CHIPIONA PRODUCE LIMITED
💤Zombieactive
03835359 · ltd · incorporated 1999-09-02
Investment thesis
Zombie company — trading but stalled; unlikely mover.
Why interesting: Quiet, steady; could be a succession or carve-out candidate with the right conversation.
Why risky: No growth signal; thin margin for error on price.
🔒Estimated value
—
Upgrade to see
Turnover
—
year to Nov 2024
Net worth
—
book net assets
Opportunity
74/100
Strong
What this business does
Primary activity: SIC 10390
Sector: Manufacturing
Investor take
Pass (distressed without resilience)Distressed active trading company — structural issues outweigh the discount.
Opportunity 74/100 (strong), bankability 57/100. High owner-dependency — earn-out structure likely required for clean transition. Biggest value-creation lever: Consolidate lender relationships. 4 distinct lenders creates friction — refinance into single-lender structure for cleaner diligence. Most likely exit: share sale to pe / searcher (73/100).
🏦
Refinance opportunity
5 live charges · 4 lenders · oldest 24.9y
15/100
under pressure
Refinance would be pressure-driven, not opportunity-driven. Expect tighter margins and covenant scrutiny.
- · Oldest live charge is 24.9 years old — likely at or near maturity.
- · 4 lenders named — inter-creditor friction likely.
- · Distress signals active — lender appetite narrows.
Data confidence
Overall: high (80/100)Strong data coverage across all sections. AI outputs should be trusted with minimal caveats.
Company profile
address, 1 SIC codes, incorporation date
100
Financials
2 years of iXBRL accounts extracted (YoY deltas available) + narrative notes parsed
75
Lenders & charges
5 charges (5/5 with lender, 5/5 with type)
90
Directors & officers
11 officers (1 active, 11 linked, 7 with DOB)
83
Ownership & PSC
1 active PSC(s) of 1 total, 1 with control declared
90
Director network
5 connected companies via shared directors
60
Filing history
111 filings on record
85
Gazette notices
No matching gazette notices (standard for active companies)
60
Opportunity Score
74/100Strong
PassWatchWorth a lookStrongExceptional
Solid opportunity signal. Worth a dedicated memo and management meeting.
Business quality
70
Active, clean filings, stable charge profile.
Acquirability
70
Strong succession / seller-readiness signals.
Risk profile
67
Some moderate concerns — review flags.
Signal strength
100
Good data coverage for analysis.
Key financials
2 years extracted from filed iXBRL accountsCash
—
Net Worth
—
Current Assets
—
Current Liabilities
—
Hover to see exact values · click legend to toggle series
Financials
Extracted from Companies House accounts · FRS 102| Metric | 2024-11-30 | 2023-11-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Average employees | 0 | 0 |
Amounts extracted automatically from iXBRL. Fields left blank were not reported or not mapped. Values in GBP unless stated.
Recent activity
Last 30 days
0
filings
Last 90 days
0
filings
Last 180 days
7
filings
- • 3 resolution
- • 2 capital
- • 1 incorporation
Counts from Companies House filing history.
Corporate timeline (45 events)Click to expand
- 2026-02-14📄memorandum-articlesincorporation · MA
- 2026-02-14📄resolutionresolution · RESOLUTIONS
- 2026-02-14📄resolutionresolution · RESOLUTIONS
- 2026-02-11📄capital-statement-capital-company-with-date-currency-figurecapital · SH19
- 2026-02-11📄legacycapital · SH20
- 2026-02-11⚠️legacyinsolvency · CAP-SS
- 2026-02-11📄resolutionresolution · RESOLUTIONS
- 2025-08-31📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2024-09-01📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2023-08-10📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2022-09-01📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2021-08-23📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2020-08-26📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2019-11-29📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2019-11-06📄gazette-filings-brought-up-to-dategazette · DISS40
- 2019-11-05📄gazette-notice-compulsorygazette · GAZ1
- 2018-09-28📄accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-fullaccounts · AA
- 2016-09-30➖HUNTER, John resignedsecretary
- 2014-07-25➕KNIGHTS, Paul William appointeddirector
- 2014-07-25➖HUNTER, John Lindsay resigneddirector
- 2009-05-11➕HUNTER, John Lindsay appointeddirector
- 2009-05-11➖KNIGHTS, Paul William resigneddirector
- 2009-05-07🔒Charge registered #5Lender: Rbs Invoice Finance Limited
- 2007-07-11🔓Charge satisfied #1
- 2004-05-10🔒Charge registered #4Lender: National Westminster Bank PLC
- 2004-03-23🔒Charge registered #3Lender: Lombard North Central PLC
- 2004-03-11➕HUNTER, John appointedsecretary
- 2004-03-11➖PLUNKETT, Barry Granville resignedsecretary
- 2004-03-11➕KNIGHTS, Paul William appointeddirector
- 2004-03-11➖NEGUS, Graham Wilfred resigneddirector
- 2004-03-11➖NEGUS, Mervyn Elwyn James resigneddirector
- 2004-01-20➖BALLESTER, Carlos resigneddirector
- 2004-01-20➖COSTA, Gerald resigneddirector
- 2002-09-23🔒Charge registered #2Lender: Lombard North Central PLC
- 2001-06-29🔒Charge registered #1Lender: Barclays Bank PLC
- 1999-09-02🏢Company incorporatedAs CHIPIONA PRODUCE LIMITED
- 1999-09-02➕PLUNKETT, Barry Granville appointedsecretary
- 1999-09-02➕TEMPLE SECRETARIES LIMITED appointedcorporate-nominee-secretary
- 1999-09-02➖TEMPLE SECRETARIES LIMITED resignedcorporate-nominee-secretary
- 1999-09-02➕BALLESTER, Carlos appointeddirector
- 1999-09-02➕COSTA, Gerald appointeddirector
- 1999-09-02➕NEGUS, Graham Wilfred appointeddirector
- 1999-09-02➕NEGUS, Mervyn Elwyn James appointeddirector
- 1999-09-02➕COMPANY DIRECTORS LIMITED appointedcorporate-nominee-director
- 1999-09-02➖COMPANY DIRECTORS LIMITED resignedcorporate-nominee-director
Owner dependency
83/100
Critical — business is the founderThe business appears inseparable from the founder. Acquisition without a serious earn-out or meaningful transition period would likely destroy value.
FACTORS
- +Sole director: Only one active director — all governance concentrated on one person.
- +Senior director age: Director aged approximately 61 — approaching natural succession window.
Succession & seller-readiness
70/100
Strong succession signalMultiple signals suggest succession is on the horizon. Candidate for proactive outreach.
SIGNALS
- secondaryFounder aged 58+: Senior director is approximately 61. Early succession window.
- primarySole active director: Only one director in control. No visible successor — buyers solve the succession problem.
- secondaryStable-but-static management: Company is 27 years old and no new directors in the last 3 years — succession not yet being planned internally.
- supportingClean filings + long tenure: Disciplined long-tenure operator — classic lifestyle-business pattern that often sells quietly.
Red flags
1 high ·1 insolvency-related filing on record
highFilings relating to insolvency, liquidation, or administration exist in the company's history. Review before proceeding.
Evidence: 2026-02-11: legacy
Shareholders & ownership
1 active beneficial owner · dominant holder ≥75%| Name | Shares | Voting rights | Nature of control | Notified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mr Paul William Knights Individual · British · DOB 10/1965 · age 61 | 75–100% | — | 75-100% shares | 06/04/2016 |
From Companies House Persons with Significant Control filings. Share ranges are banded per the public PSC regime.
🔒Co-director network graph
Radial SVG graph showing every company connected via shared directors, colour-coded by status.
Available from the Pro tier upwards.
See pricing →Similar companies
Active · Food & drink · NR postcode area| Company | Est. value | Turnover | Net worth | Staff | Age | Opp | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADRIAN MOYA LTD→ 11442100 · est 2018 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 7y | — | — |
| ALCHEMY BRANDS LTD→ 15848560 · est 2024 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 1y | — | — |
| BENNETT BREWING LIMITED→ 13011722 · est 2020 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 5y | — | — |
| BOUJEE FIZZ LIMITED→ 15723587 · est 2024 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 1y | — | — |
| BROADS GIN LTD→ 12646101 · est 2020 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 5y | — | — |
| CARRYLICIOUS LTD→ 11206998 · est 2018 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 8y | — | — |
| CHANNELLS NORFOLK PRESERVES LIMITED→ 04920162 · est 2003 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 22y | — | — |
| CHUBBY SEAL LTD→ 10482132 · est 2016 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 9y | — | — |
| CLARENCE BENJAMIN INTERNATIONAL LTD→ 14512801 · est 2022 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 3y | — | — |
| CLIFFORD BROTHERS BREWERY LIMITED→ 10289195 · est 2016 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 9y | — | — |
| COASTAL CUISINE LTD→ 13300214 · est 2021 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 5y | — | — |
| COASTAL EARTH LTD→ 08848706 · est 2014 · no financials extracted | — | — | — | — | 12y | — | — |
Peers ranked by estimated value, then turnover, then opportunity score.See all →
🔒Tailored diligence questions
9 specific questions generated from this company's actual signals — liquidity, leverage, director age, charge count, red flags, age-of-company.
Available from the Pro tier upwards.
See pricing →🔒Advanced scoring suite
Exit-route ranking, improvement thesis, quiet-distress detector, covenant-pressure proxy, extraction monitor, approaching triggers, ownership drift, local cluster, value trap, debt capacity, archetype classification — 48+ scoring modules.
Available from the Pro tier upwards.
See pricing →Company details
Statusactive
Typeltd
Incorporated1999-09-02
Jurisdictionengland-wales
Primary SIC10390 — SIC 10390
Registered office
7 The Close
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 4DJ
England
Filing status
Accounts
Next due: 2026-08-31
Last made up to: 2024-11-30
Confirmation statement
Next due: 2026-09-09
Last: 2025-08-26
Officers (1 active · 10 resigned)
KNIGHTS, Paul William→
Activedirector · ~61y · appointed 2014-07-25
View their other companies + combined net worth →
HUNTER, John→
Resignedsecretary · appointed 2004-03-11 · resigned 2016-09-30
PLUNKETT, Barry Granville→
Resignedsecretary · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 2004-03-11
TEMPLE SECRETARIES LIMITED→
Resignedcorporate-nominee-secretary · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 1999-09-02
BALLESTER, Carlos→
Resigneddirector · ~79y · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 2004-01-20
COSTA, Gerald→
Resigneddirector · ~89y · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 2004-01-20
HUNTER, John Lindsay→
Resigneddirector · ~70y · appointed 2009-05-11 · resigned 2014-07-25
KNIGHTS, Paul William→
Resigneddirector · ~61y · appointed 2004-03-11 · resigned 2009-05-11
NEGUS, Graham Wilfred→
Resigneddirector · ~73y · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 2004-03-11
NEGUS, Mervyn Elwyn James→
Resigneddirector · ~80y · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 2004-03-11
COMPANY DIRECTORS LIMITED→
Resignedcorporate-nominee-director · appointed 1999-09-02 · resigned 1999-09-02
Click a director name to see their full track record across all companies.
Mortgages & charges
5
Total charges
4
Outstanding
3
Active lenders
Status:Lender:5 of 5 shown
| Type | Properties | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| outstanding | NatWest Group Rbs Invoice Finance Limited | Debenture | 1 property | 07/05/2009 | — | |
| outstanding | National Westminster Bank National Westminster Bank PLC | Debenture | 1 property | 10/05/2004 | — | |
| outstanding | Lombard North Central Lombard North Central PLC | Chattel mortgage | 3 properties | 23/03/2004 | — | |
| outstanding | Lombard North Central Lombard North Central PLC | Chattel mortgage | 1 property | 23/09/2002 | — | |
| satisfied | Barclays Barclays Bank PLC | Mortgage | 1 property | 29/06/2001 | 11/07/2007 |
Click column headers to sort. Use filters above to narrow by status and lender.
Recent filings (111 total)
memorandum-articles
incorporation · MA
2026-02-14
resolution
resolution · RESOLUTIONS
2026-02-14
resolution
resolution · RESOLUTIONS
2026-02-14
capital-statement-capital-company-with-date-currency-figure
capital · SH19
2026-02-11
legacy
capital · SH20
2026-02-11
legacy
insolvency · CAP-SS
2026-02-11
resolution
resolution · RESOLUTIONS
2026-02-11
confirmation-statement-with-no-updates
confirmation-statement · CS01
2025-10-31
accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-full
accounts · AA
2025-08-31
confirmation-statement-with-no-updates
confirmation-statement · CS01
2024-09-19
accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-full
accounts · AA
2024-09-01
confirmation-statement-with-no-updates
confirmation-statement · CS01
2023-09-04
accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-full
accounts · AA
2023-08-10
confirmation-statement-with-no-updates
confirmation-statement · CS01
2022-10-04
accounts-with-accounts-type-total-exemption-full
accounts · AA
2022-09-01