Company Registration Number 2841292 Charity Registration Number 1026351
The Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
Reference and Administrative Details at 31 December 2024
Status
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust is a company limited by guarantee incorporated on 2nd August 1993, which registered as a charity on 22nd September 1993.
Name
The Manchester Victoria Baths Trust, sometimes referred to as the Victoria Baths Trust
Charity Number 1026351
Company Number 2841292
Principal Address Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0FE
Members of the Board of Trustees
Trustees, who are also directors under company law, at 31 December 2024
| Appointed | Re-elected | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bernard Priest | Oct-19 | Jul-23 | Chair from June 2020 |
| Janet Slade | Mar-13 | Sep-21 | Resigned Sept 2024 |
| Barry Johnson | Dec-14 | Sep-24 | |
| Malcolm Knight | Mar-16 | Jul-22 | |
| Nigel Gloudon | Mar-16 | Jul-23 | |
| Matthew Holden | Apr-17 | Jul-22 | |
| Suzanne Donovan | Feb-20 | Jul-23 | |
| Gwyneth Brock | Jul-22 | Sep-24 | |
| Gwyneth McManus | Jul-22 | ||
| Roxanne Stafford | Jul-22 | ||
| Hannah Clark | Sep-24 | ||
| Emma Rettig | Sep-24 | ||
| Esther Routledge | Sep-24 | ||
| Lee Simpson | Sep-24 | ||
| Eleanor Whalley | Sep-24 | ||
| Jane Yianni | Sep-24 |
Company Secretary Frances Pattison Finance Manager (left 6.10.24) Philippa Williamson Finance Manager (appointed 1.11.24)
Principal Staff Elizabeth Sibbering Managing Director (left 15.10.24) Anthony Baker - Chief Executive (appointed 16.9.24)
Bank
Co −operative Bank plc, Delf House, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT
Independent
30 Burton Road, Manchester M20 3EB
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Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Trust is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The governing body is the General Meeting of members of the Trust. Membership of the Trust is open to anyone, and applications are considered by the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees is the key decision −making body and meets meet regularly , at least 4 times each year, to consider key issues, including the organisation ’s financial position.
There are a number of formal sub-committees of the Board, namely:
The Finance Committee meets to assist the Board through providing oversight and assurance on all financial matters relating to The Victoria Baths Trust and its wholly owned subsidiary Victoria Baths Trading. This includes financial planning and reporting, treasury management and financial risk management (except where these are expressly within the remit of another sub-committee of the Board).
The Building and Environment Committee meets to deal with maintenance, repair and restoration matters.
The History & Research Committee deals with the history archive and its future. The Creative & Community Events Committee deals with
The new Earned Income and Fundraising Committee replaces the Trading Committee, which will still meet at least once each year. The Committee will support the strategy on creative and community events.
The Engagement Committee has been renamed Creative Events, Activities and Engagement Committee and will focus on all matters community, cultural and creative.
A new Capital Committee has been established to oversee all things related to – capital development this will interface with the Building and Environment Committee where necessary.
Operational management is delegated to the CEO, with support from the Finance Manager, Facilities Manager, Engagement Manager and Event Manager (who is also a Trading Director).
The Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission ’s guidance on public benefit at all relevant times.
Appointment of Trustees
Members elect Trustees at the Annual General Meeting, when one third of the Board of Trustees retire and become eligible for re −election. Between AGMs, the Board of Trustees may also appoint new Trustees.
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Prospective Trustees are selected for the skills and attributes which they can bring to the Trust. They are interviewed informally by existing members of the Board of Trustees and given information about the Trust and Victoria Baths. They are invited to attend a meeting of the Board of Trustees as an observer prior to accepting the position of Trustee.
Risk Assessment
The Board of Trustees has assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, in particular those related to the activities at Victoria Baths and its financial sustainability. The Trustees periodically review the Risk Register with a particular focus on the building and financial performance and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to these major risks.
Objectives
The key objectives of the Trust are:
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To preserve for the benefit of the people of the City of Manchester and of the nation at large, whatever of the historical, architectural and constructional heritage may exist in and around the City of Manchester in the form of buildings of particular beauty or historical, architectural or constructional interest.
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To advance the education of the public in the history, architecture and constructional heritage in and around the City of Manchester
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To create and promote opportunities at Victoria Baths for the public to undertake a variety of recreational and cultural activities including swimming and arts events.
Activities, Achievements and Performance
Restoration
Building Maintenance and Repairs
Significant progress has been made to improve Health and Safety throughout the building. A new fire system has been fitted throughout the building greatly increasing our coverage of across site. Emergency lighting has also been fitted throughout the ground floor and basement areas to ensure safe egress in an emergency.
Remedial maintenance to the Females ’ Pool roof gutters has taken place, reducing the risk of leaks and flooding in the Females ’ Pool. We are expecting more repairs to take place, as well as other high level remedial works, such as buddleia and timber removal.
Our bar top is in the process of being renovated. This has started with the bar top being replaced with timber slats recycled from Harpurhey Baths. The timber originally came from panels used to separate their individual bathing suites.
Several plans are in place looking in 2025. This includes restoration of the external entrance doors and restoring windows in the Superintendents Flat.
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Fundraising
Fundraising from Trusts and Foundations for specific events, activities, staff posts etc. was in hiatus for the second half of the year, whilst the organisation recruited a new CEO and consolidated its future vision. It is expected that this will recommence in 2025.
Fundraising by friends and donors continued throughout 2024 and will be being refreshed and relaunched in 2025.
Community and Cultural Activities
The Trust organises and delivers public events at Victoria Baths, as well as facilitating a range of other public and private activities. The building is a seasonal heritage visitor attraction and events venue. The lack of heating means it is impractical to host most activities during winter.
| Visitor/Engagement | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage | 5,355 | 0 | 3,792 | 4,633 | 5,574 | 6,308 |
| Arts, Community, Education |
4,165 | 27 | 381 | 1,891 | 1,008 | 1,421 |
| Online | 0 | 1,176 | 5,025 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other venue hire | 16,625 | 1,782 | 7,880 | 31,504 | 31,856 | 27,182 |
| Other | 191 | 0 | 96 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 26,336 | 2,985 | 17,174 | 38,028 | 38,438 | 34,911 |
Heritage and General Access Activities
People can access Victoria Baths through a variety of events, activities and group visits:
April to September - Welcome Wednesdays
Our Welcome Wednesdays are our free to access opportunity for people to explore our building and go on one of our paid tours, which provide a deeper insight into the history of Victoria Baths.
Our tea room is also open for our Welcome Wednesdays.
August - Sunny Sundays
Our Sunny Sundays are similar to our Welcome Wednesdays and provide a number of additional open days each year. Our tearoom is open, and people have the opportunity to take a paid tour.
There were 12 private group tours and 16 education visits during 2024.
| Heritage Visits | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekends | 3,694 | 4,198 | 0 | 3,085 | 3,945 | 3,749 |
| WednesdayEntry (free) | 1,053 | 1,936 | ||||
| WednesdayTours(paid) | 804 | 837 | 0 | 391 | 361 | 393 |
| Groups | 523 | 320 | 0 | 316 | 215 | 230 |
| Total | 5,021 | 5,355 | 0 | 3792 | 5,574 | 6,308 |
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Creative, Community, Education Activities
The Trusts objectives include delivering creative, community and education activities.
| Creative, Community, Education Visits |
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative | 3,054 | 13 | 156 | 1,314* | 193 | 57 |
| Community | 651 | 0 | 12 | 65 | 427 | 837 |
| Education | 460 | 14 | 213 | 512 | 388 | 527 |
| Total | 4,165 | 27 | 381 | 1,891 | 1,008 | 1,421 |
*2022 includes 650 visits for Village Screen.
2024 activities included:
April SpringFest
Our building welcomed over 1,000 visitors as the Baths transformed into a cultural hub with live music, art exhibitions, street food and other creative activities. The day concluded with indie band “ She Drew The Gun ” turning our Second Class Pool into a vibrant gig venue, celebrating creativity in style.
September - Heritage Open Days
To celebrate Heritage Open Days, we threw open our doors for an entire weekend. Our visitors enjoyed two days of heritage & history with free crafts and games, an interactive “drawing pool”, and guided tours.
October - Halloween Events
Following an incredible Halloween makeover, the baths hosted two sold-out silent discos. Families danced the afternoon away at the ‘Mini Monster Mash,’ while ‘Silence of the Baths’ brought back three iconic Manchester venues for one-night only. DJs from Tiger Lounge, Jilly ’ s Rockworld and South entertained 450 costume-clad partygoers, celebrating Halloween into the early hours.
December - Festive Winter Fair
Our annual Festive Winter Fair brought over 1,200 people to the baths. 50 hand-picked local makers selling a wide variety of gifts, 5 local choirs singing Christmas hits and seasonal treats from our tea-room created a festive atmosphere that kick started Advent.
Other Venue Hire Activities
Commercial venue hire is an essential part of the Victoria Baths business model. There were 27,182 visitors to the Baths for these activities in 2024, compared to 31,856 in 2023. (Decrease due to one major event from the year previous which was a one off/ not repeated).
Events
We were pleased to welcome some new events and the return of previous ones:
– February & November Bee Pedal Ready Event March – Timeline Photography Workshop March – Cath Kidston Photoshoot March, June & October - Vintage Home Show March – S/Magazine Shoot April, May & July, August, September – Sound Bath
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– April Manchester Marketing Dinner April – So Far Sounds – May, September Clothes Cycle June – Rock Choir Concert June – I Like Singing Community Choir Concert June - Bespoked Handmade Bike Show July - LGBT Foundation staff away day and volunteer award ceremony July – Gola Photo Shoot August - Sofar Sounds – September Boydell Photography Workshop – September Wingfest Manchester – September ENO filming October - The Home Upgrade Show October - Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair October – Champion Photoshoot November - Manchester Tech Festival November – JD Sports Party December – Kellanova Conference
Filming & Photoshoots
We hosted filming activities which included Talamasca and ENO as well as many photoshoots, such as Chanel, Gola and Cath Kidston
Weddings
Between April and October 16 weddings took place at Victoria Baths.
Employees
The Board of Trustees continues to review the staffing complement to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
There have been a number of staff changes during the year:
In September 2024, Anthony Baker was appointed as the Trust ’s CEO , to support the organisation to realise its ambitions in capital development, commercial work and its creative, community and education work. The CEO post replaced the General Manager post held by Elizabeth Sibbering (Sibby), who left in October 2024. Sibby guided the organisation for many years, originally alongside Gill Wright and after Gill left then on her own. Sibby saw through much change over her time and maintained a steady financial position for the organisation, alongside supporting the realisation of new commercial and community focused activity. The Board would like to thank Sibby for all of her hard work and dedication to the organisation through her time with us.
In May, Bel Moody who had previously been employed as a part-time Engagement Coordinator, successfully applied for the full time Office Coordinator role, previously undertaken by Archie Kelly-Bush who left the Trust in June.
In July, Anthony Conway joined the Facilities Team as part-time Facilities Coordinator.
In September, Fran Pattison moved on from her position as Finance Manager and Company Secretary. Fran has been replaced in this role by Philippa Williamson, who joined the Trust on 1 November.
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In December, Ella Walker, the Engagement Manager, left the organisation. This post will be replaced in the new year with a revised role, focused on Community and Creative Programme and Engagement Management.
Community Engagement
Victoria Baths is looking to develop more and better relationships with the communities directly around us, across Greater Manchester and further afield. We will do this by direct conversation with these communities, listening to what they want and need and for them to help us grow and develop in ways which matches their ambitions.
Volunteers
Volunteers are involved in a wide range of activities. Regular volunteers lead the public −facing activities of our public entry days and events such as the Tea Room, Shop, Welcome Desk and as Tour Guides. Other activities include assisting with building maintenance, history research, stained −glass preservation and maintaining the history archive. Our Trustees are also all volunteers.
During 2024 we developed new opportunities for volunteers to be involved in ad −hoc/one off volunteering opportunities, increasing opportunities for Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) and Student Volunteers to be involved in maintenance, and event setup/ delivery roles. 79 students and 19 ESV volunteers completed 605.5 volunteering hours for Victoria Baths.
| Volunteers | Dec 2020 | Dec 2021 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2023 | Dec 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular involvement | 61 | 38 | 42 | 33 | 19 |
| Student/ Corporategroups | Unrecorded | 98 | |||
| Total | 61 | 38 | 42 | 198 | 117 |
Friends and Restoration Supporters
Victoria Baths has a well −established Friends membership scheme which enables people to support the Trust. Membership options include paying an annual subscription or regular monthly payments. For 2024 these were:
-
Friend £ 20
-
Joint Friends £ 30
-
Friend (unwaged/ low income) £ 5
-
Restoration Supporter a regular payment of £5+ per month
| Friends | Dec 2020 | Dec 2021 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2023 | Dec 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payannual subscription | 444 | 442 | 303 | 271 | 189 |
| Restoration Supporter | 141 | 146 | 121 | 120 | 123 |
| Volunteers−no subscription |
22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| Honorary Friend / Restoration Supporter |
11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Free Membership | 0 | 0 | 71 | 30 | 32 |
| Total | 618 | 620 | 527 | 454 | 378 |
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Financial Review
Victoria Baths Trading Ltd .
This is the twelfth year of activity for Victoria Baths Trading Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, which accounts for non −charitable venue income and associated costs. Turnover of the Trading Company was £303,866 in 2024 ( £386,873 in 2023) and donated profits to the Trust were £37,2 47 in the year, compared to £123,433 in 2023.
Reserves Policy
The Board of Management considers it prudent for the Trust to maintain unrestricted financial reserves for the following reasons:
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” So The Trust has no endowment funding and is dependent on earned income and donations, together with grant income received annually.
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” So A healthy level of reserves is required in recognition of the need for greater financial security, given the risk of income variability in the present economic climate. The Trust is operating in a time of considerable change and is working to develop, approve and carry through plans for the future of the Baths which require a large level of capital funding
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e The Trust requires sufficient reserves to continue to cover necessary internal (e.g. salaries and wages) and external costs (e.g. insurance, licenses, utilities bills) incurred as part of normal operating activity. This is to compensate for any significant shortfall in income, funding or delay in the approval of grant applications.
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e The Trust also needs to ensure that in the event of reaching a position where it was no longer able to continue to operate on a financially viable basis, sufficient reserves would be available to meet their statutory obligations to staff and creditors.
In considering this policy, and the current financial position, the Trustees have concluded that a minimum Free Reserves figure of £ 100,000 needs to be maintained.
At the period-end, the Trust held £ 134,540 of Free Reserves (2023: 197,757).
The Board of Management will review this Reserves Policy every year to take account of changing circumstances.
Restricted Funds
The Trust holds seven Restricted Funds which represent donations or grants made or received for specific purposes. These are the Stained Glass Appeal Fund, the Gill Wright Memorial Fund, the Restoration Fund, the Archangel Fund, the Heating Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund and the NHLF Cultural Recovery Fund. At the end of 2024 the Restricted Funds totalled £ 124,159.
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In December 2024, a consultation was held with donors who had previously given to the Restoration Fund (balance £56,765 as at 31 December 2024) and the Archangel Fund (balance £ 57,782 as at 31 December 2024), advising them of the Trustees proposal to make these funds Unrestricted, for the general use of the Trust. No objections were received to this proposal, so these funds will be transferred into the Unrestricted Funds in 2025.
Future Ambitions
During late 2024 we have been working on a new strategic vision and mission for the organisation. This will lead us to growing the Victoria Baths team to meet the ambitions of the organisation, which will be around maximizing our commercial income and also increasing our community and civic work, particularly with our hyperlocal communities. We will deliver more community focused events, reach out to the community and work with, for and alongside our communities to deliver what they need to help them grow and develop.
Our Board and Special Advisor pool is also growing to help us deliver our aims, bringing incredible and useful skill and knowledge sets to the organisation.
We will grow our partnerships network, embedding ourselves into the culture, creative, health and wellbeing fabric of the city.
We will work ourselves and alongside others to deliver curated and produced activity in our building.
We are working closely with Manchester City Council and other funders to put together a capital development plan which will enable the building to grow its commercial work which in turn will fund the civic and community delivery of the organisation, which is expected to grow over the next few years.
Declaration
The Trustees have approved this annual report and it is signed on their behalf by:
Bernard Priest - Chair of Board of Management
Date: 11[th] August 2025
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ending 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on pages 12 to 24.
Respective responsibilities of 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 period under section 43(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:
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to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedure 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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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the course of 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: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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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.
Paul Cowham FCA DChA Withington Works Withington Baths 30 Burton Road Manchester M20 3EB 10/9/2025
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Statement of Financial Activities
(including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted funds Note £ Income Donations and legacies 3 60,523 Charitable activities 4 39,638 5 10,865 Investments 6 6,791 Total income 117,817 Expenditure Raising funds 7 21,513 Charitable activities 8 159,521 Total expenditure 181,034 9 (63,217) Transfer between funds - 17, 18 (63,217) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 197,757 Total funds carried forward 134,540 Fees and other income Net income/(expenditure) for the period Net movement in funds for the period |
Restricted funds £ 10,453 49,869 - - 60,322 - 64,997 64,997 (4,675) - (4,675) 128,834 124,159 |
Total funds 2024 £ 70,976 89,507 10,865 6,791 178,139 21,513 224,518 246,031 (67,892) - (67,892) 326,591 258,699 |
Total funds 2023 £ 145,843 104,533 9,969 5,347 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 265,692 | |||
| 5,728 252,484 |
|||
| 258,212 | |||
| 7,480 - |
|||
| 7,480 319,111 |
|||
| 326,591 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust Company number 2841292
Balance sheet as at 31 December 2024
| Note | 31 December 2024 | 31 December 2024 | 31 December 2023 | 31 December 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible assets | 14 | - | 3,970 | ||
| Total fixed assets | - | 3,970 | |||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 15 | 53,758 | 162,745 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 220,211 | 177,049 | |||
| Total current assets | 273,969 | 339,794 | |||
| Liabilities | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling | |||||
| due in less than one year | 16 | (15,270) | (17,173) | ||
| Net current assets | 258,699 | 322,621 | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 258,699 | 326,591 | |||
| Net assets | 258,699 | 326,591 | |||
| Funds of the charity | |||||
| Restricted income funds | 17 | 124,159 | 128,834 | ||
| Unrestricted income funds | 18 | 134,540 | 197,757 | ||
| Total charity funds | 258,699 | 326,591 |
For the period in question, the company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
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The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476,
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The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts
These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by the Companies Act 2006 and are for circulation to members of the company.
The notes on pages 14 to 24 form part of these accounts.
Approved by the trustees of Manchester Victoria Baths Trust on 11 August 2025, and signed on their behalf by:
Bernard Priest (chair) Lube
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
1 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
b Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern.
There are no key judgments which the trustees have made which have a significant effect on the accounts.
The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.
c Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Income received in advance of a provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
d Donated services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised; refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
e Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
f Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
g Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
h Operating leases
Operating leases are leases in which the title to the assets, and the risks and rewards of ownership, remain with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
i Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:
Office fixtures and equipment 4 years Exhibition room 5 years
j Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
k Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
l Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
m Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
n Pensions
The charity has a pension scheme for employees to which it makes contributions on behalf of employees who choose to join as well as deducting contributions from employees who chose to make contributions themselves. The charity has met its obligations in relation to Autoenrolment.
2 Legal status of the charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The registered office address is disclosed on page 1.
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Gift Aid Donation from subsidiary co. Victoria Baths Trading Ltd Total by fund |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 20,006 9,842 29,848 5,565 13,132 18,697 3,270 611 3,881 850 2,853 3,703 37,247 - 37,247 123,443 - 123,443 |
|---|---|
| 60,523 10,453 70,976 129,858 15,985 145,843 |
- 4 Income from charitable activities
| Grants Earned income y Community Arts & Education Total by fund Sporting Heritage Forever Manchester Manchester City Council Public Events and group visits etc. |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ - 49,869 49,869 - 69,970 69,970 - - - 100 - 100 - - - 188 - 188 - - 31,648 - 31,648 29,318 - 29,318 7,990 - 7,990 4,957 - 4,957 |
|---|---|
| 39,638 49,869 89,507 34,563 69,970 104,533 |
- 5 Fees and other income – activities for generating funds
| Tea Room income Fundraising activity ` |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 10,865 - 10,865 9,969 - 9,969 - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 10,865 - 10,865 9,969 - 9,969 |
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Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
6 Investment income
| Investment income | |
|---|---|
| Income from deposit accounts |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 6,791 - 6,791 5,347 - 5,347 |
| 6,791 - 6,791 5,347 - 5,347 |
All of the charity's investment income arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts. All investment income is unrestricted.
7 Analysis of expenditure on raising funds
| Total 2024 £ Staff costs - Fundraising costs 21,513 21,513 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Total 2024 £ Depreciation 3,970 Staff costs 169,487 Grant paid to Victoria Baths Trading Ltd - Building costs 19,530 General running costs 30,181 Other governance costs Independent examination and accountancy 1,350 Other governance costs - 224,518 Total 2024 £ Restricted expenditure 64,997 Unrestricted expenditure 159,521 224,518 |
Total 2023 £ - 5,728 |
|---|---|
| 5,728 | |
| Total 2023 £ 3,971 148,994 31,696 51,168 15,305 1,350 - |
|
| 252,484 | |
| Total 2023 £ 60,912 191,572 |
|
| 252,484 |
8 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
18
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
9 Net income/(expenditure) for the year
| This is stated after charging/(crediting): | Total 2024 | Total 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation | 3,970 | 3,971 |
| Independent examiner's remuneration | ||
| - accountancy | 675 | 650 |
| - independent examination | 675 | 650 |
10 Staff costs
Staff costs during the period were:
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Employers pension contributions Staff and volunteer training and expenses Freelance/casual staff Recruitment |
Total 2024 £ 147,082 12,515 7,673 1,120 - 1,097 169,487 |
Total 2023 £ 129,370 11,548 3,970 802 2,921 383 |
|---|---|---|
| 148,611 |
No employee has employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: None).
All Trust staff are jointly employed by the Trust and Victoria Baths Trading Limited. The average number of members of staff employed during the period (excluding casual bar staff) was 5.39 (2023: 5.45). The average full time equivalent number of staff employed on Victoria Baths Trust activities during the year was 4.19 (2023: 4.18).
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Managing Director and the Event Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £92,467 (2023: £82,693). Half of Managing Director's salary is paid by Victoria Baths Trading Limited, and 80% of the Event Managers salary is paid by Victoria Baths Trading Limited.
11 Trustee remuneration and expenses, and related party transactions
Neither the trustees nor any persons connected with them received any remuneration during the period (2023: None). No trustee expenses were claimed in the year (2023 £nil).
Subscriptions of £40 were paid by two trustees to the charity during the year (2023: £30), and restricted donations of £359 were given by 4 trustees (2023: £339) during the year.
No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity, including guarantees, during the period (2023: nil).
19
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
12 Government grants
The government grants recognised in the accounts were as follows:
| Manchester City Council | Total 2024 £ 49,869 49,869 |
Total 2023 £ 69,970 |
|---|---|---|
| 69,970 |
There were no unfulfilled conditions and contingencies attaching to the grants.
13 Corporation tax
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.
14 Fixed assets: tangible assets
| Cost Additions Disposals At 31 December 2024 Depreciation Charge for the year Disposals At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 1 January 2024 At 31 December 2023 At 1 January 2024 |
Exhibition Room Equipment £ £ 19,854 2,167 - - - - 19,854 2,167 15,884 2,167 3,970 - - - 19,854 2,167 - - 3,970 - |
Total £ 22,021 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 22,021 | ||
| 18,051 3,970 - |
||
| 22,021 | ||
| - | ||
| 3,970 |
20
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
15 Debtors
| Debtors | |
|---|---|
| 31 Dec 24 £ Grants receivable 13,912 Prepayments & other debtors 4,341 Amounts due from Victoria Baths Trading Ltd 35,505 53,758 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 31 Dec 24 £ Trade creditors & accruals 3,076 Taxation and social security costs 12,194 Pension - 15,270 |
31 Dec 23 £ 15,600 2,062 145,083 |
| 162,745 | |
| 31 Dec 23 £ 5,605 11,568 - |
|
| 17,173 |
16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
21
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
17 Analysis of movements in restricted funds
| Archangel fund Manchester City Council Architectural Heritage Fund NHLF Culture Recovery Fund Gill Wright memorial fund Archangel fund Manchester City Council Architectural Heritage Fund NHLF Culture Recovery Fund Gill Wright memorial fund Restoration fund Restoration fund Heating fund Stained Glass Stained Glass Previous reporting period Heating fund |
Balance at 1 January 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 December 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 48,883 7,952 (70) - 56,765 54,594 - - 3,188 57,782 2,444 - - - 2,444 3,448 - - (3,188) 260 10,158 49,869 (60,027) - - 4,875 - (700) - 4,175 409 - - - 409 4,023 2,501 (4,200) - 2,324 |
|---|---|
| 128,834 60,322 (64,997) - 124,159 |
|
| Balance at 1 January 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers Balance at 31 December 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 39,686 15,172 (5,975) - 48,883 54,594 - - 54,594 2,444 - - - 2,444 2,635 813 - - 3,448 - 69,970 (59,812) - 10,158 - - 4,875 - 4,875 409 - - - 409 4,023 - - - 4,023 |
|
| 103,791 85,955 (60,912) - 128,834 |
Restoration Fund : The Trust established this fund to enable Friends and other supporters to contribute to the restoration of the building, in particular the next phase of major restoration work. The balance in the fund was £56,765 at 31 December 2024.
Archangel Fund : This appeal launched in 2017 with the aim of providing match funding to support a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (now National Lottery Heritage Fund) for the restoration of the Turkish Baths. The Archangel Fund stood at £54,594 at the start of the year and at £57,782 at the end of the year. The Trust may consider the use of this fund within the building, with donor consent.
In December 2024, a consultation was held with donors who had previously given to the Restoration Fund (balance £56,765 as at 31 December 2024) and the Archangel Fund (balance £ 57,782 as at 31 December 2024), advising them of the Trustees proposal to make these funds Unrestricted, for the general use of the Trust. No objections were received to this proposal, so these funds will be transferred into the Unrestricted Funds in 2025.
22
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
17 Analysis of movements in restricted funds (continued)
Stained Glass Appeal : The Trust holds a restricted fund specifically for the restoration of the building’s stained glass windows. The Trust has now completed the restoration of all six major windows in the gables of the three pool halls. £2,444 is the balance remaining on this fund.
Manchester City Council : The city council provided funding towards the maintenance and management of Victoria Baths.The Trust received £49,869 which was fully used up during this period.
Gill Wright Memorial Fund : This fund was established in September 2021 to remember the late Gill Wright as a continuing memorial to her. This will be used for projects at Victoria baths which were close to Gill’s heart, activities which impact our local communities and develop the Baths for greater public use. Expenditure of £4,200 has been incurred in the year on an Archives project, and a balance of £2,234 remains at the end of the year.
Architectural Heritage fund : This grant from Historic England was awarded to The Trust in 2020 and received in 2021, it has previously been used to fund a review the Trust’s future strategy, discussing, and producing a recovery plan following Covid-19. Expenditure of £700 has been incurred during the year, which relates to the design of new Building Interpretation Panels. This work will be completed in 2025.
18 Analysis of movement in unrestricted funds
| Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | 31 | ||||
| 1 January | December | ||||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General fund | 197,757 | 117,817 | (181,034) | - | 134,540 |
| 197,757 | 117,817 | (181,034) | - | 134,540 | |
| Previous | Balance at | ||||
| reporting period | Balance at 1 January |
31 December |
|||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General fund | 215,320 | 179,737 | (197,300) | 197,757 | |
| 215,320 | 179,737 | (197,300) | - | 197,757 | |
| Name of fund | Description, nature and purposes of the fund | ||||
| General fund | The unrestricted funds of the | charity |
23
Manchester Victoria Baths Trust
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
19 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Net current assets/(liabilities) Total |
General Designated Restricted fund funds funds Total £ £ £ £ - - - - 134,540 - 124,159 258,699 |
|---|---|
| 134,540 - 124,159 258,699 |
24