BLACKBEARD ACADEMY LTD

Executive Summary

BLACKBEARD ACADEMY LTD shows promising growth through increased fixed assets and equity; however, the significant negative working capital signals liquidity challenges that could impair day-to-day operations. Immediate focus on cash flow management and short-term liability reduction is critical to stabilize financial health and support ongoing expansion. With targeted actions, the company can navigate its current stress symptoms toward a healthier financial future.

BLACKBEARD ACADEMY LTD - Analysis Report

Company Number: 12597496

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 14:27 UTC

Financial Health Assessment of BLACKBEARD ACADEMY LTD as of 31 May 2024

---

1. Financial Health Score: C

Explanation:
The company shows some positive signs such as growth in net assets and recent investment in fixed assets, but there is a concerning liquidity issue reflected in negative working capital. The financial health is currently fair but carries symptoms of distress due to short-term cash constraints.

---

2. Key Vital Signs

Metric	2024 Value	Interpretation
Fixed Assets	£27,576	Increased from £0, indicating capital investment, possibly new equipment or property to support expansion.
Current Assets	£3,128	Decreased from £4,926, indicating less liquid assets available to meet immediate obligations.
Current Liabilities	£17,872	Substantially increased from £1,007, creating a strain on short-term financial obligations.
Net Current Assets (Working Capital)	(£14,744) Negative	A major red flag; company owes significantly more within one year than it can cover with current assets, indicating liquidity problems.
Net Assets / Shareholders’ Funds	£12,832	Improved from £3,919, showing overall growth in equity but largely driven by fixed assets and possibly long-term financing.
Average Number of Employees	5 (up from 4)	Small growth in staffing, consistent with business expansion efforts.
Share Capital	£100	Minimal share capital; company likely relies on retained earnings or external funding for growth.

---

3. Diagnosis: What the Financial Data Reveals About Business Health

• Liquidity Crisis Symptom: The working capital has swung from a healthy positive to a deeply negative position. This means the company faces difficulty covering short-term debts with its available liquid assets, a symptom that could lead to cash flow distress if not addressed swiftly.

• Investment in Fixed Assets: The jump in fixed assets from zero to £27,576 suggests capital expenditure, perhaps on fitness equipment or premises improvements, which is a positive sign of growth investment but may have strained cash reserves or increased liabilities.

• Growth in Equity: Net assets have more than tripled, which usually indicates value creation and improved solvency. However, this improvement is overshadowed by the current liabilities spike, meaning long-term stability might be at risk due to immediate obligations.

• Small but Growing Business: The company remains micro-entity sized with a small employee base, suggesting it is in an early or growth phase. This phase often involves investment and short-term cash challenges.

• Management and Control: Majority control by Mr Nomian Khalid with over 75% shares and voting rights suggests decisive leadership, which can be beneficial in navigating financial challenges.

---

4. Recommendations: Specific Actions to Improve Financial Wellness

• Improve Liquidity Management:

  • Prioritise accelerating receivables collection and managing payables to reduce the negative working capital gap.
  • Consider short-term financing options (overdraft, invoice financing) to ease cash flow pressure.
  • Review current liabilities for any non-essential or high-cost obligations that could be renegotiated or deferred.

• Monitor Capital Expenditure:

  • Ensure fixed asset purchases are aligned with revenue generation capacity and do not overextend the company's financial resources.

• Increase Cash Reserves:

  • Possibly inject additional equity or secure longer-term loans to improve cash buffer and reduce reliance on short-term creditors.

• Operational Efficiency:

  • Evaluate operating expenses relative to revenue to identify opportunities for cost control without hindering growth.

• Regular Financial Reporting:

  • Implement frequent cash flow forecasting and financial reviews to detect early signs of distress and react proactively.

• Stakeholder Communication:

  • Maintain transparent communication with creditors and investors about financial strategy and outlook to build confidence.

---