5. Expenses by nature


2025
£’000

2024
£’000

Included in profit/(loss) for the year are:



Decrease in inventories of finished goods and work in progress

(75)

(1,774)

(Decrease)/increase in raw materials and consumables used

(2,004)

1,897

Inventory write-down

575

2,102

Employee benefits expenses

40,125

36,245

Operating lease charges (note 12)

176

221

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets and right-of-use-assets (notes 12 and 13)

1,111

1,064

Depreciation of PPE and right-of-use assets (notes 11 and 12)

7,575

7,919

Impairment of PPE

204

2,101

Disposal of assets

20

28

Research and development costs qualified for tax relief 

1,584

1,400

Development costs capitalised (note 13)

(2,859)

Net exchange losses/(gains)

440

(754)

Exceptional costs*

946

15,178

External Auditor’s remuneration:



Group: fees payable to the Group’s External Auditor for the audit of the Company and consolidated financial statements:



  PKF Littlejohn LLP

291

245

Fees payable to the External Auditor in respect of other services:



Audit-related assurance services PKF Littlejohn LLP

39

15

Total cost of sales, distribution costs and administrative expenses

135,919

129,661