UNSWORTH DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED

Executive Summary

Unsworth Developments Limited is a micro-sized specialist in building completion and plastering within the UK construction sector, exhibiting typical financial characteristics of a young, locally focused contractor. While it maintains a healthy working capital position and operational flexibility, its small scale and limited workforce constrain its ability to compete with larger firms. Ongoing sector trends such as supply chain pressures and labour shortages will impact its cost base and project pipeline, making strategic growth and market differentiation critical for long-term competitiveness.

UNSWORTH DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13842298

Analysis Date: 2025-07-19 13:05 UTC

1. Industry Classification: Unsworth Developments Limited operates primarily in the UK construction sector, classified under SIC codes 43390 (Other building completion and finishing) and 43310 (Plastering). These codes place the company within the specialized niche of interior finishing works, which typically involves tasks such as plastering, drywall installation, and other final-stage building activities. This segment of construction is characterized by project-based contracts, often serving both residential and commercial clients, and is sensitive to regional construction activity and broader economic cycles.

2. Relative Performance: As a micro-entity incorporated in 2022, Unsworth Developments Limited’s financial footprint is modest. The company reported a turnover of £129,986 for the year ending January 2023, which is considerably lower than the median revenues seen in the broader plastering and building completion sector, where small to medium enterprises often report turnovers ranging from £250,000 to several million pounds. Its balance sheet shows limited fixed assets (£13,972) and positive net current assets (£21,740 at 2024 year-end), reflecting a healthy working capital position for a business of its size. The company does not currently employ staff (average employees nil in 2024, down from 2 in 2023), indicating either a subcontracting model or a sole trader structure within a limited company framework. These metrics are typical for a micro-sized construction specialist focusing on local projects rather than large-scale contracts.

3. Sector Trends Impact: The UK construction finishing sector is influenced by several key trends:

• Supply Chain and Cost Pressures: Continued volatility in material costs, particularly plaster and related products, can squeeze margins for smaller firms with limited purchasing power.
• Labour Shortages: Skilled trades like plastering face shortages, driving up labour costs and affecting delivery timelines.
• Demand Fluctuations: Residential renovation and commercial fit-out cycles impact workload. Currently, the market is moderated by macroeconomic uncertainties such as inflation and interest rate rises which dampen new builds and refurbishments.
• Sustainability Requirements: Increasing regulatory pressure for energy-efficient and sustainable building practices affects project specifications and costs. Unsworth Developments Limited, operating primarily in Lancashire and the Fylde Coast, will be subject to these dynamics but may benefit from local demand and the ability to adapt flexibly to client needs.

4. Competitive Positioning: Unsworth Developments Limited is a niche player in the finishing trades, positioned as a small, locally focused contractor. Strengths include:

• Agility and Local Market Knowledge: Ability to serve both domestic and commercial customers with personalized service.
• Low Overhead Structure: Limited fixed assets and no employees reduce fixed costs, providing flexibility. Weaknesses and challenges:
• Scale and Capacity: The micro size limits ability to take on large or multiple simultaneous projects.
• Market Visibility and Branding: As a relatively new company (established 2022), with limited financial scale, it may face challenges competing against established regional firms or national subcontractors.
• Dependence on Key Personnel: Ownership and directorship concentrated in one individual (Phil Unsworth) can pose sustainability risks if key person dependency is high. Compared to typical sector norms, Unsworth Developments is at the smaller end of the spectrum, operating in a highly fragmented market where many firms are sole traders or micro-businesses. Its financial health appears stable, but growth and competitive expansion would require scaling workforce and operational capacity.