KEITA LTD

Executive Summary

KEITA LTD operates as a micro-entity within the UK painting and decorating sector, showing improved financial stability in 2024 with positive net assets and liquidity. As a small niche player, it faces typical industry challenges such as competition from larger firms and sensitivity to local market demand. Its current positioning suggests prudent management but limited scale, making growth dependent on local client acquisition and efficient operations.

KEITA LTD - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13555635

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 21:04 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   KEITA LTD operates primarily in SIC code 43341, which corresponds to the "Painting" sector. This sector typically encompasses activities related to painting and decorating buildings, either residential or commercial. It is a sub-segment of the broader construction industry (SIC division 41). Key characteristics of this sector include a high degree of fragmentation with many small and micro enterprises, relatively low entry barriers, and a strong dependence on local demand, labour availability, and economic cycles affecting construction and property maintenance.

2. Relative Performance
   KEITA LTD is classified as a micro-entity, reflecting its small scale of operations (turnover under £632k, balance sheet under £316k, and likely fewer than 10 employees). The company’s latest financials (year ended August 2024) show net assets of £1,570 and positive net current assets of £1,003, indicating an improvement compared to prior years when net assets were negative (£975 in 2023). Fixed assets have slightly declined but current assets have increased, which is a positive liquidity indicator. The company has reduced its short-term creditors notably compared to previous years. Employing only 1 person on average in 2024, KEITA LTD remains a very small operation relative to the typical painting and decorating firms, many of which may employ several workers or subcontractors.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The painting and decorating sector is influenced by broader construction market trends, including fluctuations in residential and commercial property development, renovation activity, and government infrastructure spending. Labour shortages and rising materials costs have been notable challenges in recent years across the UK construction trades. Additionally, increasing emphasis on sustainability and energy-efficient building maintenance can create opportunities for specialized painting services. For a micro business like KEITA LTD, local market conditions and client relationships are critical, and the company’s survival depends on agility and cost management amid competitive pressures.

4. Competitive Positioning
   KEITA LTD is a micro-sized, privately owned niche player in the painting sector, likely serving a local or regional client base in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Its balance sheet strength has improved, showing prudent management of liabilities and working capital. However, with only one employee and limited fixed assets, it lacks scale and resource depth compared to larger regional competitors who can bid for bigger contracts or offer a wider service range. The company’s modest size implies limited market influence and vulnerability to economic downturns or loss of key clients. Its strengths lie in flexibility, low overheads, and direct control by the sole director and majority shareholder, Mr. Mahamadou Keita, which can enable quick decision-making.