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← The Environment Centre Ltd

2025-03-31-accounts

The Environment Centre Ltd

(a company limited by guarantee)

Trustees’ report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

Charity number: 1039378 Company number: 2929729

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Contents Page
Trustees’ report 3 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Statement of Financial position 10
Notes to the accounts 11 - 15

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The Environment Centre Ltd

Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees, who are also Directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). Since the company is small under s383 Ca 2006, a strategic report is not required.

Objectives and activities

The company is established as a company limited by guarantee under its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated May 1994.

The company’s charitable aim as set out in its Memorandum of Association is the advancement of education through environmental conservation, protection and restoration for the benefit of the public by the provision of training and information services and the encouragement of participation and volunteering in practical environmental projects. The Trustees have agreed to three working aims:

The Environment Centre Ltd seeks to achieve its aims through three main areas of activity:

Organisational structure

The Environment Centre Ltd is managed by a Board of Trustees. Board meetings are arranged on a bi-monthly basis. Subgroups are organised to meet between Board meetings to discuss and progress finance, property and staffing issues, as well as the education and information delivery and outreach issues. These subgroups are made up of trustees and staff and report back to the board.

The Centre Manager is responsible for the day to day running of the Centre and provides a detailed activity report to the Board at the Board meetings. The Finance and Resources Manager prepares a comprehensive financial report for these meetings.

The Environment Centre Ltd is fully independent but works closely with many other organisations and is a member of several forums, partnerships and networks.

Achievements and developments

Environment Centre Ltd staff over the year consisted of Rhian Corcoran as Centre Manager; Siân Jenkins as Finance and Resources Manager; Chris Day as Beyond Recycling Project Officer; Georgia McDonald as Communications Officer; Natasha Edmonds as Administration Officer; Nia Melding as Energy Awareness Project Officer; Ally Fraser and Sue Cole (since September 2024) as Big Climate Leap Project Officers; Paul Jennings and Ollie Lister as Swansea Community Greenspaces Project Officers and Jennifer Williams as Project Officer. Deby McCloy was employed as the Repair Space Assistant in June 2024, and Lis Parsons joined us as a Big Climate Leap Project Officer for 6-months commencing December 2024.

The Centre also had seven self-employees working on their own as well as hosted projects during the year – Anna Williams as Cyfoeth y Coed Project Manager; Alison Broady as the Environment Centre’s Urban Gardener; Mary Duckett, Rhiannon Davies and Saara Rasanen working for Bwyd Abertawe, and Sonny Khan (until September 2024) and Dan Staniaszek (from November 2024) working on the BIG Climate Leap Project. Andrew Devonald stepped down from his role as volunteer Treasurer in August 2024.

The Board would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by trustees, staff and volunteers over what has been another busy year.

The Centre continued to serve as a hub for the community and environmental movements through increasing our social media activity, sharing general awareness and positive environmental news articles. Communications activity

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Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

remained ambitious and impactful despite limited capacity. The team successfully balanced promotion of core Centre activities alongside major projects, events and partnerships, ensuring consistent visibility across digital and physical platforms. Highlights included refreshed webpages, and revitalised YouTube content, media engagement around the Centre’s upcoming 30th anniversary, collaboration on a new local podcast, and focused campaigns such as Repair Week. Our social media following continues to grow.

The Centre continued to provide a range of support services for other organisations and acting as the first point of contact for organisations and members of the public seeking answers to questions relating to issues such as recycling and waste, biodiversity, energy, pollution and environmental volunteering. The recorded footfall total for 2024/25 for people visiting the Centre’s Green Shop was over 5300. These figures relate primarily to those visiting the Centre shop or making enquiries in person at the reception desk – the numbers would be significantly higher if all those attending meetings and events, those visiting other organisations based in the Centre were included. Phone, email and in particular social media enquiries are also substantial.

The Environment Centre Green Shop remains a key part of the charity’s public presence, volunteer engagement and income generation. Throughout the year, the shop was reliably staffed by a committed volunteer team, supported by improved ordering and stock management processes. Recruitment efforts later in the year successfully brought in new volunteers, strengthening cover for busy periods including Saturdays. While sales softened compared to the previous year, this prompted proactive reflection rather than retreat. In response, a dedicated shop group was established in early 2025 to lead on increasing awareness, strengthening integration with wider Centre activities and reinvigorating customer engagement.

The annual Green Fair was held at the National Waterfront Museum in November 2024 and once again proved to be the Environment Centre’s flagship community engagement event. The Fair attracted a record 3,448 visitors over the weekend , an increase of 143 people on the previous year , demonstrating its continued growth and popularity. Across the two days, 61 organisations took part, including 18 environmental campaign groups and charities and 43 local producers, makers and sellers , alongside a community campaign wall that showcased additional organisations unable to attend in person. The Green Fair remains a vital fundraiser for the Centre. Income from stall fees increased by 10% to £3,490 , supported by a modest increase in stall charges, while combined income from stalls and shop reached £5,447 , slightly higher than the previous year. Although shop sales were lower than in 2023, visitor engagement remained strong, with the highest average spend per transaction to date (£10.75) and additional donations raised through activities such as facepainting and the Oxfam book sale. The Green Fair remains a cornerstone of the Environment Centre’s calendar — strengthening community connections, amplifying environmental messages, supporting local organisations and providing a vital platform for sustainable action across Swansea.

Organisations were able to utilise desk and office space at the Centre - our building users during the year were: NIA Architects; Renew Mind Centre; Women4Resources; Swansea Environmental Forum; Family Foundation, Cyfoeth y Coed and Future Clarity. Organisations are also able to use the Centre as their correspondence address – those taking up this service this year were Bikeability; Climate and Community, Congolese Development Project; SCEES, Women in Sustainability and SEF.

The facilities at the Centre continued to be a great resource for other environmental groups and the community of Swansea. Our low-cost meeting space for the community with a range of equipment free to use is invaluable especially for small volunteer-led groups and other community groups needing space to meet or to host their project and public meetings. Organisations large and small, including local groups, businesses and government departments use the Centre and the meeting room spaces as a base for their activities. This year, over 50 different groups or organisations used these facilities.

Despite a challenging funding environment, the Environment Centre demonstrated strong fundraising capability and growing momentum throughout the year. Early successes included participation in the Big Give Green Match Fund, which transformed £2,596 of public donations into a total of £5,485 through match funding and Gift Aid. Community-led fundraising also continued to thrive, with partnerships such as Hoogah’s Charity of the Month in July and a well-attended charity gig in February 2025 raising both funds and profile. In June, the Centre held its first Pier Street Party to celebrate Bike Week and Great Big Green Week, featuring live music, food, workshops and information stalls – due to the success of the event it’s anticipated to become an annual event. June also saw two free wildflower plant giveaways at the Centre as a result of funding received from WWF Cymru Community Grants. We also held monthly film nights showing various environmentally themed films followed by lively discussion and debate. The Centre continues to raise funds from donation boxes, private and organisational donations, as well as through our website and fundraising platforms including LocalGiving and Easyfundraising. Strategically, the Centre made significant progress in securing larger-scale funding. During 2024/25, 21 funding applications were submitted,

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Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

totalling nearly £1 million, resulting in £391,370 secured across eight funds, with major successes achieved towards the end of the financial year. Looking ahead, we have confirmed participation in future Big Give campaigns and new initiatives such as Lotto Abertawe.

Volunteers continue to be the backbone of the Environment Centre and we currently support 35+ regular volunteers and hundreds of drop-in volunteers for litter picking and gardening roles. During the year volunteers contributed over 3,265 hours, including 1,683 hours supporting the shop and hundreds more through drop-in sessions such as gardening, litter picks and events. Volunteer satisfaction remains exceptionally high, with respondents rating their likelihood to recommend the Centre at 9 out of 10. Volunteer management systems were updated and feedback gathered to inform the future development of our volunteer provision. Encouragingly, volunteer recruitment gained renewed momentum towards the end of the year, including new shop volunteers and specialist roles supporting climate and repair projects. The award of a Volunteer Wales grant, commencing in April 2025, represents a major milestone, enabling dedicated coordination time and reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to high-quality volunteer experience and best practice. We thank every volunteer for their much-valued contribution.

We continued to offer a Membership scheme and plan to increase the membership and develop the benefits of becoming a member next year.

The Centre continues to receive funding from Swansea Council – this year the funding comes in the final year of the Framework Agreement of environmental providers to help support the delivery of net zero Swansea by 2050. The aim of the framework is to provide additional delivery support, working on specific projects for the Climate Change department. We delivered 3 key initiative this year.

  1. The Environment Centre successfully delivered the pilot year of Help Out When You Move Out (HOWYMO) , an ambitious and highly effective response to the long-standing issue of student waste at the end of the academic year. Commissioned by Swansea Council and delivered in partnership with local universities, community organisations and residents, the project focused on making donation simple, accessible and genuinely useful to the wider community. The pilot ran from April to June 2024 and prioritised research, stakeholder engagement and careful co-design with students and community partners. Learning from previous schemes across Swansea and the UK, HOWYMO adopted a doorstep collection model, removing key barriers such as lack of transport, time pressures and inconvenient drop-off points. This approach proved highly effective. The project resulted in the collection and redistribution of 540kg of reusable items, preventing them from entering landfill. Donations included 93kg of food redistributed to local food banks, 265kg of household goods provided to community cupboards, 167kg of clothes and books donated to local charities, and 14kg of stationery reused through environmental education and repair initiatives. Every donation was carefully matched to organisations with the greatest need, ensuring maximum social value alongside environmental benefit. Beyond the material impact, HOWYMO strengthened relationships between students and local residents, increased student awareness of waste and reuse, and demonstrated a scalable model for future years. The project has already been approved for expansion in 2025, doubling the number of streets involved and embedding HOWYMO as a cornerstone of sustainable student living in Swansea.

  2. The Plastic Free July (PFJ) project marked a significant milestone for the Environment Centre, representing the first dedicated, funded programme focused solely on reducing single-use plastic beyond its Green Shop and Café. Delivered in partnership with Swansea Market and supported by Swansea Council, the project brought global environmental action into one of Swansea’s most vibrant public spaces. Throughout July, the Environment Centre hosted twice-weekly engagement stalls, interactive demonstrations and creative workshops designed to raise awareness, challenge habits and provide practical alternatives to plastic use. Key initiatives included a Bring Your Own Container (BYOC) rewards scheme, microplastic testing demonstrations, a Mug Library, a Carrier Bag Station, and hands-on workshops producing beeswax wraps and reusable tote bags. Fourteen market stalls actively participated in the BYOC scheme, helping normalise reusable containers and reinforcing the market’s commitment to sustainability. Across the month, the project achieved over 250 direct engagements aligned with its objectives, alongside exceptional social media reach and overwhelmingly positive feedback from traders, shoppers and partners. Importantly, the project succeeded in laying the groundwork for long-term change. Market traders reported increased customer confidence in bringing reusable containers, while Swansea Market expressed strong interest in expanding the initiative beyond July.

  3. Between February and April 2025, the Environment Centre delivered a highly impactful outreach programme bringing environmental action directly into underserved communities across Swansea. Aligned with the Climate Emergency Centres movement, the project addressed key barriers that prevent many residents from accessing environmental support, including cost, transport and accessibility. Working in partnership with Birchgrove, Cockett and Plasmarl Community Centres, the project delivered a programme of Repair Cafés, litter picks, Warm Hubs, energy advice sessions and practical sustainability activities, all tailored to local needs. By hosting these activities within trusted community spaces, the project fostered stronger local connections,

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Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

improved wellbeing and empowered residents to take manageable, confidence-building steps towards more sustainable living. The project delivered clear environmental benefits, including measurable carbon savings through repair, reduced travel emissions and waste reduction, alongside wider social outcomes such as increased community engagement and skills sharing. Feedback showed that repeated presence built trust and significantly increased participation, highlighting the importance of sustained local engagement rather than one-off events. Crucially, this project generated valuable learning for future delivery. It demonstrated the effectiveness of bringing services to communities rather than expecting communities to travel, and it laid the foundations for longer-term partnerships.

The Switched On Energy Awareness Hub has successfully delivered a highly impactful programme of support for households across Swansea, helping residents navigate rising energy costs, improve energy efficiency and access vital advice and services. Over the lifetime of the project, the Hub engaged with 967 households, providing trusted, accessible advice through in-person support, outreach events, phone and email. Of these, 495 households received in-depth, personalised assessments, enabling tailored guidance and referrals to appropriate services. Collectively, this support has helped households achieve estimated financial savings of £131,854 and annual carbon savings of 214 tonnes of CO₂, representing a significant social, financial and environmental impact. The project’s strength lay in its community-focused delivery model. Regular outreach at established events such as the Waterfront Museum One Stop Shop proved particularly effective, enabling the Hub to reach people who may otherwise struggle to access support. Strong partnerships with organisations including Citizens Advice, Care and Repair and Warm Wales ensured residents received holistic, joined-up assistance when their needs extended beyond the Hub’s remit. Case studies demonstrate the Hub’s real-world impact, supporting households facing energy debt, complex billing issues, health-related vulnerability and language barriers. Staff and volunteers provided practical help with tariff comparisons, complaints, grant applications, debt management and energy-saving measures, often at moments of acute financial stress. The project has also been reflective and forward-looking, identifying clear learning around accessibility, digital engagement, promotion and staffing capacity. These insights provide a strong foundation for shaping future delivery and extending the reach and effectiveness of energy advice services in Swansea. The project was awarded Energy Redress funding in March 2025, to continue for 2 years.

The Beyond Recycling Swansea (BRS) project continued for its fifth year providing fortnightly litter picks, a monthly Repair Café, sewing and darning workshops and pop-up repair cafes. Importantly, following an initial setup phase, the Swansea Repair Space (funded by Welsh Government's Landfill Disposal Tax Community Scheme) opened to the public in June 2024 and has since gone from strength to strength. Operated two days per week on the High Street, it has welcomed 437 items for repair by March 2025, achieving an impressive 81% successful repair rate. Items that could not be repaired were responsibly recycled or used for parts, ensuring minimal waste. This strong performance demonstrates both the quality of volunteer skills and the clear local demand for repair services. Volunteer engagement has been a major success. A total of 29 volunteers contributed over 780 hours during the year, far exceeding expectations. Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including retirees, people seeking work experience, individuals managing ill health, and members of the asylum seeker community. The project has provided meaningful opportunities for skills development, wellbeing and social connection, while also enabling knowledge-sharing across generations and communities. Community engagement has been strong, with repairthemed events, workshops and outreach activities reaching over 200 people in person, and a successful social media campaign reaching more than 31,000 people online. Partnerships with organisations such as Sustrans, Swansea University and local cultural groups have further broadened the project’s reach and impact.

The Beyond Recycling Warm Hub, supported with Community Foundation Wales funding, has delivered a highly successful and impactful year, providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for local people during the winter months, while responding directly to the cost of living and fuel poverty challenges facing Swansea communities. Across winter 2024/25, the Warm Hub ran 24 weekly sessions, welcoming 206 individuals, with 148 people actively participating in creative, practical and social activities. The Hub offered free hot drinks, refreshments, internet access and charging facilities, alongside a rich programme of workshops focused on creativity, repair, nature and wellbeing, all delivered in a supportive and friendly environment. The project achieved particularly strong outcomes in reducing isolation and improving wellbeing. Many participants formed new friendships, gained confidence and developed new skills, with some progressing into volunteering and even leading sessions themselves. The Hub also provided trusted energy advice and small energy efficiency kits, helping participants reduce bills, access support and improve energy awareness during a period of acute financial pressure.

Year 2 of The BIG Climate Leap, a National Lottery Sustainable Steps funded 5-year project, has been a strong and successful year, building confidently on the project’s developmental first year and demonstrating growing momentum for community-led climate action across Swansea. The project team engaged 37 community groups in total, with 17 actively involved, and supported five new groups to deliver their first climate actions, exceeding annual targets. In total, nine meaningful climate actions were delivered, including energy audits, sustainable

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Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

procurement policies and low-carbon food initiatives. Capacity building has been a major achievement. The project delivered 35 training sessions to 236 participants, far exceeding expectations. On average, 75% of participants reported increased confidence in talking about or supporting climate action. A key milestone was the launch of the BIG Climate Leap Climate Leaders Network, with 30 people registered on the new 12-month programme, creating a strong pipeline of future community climate leaders. The team also completed three carbon footprints, one energy assessment and four environmental assessments, giving organisations clear, practical insight into their environmental impact and priority areas for action. Several groups are now committed to ongoing carbon monitoring and reduction planning. The year has been characterised by strong learning and adaptation, with participant feedback directly shaping improvements to accessibility, training design and delivery. Financial management remains robust, with an underspend being strategically reinvested into staffing capacity to support increased delivery in future years.

The Swansea Community Green Spaces Project has had an exceptionally positive and productive year, supporting communities across the city to create, strengthen and sustain green spaces that deliver environmental, social and wellbeing benefits. Using a Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Development Grant the project directly supported 17 community green space projects , with engagement conversations taking place with over 30 groups in total. Support ranged from capital improvements and practical growing advice to governance guidance, design planning and volunteer engagement, enabling groups at all stages of development to move forward with confidence. A major highlight was the delivery of a comprehensive programme of training and skills development . This included an eight-session Community Green Spaces course, specialist technical horticulture training aimed at routes into employment, an Introduction to Permaculture weekend, and a popular series of fruit tree courses. Feedback consistently showed increased knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm, with participants valuing both the practical skills and the opportunity to connect with others. The project also placed strong emphasis on inclusive, communityled delivery . Schools, carers’ organisations, health charities and neighbourhood groups were supported to develop food-growing spaces that enhance learning, wellbeing and access to nature. Many projects focused on low-cost, sustainable solutions such as rainwater harvesting, recycled materials and biodiversity-friendly planting, ensuring long-term resilience and accessibility. A celebratory Seed Swap event in March brought groups together to share learning, exchange seeds and reflect on the year, reinforcing the sense of a growing network of community green spaces across Swansea. The project has successfully nurtured skills, confidence and collaboration, while laying solid foundations for the continued growth of community-led green spaces across Swansea.

October 2024 saw the start of a 2-year Friends of the Earth funded St Thomas Postcode Gardener Project. The first six months laid strong and promising foundations for long-term community and environmental impact. This initial developmental phase focused on relationship-building and careful groundwork in a tight-knit neighbourhood – an essential investment that is already paying dividends. Initial community engagement commenced, with 16 local residents and 7 community groups actively involved to date. The project has established meaningful connections with schools, churches, allotments, housing providers, youth organisations and universities. Outreach has included community hubs, school partnerships, a public launch event, and door-to-door leafleting, ensuring broad awareness and early momentum. The launch event in December 2024 marked an inspiring start, even in challenging weather! Behind the scenes, the project has also benefited from strong organisational support. The Postcode Gardener has undertaken extensive training, mentorship and enterprise development through Friends of the Earth, ensuring the project is well-equipped to deliver high-quality outcomes in future phases.

In September 2024 we received Awards for All funding to strengthen Swansea’s Food and Green Spaces Networks. Over the year, Bwyd Abertawe continued to play a vital coordinating role in strengthening Swansea’s food system. Seven Steering Group meetings and six food subgroup meetings brought partners together to share learning, align strategic action and support a growing network of local food projects. Two newsletters were distributed, and network membership grew significantly from 566 to 620 members, reflecting increasing engagement and momentum. Celebrating community food growing was a highlight of the year. The Growing Food Celebration held in September with Cae Tan Community Supported Agriculture welcomed 81 attendees and featured inspiring talks and workshops from The Rowan Tree, Cyfoeth Y Coed, and Bramble & Nettle. In March, the Swansea Food Education Network event brought together 23 participants from 13 schools, sparking collaboration and launching the Swansea Food Education Audit, an important step toward embedding food growing and education in schools. Grant funding also enabled participation in eight community events, extending the network’s reach across the city. Cyfoeth Y Coed delivered tangible benefits to both food security and education. A weekly supply of apples to North Gower Food Hub introduced fresh fruit previously unavailable, with enthusiastic feedback leading to increased orders for the following year. The Apples to Schools project provided free, healthy snacks for pupils, while new fruit trees and soft fruit planted in schools and communities created lasting local food sources and hands-on learning opportunities for future generations. Alongside this, the Green Spaces Project supported eight community groups, delivering practical gardening sessions, design advice and funding support. Volunteers installed water butts, planted fruit trees and improved green spaces, while over 60 pupils were engaged in learning about herbs and edible plants. The project also helped groups fundraise, attract new volunteers and build stronger connections with local organisations, leaving

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Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

a lasting legacy of greener, more resilient community spaces. Together, these achievements demonstrate the power of partnership working, community-led action and sustained coordination in creating healthier, more resilient food systems and green spaces across Swansea.

During the year, the Environment Centre successfully secured Local Places for Nature funding to invest in community-led environmental action across the city. This funding enabled the creation and enhancement of natural capital assets in local green spaces, empowering communities to take an active role in the development, care and long-term use of the places they value most. The project is supported community sites including community gardens, schools, churches, allotments and volunteer-led green spaces, with the majority of funding directly allocated to grassroots groups. These resources are already strengthening biodiversity, supporting local food growing, and enabling year-round volunteer engagement. Funded improvements include native plants and seeds, compost and topsoil, rainwater harvesting systems, raised beds, signage, storage and essential infrastructure.

In March, the Centre received funding from the WCVA’s Volunteering Wales Main Grants for a project that will include a volunteer coordinator role to support asylum seeker volunteers at the repair space and green space sessions in St Thomas. The work will commence in April 2025 and the funding will cover two years.

The Centre also hosted the Bwyd Abertawe project for its third year which received funds from Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Development Grants, Sustainable Food Partnership’s Grant, Swansea University and the Moondance Foundation. Bwyd Abertawe is a network of food system stakeholders within the City and County of Swansea which includes everyone who is interested in sustainable food for Swansea. Bwyd Abertawe’s projects include a Growing Volunteers and Access to Local Produce and Mawr Agriculture and Farmer Engagement and Need Analysis.

Risk Management and Public Benefit

The trustees continue to undertake an assessment of risks to which the Centre is exposed and are establishing systems to mitigate those risks. This process involves identifying the types of risks to which the Centre is exposed, prioritising risks in terms of their potential impact on the Centre’s activities and identifying ways in which the risks might be managed. The trustees recognise that risk assessment is an ongoing process, and the process will be reviewed and the quality of the assessment enhanced on a regular basis.

The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and believe that our activities continue to meet the public benefit requirement.

Reserves and review of financial position

The trustees’ policy is to maintain reserves above that represented by fixed assets to meet its ongoing obligations and contingencies. The Centre’s total unrestricted fund reserves at 31 March 2025 amounted to £31,105, of which £29,605 is held as net current assets. There was a decrease in reserves of £6,817 compared with a decrease of £13,824 the previous financial year. In terms of net current assets there was a decrease of £6002 compared with a decrease of £13,008 the previous year.

Trustees

Trustees are elected on the basis of their ability to contribute in an individual capacity. Prior to each AGM, the Board will scrutinise all nominations made on an individual basis so as to ensure that the individuals concerned have the capacity to make an adequate contribution to the work of the Centre.

The Board may then co-opt up to three additional trustees. The following trustees held office during the year: Board may then co-opt up to three additional trustees. The following trustees held office during the year:
SP Bolchover(Chair Person) PJones(ViceChair Person)
The Board may then co-opt up to three additional trustees. The following trustees held office during the year: The Board may then co-opt up to three additional trustees. The following trustees held office during the year:
SP Bolchover(Chair Person) PJones(ViceChair Person)
BR Pawson RMOwen
DJHill N Isherwood
AD Kreppel Carrie TownsendJones
H Richmond Peter Anderson(joined November 2024)
A Devonald(retired August 2024) Ghalia Almazrouei(joined November 2024)

Trustees Responsibility Statement

The Trustees (who are also the Directors of the company for the purposes of Company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees annual report in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The financial statements for each financial year should give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure,

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The Environment Centre Ltd

Trustees ’ Report for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities

Other reference and administrative information

Registered office Pier Street Swansea SA1 1RY Independent examiner Martin Waterworth Martin Waterworth Limited Bronwylfa Llangunnor Road Carmarthen SA31 2PB Charity number 1039378 Company number 2929729

Approved by order of the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

The company has taken advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the above report. The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees report (including the Directors report)

SE Jenkins Company Secretary 1 December 2025

Pier Street Swansea SA 1 1R5

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Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Environment Centre Ltd

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The Environment Centre Ltd (“the Company”)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (who are also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

I have no concerns and have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Martin Waterworth FCA Martin Waterworth Limited Chartered Accountant 1 December 2025

Bronwylfa Llangunnor Road Carmarthe5 SA31 2PB

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The Environment Centre Ltd

Statement of financial activities

for the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations and member subscriptions
2
Trading and other activities
3
Other income
Charitable activities
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds/ trading activities
5
Charitable activities–direct
6
Charitable activities–support costs
7
Charitable activities - governance costs
8
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure)/ income for the
year
Total funds brought forward
Transfer between funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
4,400
-
4,400
4,517
46,439
-
46,439
46,916
-
-
-
-
82,195
307,049
389,244
318,487
133,034
307,049
440,083
369,920
40,745
-
40,745
45,887
-
307,049
307,049
237,256
96,806
-
96,806
98,301
2,300
-
2,300
2,300
139,851
307,049
446,900
383,744
(6,817)
-
(6,817)
(13,824)
37,922
-
37,922
51,746
-
-
-
-
31,105
-
31,105
37,922

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The Environment Centre Ltd

Company number: 2929729 in England and Wales (a company limited by guarantee)

Statement of Financial Position at 31 March 2025

Note 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 17,862 22,723
Current assets
Stock 7,140 7,072
Debtors 11 11,627 36,585
Cash at bank 174,085 159,177
192,852 202,834
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 12 (163,247) (167,227)
Net current assets 29,605 35,607
Total assets less current liabilities 47,467 58,330
Accruals and deferred income 13 (16,362) (20,408)
Net assets 31,105 37,922
Funds
Unrestricted funds 31,105 37,922
Restricted funds 14 - -
Total funds 15 31,105 37,922

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies ’ regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 1 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Se (Sate

SP Bolchover - Trustee (Chairman)

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The Environment Centre Ltd

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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 2019)”, 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.

Company status

The Environment Centre Ltd is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales. In the event of the winding up of the company every member is liable to contribute to the debts and liabilities of the company such amounts as may be required, but not exceeding £10 each.

Going Concern

The Trustees regularly monitor the financial position of the Charity. Cashflow is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Based on their ongoing review the Trustees consider it appropriate to continue to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes.

Grants, Project, and other income

All grants, project and other income are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, and it is probable that the income will be received, and the amounts can be measured reliably.

Where grants have been used to purchase capital assets, this is treated as a deferred grant and is shown under accruals and deferred income. This is released annually to income at a rate equivalent to the depreciation charge for the asset.

Project income receivable on a contract basis (and restricted in nature) is treated as deferred income where the expenditure on that project has not been fully expended by the end of the accounting period.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Stock

Stock has been included at cost, less any adjustment where the realisable value is lower than cost. This relates to stock held in the shop & cafe, based on sales value less average mark-up on cost.

Fixed assets and depreciation

Items of furniture and equipment for the Centre’s own use with individual values of less than £100 are written off as incurred. Other such items are capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful economic lives as follows:

Furniture & fittings 5-10 years Equipment 10 years Computer equipment 3 years

13 14

The Environment Centre Ltd

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

2
3
4		 Income– donations/ membership
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
£
£
General donations
3,928
-
Membership subscriptions
472
-
4,400
Income - other trading activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
£
funds
£
Green Fayre
3,491
-
Fundraising events
5,485
-
Shop and café sales
37,463
-
46,439
Income from charitable activities
Grants, project & other income
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
CC Swansea: Swansea Council Contract
14,813
16,438
Swansea Warm Spaces
(66)
4,839
Swansea Green Spaces
1,919
31,537
Beyond Recycling 2
2,566
7,978
Sweet Pickings
1,041
8,144
Urban Garden Project
(24)
121
Action for Sustainability
382
623
Energy Awareness Hub/Centre Project
21,554
34,979
Local Places For Nature/Green Pier Street
428
21,248
Postcode Gardener
847
2,756
Awards For All
1,641
9,821
Bwyd Abertawe 2 and later
8,753
84,418
Big Climate Leap
4,456
55,512
Earth Hour Project
-
-
Release of capital grants
-
4,046
Swansea Repair Space
1,138
21,038
Our Climate Action
-
-
Moondance
-
-
Project income–other
291
3,551
Administration services
737
-
Hire of office/ rooms
21,719
-
Totals
82,195
307,049		 2025
Total
£
3,928
472
4,400
2025
Total
£
3,491
5,485
37,463
46,439
2025
Total
£
31,251
4,773
33,456
10,544
9,185
97
1,005
56,533
21,676
3,603
11,462
93,171
59,968
-
4,046
22,176
-
-
3,842
737
21,719
389,244		 2024
Total
£
4,003
514
4,517
2024
Total
£
3,250
4,677
38,989
46,916
2024
Total
£
7,435
4,459
13,437
12,292
16,762
4,351
7,620
44,736
19,060
-
-
96,549
53,703
191
4,044
2,470
2,390
6,000
1,308
603
21,167
318,487

13 14

The Environment Centre Ltd

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

5
6
7
8		 Expenditure on raising funds/ trading
activities
Green Fayre costs
BIG Give activities
Fundraising co-ordinator
Promotional costs
Shop assistant
Costs of shop and café sales
Expenditure - charitable activities direct
CC Swansea: Swansea Council Contract
Swansea Warm Spaces
Swansea Green Spaces
Beyond Recycling 2
Sweet Pickings
Urban Garden Project
Action For Sustainability
Energy Awareness Hub/Centre Project
Local Places For Nature/ Green Pier Street
Postcode Gardener
Awards For All
Bwyd Abertawe 2 and later
Big Climate Leap
Our Climate Action
Depreciation on capital grant assets
Swansea Repair Space
Project income - other		 2025
2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
funds
£
funds
£
£
£
1,544
-
1,544
659
4,196
-
4,196
679
-
-
-
4,621
840
-
840
812
6,953
-
6,953
10,265
27,212
-
27,212
28,851
40,745
40,745
45,887
2025
2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
funds
£
funds
£
£
£
16,438
16,438
4,304
4,839
4,839
2,988
31,537
31,537
4,926
7,978
7,978
10,129
8,144
8,144
15,007
121
121
3,355
623
623
2,310
34,979
34,979
27,596
21,248
21,248
17,206
2,756
2,756
-
9,821
9,821
-
84,418
84,418
93,503
55,512
55,512
48,222
-
-
2.390
4,046
4,046
4,044
-
21,038
21,038
-
-
3,551
3,551
1,276
Totals -
307,049
307,049
237,256
Charitable activities - support costs
Salaries & other work costs
Administration costs
Building running costs
Charitable activities - governance costs
Independent examiner’s remuneration		 2025
2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
funds
£
funds
£
£
£
70,577
-
70,577
67,510
6,178
-
6,178
6,566
20,051
-
20,051
24,225
96,806
96,806
98,301
2025
2024
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Total
funds
£
funds
£
£
£
2,300
-
2,300
2,300
2,300
2,300
2,300

15

The Environment Centre Ltd

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

9 Employees/ trustees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Managers
Project Officers
Caretaker/ Admin		 2025
2024
2
2
8
6
3
3
13
11

No employee received emoluments more than £60,000. None of the trustees received any remuneration or expenses from the company.

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 31 March 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 31 March 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2024
Net book values
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2024
11
Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one-year
Loans
Accruals & deferred income		 Furniture
Equipment
&Fitting
£
£
59,384
17,989
-
-
59,384
17,989
42,495
12,155
2,627
2,234
45,122
14,389
14,262
3,600
16,889
5,834
2025
£
9,460
2,167
11,627
2025

£

5,983

157,264
163,247		 Furniture
Equipment
&Fitting
£
£
59,384
17,989
-
-
59,384
17,989
42,495
12,155
2,627
2,234
45,122
14,389
14,262
3,600
16,889
5,834
2025
£
9,460
2,167
11,627
2025

£

5,983

157,264
163,247		 Total
£
77,373
-
77,373
54,650
4,861
59,511
17,862
22,723
2024
£
35,570
1,015
36,585
2024
£
6,793
160,434
167,227



16

The Environment Centre Ltd

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025

13
Accruals & deferred income
Deferred capital grants
14
Restricted funds
Various projects
15
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 2024
£		 2025

£

16,362

16,362
Incoming
Outgoing
resources
resources
£
£
307,049
(307,049)
307,049
(307,049)		 2025

£

16,362

16,362
Incoming
Outgoing
resources
resources
£
£
307,049
(307,049)
307,049
(307,049)		 2024
£
20,408
20,408
2025
£
- -
Tangible
fixed
assets
£
1,500
16,362
17,862		 Net
Accruals
current
&Deferred
assets
income
£
£
29,605 -
-
(16,362)
29,605
(16,362)		 Total
£
31,105
-
31,105

16 Lease arrangement

On 23 January 2020, The Environment Centre Ltd entered a 35-year lease with Swansea Council. No premium was paid, but the terms are a stepped-up rent. As tenant, The Environment Centre has a break option, and can at any time terminate the lease by giving at least six months’ notice. No rent was payable for the first four years from entering the lease, after which the annual rent is £1,391 per annum for the next five years (starting with this year), with increments every five years up to £13,506 in the last year.

1717

17