DIGITAL BENCHMARK LIMITED

Executive Summary

Digital Benchmark Limited, a micro-entity operating in business support and data processing, shows early-stage financial distress marked by negative working capital and net assets. While compliance with filings is maintained, urgent focus on liquidity improvement and cost control is vital. With appropriate capital support and strategic planning, the company can stabilize and progress towards financial health.

DIGITAL BENCHMARK LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 14492316

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 17:57 UTC

Financial Health Assessment for DIGITAL BENCHMARK LIMITED

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1. Financial Health Score: Grade D

Explanation:
The company's financial health is currently weak, primarily due to substantial net current liabilities and negative net assets. This indicates distress symptoms such as strained liquidity and potential solvency concerns. While it is a micro-entity in its early stage, the financial "vital signs" suggest a need for close monitoring and prompt corrective action.

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2. Key Vital Signs

Metric	Value (£)	Interpretation
Fixed Assets	1,920	Minimal long-term asset base; typical for a startup.
Current Assets	44,812	Cash and short-term assets available to meet obligations.
Current Liabilities	204,179	Short-term debts due within one year; very high relative to assets.
Net Current Assets (Working Capital)	-158,822	Negative working capital; indicates liquidity stress ("cash flow blockage").
Net Assets (Shareholders’ Funds)	-156,902	Negative equity; company owes more than it owns—symptom of financial imbalance.
Average Number of Employees	1	Small operation size, limited overhead but also limited capacity.

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3. Diagnosis

The company exhibits symptoms of financial distress, primarily characterized by:

• Severe liquidity constraints: Negative net current assets (working capital) of £-158,822 mean the company’s short-term liabilities greatly exceed its short-term assets. This suggests the company may struggle to pay bills and suppliers on time without securing additional funding or reducing liabilities.

• Negative net assets: The balance sheet shows shareholders’ funds of £-156,902, indicating the company’s accumulated losses or obligations exceed its total assets. This is a critical warning sign for solvency risks.

• Start-up stage financial profile: Incorporated recently (Nov 2022), with only one employee (the director), so the negative equity and working capital may reflect initial investment phase losses or delayed revenue generation.

• Industry context: The company operates in "Other business support services" and "Data processing, hosting" sectors, which typically require investment in technology and infrastructure. The minimal fixed assets (£1,920) suggest limited capital expenditure so far.

• No overdue filings: Compliance with filing deadlines is a good governance sign, reducing regulatory risk.

Overall, the financial "vital signs" reveal a company in the early growth or pre-revenue phase, facing liquidity and net worth challenges that need resolution to avoid further deterioration.

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4. Recommendations

To improve financial wellness and stabilize the company’s financial health, consider the following actions:

• Strengthen liquidity:

  • Seek additional capital injections from shareholders or external investors to boost working capital.
  • Negotiate better payment terms with creditors to reduce short-term liabilities.
  • Accelerate receivables collection and optimize cash flow management to improve "healthy cash flow."

• Cost control and efficiency:

  • Minimize operating expenses until revenue streams stabilize.
  • Explore cost-effective technology and service delivery methods to reduce overhead.

• Strategic planning:

  • Develop a clear revenue generation plan to move from investment to profitability.
  • Consider partnerships or client acquisition strategies to increase turnover.

• Financial monitoring:

  • Implement regular cash flow forecasting to anticipate liquidity gaps.
  • Track key financial metrics monthly to catch early warning signs.

• Engage advisory support:

  • Consult with financial advisors or business mentors to navigate early-stage financial challenges.
  • Consider early-stage funding options such as grants, loans, or equity finance tailored to micro-entities.

By addressing the symptoms of financial distress early with these targeted interventions, the company can improve its prognosis towards sustainable operations.

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