Small Group

A small group is a classification under the Companies Act where specific size criteria meet and allow exemptions for certain financial reporting requirements.

Table of Content

  1. Definition
  2. Examples
  3. Frequently Asked Questions
  4. Related Terms
  5. Online Resources
  6. Suggested Books
  7. Quizzes

Definition

A small group refers to a collection of companies that meets at least two of the following three criteria for the current and preceding year, or the two preceding financial years:

  • Net Worth: Should not exceed £3.26 million net or £3.9 million gross.
  • Turnover: Should not exceed £6.5 million net or £7.8 million gross.
  • Employees: The average number of employees should not exceed 50.

If a small group meets these criteria, a parent company is not required to prepare consolidated financial statements and may file abbreviated accounts instead of full accounts with the Registrar of Companies.

However, exemptions are not applicable if the group contains a public company, a banking or insurance company, or an authorized person under the Financial Services Act 1986.

Example

  1. Example 1:

    • A UK-based parent company, with four subsidiaries.
    • Consolidated net worth is £3 million.
    • Consolidated turnover is £5 million.
    • Average number of employees is 45.
    • As this group meets all three criteria, it qualifies as a small group and enjoys exemptions for that financial year.
  2. Example 2:

    • A UK-based holding company with three subsidiaries.
    • Consolidated net worth is £2 million.
    • Consolidated turnover is £7 million.
    • Average number of employees is 60.
    • This group only meets one of the three criteria and therefore does not qualify as a small group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small group under the Companies Act?

A small group under the Companies Act is a group of companies that meets at least two out of three specific size criteria: net worth, turnover, and the number of employees.

What are the benefits of being classified as a small group?

A small group is exempt from preparing consolidated financial statements and may file abbreviated accounts with the Registrar of Companies.

What happens if a small group grows larger than the set criteria?

If a small group grows larger than the criteria in future financial years, it will no longer qualify for the small group exemptions and must comply with full reporting requirements.

Are public companies eligible for small group classification?

No, groups containing public companies, banking or insurance companies, or authorized persons under the Financial Services Act 1986 are ineligible for small group exemptions.

Can a new company in its first financial year qualify as a small group?

Yes, a new company may still qualify if it falls within the stipulated criteria for net worth, turnover, and number of employees.


Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial statements that present the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and equity of a parent company and its subsidiaries as a single entity.

Abbreviated Accounts

Simplified financial statements that a small company or group is permitted to file with the Registrar of Companies instead of full financial statements.

Net Worth

The value of a company’s assets minus its liabilities, also referred to as shareholders’ equity.

Turnover

The total sales generated by a company during a specific period, often used as a key indicator of business size and health.

Registrar of Companies

A government office responsible for the administration of the register of companies, including the filing of accounts and other documents.

Medium-Sized Group

A classification for companies or groups that exceed the small group criteria but do not meet the size criteria of large-sized entities.


Online Resources


Suggested Books

  1. “Financial Accounting and Reporting” by Barry Elliott and Jamie Elliott

    • An in-depth guide to financial reporting standards and practices, with a focus on UK regulations.
  2. “UK Accounting Standards: A Quick Reference Guide” by Steve Collings

    • A comprehensive yet concise reference to UK accounting standards, including the Companies Act requirements.
  3. “Accounting for Non-Accountants” by Wayne Label

    • A user-friendly resource that explains accounting concepts in plain language, ideal for those new to financial reporting.

Quizzes


Accounting Basics: “Small Group” Fundamentals Quiz

### Does a banking company qualify for small group exemptions? - [ ] Yes, as long as it meets the size criteria. - [x] No, banking companies are excluded. - [ ] Yes, if it's a new company. - [ ] No, unless approved by the Registrar of Companies. > **Explanation:** Banking and insurance companies, as well as public companies and authorized persons under the Financial Services Act 1986, are excluded from small group exemptions. ### What is the maximum average number of employees a small group can have to qualify for exemptions? - [x] 50 - [ ] 100 - [ ] 75 - [ ] 25 > **Explanation:** The average number of employees in a small group should not exceed 50 to qualify for exemptions under the Companies Act. ### Which financial metric must not exceed £3.26 million net for small group classification? - [x] Net Worth - [ ] Gross Turnover - [ ] Net Turnover - [ ] Current Liabilities > **Explanation:** The net worth of the group should not exceed £3.26 million net to meet the small group criteria. ### Under what financial figure does a small group's turnover need to be to qualify? - [x] £6.5 million net - [ ] £5 million gross - [ ] £2.5 million net - [ ] £10 million gross > **Explanation:** Turnover should not exceed £6.5 million net or £7.8 million gross for a group to be classified as a small group. ### How long must the criteria be met to qualify as a small group? - [ ] For one financial year - [x] For the current and preceding year, or the two preceding financial years - [ ] For three consecutive years - [ ] Only in the current financial year > **Explanation:** The group must meet the criteria for the current and preceding year, or for two preceding financial years to qualify as a small group. ### What document can small groups file instead of consolidated financial statements? - [x] Abbreviated Accounts - [ ] Full Annual Report - [ ] Interim Report - [ ] Financial Projections > **Explanation:** Small groups may file abbreviated accounts instead of full accounts with the Registrar of Companies. ### Can a new group in its first financial year qualify as a small group? - [x] Yes, if it meets the criteria. - [ ] No, it must be in business for two years. - [ ] Yes, automatically for the first year. - [ ] No, only established groups qualify. > **Explanation:** A new group can qualify as a small group if it meets the specified size criteria for net worth, turnover, and employees. ### Are public companies eligible for classifications as a small group? - [ ] Yes, if they meet the criteria. - [x] No, public companies are excluded. - [ ] Yes, but only for one year. - [ ] No, unless they divest certain assets. > **Explanation:** Groups containing public companies are not eligible for small group exemptions. ### Which reporting exemption is available to small groups under the Companies Act? - [ ] Exempt from annual auditing. - [x] Exempt from preparing consolidated financial statements. - [ ] Exempt from filing any financial report. - [ ] Exempt from adhering to any financial regulations. > **Explanation:** Small groups are exempt from preparing consolidated financial statements but must still file some form of financial reporting, such as abbreviated accounts. ### What governing body administers the filing of accounts for companies? - [ ] Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - [x] Registrar of Companies - [ ] International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) - [ ] Financial Reporting Council (FRC) > **Explanation:** The Registrar of Companies administers the filing of accounts and other required documents for companies.

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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