H+H_UK_LIMITED - Accounts

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

The core activity of H+H UK Limited is the manufacture and sale of aircrete products, supplemented by know-how and advice on building materials and building technology.

Demand in the market was strong during 2022 in new housebuilding and RMI (Repair, Maintenance and Improvement).

Turnover in 2022 was in line with expectations as we continued to support our long-term trading partners.

Principal risks and uncertainties

UK inflation and interest rates

Towards the end of the year, market demand slowed down and housebuilders reported decreasing sales rates in Q4. Uncertainty due to the economic and geopolitical situation weighs heavily on the UK economy which is expected to contract slightly in 2023 and remain flat in 2024. The market uncertainty has been driven by increasing inflation and increasing interest rates pushing mortgage affordability.

Over previous years, the high activity levels resulted in a continued high demand for our products. As a result, we focused on the delivery of core wall products leaving some market share to alternative solutions. Should the market continue to soften, the company will seek to regain this market share by restoring a widened product portfolio.

COVID-19

The risk presented by COVID-19 to the markets within which the company operates is continually diminishing. The risk has been regularly reviewed by the company using scenario planning as detailed in the going concern section of the strategic report.

Brexit

The company sees minimal effects on its business directly due to Brexit. The risk to the business mainly stems from from any change in government policy in supporting housing demand.

Financial risk management objectives and policies    

The company's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including cash flow risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. The company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Cash flow risk

The company has an overdraft facility that currently has plenty of headroom. Our cash flow projections indicate that we will remain cash positive for the foreseeable future. Any surplus cash is placed on deposit or lent to our parent company.

Credit risk

The company has a financing initiative whereby we can choose to be paid early. The company exercises this option. If this initiative were to be withdrawn the company’s cash flow would be adversely affected but would still operate within its current overdraft facility.

Liquidity risk

The company uses an overdraft facility to ensure that sufficient funds are available. Our cash flow projections indicate that sufficient funds should be available.

Quality Management Systems

The company has maintained third party quality assurance in respect of its Quality Management System and with the international standard BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.

The company maintained the necessary documentation to continue to ‘CE/UKCA’ mark its products to meet the requirements of the Construction Products Regulations. All the company’s masonry products continue to be constantly assessed and approved by the British Board of Agrément.

Whilst there are many uncertainties facing both the global and UK economies, the outlook for new housebuilding in the UK remains positive in the medium term.

The market outlook for 2023 indicates improving market conditions in the second half of the year as reported by our customers both in new build housing and RMI (Repair, Maintenance and Improvement).

The long-term outlook for aircrete remains positive. Aircrete continues to show increasing levels of market penetration as growth in the building industry is, in part, being driven by an increasing demand for larger, detached houses, which require more aircrete.

Going concern

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 12 months from the date of these statements. The directors continually monitor their forecast and cash flow statements to ensure that adequate funding is in place. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found on page 18 in the statement of accounting policies in the financial statements.

The company’s activities are regularly reviewed to ensure that they meet the core strategy of being cash positive and profitable. The directors are therefore content that this will not cause a going concern issue.

There are no impending developments or matters in the course of negotiation that would, in the opinion of the directors, be seriously prejudicial to the interest of the company.

Environmental and employee matters are covered in the directors report.

The following KPIs are used by the Board to assess the company’s progress against its objectives and to measure the performance and development of the Company. The company’s activities were regularly reviewed to ensure that they met the company’s core strategy of being cash positive and profitable.

Turnover

This KPI shows the base level of sales from which the company can drive profitability. Turnover has increased by 18% from its 2021 level, representing a year on year increase of £18.4m. Sales volumes continued to remain stable past the COVID-19 lockdown period. Increases in the sales prices coupled with the continued strong demand during the year led to the increase in turnover.

Gross profit

The gross profit has been calculated as the difference between turnover and cost of goods sold. This KPI is a main driver for the company’s overall profitability. The gross profit has increased 8% from its 2021 level, representing a year on year increase of £3.6m. The increase in the absolute level of Gross profit was driven by the general increase in trading volumes.

Gross profit margin

The gross profit margin has been calculated as the gross profit divided by the turnover for each year. This KPI shows how successful the company is in achieving production efficiency and in adding value to the goods and services provided. The gross profit margin has decreased by 3.7 percentage points from its 2021 level. Despite the increase in sales prices, the Gross profit margin percentage fell as input costs out-paced sales price inflation. The company, however, is satisfied with the Gross profit margin achieved.

EBITDA

The EBITDA has been calculated as the gross profit, less distribution costs and administration costs and adding back the depreciation and amortisation for the year. This indicates the amount of cash generated from the company’s operations. EBITDA has increased by 6.9% from its 2021 level, representing a year-on-year increase of £1.5m. The increase in the absolute level of EBITDA was driven by the general increase in trading volumes.

The Directors of the company have acted in accordance with their duties codified in law, which include their duty to act in a way which they consider, in good faith, would most likely promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the members as a whole, having regards to all stakeholders and matters set out in s172(1) of the Companies Act 2016, including:

a) the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;

b) the interests of the company's employees;

c) the need to foster the company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

d) the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment;

e) the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct; and

f) the need to act fairly as between members of the company.

The board of Directors satisfies the criteria as set out in reference to S172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act by considering the following:

1) Our strategy was designed to have a long-term beneficial impact on the company and to contribute to its success in delivering quality products and services to our customers. We will continue to operate our business within tight budgetary controls and in line with our regulatory targets.

2) Our stakeholders (both internal and external) are fundamental to the delivery of our strategy. Our relationship with our stakeholders is defined through our Trusted     Partner ethos; do things to ensure both parties have equal leverage in the relationship. With regards to our employees, we provide regular two-way updates directly through our face-to-face MD updates with all our employees. We have regular direct contact with all our customers at varying levels of our organisations. We also engage via our association with the HBF (Home Builders Federation) and sponsoring other trade related events. We engage directly and indirectly with our suppliers. Our indirect involvement come through our association with the MPA (Mineral Products Association), UKQAA (UK Quality Ash Association) and other trade associations.

3) The health, safety and well-being of our employees is one of our primary considerations in the way we do business. We conduct regular site safety days across all our factories which are attended by members of the board of directors. We strive to ensure that no harm comes to our stakeholders.

4) Our strategy took into account the impact of the company’s operations on the community and environment and our wider societal responsibilities. To this end we only innovate and invest to support long term sustainable business.

5) As the board of directors, our intention is to behave responsibly towards our shareholders so that they too may benefit from the successful delivery of our plan and ensure that management operate the business in a responsible manner. We operate within the high standards of business conduct and good governance expected for a business such as ours. By following these actions we will contribute to the delivery of our strategy.

On behalf of the board

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

The company is engaged in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of aircrete products to the construction industry within the United Kingdom. The financial risk management objectives, policies and going concern, along with future developments are discussed in the strategic report.

The results for the year are set out on page 12.

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £8,000,000. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

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

The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.

These are fully referenced in the strategic report on page 4.

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 company continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the company that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

Methods of systematically providing employees with information about the company on matters of concern to them as employees have been maintained during the year. This is done by means of notices displayed at places of work and "update" meetings. The directors encourage the involvement of employees in the company's performance through employee share schemes and this ensures a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial & economic factors affecting the company's performance. Managers & directors are encouraged to consult with employees on a regular basis so that the views of employees can be considered in making decisions, which are likely to affect their interests. Any views are taken into account and factored into principal decisions taken by the company. The company remains committed to training employees at all levels to develop new skills, to meet the increasing demands particularly in areas tied to impending changes in new technology, products, production processes and markets.

There were no post balance sheet events to disclose.

Quantification and reporting methodology

We have followed the 2019 HM Government Environmental Reporting Guidelines. We have also used the OHO Reporting Protocol -Corporate Standard and have used a blend of the 2022 UK Government's Conversion Factors together with our ultimate holding company, H+H International A/S conversion factors for company reporting. for Company Reporting.

Intensity measurement

The chosen intensity measurement ratio is total gross emissions in metric tonnes CO2 to Turnover.

Measure taken to improve efficiency

H+H UK Limited continues to strive for energy and carbon reduction arising from their activities. However, during this reporting period no energy efficiency actions were taken. The emissions have increased over the previous year owing to the lower production volumes enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in 2020.

SECR data

The following data includes scope 1,2 and 3 and summarises the energy consumption (kWh) and carbon emissions (tCO2e):

This is discussed in the strategic report on page 2.

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Lopian Gross Barnett & Co be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

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.

Compliance was continued with the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Standard BS ISO 4500 I. This same high standard of health and safety is reflected in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of plant, equipment and services for all works and projects undertaken by the company. The directors recognise that safe behaviour of staff is as important as good systems and communication, and that cooperation on their part is vital. To enrich this idea, the company will continue to engage all employees in changing their attitudes towards safety. It is company policy to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, and visitors and to enhance the importance of health and safety.

The company has acted upon its environmental policy during the year and continued to disseminate information widely to staff and customers to foster an understanding of environmental issues arising from the business. The environmental policy addresses the use of energy, raw materials, air, water, and waste and seeks to prevent and limit the environmental impact of its business activities.

The company has sought to continually improve environmental performance where it is reasonably practical and economic to do so.

Third party compliance with ISO 1400 I for an environmental management system was maintained. The company has met targets requested by customers and continues with its environmental improvement teams set up at each of its locations.

The company maintained its systems to enable the retention of its Certificate of Approval for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products to BES 600l and obtained a "very good" performance rating and is accredited under the BS ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard.

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;

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

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

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the 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.

We have audited the financial statements of H+H UK Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the profit and loss account, the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity 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 31 December 2022 and of its profit for the year then ended;

•     have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

•     have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the 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

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

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

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

Other information

The 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.

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 obtained an understanding of laws and regulations that affect the entity, focusing on those that had a direct effect on the financial statements or that had a fundamental effect on its operations.

• Where considered necessary we enquired of the those charged with governance, reviewed correspondence and reviewed meeting minutes for evidence of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

• We gained an understanding of the controls environment which includes the controls in place to prevent and detect fraud. We enquired of the those charged with governance about any incidences of fraud that had taken place during the accounting period.

• We reviewed financial statements disclosures to assess compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

• We enquired of those charged with governance 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.

Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

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 16 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these financial statements.

H+H UK Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Celcon House, Ightham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 9HZ.

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 £'000.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

Where the company has taken exemptions in terms of FRS 102, this has been approved by the shareholders and that the appropriate disclosures have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements as per the requirement of the application guidance of FRS 100.

The company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 102 and has therefore taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available to it in respect of its financial statements. The company is consolidated in the financial statements of its parent, H+H International A/S, Lautrupsgade 7, 6th Floor, 2100 Copenhagen 0, Denmark. These can be obtained at www.hplush.com. Exemptions have been taken in these company financial statements in relation to presentation of a cash flow statement, and remuneration of key management personnel.

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102) issued by the Financial Reporting Council, which the directors believe to be appropriate for the reasons detailed below.true

The previous cross company guarantees remain in place. The company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the strategic report.

The company meets its day to day working capital requirements through an overdraft facility and/or its cash reserves. The FY22 results for the company were in excess of budget in terms of revenue and EBITDA, showing a continued strong recovery from the same period last year. The directors have also forecast through to FY27, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, which projects that the company will achieve gradual improvement in revenue and EBITDA from the already-strong results achieved for FY22. The company is forecast to be highly cash generative across the next five years and will be able to operate within the level of its current facility.

The directors have a reasonable expectation that the company have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 12 months after signing the financial statements. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

The company’s activities are regularly reviewed to ensure that they meet the core strategy of being cash positive and profitable. The company has also run over several scenarios on market recovery rates to ensure that it meets the aforementioned criteria and can meet its obligations. In these modelling activities there was no scenario where the company failed on its core strategy targets or obligations.

The directors are therefore content that this will not cause a going concern issue.

Turnover represents the invoiced amount of goods sold during the year, stated net of customer rebates, discounts allowed and Value Added Tax. Income is recognised at the time when goods are despatched from our premises.

Interest receivable and similar income

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

An intangible asset shall be recognised if it is probable that the expected future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to H+H UK Limited and the cost can be measured reliably. In normal circumstances, intangible assets acquired from an external party will comply with this definition and shall therefore be recognised in the balance sheet. Intangible assets are amortised over 3 years.

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:

All fixed assets are stated at cost less a provision for depreciation.

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.

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell, which is equivalent to the net realisable value.

• Stores - stock is held at lower of cost and NRV. Raw materials are valued at 'standard cost' but we believe there not to be a significant or material variance to actual cost. Provision is made for obsolete, slow­ moving, or defective items where appropriate.

• Work in progress and finished goods -cost of direct materials and labour plus attributable overheads based on normal level of activity. Provision is made for obsolete, slow-moving, or defective items where appropriate

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 the exemption from the disclosure requirements in terms of Section 11 paragraphs 11.39 to 11.48A as the equivalent disclosures required by this FRS are included in the consolidated financial statements of the group in which the entity is consolidated.

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 nonnally 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.

Financial assets and Liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the company intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

With the exception of some hedging instruments, other debt instruments not meeting these conditions are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the company transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the company, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Current tax, including UK corporation tax and foreign tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the company's taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of gains and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that, based on all available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Where items recognised in other comprehensive income or equity are chargeable to or deductible for tax purposes the resulting current or deferred tax expense or income is presented in the same component of comprehensive income or equity as the transaction or other event that resulted in the tax expense or income.

Provisions are recognised when the company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) 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 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.

The company operates two pension schemes. One provides benefits based on final pensionable pay and the other is a defined contribution scheme.

The defined benefit fund was closed to new entrants on 1 June 2007 and closed to the accrual of future service benefits, effective from 31 December 2011. The assets of the fund are held separately from those of the company.

The net interest cost on the net defined benefit liability is shown within finance costs. Remeasurement comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on scheme assets (excluding interest) are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis.

The company operates a Group Personal Pension Plan (GPPP) for which contributions are based on rules of the scheme and are charged against profits during the year in which contributions are made. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet.

Leased assets

Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term, even if the payments are not made on such a basis. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are similarly spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date, unless, in the case of balances relating to trading transactions, there is a related forward contract, in which case the contract rate is used. All exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account.

Related Party Transactions

Disclosures need not be given of transactions entered between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member and so the company has taken advantage of the exemption from disclosing transactions with related parties that are part of the H+H International group.

The company has also taken the exemption in disclosing remuneration of key management personnel as required of Section 33 Related Part Disclosures paragraph 33.7.

Government Grants

Government grants are recognised using an accrual model when there is reasonable assurance that the company has complied with the conditions attaching to the grants and the grants will be received. A grant that becomes receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the entity with no future related costs is recognised in income in the period in which it becomes receivable.

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.

Defined benefit pension

The group has obligations to pay pension benefits to certain employees. The cost of these benefits and the present value of the obligation depend on a number of factors, including: life expectancy, salary increases, asset valuations and the discount rate on corporate bonds. Management, supported by an independent actuary, estimates these factors in determining the net pension obligation in the balance sheet. The assumptions reflect historical experience and current trends. There exists no explicit contractual right to a surplus return should contributions from the sponsoring employer exceed the calculated scheme deficit. Therefore, the company did not recognise such surplus (see note 18) in 2021. The carrying value of the net scheme liability for 2022 is £1.5M (2021: £nil).

Turnover, which is derived wholly from within the UK, relates to the sale of aircrete products.

Turnover is stated net of customer rebates and discounts allowed.

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

Factors that may affect future tax charge

The income tax expense for the year is based on the effective United Kingdom statutory rate of corporation tax of 19% (2020: 19%).    

In the March 2021 Budget, the UK Government announced that legislation will be introduced in the Finance Bill 2021 to increase the main rate of UK Corporation Tax from 19% to 25%, effective 1 April 2023. The new legislation was substantively enacted in May 2021 and was fully enacted on 10 June 2021. The closing deferred tax balances (see note 17) as at 31 December 2021 have therefore been calculated at 25%, reflecting the tax rates at which they are expected to be utilised in future periods. The liability being an average over the respective periods.

The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

In addition to the amount charged to the profit and loss account, the following amounts relating to tax have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income:

Contained within the total cost value of £2,071,000 are £205,621 (2021: £1,578,522) of items still under construction which have not been amortised in the year.

Contained within the total cost value of owned plant and machinery of £76,799,000 are £9,108,723 (2021 - £3,500,488) of items still under construction which have not been depreciated in the year.

The total cost of Freehold Land and Buildings £12,142,000 (2021 - £11,977,000) can be split as follows: Land £1,005,000 (2021 - £1,005,000) and Buildings £11,137,000 (2021 - £10,972,000).

As stated on page 19 Freehold Land is not depreciated.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only where the company bas a legally enforceable right to do so and where the assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on the same taxable entity or another entity within the company.

There is no expiry date on timing differences, or tax credits.

Onerous contract provision:

An onerous contractual position has arisen due to a lease of a former operating site in Westbury. The company has engaged with the landowner to re-gear the current lease on the site to reduce the current lease

tenure from 55 to 7 years (Expiry date: September 2025), The settlement included using the current lease rentals in excess of market rates, which forms the basis of the provision.

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 5 years and relates to accelerated capital allowances that are expected to mature within the same period.

Scheme characteristics and nature of the benefits provided

The Principal Employer, H+H UK Limited (the “Company”) operates a final salary defined benefit scheme for its employees. Any purely defined contribution assets and liabilities in this Pension Fund have been excluded. The H+H Celcon Pension Fund (the “Pension Fund”) closed to the future accrual of benefits on 31 December 2011, although some deferred members who are still employed by the Company retain the link to future salary increases on their benefits. Pension benefits are based on historic length of service and final salary. On retirement members can opt for a lump sum and a lower pension. The Pension Fund is managed by the Trustee. The Pension Fund operates within the standard UK regulatory framework for employer-sponsored pension schemes. Funding rates are agreed between the Trustee and the Company, based on a prudent assessment of the Pension Fund liabilities.

Funding arrangements

Under regulations, a funding valuation is required to take place every three years. If the valuation shows that the Pension Fund is in deficit, contributions to eliminate the deficit will be payable over an agreed period. Under the Schedule of Contributions agreed as part of the April 2020 actuarial valuation, the Company will pay the following annual deficit recovery contributions in monthly instalments: £2,936,000 in the year starting April 2020, £4,000,000 from April 2021, £3,208,000 from April 2023 and £3,029,000 from April 2024 to February 2025.

For the April 2020 valuation the trustees and employer also agreed a secondary funding objective, which is to be fully funded on an agreed low dependency basis by 5 April 2029. This secondary funding objective allows for contingency contributions to be paid if actual funding falls below expected funding development on the low dependency basis. This expected funding path is based on the funding position at April 2020 on the low dependency basis, the deficit contributions above and expected investment returns at the April 2020 valuation. Contingent contributions are £3.024 million per annum increased by 3% per annum compound (with the first increase in April 2022) less any deficit recovery contributions. Contingent contributions are payable while actual funding is behind the expected development.

Investment strategy

Pension Fund investments are in a broad range of asset classes, aimed at producing an acceptable level of risk whilst being able to meet the benefit payments due to Pension Fund members. Some of the Pension Fund’s investments are invested in “Liability Driven Investment” funds, which are designed to match the movements in Scheme liabilities as a result of changes to long-term interest rates and inflation expectations.

Risk exposure

Since the Pension Fund is a defined benefit arrangement, the benefits payable to fund members are not directly related to the amount of the assets. The Company is exposed to the risk of the Pension Fund’s assets being insufficient to meet the benefits and expenses payable. Risks arise due to uncertain future investment returns, future levels of inflation, and future changes to life expectancy. No amendments, curtailments, or settlements have occurred over the past year.

Employer-related assets

The value of the Pension Fund’s assets does not include any financial instruments issued by, or any property occupied by, or any other assets used by, the Company.

Assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65:

Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account

Amounts taken to other comprehensive income

The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the company's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations

The defined benefit obligations arise from plans which are wholly or partly funded.

Movements in the fair value of plan assets

The actual return on plan assets was (£36,044) (2021 - £3,130)

Fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end

The company's Group personal pension plan (GPPP) commenced in June 2007 and is a defined contribution scheme. Contributions made by the company are at varying rates between 3.5% and 12% of employees' pensionable salary, according to the rules of the scheme. Employees pay contributions varying between 3% and 5%. The members of the now closed defined benefits scheme have been invited to join a defined contribution scheme. Contributions made by the company are at varying rates between 3.5% and 12% of the employees' pensionable salary, according to the rules of the scheme. Employees pay contributions varying between 3% and 8%.

On 1 March 2023, a new committed credit facility was agreed with Nordea Danmark, branch of Nordea Abp, Finland, effectively in place 31 March 2023. The agreement has a duration of 3 years. As part of the agreement, there are cross company guarantees between some of the group companies. Those companies are:

•    H+H International A/S

•    H+H Polska Sp. Z.o.o.

•    H+H UK Limited

•    H+H Deutschland GmbH

As at 31 December 2022, H+H UK Limited owed £2,017,29(2021: £1,977,955) to its parent company H+H International A/S, had lent £47,528,272 (2021: £45,137,455) to Kway Holdings Ltd, owed £273,146 (2021: £273,146) to H+H UK Holdings Limited, owed £6,775 (2021 £205,206) to H+H Deutschland Gmbh, and owed £134,924 (2021 £0) to H+H Polska Sp.Z o.o. .

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 is a subsidiary undertaking of H+H UK Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Great Britain.

The largest and smallest group in which the results of the company are consolidated is that headed by H+H International A/S, incorporated in Denmark, who is the ultimate holding company. The consolidated financial statements of this company are available to the public and may be obtained from their registered office at Lautrupsgade 7, 5th Floor, 2100 Copenhagen 0, Denmark.

No other group accounts include the results of the company.

There were no events after the reporting period end which require disclosure at the balance sheet date.