THAME WORKHOLDING LIMITED

Executive Summary

Thame Workholding Limited is currently in a financially fragile state, characterized by very low equity and high long-term debt secured against all assets. While liquidity is adequate to cover short-term obligations, the company's heavy reliance on debt and concentration in a single subsidiary presents significant risk. Immediate measures to strengthen equity and manage debt are recommended to improve financial resilience and long-term viability.

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Company Analysis

This analysis is opinion only and should not be interpreted as financial advice.

THAME WORKHOLDING LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13828117

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 18:38 UTC

Financial Health Assessment for THAME WORKHOLDING LIMITED


1. Financial Health Score: D

Explanation:
The company's financial health score is graded as D. This reflects significant financial stress primarily due to a highly leveraged balance sheet, with liabilities vastly exceeding current assets and minimal net equity. While the company is operational and meeting filing deadlines, the financial structure exhibits symptoms of distress that warrant urgent attention.


2. Key Vital Signs

Metric 2023-24 (£) 2022-23 (£) Interpretation
Current Assets 76,930 96,227 Low and declining; limited short-term liquidity
Cash at Bank 39,793 13,130 Cash increased, a positive sign for immediate liquidity
Debtors (owed by group) 37,137 83,097 Sharp decrease; shows reduced receivables or improved collections
Current Liabilities 21,278 19,131 Current liabilities manageable relative to current assets
Net Current Assets 55,652 77,096 Positive but shrinking working capital indicates tightening liquidity
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 1,855,652 1,877,096 Very large, driven by fixed asset investments
Long-term Liabilities 1,855,129 1,875,938 Heavy long-term debt almost equals fixed assets
Net Assets / Shareholders’ Funds 523 1,158 Extremely low equity; signals very thin capital buffer
Investment in Subsidiary 1,800,000 1,800,000 Significant; the company holds a large investment in a subsidiary
Bank loans secured by fixed and floating charge 76,407 95,069 Company’s assets are pledged as security, increasing risk

3. Diagnosis: Financial Health Analysis

  • Balance Sheet Structure - Symptoms of Financial Stress:
    The company carries a high level of debt (£1.85m long-term creditors) relative to its total assets and equity (£523 net assets). This indicates a highly leveraged financial structure, akin to a patient with a fragile heart — the company’s financial "pulse" is weak, and any adverse event could cause distress.

  • Liquidity Position - Mixed Signals:
    Current assets exceed current liabilities, which is a positive sign (working capital of £55,652), suggesting the company can meet short-term obligations. Cash on hand has improved substantially, which is a healthy sign, like a patient with improved blood flow. However, the sharp reduction in debtors may indicate tighter credit policies or faster collections.

  • Equity Cushion - Very Thin:
    Net assets are minimal (£523), barely above zero, which means there is almost no equity buffer to absorb losses. This is analogous to a patient with very low immunity; the company is vulnerable to shocks, such as market downturns or unexpected expenses.

  • Investment in Subsidiary - Asset Concentration Risk:
    The bulk of the company's assets is an investment (£1.8m) in a subsidiary (Thame Engineering Co Ltd). While this can be an asset if the subsidiary is profitable, it also concentrates risk. If the subsidiary falters, the parent company’s financial health will deteriorate sharply.

  • Debt Security and Covenants - Elevated Risk:
    Bank loans are secured by fixed and floating charges on all assets, meaning creditors have significant claims over company assets if repayment issues arise. This restricts financial flexibility and increases risk levels.

  • No Employees and Small Operational Footprint:
    The company currently has no employees, suggesting it may function primarily as a holding or investment company rather than an operating business. This may limit revenue streams but also reduces operating expenses.


4. Recommendations: Actions to Improve Financial Wellness

  • Strengthen Equity Base:
    Consider capital injection from shareholders or restructure the share capital to bolster the equity buffer. This will improve solvency and reduce vulnerability to financial shocks.

  • Review and Manage Debt Levels:
    Engage with lenders to explore refinancing options to reduce interest burden and extend debt maturities. Explore possibilities to convert some debt into equity where feasible.

  • Monitor and Enhance Liquidity:
    Maintain or increase cash reserves to ensure smooth operations. Improve debtor management within the group to avoid cash flow bottlenecks.

  • Evaluate the Subsidiary’s Financial Health:
    Conduct a thorough review of Thame Engineering Co Ltd’s profitability and asset quality. The parent’s financial health heavily depends on this subsidiary, so ensuring its soundness is critical.

  • Develop a Contingency Plan:
    Prepare for potential cash flow stress scenarios by identifying non-essential costs to cut and alternative financing sources.

  • Increase Transparency and Reporting:
    Although the company is exempt from audit, voluntary enhanced financial reporting could support better stakeholder confidence and facilitate lender negotiations.


Summary Using Medical Analogy

Thame Workholding Limited’s financial condition resembles a patient with a fragile cardiovascular system: the heart (equity) is weak, and the arteries (debt) are heavily burdened, increasing the risk of collapse under stress. However, the company shows some signs of vitality with positive working capital and improved cash flow. Immediate intervention is necessary to strengthen the financial “immune system” through equity support and debt restructuring to avoid future “cardiac arrest” (insolvency).



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