SCARAB_SWEEPERS_LIMITED - Accounts

The directors present the strategic report for the year ended 30 September 2022. The director aims to present a balanced and comprehensive review of the development and performance of the company's business during the year and its position at the year end. The review is consistent with the size and nature of the business and is written in the context of the risks and uncertainties that the company faces.

Scarab Sweepers Limited is a manufacturer of Road Surface cleaning machines, selling and supporting equipment in the UK and through a worldwide distribution network. In addition, Scarab distributes and supports complementary equipment, manufactured by other Fayat Group companies, within the UK.

As anticipated COVID-19 continued to have a detrimental impact on activities this year, added to which the conflict in Ukraine caused further logistical delays and price increases for energy and some key materials. COVID-related absences subsided as our COVID-containment measures remained in place, however, supply chain delays and supply chain price increases had a greater impact to the business this year than last. So, in spite of having a strong order book, the late arrival of many parts, including chassis, caused significant disruption to production flow as we had to continuously redeploy labour to work on partially completed machines.

Turnover dropped 4% and although GP% remained in line with last year, the volume impact reduced GP by £284k. Loss Before Tax was £0.07M compared to prior year Profit before tax of £0.6M. The increase in Distribution Expenses was the result of restarting travel, entertaining and marketing initiatives as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, while Administration Expenses were kept in line with prior year. Stock of raw material increased as we built buffer stock to combat the long term effects of material shortages, while stock of finished goods increased as machines were built in advance of their collection date to match availability of parts. Debtors, and Short Term Creditors were well controlled to meet the cash demands of the business.

The business continued to focus on deployment of the Lean philosophy in the factory and strengthening the S&OP process. We also finalised our product road map which when implemented will bring significant cost benefit and process efficiencies to our production cycle. Investment in these initiatives demonstrates the Groups confidence in positioning the business for future growth.

The outlook for 2023 suggests an easing of supply shortages. Supplier pricing is expected to rise slightly, although some of the effect should be offset by price increases Scarab introduced this year and last. The main risk is likely to be inflation with the knock-on effect flowing into commercial businesses via higher energy prices and higher interest rates. It is expected that the combination of these two factors could influence buyer decisions and delay order placement.

The directors recognise that risk is inherent in any business and seek to manage risk in a controlled manner. The key business risks are set out as follows:

Economic - the company is subject to many of the same general economic risks faced by other businesses and especially during periods of economic downturn. The company seeks to mitigate this risk by having a diverse geographical mix of customers and maintaining flexibility in the structure and staff.

Commercial - the company operates in a competitive marketplace and faces competition from a number of other manufacturers. The company seeks to mitigate this risk by continually developing and improving its product range in increasing collaboration with sister companies and drawing on the commercial strength of the Fayat Group.

Financing - the cash position remains strong with working capital control in place which negated, in the year, the requirement for the utilisation of external funding.

Financial - the company has a specific exposure to credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations. The company has established several policies to mitigate the risks presented, further details of which are disclosed in the directors' report.

COVID pandemic – the company anticipates fewer supply disruptions although does expect material price increases to continue through 2023. It remains our view that it could be 2024 before the global economy restabilises from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the long-term impact of conflict in the Ukraine is uncertain at this time.

The key financial performance indicators (KPI's) are as follows:

Other key performance indicators

The directors also monitor sales and margins by country and machine type, production time efficiency, work centre costs per hour, return on capital employed and levels of cash balances.

Health and safety - The company takes seriously its responsibilities to all stakeholders for health, safety and the environment. The company supports a committee that meet regularly relating to health, safety and welfare topics and employs qualified personnel to manage, support and advise. The company regularly engages in reviews and actions both internally and with external bodies in relation to environmental legislation and improvements.

Staff and training - The company's Human Resources department monitors staff turnover, attendance, and welfare, and takes the lead in promoting engagement and cooperation across the business. Ongoing training and development for all staff is provided in accordance with identified learning needs.

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

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2022.

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of design, manufacture and marketing of road sweeping machines.

The results for the year are set out on page 8.

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

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

The company’s principal financial instruments are comprised of bank balances, a hire purchase facility, trade creditors and trade debtors. The main purpose of these instruments is to raise funds to finance the company’s operations. The main risks arising from the financial instruments are interest rate risk, liquidity risk and foreign currency risk.

Due to the nature of the financial instruments used by the company, there is no exposure to price risk. The company’s approach to managing other risks applicable to the financial instruments concerned is set out below.

In respect of bank balances the liquidity risk is managed by maintaining a balance between the continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of the company’s bank balances. The company makes use of money market facilities where surplus funds are available.

In respect of loan these are comprised of loan from financial institutions. The interest rate and monthly repayments are fixed. The company manages the liquidity risk by ensuring that there are sufficient funds to meet the repayments. The company manages the credit and cash flow risk via the regular monitoring of its position.

Trade debtors are managed in respect of credit and cash flow risk by polices concerning the credit offered to customers and the regular monitoring of amounts outstanding for both time and credit limits.

Trade creditors’ liquidity risk is managed by ensuring the sufficient funds are available to meet amounts due.

The company seeks to manage foreign exchange risk using forward currency contracts as far as possible.

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

These are discussed in detail in the Business Review section of the Strategic Report.

Bright Grahame Murray were appointed as auditor to the company and in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution proposing that they be re-appointed will be put at a General Meeting.

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 company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

•     select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

•     make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

•     prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

We have audited the financial statements of Scarab Sweepers Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 30 September 2022 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity, the 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 Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

•     give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 30 September 2022 and of its loss 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 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 company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

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

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

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

•     certain disclosures of 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 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.

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

• We obtained an understanding of laws and regulations that affect the company, focusing on those that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on its operations. Key laws and regulations that we identified included the UK Companies Act, tax legislation, employment legislation, health and safety and licensing regulations.

• We enquired of the directors, reviewed correspondence with HMRC and reviewed directors meeting minutes for evidence of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. We also reviewed controls the directors have in place to ensure compliance.

• We gained an understanding of the controls that the directors have in place to prevent and detect fraud. We enquired of the directors about any incidences of fraud that had taken place during the accounting period.

• The risk of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud was discussed within the audit team and tests were planned and performed to address these risks. We identified the potential for fraud in the following areas: revenue recognition, provisions, related parties outside normal course of business, management override and misappropriation of cash and other assets.

• We reviewed financial statements disclosures and tested to supporting documentation to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations discussed above.

• We enquired of the directors about actual and potential litigation and claims.

• We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that might indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud.

• In addressing the risk of fraud due to management override of internal controls we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates were indicative of a potential bias.

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.

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

The notes on pages 12 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

Scarab Sweepers Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Pattenden Lane, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9QD.

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. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company 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 the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (usually on dispatch of the goods), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

Revenue from contracts for the provision of professional services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion when the stage of completion, costs incurred and costs to complete can be estimated reliably. The stage of completion is calculated by comparing costs incurred, mainly in relation to contractual hourly staff rates and materials, as a proportion of total costs. Where the outcome cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognised only to the extent of the expenses recognised that it is probable will be recovered.

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 credited or charged to profit or loss.

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

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 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 company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets, 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 company 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 company 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 company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.

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 profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

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

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

Provisions are recognised when the company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit or loss in the period in which it arises.

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 balance sheet 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 leases asset are consumed.

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.

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

The following judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements.

The company and group enter into a range of lease commitments in respect of property, plant and equipment. The classification of these leases as either financial or operating leases requires the directors to consider whether the terms and conditions of each lease are such that the company has acquired the risks and rewards associated with the ownership of the underlying assets.

The estimates and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities are as follows.

Provision has been made in the financial statements for warranty costs. This provision is calculated with reference to the level of sales of each product category during the preceding twelve month period and the average percentage first year warranty cost per machine category. The cost of any warranty campaigns that have been identified but not completed are estimated and included in separate provisions.

The company and group design, manufacture and sell road sweeping machines and is subject to changing consumer demands and deterioration in raw materials. As a result it is necessary to consider the recoverability of the cost of stocks and the associated provisioning required. When calculating the stock provision, management considers the nature and condition of the stock, as well as applying assumptions around anticipated saleability of finished goods and future usage of raw materials.

Covid-19 has impacted businesses in numerous ways including cash flow. Customers' credit terms have been closely monitored with regular communication to support them where necessary. Provisioning for trade debtors relies upon a certain degree of estimation uncertainty however the directors are satisfied that the provision is appropriate in light of tight controls and regularly customer communication.

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

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

The actual (credit)/charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected (credit)/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.

The carrying value of stocks are stated after provisions for impairment of £621,125 (2021: £692,230). An impairment gain of £71,104 (2021: £103,216 debit) was recognised in cost of sales against stock during the year due to slow moving and obsolete stock.

Trade debtors are stated after provisions for impairment of £72,681 (2021: £93,719).

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the company 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 5 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

The warranty provision relates to costs anticipated in respect of warranty contracts entered into before the year end.

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

The deferred tax liability set out above is expected to reverse within 12 months and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

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

The company has taken advantage of the exemption from disclosing related party transactions with its fellow group members, within the Scarab Holdings Limited group, provided by paragraph 33.1A of Financial Reporting Standard 102 as it is a wholly owned subsidiary undertaking of Scarab Holdings Limited.

The material transactions taking place with related parties are set out below.

During the year the company made sales to and purchases from Mathieu S.A., a fellow subsidiary undertaking, of £5,027,120(2021: £5,037,17) and £3,234,441 (2021: £1,294,731) respectively. The net amount due from Mathieu S.A. as at 30 September 2022 was £473,818 (2021: £585,466).

During the year the company made sales to and purchases from Ravo B.V., a fellow subsidiary undertaking, of £112,096 (2021: £15,053) and £632,003 (2021: £472,650) respectively. The amount due to Ravo B.V. as at 30 September 2022 was £359,223 (2021: £230,092).

During the year the company made sales to Fes Americas LLC, a fellow subsidiary undertaking, of £192,535 (2021: £238,735). The amount due from Fes Americas LLC as at 30 September 2022 was £220,334 (2021: £236,053).

All transactions were at a commercial rate.

All directors who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the company are considered to be key management personnel. Details of their remuneration are disclosed in Note 7.

Scarab Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in England, owns the entire issued share capital of the company and is the immediate parent company.

Fayat SAS, a company incorporated in France is the ultimate parent company. Fayat SAS is the largest entity at which consolidated accounts are prepared; copies of those accounts can be found at its registered office: 137 Rue Du Palais Gallen 33000 Bordeaux.

The ultimate controlling party is J-C Fayat by virtue of his majority shareholding in Fayat SAS.

Scarab Holdings Limited is the smallest entity at which consolidated accounts are prepared. Copies of these accounts are available from Companies House.