FOREST, FIELD & GLEN LIMITED

Executive Summary

Forest, Field & Glen Limited operates as a micro-scale niche player in the specialised meat retail and food services sector, aligning with premium consumer trends but facing liquidity and operational constraints. Its financial position, marked by negative working capital and minimal staffing, is weaker than typical small competitors. Without addressing these financial and operational challenges, the company may struggle to leverage sector growth opportunities or withstand competitive pressures.

FOREST, FIELD & GLEN LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: SC682596

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 20:41 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   Forest, Field & Glen Limited operates primarily under SIC code 56290 (Other food services) and also 47220 (Retail sale of meat and meat products in specialised stores). This situates the company within the UK food retail and foodservice sector, specifically focusing on niche meat product sales alongside complementary food services. Key characteristics of this sector include high competition, perishable inventory management, regulatory compliance (food safety standards), and sensitivity to consumer trends such as local sourcing, organic products, and sustainable practices.

2. Relative Performance
   As a micro-entity (turnover ≤ £632k, balance sheet ≤ £316k), Forest, Field & Glen Limited is operating at the smallest scale within its industry. Its balance sheet shows modest fixed assets (£42,403 in 2023) and a concerning working capital position with net current liabilities of £30,249 at the end of 2023, deteriorating from previous years. The company’s shareholders’ funds have increased to £12,154 but remain low, indicating limited equity backing. Absence of employees and reliance on directors suggests a very small operational footprint. Compared to typical small retailers or foodservice operators who often maintain positive working capital and employ staff to manage operations, this company’s financial stance is fragile and below average for sustainability in the sector.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The UK food retail and foodservice industry has been influenced by several ongoing trends: increasing consumer demand for high-quality, locally sourced meat products; a push towards transparency and traceability; and challenges from inflationary pressures on food costs and logistics. The company’s niche in specialised meat retail aligns well with premiumisation trends but may face margin pressure and supply chain challenges. Furthermore, post-pandemic shifts in consumer dining habits and heightened competition from both supermarkets and online meat delivery services increase market complexity. The company’s micro scale may limit its ability to capitalize fully on these trends or to absorb market shocks without additional capital or operational scaling.

4. Competitive Positioning
   Forest, Field & Glen Limited appears to be a niche player within the specialised meat retail and food services sub-sector. Strengths likely include a focused product offering and potential local market knowledge, which are valuable in building customer loyalty in rural or regional markets like Oban. However, its financials reveal weaknesses: negative net current assets highlight liquidity challenges, and the lack of employees suggests limited capacity for expansion or service delivery. Compared to typical competitors—small but staffed and better capitalised specialised meat retailers—the company’s resource constraints may hamper competitive agility and growth. Additionally, the resignation of one director in mid-2024 may impact operational continuity if not supplemented with additional management.