Company No: 2656337 Incorporated in England Registered Charity No: 100 8057
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
DIRECTORS’ AND TRUSTEES REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
INDEX
Page:
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1-4 The Directors and Trustees Report 5. The Independent Examiners Report 6-7. The Balance Sheet at 31st December 2023 8. Statement of Financial Activities for the year to 31st December 2023
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9-11. Notes to the accounts
Page 1
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023
The directors and trustees submit their annual report to the members, together with the accounts for the year ending 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (the FRSSE) (effective 1 January 2015), in preparing the annual report and accounts of the charity.
Status
The society is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee without share capital, and subject to its memorandum and articles of association as its governing document.
Objects and activities of the charity
The principal objects of the charity continue to be to promote, and educate the public in Greece in, the care and welfare of cats in their country and to relieve the suffering of cats in need of care and attention. These objectives are principally achieved by:
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Providing volunteer veterinary surgeons, nurses and others for neutering campaigns in Greece.
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Promoting the care and treatment of cats by vets, in particular facilitating and encouraging the neutering of cats and providing shelter for stray cats not suitable for re-homing in Greece.
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Establishing and giving financial, advisory and material support to local groups throughout Greece to carry out the aims of the charity.
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Co-operating with other animal charities in Greece to promote animal welfare and educate the public in general animal welfare.
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Maintaining an international following with a periodic magazine providing advice and encouraging discussion about cat welfare.
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Producing free literature for the public with general and veterinary advice on the care of cats.
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Educating the public in the benefit of using veterinary services for sick or injured cats and in the benefits of having cats neutered.
The principal factors affecting the charity’s ability to achieve its objectives are the availability of UK and other volunteer vets and nurses to neuter stray cats, local cat welfare volunteers, organising and fund-raising volunteers; regular donations; and proper governance and direction of resources.
Operational matters
The work undertaken by the charity continued apace, neutering remaining our first priority. Visits in 2023 by volunteer vets have again been restricted in 2023, due to the ongoing issue of registration and the effects of the pandemic. We are hoping that the registration process will in the future be simplified to enable volunteer vets to resume visits to Greece at previous levels. We are however continuing our neutering programme using local vets and EU vets travelling around neutering for us. This funding has helped neuter with one off neutering payments and our regular grant funding to groups has allowed these groups to neuter in excess of 5,000 cats. To date neutering numbers in 2024 have increased from those achieved in 2023.
In addition to the services of nurses and local cat welfare volunteers, the charity on occasion receives donations of medical supplies and food from pharmaceutical companies, veterinary practices and cat food suppliers.
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THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023
The charity continued to co-operate with, amongst other organisations, Nine Lives Greece, Animal Rescue Kos, Dutch Greek Cat Rescue and many small local volunteer groups with aims in line with the objects of this charity. Grants to such groups, of which around 30 now receive regular financial support from us, totalled £144,672 in 2023. In view of the management workload of supporting these and the limited number of our own available volunteers, we are not undertaking ongoing support for new projects. We are, however, considering requests for one-off grants to new projects case by case.
The charity has strengthened its project management arrangements. A small team now awards and administers grants to supported groups in a managed way. Improved finances (see below) enabled us to increase our grants. We were also able to provide new and updated equipment to many of our supported projects.
Efforts continue in disposing of the site of the former sanctuary project at Langada for development and use by a local animal welfare charity; a local charity has now been re-established, and we are monitoring progress with the transfer.
Finance and reserves
Our financial result for 2023, was a surplus of £11,793 (2022: surplus £43,952). Our net assets at 31.12.23 stood at £666,038 (31.12.22: £654,245).
The bulk of the charity’s funds held at any one time are allocated to specific projects or purposes. At 31.12.22 these totalled £381,380, comprising £14,780 for disposing and supporting the subsequent development of the Langada site, £4,100 designated by the trustees for other specific projects or purposes and £350,000 for a medium term investment fund to generate future investment income to enable an increase in grants to other organisations and local volunteer groups in Greece. It is intended that these funds will be utilised over a 10 year period from 2020 for that purpose. The funds have been invested in charitable investment funds in 2020 by the Trustees. There was also a contingency fund of £12,500. Our other net current assets, totalling at that point £284,208 represented our unallocated funds available for general use into 2023. All our funds except those specified by donors as to purpose, and a nominal value of £1 attributed to the Langada site, constitute reserves (£666,038).
Further financial details are in the attached accounts.
Page 3
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023
Governance
Trustees are appointed and retire at Annual General Meetings, or by the trustees in between these. The trustee body during the year comprised a veterinary surgeon, IT consultant and one chartered accountant, all with significant experience relevant to the charity’s activities and needs.
The trustees meet twice per year, one of these being co-scheduled with the Annual General Meeting. All other key UK-based volunteers are invited to attend. Close contact is maintained between meetings. Decisions are made by consensus, or ultimately on a majority trustee vote.
The following served during the year, and except as stated remain in post at the date of this report:
Phil Agate (Webmaster) Nigel Letheren (Chairman) Peter Brown (Veterinary adviser) Helen Wright Adrian Caunter (Vet)
The major risks to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the trustees, are kept under review, and systems or procedures established to manage those risks. Current risks include those arising from low numbers of both organising volunteers and trustees, and the effects of the economic crisis on Greek attitudes to cats.
The trustees have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit.
Registered office for charity purposes: 15 Trent Close, Sompting, West Sussex BN15 0EJ Registered office for Companies Act purposes: 2 Victoria Grove, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3AA Accountants and independent examiners: Martin and Company, 2 Victoria Grove, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3AA
Fund-raising and publicity
We continued our fund-raising and publicity work, through local events, collecting boxes, our newsletter, membership work, our website, Facebook and advertising via friendly outlets. Our membership continues to flourish, at around 500. Approaches to companies and charitable trusts were suspended due to the significant improvement in our reserves in recent years.
Page 4
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) LTD REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2023
Statement of directors’ and trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing and approving this report.
Company law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these accounts the directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is
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inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate and proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report, which has been prepared taking advantage of special exemptions applicable to small companies, was approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by:
…………………………………….
N.D. Letheren Director
Page 5
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st December 2023 which are set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice; Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
have not been met; or
- 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………………………
B.R. Kenway FCCA
Martin and Company Chartered Tax Advisers and Accountants 2, Victoria Grove Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3AA
Page 6
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) Company No: 2656337
(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible assets | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Investments | 370,477 | 346,028 | |||
| 370,478 | 346,029 | ||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors | 3 | - | - | ||
| Cash at bank and on hand | 296,209 | 308,859 | |||
| 296,209 | 308,859 | ||||
| CREDITORS | |||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 4 | (649) | (643) | ||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 295,560 | 308,216 | |||
| NET ASSETS | £666,038 | £654,245 | |||
| CAPITAL AND RESERVES | |||||
| Accumulated Fund - | |||||
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Restricted funds |
284,658 381,380 |
272,865 381,380 |
|||
| - | |||||
| - | |||||
| £666,038 | £654,245 |
The directors’ statements required by Sections 475(2) and (3) are shown on the following page which forms part of this balance sheet.
Page 7
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
DIRECTORS’ STATEMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTIONS 475(2) AND (3) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
In approving these financial statements as directors of the Company, we hereby confirm:
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(a) that for the year stated above, the Company was entitled to the exemption conferred by Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006;
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(b) that no notice has been deposited at the registered office of the company pursuant to Section 476 requesting that an audit be conducted for the year ended 31st December 2023
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(c) that we acknowledge our responsibilities for:
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(1) ensuring that the Company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386; and
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(2) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the year then ended in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the provisions of the Companies Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the Company.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board on and signed on its behalf by
N.D. Letheren Director
The notes on pages 9 to 11 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 8
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK)
(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR TO 31ST DECEMBER 2023
SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Income Subscriptions and donations and Gift Aid Grants Fundraising Investment income Legacies received Total Income Expenditure Direct charitable expenditure grants to Greece for Cat welfare Veterinary expenses, travel and other expenditure in Greece and support costs Cost of generating funds Governance of the charity – note 6 Total Expenditure Net gain on investments (loss) Transfers to designated funds Transfers from designated funds Net income (expenditure) for the year Total Funds Brought Forward at 1st January 2023 Total Funds Carried Forward at 31st December 2023 |
Restricted Funds - - - - - - - - - - - - - General Fund 41,052 5,300 14,069 13,720 68,852 £142,993 144,672 8,875 153,547 2,102 £155,649 11,793 272,865 £284,658 Total 2023 41,052 5,300 14,069 13,720 68,852 £142,993 144,672 8,875 153,547 2,102 £155,649 24,449 - - 11,793 654,245 £666,038 Designated Funds - - - - - - - - - - - 381,380 £381,380 Total 2022 75,261 - 9,091 11,187 160,000 £255,539 144,215 4,311 148,526 5,508 2,542 £156,576 (55,011) - - 43,952 610,293 £654,245 |
|---|---|
Page 9
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation of accounts
- a) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015); Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of investments which are included at market value.
In preparing the accounts, the Trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 02 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 the restatement of comparatives was required. In the event no restatements were required.
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b) Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Resources expended include attributable VAT which can not be recovered.
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c) Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost including staff salaries relates directly to that activity.
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d) Unrestricted funds are other incoming resources receivable without specified purpose, budgetary conditions or contracts and are available as general funds.
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e) Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the guarantor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.
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f) Investments held are shown at market value at the balance sheet date. Any surplus/deficit is reflected in the statement of financial activities.
Page 10
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK)
(LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| 2. FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1st January 2023 Additions At 31st December 2023 Depreciation At 1st January 2023 Charge for period At 31st December 2023 Net book value At 31st December 2023 At 31st December 2022 3. DEBTORS Due within one year Other debtors Prepayments 4. CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors |
Freehold land and buildings £ 129,043 - £129,043 129,042 - £129,042 1 1 |
2022 £ - - - £643 Total £ 129,043 - £129,043 129,042 - £129,042 1 1 2023 £ - - - £649 |
|---|---|---|
5. CAPITAL AND RESERVES
The income funds include designated funds set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes and contingencies.
| Sanctuary disposal/support Contingency reserve General purpose fund |
Balance 31st December 2023 14,780 16,600 350,000 £381,380 Funds expended Or designated in year - - - - |
Balance 31st December 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,780 16,600 350,000 £381,380 |
Page 11
THE GREEK CAT WELFARE SOCIETY (UK) (LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| 6. | GOVERNANCE EXPENDITURE | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Governance costs | £2,102 | £2,048 |
7. SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR
The surplus of income over expenditure for the year is stated after charging
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets |
2023 2022 £ £ - - |
|---|---|
8. RELATED PARTIES AND STAFF COSTS
No remuneration was paid to trustees in the year, expenses reimbursed to them totalled £ - There were no staff remunerated in the year.
| 9. | INVESTMENTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Market value at 31.12.22 | 346,028 | 401,039 | |
| Net Gain on revaluation in year | 24,449 | - | |
| Net Loss on revaluation in year | - | (55,011) | |
| Market value | £370,477 | £346,028 |
Investment was made in March 2020 in the Quilter Investments Limited QC Global Growth Fund.