

675,000

 

Group

Company

2022
£

2021
£

2022
£

2021
£

Non-current loans and borrowings

HP and finance lease liabilities

7,084,252

8,646,545

-

-

Amounts due to related parties

-

1,050,000

-

1,050,000

7,084,252

9,696,545

-

1,050,000

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

19

Loans and borrowings (continued)

During the year the group repaid their related party loan in full. The balance repayable at year end was £nil (2021 - £1,725,000) which comprised unsecured fixed rate loan notes and attracted interest at a fixed rate of 8% per annum.

Interest has been charged on the bank loan at a variable rate of LIBOR plus 3% in the current and comparative periods, payable quarterly.

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company or the 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. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

Included within bank overdrafts is £2,521,961 (2021 - £3,032,026) due to the bank in respect of invoice finance discounting. Included within cash at bank and in hand is £nil (2021 - £14,867) also in respect of invoice finance discounting. This amount is secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the company in favour of Barclays Bank PLC.

 

20

Pension and other schemes

Defined contribution pension scheme

The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the group to the scheme and amounted to £387,906 (2021 - £358,738).

Contributions totalling £67,866 (2021 - £63,884) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.

 

21

Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid shares

 

2022

2021

 

No.

£

No.

£

Ordinary shares of £0.001 each

610,000

610

610,000

610

Ordinary A shares of £0.001 each

390,000

390

390,000

390

Ordinary B shares of £0.001 each

40,928

41

40,928

41

 

1,040,928

1,041

1,040,928

1,041

Rights, preferences and restrictions

The company's ordinary shares and 'A' ordinary shares, which carry no right to fixed income, each carry the right to one vote at the general meetings of the company.

The company's 'B' shares do not carry any voting rights.

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

22

Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts

Group

Finance leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2022
£

2021
£

Not later than one year

2,341,302

2,523,929

Later than one year and not later than five years

7,084,252

8,709,480

9,425,554

11,233,409

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 3 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

Operating leases

The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:

2022
£

2021
£

Not later than one year

614,788

704,530

Later than one year and not later than five years

1,145,593

1,319,055

Later than five years

2,262,500

2,412,500

4,022,881

4,436,085

 

23

Contingent liabilities

Company

The company has a cross guarantee, secured by a fixed and floating charge, against debts owed by Pureprint Group Limited to Barclays Bank PLC. The contingent liability at 31 December 2022 was £2,521,961 (2021 - £3,032,026).

 

East Sussex Press Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022

 

24

Related party transactions

Group

Summary of transactions with key management

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors of the company and key management personnel compensation is disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements.

During the year the group paid rent of £31,000 (2021 - £31,000) to the parents of one of the directors.
 

Company

Transactions with entities with significant influence over the group

BGF Investments LP
(entity with significant influence over the group and the company)

During the year, interest of £169,030 (2021 - £169,030) was payable by East Sussex Press Limited to the BGF Investments LP. At the year end, Nil (2021 - £1,725,000) was due to the BGF Investments LP in the form of fixed rate loan notes. The related party loan attracts interest at a fixed rate of 8% per annum, payable quarterly.

Transactions with entities under common directorship

Nash Bevan Associates Limited
(entity controlled by a director)

During the year, non executive directorship fees of £nil (2021 - £36,956) were payable to Nash Bevan Associates Limited. At the year end, £nil (2021 - £nil) was due to Nash Bevan Associates Limited.

Fielden Properties Limited
(entity controlled by a director)

During the year, Pureprint Group Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the group, incurred costs of £150,000 (2021 - £150,000) in relation to the lease of Beacon House from Fielden Properties Limited. At the balance sheet date, the company owed £nil (2021 - £37,500) to Fielden Properties Limited.

 

25

Parent and ultimate parent undertaking

The ultimate controlling party is Mr M Handford by virtue of his controlling shareholding in East Sussex Press Limited.