HARPER_INDUSTRIES_PLC - Accounts

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

As noted on page 8 of the financial statements, the company achieved an operating profit of £862,640. The gross margin percentage increased in the period to 37.3% (2019: 36.5%), consequently the directors are satisfied with the company's trading position and results for the year.

During the period the business has focused on navigating through the COVID-19 global pandemic. To ensure that the business could operate safely, both for its staff and its customers, trade was stopped temporarily for approximately two months after the first national lockdown was announced. This ensured protection for staff, customers, and the ability to comply with any COVID-19 legislation and guidelines, including social distancing measures across the company’s sites.

Throughout the year technology, both software and hardware, has been invested in to, which allowed most of our teams to operate from home whilst continuing to support our customer’s needs. This working from home has continued through the pandemic and continues through the first half of 2021 where social distancing measures are required to be maintained. A hybrid solution for staff working arrangements will be implemented for return-to-work post pandemic.

The business took advantage of the Government support package available, with particular focus on protecting jobs through the CJRS. Skilled, knowledgeable, and trained staff are an integral part of the businesses key strengths and ensuring staff were retained through what was a protracted period of 2020, with low demand was a key priority of the directors.

The impact of the pandemic and the various lockdown restriction’s including on hospitality and leisure have resulted in the end consumer spending more time at home. This in turn has resulted in a trend for those people to invest in their home environment. This trend continued through to the end of 2020 and continues to be a trend in Q1 2021. The directors are closely monitoring the gradual lifting of these restrictions but remain confident that the consumer will continue to invest in their homes, especially as the working from home trend will continue in the short to medium term. The Government support for the housing market in the form of the Stamp Duty holiday has seen strong demand for consumers moving homes and this has increased demand for our customers to refurbish those homes.

Whilst working through the pandemic the business has continued to focus on ensuring that we had high levels of stock to support our customers. Working with our excellent trading partners high levels of service have been maintained and a large percentage of customer orders are still available for same day dispatch using our next day delivery carriers.

The market focus remains on the independent retail, workroom, and homeworking sectors by providing extensive, innovative, and quality product ranges at competitive prices. During the period of the lockdowns there has been growth in the On-Line customer base and in turn this has put greater pressure on our next day carrier networks. The directors' strategy is to continually expand the portfolio and categories of products available through the company's distribution network in order to increase both customer numbers and the average sales value per customer. This has continued throughout the pandemic with focus being placed on new and innovative ranges, helping our customer base adapt to the changing requirements of the end consumer.

At the period end the company's shareholder funds have increased by £637,070 to £4,499,009. The directors consider the company's financial position to be satisfactory with the current assets exceeding current liabilities by £4,580,388 (2019: £2,918,784) and that the company is well placed to achieve its targets over the next twelve months.

The principal uncertainties for the coming year are the on-going effect that COVID19 will have on the business and its markets. The company continues to take steps to protect its workforce and has planned for the impact of any further sustained periods of lockdown and social distancing both for itself and its customer base. The Directors continue to closely monitor both customer spending and consumer demand.

Sufficient liquidity is in place to manage the period of disruption caused by COVID19 and a full cost review has been undertaken to ensure the business remains able to cope with any changes in demand from its customers.

The company finances its operations through a mixture of retained profits and where necessary to fund expansion or capital expenditure programmes through bank borrowings. Management's objectives are to:

• retain sufficient liquid funds to enable it to meet its day to day obligations as they fall due whilst maximising return on surplus funds, and

• minimise the company's exposure to fluctuating interest rates when seeking new borrowings, and

• match the repayment schedule of any external borrowings or overdrafts with the expected future cashflows expected to arise from the company's trading activities.

Where appropriate, funds are invested in sterling bank deposit accounts and borrowings are obtained from standard bank loan accounts and using debtors as security. The company seeks to limit its exposure to foreign currency fluctuations by ensuring sales and purchase invoices are raised in sterling where possible. Movements in exchange rates are monitored closely by the company and forward currency contracts are purchased to help mitigate the risk. Hedge accounting is not used by the company.

The directors recognise that effective performance management is key to being a strong business. Progress is monitored by review of key financial indicators, including but not limited to:

Gross profit as a % of turnover - 37.3% (2019: 36.5%)

Net Profit - £816,970 (2019: £664,058)

Net Asset Value - £4,499,009 (2019: £3,861,939)

On behalf of the board

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

The principal activity of the company is that of a holding company.

The principle activity of the group during the year was the wholesale and distribution of a range of window furnishings.

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

Ordinary dividends were paid amounting to £179,900. The directors do not recommend payment of a further dividend.

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

The group agrees terms and conditions for its business transactions when orders for goods and services are placed, ensuring that suppliers are aware of the terms of payment and including the relevant terms in contract where appropriate. These arrangements are adhered to when making payments, subject to the terms and conditions being met by the suppliers.

The auditor, MHA Moore and Smalley, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

The truegroup has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the group's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of future developments.

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

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

•     select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

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

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

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

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

We have audited the financial statements of Harper Industries plc (the 'parent company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the group statement of comprehensive income, the group balance sheet, the company balance sheet, the group statement of changes in equity, the company statement of changes in equity, the group statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

•     give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and the parent company's affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the group's profit for the year then ended;

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

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

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

• the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

• Enquiries with management, including directors, about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud;

• Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to stock provisions; and

• Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness.

Because of the field in which the client operates, we identified the following areas as those most likely to have a material impact on the financial statements: Health and Safety, employment law and compliance with the UK Companies Act.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK). For instance, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognize the non-compliance.

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.

As permitted by s408 Companies Act 2006, the company has not presented its own profit and loss account and related notes. The company’s profit for the year was £179,817 (2019 - £374,849 profit).

Harper Industries plc (“the company”) is a private limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit B1 Red Scar Business Park, Longridge Road, Ribbleton, Preston, PR2 5NJ.

The group consists of Harper Industries plc and all of its subsidiaries.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

• The requirements of Section 7 'Statement of Cash Flows' and Section 3 'Financial Statement Presentation' paragraph 3.17(d).

• The requirements of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ paragraphs 11.29 to 11.28A and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instrument Issues’ paragraphs 12.26 to 12.29A.

• The requirements of Section 33 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ paragraph 33.7.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the company and all group undertakings. These are adjusted, where appropriate, to conform to group accounting policies. Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method and goodwill on consolidation is capitalised and written off over 20 years from the year of acquisition. The results of companies acquired or disposed of are included in the group profit and loss account after or up to the date that control passes respectively. As a consolidated group profit and loss account is published, a separate profit and loss account for the parent company is omitted from the group financial statements by virtue of section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Harper Industries plc and all of its subsidiaries (ie entities that the group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). Subsidiaries acquired during the year are consolidated using the purchase method. Their results are incorporated from the date that control passes.

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

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

The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in early 2020 is having a significant impact on a large number of businesses. However the directors believe that the group is well placed to minimise the impact. Management are continuously assessing the impact of Covid-19 on customers, suppliers and employees. The group has organised itself to adjust its activities, working capital and costs in line with the actual business level in order to protect its cash flow. Actions have been taken in the past to enable the business to establish a strong financial platform, and this, together with the current balance sheet strength, positions the company well. Working capital is also closely monitored, especially to protect timely collection of debtors.

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

Turnover represents the invoiced amount of goods sold and services provided less returns and allowances excluding Value Added Tax. Turnover is recognised on delivery of goods.

Goodwill arising on consolidation is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the consideration made for the net assets and liabilities of an acquisition, and the fair value of the net assets of that acquisition.

Amortisation is calculated at 5% straight line, so as to write off the cost of the asset over its estimated useful economic life.

Negative goodwill arising on consolidation is calculated as the difference between the fair value of the consideration made for the net assets and liabilities of an acquisition, and the fair value of the net assets of that acquisition.

Negative goodwill up to the excess of the fair value of non-monetary assets acquired has been recognised in the profit and loss account in the period in which the non-monetary assets have been 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 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, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the profit and loss account.

Equity investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, except for those equity investments that are not publicly traded and whose fair value cannot otherwise be measured reliably, which are recognised at cost less impairment until a reliable measure of fair value becomes available.

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

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

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

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.

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowances for obsolete and slow moving items.

Cost includes all direct expenditure.

Cash at bank and in hand are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, and bank overdrafts.

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

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

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

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

The only non-basic financial assets that the group may from time to time hold are those that result from its participation in forward currency contracts, the accounting for which is detailed in accounting policy 1.15.

Financial assets 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 or .

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 or .

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

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans and loans from fellow group companies 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.

The only non-basic financial liabilities that the group may from time to time have a liability under are those that result from its participation in forward currency contracts, the accounting for which is detailed in accounting policy 1.15.

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

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

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to fair value at each reporting end date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in or immediately.

A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset, whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised as a financial liability.

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

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 group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense.

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 group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group. The annual contributions payable are charged to the profit and loss account.

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 the profit and loss account 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 income on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

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

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

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

At the inception of each lease, management undertake an assessment of the terms of the lease including payments to be made over the life of the lease, the fair value of the asset subject to the lease, the length of the lease and whether the terms of the lease transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership.

Based on this assessment, management will determine whether the lease should be classified as a finance or operating lease.

At each balance sheet date, management undertake an assessment of the recoverability of trade debtors based upon their knowledge of the customers, ageing of the balances outstanding and previous write off history. Where necessary, an impairment is recorded as a doubtful debt. The actual level of debt collected may differ from the estimated level of recovery.

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.

At each balance sheet date, management will review the stock listing and identify items that are considered to be obsolete based upon their knowledge of the products, the ageing of stock and expected sales in future periods. Balances considered to be obsolete are provided for.

An analysis of the group's turnover is as follows:

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

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 1 (2019 - 1).

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

The group has trading tax losses to carry forward of £53,000 (2019: £828,000) and capital losses to carry forward of £588,000 (2019: £588,000).

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

Tangible fixed assets with a carrying value of £781,584 (2019: £943,420) have been pledged to secure borrowings of the group.

These financial statements are separate company financial statements for Harper Industries Plc.

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

Lansdown Mills Limited and R S Design Consultants Limited are owned by Hallis-Hudson Group Limited. All other subsidiaries are owned by the company directly.

The company's voting rights in respect of each subsidiary undertaking are held in the same proportion as the company's share of the ordinary share capital of each subsidiary.

Stock with a carrying value of £1,746,986 (2019: £2,192,241) have been pledged to secure borrowings of the group.

Included in other loans is an amount of £371,674 (2019: £282,312) which is secured by a debenture over the assets of the group.

Bank loans of £75,275 (2019: £136,777) are secured by way of a fixed and floating charge over the assets of the group. The bank loan is repayable by monthly instalments with the final repayment due in February 2022.

Bank loans also include £1,000,000 (2019: £nil) CBILS loan drawndown by the company. The repayment period starts 12 months from the date of first drawdown and will be repaid by monthly instalment over the proceeding 60 months. Interest will be charged at 3.99% above the Bank of England base rate from September 2021. The loan is secured by a personal guarantee limited to £100,000.

Finance lease obligations are secured on the assets to which they relate.

Finance lease payments represent rentals payable by the group for certain items of plant and machinery. Leases include purchase options at the end of the lease period, and no restrictions are placed on the use of the assets. The average lease term is 3 years. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements have been entered into for contingent rental payments.

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

Group

The group also has a deferred tax asset amounting to £10,000 (2019: £141,000) in relation to tax losses available respectively. This asset has not been recognised due to the timescale over which it will be realised.

Company

The company is party to a multilateral guarantee with its subsidiary company, Hallis-Hudson Group Limited. At the year end there were potential obligations of £1,446,949 (2019: £419,089) due under this guarantee.

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

The remuneration of key management personnel, some of whom are also directors, is as follows.

During the year the group entered into the following transactions with related parties:

The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting end date:

Amounts owed to related parties are interest free and repayable on demand.

Company

The company has taken advantage of the exemption permitted under Section 33 'Related Party Disclosures' paragraph 33.1A from disclosing transactions with the parent and fellow subsidiary companies.

Dividends totalling £129,900 (2019: £377,000) were paid in the year in respect of shares held by the company's directors.