DEV BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD

Executive Summary

Dev Building Contractors Ltd is an early-stage building contractor with modest financial resources and leveraged fixed assets financed by long-term leases. The company shows weak financial strength and working capital constraints typical of start-ups in capital-intensive trades. Conditional credit approval is recommended subject to further due diligence on contract pipeline and personal guarantees to mitigate risk.

DEV BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD - Analysis Report

Company Number: 14402891

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 14:00 UTC

1. Credit Opinion: CONDITIONAL APPROVAL
   Dev Building Contractors Ltd is a newly incorporated private limited company (since October 2022) operating in the plastering and commercial building construction sector. Its recent financials show a very modest net asset base (£34) and a negative net working capital position (-£5,396), driven by current liabilities exceeding current assets. The company carries a significant finance lease obligation (£43,039) which matches closely the total assets less current liabilities, indicating leveraged fixed assets financed through hire purchase or leasing. Given the early stage of the company and limited financial history, credit approval should be conditional on obtaining further assurances such as personal guarantees from the significant controllers, detailed cash flow forecasts, and confirmation of ongoing contract awards to support revenue generation and debt servicing capacity.

2. Financial Strength: Weak
   The balance sheet highlights very low equity and limited retained earnings (loss of £66 in profit and loss reserve). Fixed assets net of depreciation total £48,469, primarily motor vehicles, plant and machinery, indicating capital investment. However, these are financed predominantly by long-term finance leases (£43,039) leaving minimal net assets. The negative net current assets position reflects working capital strain and potential liquidity risk. Overall, the financial strength is weak due to minimal equity buffer and reliance on leasing finance, typical of a start-up contractor investing in essential equipment but yet to build a trading reserve.

3. Cash Flow Assessment: Concerning
   Current liabilities exceeding current assets by £5,396 and trade creditors at £1,445 with bank loans/overdrafts of £1,155 suggest tight liquidity. Debtors of £11,584 (likely contract receivables) provide some short-term inflow, but the company must manage payables carefully to avoid cash flow shortfalls. The hire purchase commitments add fixed financial obligations that will require steady operating cash flow to service. Absence of detailed profit and loss data and cash flow statements limits full assessment, but working capital management and timely contract collections will be critical to maintain liquidity.

4. Monitoring Points:

• Monitor turnover and contract pipeline to verify revenue growth and capacity to service lease obligations.
• Track debtor days and creditor days to ensure positive cash conversion cycle.
• Review any changes in finance lease exposure or new borrowing that could increase leverage.
• Watch for director changes or any material adverse events affecting business continuity.
• Obtain updated management accounts quarterly to assess cash flow health and profitability trends.