Company Number: 13478036

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 15:43 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   Kaleb Cooper Contracting Limited operates within SIC code 1500, designated as "Mixed farming." This sector encompasses agricultural businesses engaged in a combination of crop cultivation and livestock rearing, often on the same holding. Key characteristics of this sector include high dependency on seasonal cycles, commodity price volatility, significant capital investment in land and machinery, and sensitivity to environmental and regulatory changes such as subsidies, environmental compliance, and trade policies.

2. Relative Performance
   Kaleb Cooper Contracting Limited is a relatively young private limited company, incorporated in mid-2021, with a micro-to-small scale profile in terms of financial size. Its latest financials (FY ending June 2024) show total tangible fixed assets of £917k, current assets of £403k, but current liabilities significantly higher at £1.12m, resulting in negative net working capital of approximately £713k and net assets of just £32k. Compared to typical mixed farming enterprises in the UK, which often have modest net asset bases but positive working capital and profitability, this company exhibits liquidity constraints and a strained short-term financial position. The rapid growth in fixed assets (nearly doubled from £519k in 2023) suggests aggressive capital investment, possibly financed through short-term borrowing or related party loans (noted increase in amounts owed to group undertakings from £250k to £589k). Also, the net asset decline from £96k in 2023 to £32k in 2024 could indicate operational losses or impairment pressures, though profit and loss details were not disclosed.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The mixed farming sector in the UK is currently influenced by several macro trends: fluctuating agricultural commodity prices due to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical events; increasing input costs (fuel, fertilizers); evolving environmental regulations emphasizing sustainable and regenerative practices; and challenges related to labour availability post-Brexit. Additionally, there is growing pressure to invest in mechanization and precision agriculture to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Kaleb Cooper Contracting Limited’s substantial fixed asset growth aligns with these trends, indicating investment in machinery and equipment to modernize operations. However, the financial strain revealed by negative working capital may reflect broader sector challenges in managing cash flows amid rising costs and uncertain revenues.

4. Competitive Positioning
   Within the mixed farming sector, Kaleb Cooper Contracting Limited appears to be a niche micro-operator focused in Oxfordshire, potentially family-controlled given the significant ownership by K Cooper Holdings Limited and Mr. Kaleb Cooper. Its competitive strengths may lie in its asset base, suggesting capacity to scale operations or diversify farming activities. However, the current financial structure—high liabilities relative to assets and negative short-term liquidity—poses risks compared to more established competitors who typically maintain stronger liquidity buffers and profitability. The company’s reliance on related party financing could indicate limited access to external credit markets, a constraint for growth and risk management. Furthermore, with only three employees on average, it operates on a small scale which may limit economies of scale but also allows for flexibility. To improve competitive positioning, the company will need to manage working capital more efficiently, possibly optimize asset utilization, and navigate sector-specific volatility carefully.