What does the cryptic crossword clue "Skilful concealing old British firm's shortfall (7)" mean?

The definition is "shortfall". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). ICI (synonym="Imperial Chemical Industries, “old British firm”") in DEFT (synonym="”Skilful” around ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries") = DEFICIT; definition: "shortfall" The answer is DEFICIT.

Skilful concealing old British firm's shortfall (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29001 | 5 Across | 2023-02-23 flower

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