Charity Number 1015491
THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity Information | 2 |
| Trustees’ Report |
3 - 4 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements |
8 - 11 |
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
CHARITY INFORMATION
| Trustees | |
|---|---|
| (during the year ended | Fiona Langford |
| 31stAugust 2024 and to date) | Samantha Potter |
| Janine Lee | |
| Chairman | Fiona Langford |
| Charity Number | 1015491 |
| Charity Office | 9a Cleveland Street |
| Wolverhampton | |
| West Midlands | |
| WV1 3HH | |
| Independent Examiners | Ian Richmond Limited |
| Church Cottage | |
| Church Road | |
| Tettenhall | |
| Wolverhampton | |
| WV6 9AJ | |
| Bankers | Co-Operative Bank |
| PO Box 250 | |
| Delf House | |
| Southway | |
| Skelmersdale | |
| WN8 6WT |
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31st August 2024. These accounts are prepared in accordance with its governing document, and the Statement of Recommended Practice, ”Accounting and Reporting by Charities” 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 2019).
The legal and administrative information set out on page 2 forms part of this report. The governing document detailing how the charity is constituted can be obtained from the registered office. Trustees are appointed who can demonstrate that they are dedicated to the well-being of premature babies.
Objects of the charity, principal activities and organisation of our work
The main objective of the charity is to provide specialist equipment for neo-natal units at our local hospitals. Funds are generated from fundraising and from goods donated and sold in our charity shop. The day-to-day running of the shop is the responsibility of the one manager, whilst the three trustees are responsible for the overall control of the funds and the decision making.
Development, activities and achievements this year
This has been our second year at Cleveland Street and overall the sales have improved even though there are still some ongoing improvements being made outside our shop by the council. We are proud of our achievements and striving to keep morale at its highest for staff and loyal volunteers alike.
The three trustees; S Potter, J Lee and F Langford, are continuing to work well and remain steadfast in their support.
Future developments
We are positive about the future and continue to plan ways to increase our sales, ensuring the continuation of donations to the hospitals.
Reserves
We have a policy whereby unrestricted funds not otherwise committed or invested in fixed assets should be equal to approximately 12 month’s management and administration expenses so that in the event of us being unable to trade we would have time to make alternative arrangements.
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
Transactions and financial position
The statement of Financial Activities shows gross income for the year of £55,490 and reserves standing at £9,257 in total.
Trustees
All of the trustees named served during the year. Trustees are appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting. The Board has power to appoint trustees if it considers it necessary to do so.
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are required under the Charities Act 2011 to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ascertain the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Risk Management
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks, which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established that mitigate these risks.
By order of the board
………………………………….. Fiona Langford, Chairman
9[th] May 2025
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
I report on the accounts of The Baby Blues Appeal for the year ended 31st August 2024 set out on pages 6 to 11.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts: The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charity Act,
To follow the basis procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the Charity Act, and
To 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 the 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 statements below..
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(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 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act,
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………………………………….
Ian Richmond Chartered Accountant
9[th] May 2025 Ian Richmond Limited Church Cottage Church Road Tettenhall Wolverhampton WV6 9AJ
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
| Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ INCOMING RESOURCES Donations received - 1,324 Activities for generating funds Grants received 2 - - 54,166 - _ _ Total incoming resources - 55,490 _ _ RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of generating funds 3 - 40,999 Direct charitable expenditure 4 - 15,000 Management and administration 5 - 1,904 _ _ Total resources expended - 57,903 _ _ Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year - (2,413 ) _ _ MOVEMENT OF FUNDS Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year - (2,413 ) Funds brought forward as at 1st September 2023 - 11,670 _ _ Funds carried forward as at 31st August 2024 - 9,257 |
Total Funds 2024 £ 1,324 54,166 - _ 55,490 _ 40,999 15,000 1,904 _ 57,903 _ (2,413 ) _ (2,413 ) 11,670 _ 9,257 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 1,181 47,154 - _ 48,335 _ 40,925 5,000 2,179 _ 48,104 _ 231 _ 231 11,439 _ 11,670 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these accounts.
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31ST AUGUST 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Assets
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 7 1,235 1,646
Current assets
Debtors 8 2,845 2,482
Cash at bank and in hand 23,522 15,003
_ _
26,367 17,485
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 9 (18,345) (7,461)
_ _
Net current assets 8,022 10,024
_ _
Net assets 9,257 11,670
_ _
Funds
Unrestricted funds 9,257 11,670
Restricted funds - -
_ _
9,257 11,670
_ _
----- End of picture text -----
The financial statements were approved by the Board on 9[th] May 2025
………………………….. Fiona Langford Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these accounts.
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Income
Activities for generating funds (i.e. trading in the shop) and donations are accounted for when received by the charity.
1.3 Costs of generating funds
These are the expenses incurred in running the shop and are accounted for as they are incurred.
1.4 Direct charitable expenditure
Direct charitable expenditure is the amount to be donated to the neo-natal units at the hospitals for equipment.
1.5 Management and administration expenditure
Management and administration expenses are the costs associated with the administration of the charity and they are accounted for as they are incurred.
1.6 V.A.T.
Value added tax is recoverable by the charity, and as such is not included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
2
| Office Equipment 25% p.a. reducing balance basis Activities for generating funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Total Funds 2024 £ Shop takings - 52,045 52,045 Fund raising - 2,121 2,121 Interest received - - - _ _ __ - 54,166 54,166 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 44,858 2,296 - __ 47,154 |
|---|---|
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
| 3 Costs of generating funds Restricted Funds 2024 £ Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ Shop salaries - 25,000 Shop rent, rates and service charge - 10,492 Van collection costs - - Insurance - 1,183 Heat and light - 1,905 Cleaning costs - 123 Telephone - 426 Repairs and decorating - 43 Stationery and postage - 411 Card machine fees - 501 Incidental expenses - 504 Depreciation/Loss on disposal - 411 _ _ - 40,999 _ _ 4 Direct charitable expenditure Donations to Neo-natal units 5 Management and administration expenditure Parking and travel expenses Accountancy - Audit Other services Bank charges Legal and professional charges |
Total Funds 2024 £ 25,000 10,492 - 1,183 1,905 123 426 43 411 501 504 411 _ 40,999 _ 2024 £ 15,000 _ 2024 £ 514 - 1,390 - - _ 1,904 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 25,000 10,370 - 1,156 2,051 93 390 294 76 551 395 549 _ 40,925 _ 2023 £ 5,000 _ 2023 £ 814 - 1,365 - - _ 2,179 |
|---|---|---|
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
| 6 Employees The average number of employees during the year was: The total emoluments (including monetary and non-monetary benefits-in-kind) of employees during the year were: Gross salaries and wages Employers National Insurance No employees earned more than £50,000 p.a. |
2024 1 _ £ 25,000 - _ |
2023 1 |
|---|---|---|
| __ £ 25,000 - |
||
| __ |
None of the trustees received any remuneration in respect of their services or any reimbursement of any expenses.
| 7 | Tangible fixed assets | As at | As at | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st September | 31st August | ||||
| Cost | 2023 | Additions | Disposals | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Office equipment | 3,736 __ |
- __ |
- __ |
3,736 __ |
|
| Depreciation | As at | As at | |||
| 1st September | Charge for | Disposal | 31st August | ||
| 2023 | the year | adjustment | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Office equipment | 2,090 __ |
411 __ |
- __ |
2,501 __ |
|
| Net book values | £ | ||||
| At 31st August 2024 | 1,235 __ |
||||
| At 31st August 2023 | 1,646 __ |
| 8 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year Trade debtors Other taxes Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors |
2024 £ - 931 1,183 731 __ 2,845 |
2023 £ - 1,142 1,280 60 __ 2,482 |
|---|---|---|
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THE BABY BLUES APPEAL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2024
| 9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other taxes and social security Accruals Other creditors |
2024 £ 802 969 640 15,934 __ 18,345 |
2023 £ 411 361 755 5,934 __ 12,683 |
|---|---|---|
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