OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Charity number: 1047717

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report and Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Contents

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers 1
Trustees' Report 2 - 7
Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements 8 - 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Statement of Cash Flows 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15 - 32

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers For the year ended 31 March 2025

Trustees Mr G Pomell,Chair
Mr D Lewin,Treasurer
Mr R Narme
Mr J Smith
Mrs L Foster-Brooks
Charity registered number
1047717
Principal office
Bethel Convention Centre
Kelvin Way
West Bromwich
West Midlands
B70 7JW
Independent auditors
Dains Audit Limited
2 Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3AX
Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
One Snow Hill
Snow Hill Queensway
Birmingham
B4 6GH
Solicitors
Clark Brookes Turner Cary Limited
3rd Floor
Guardian House
Cronehills Linkway
West Bromwich
B70 8GS

Page 1

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. ("the Charity") for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

The Charity's main objective is to advance the Christian faith.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

Achievements and performance

a. Review of activities

Bethel National Trustees, volunteered their service since 16th December 2017, we started out with seven but one resigned and another has passed away. We have not been paid or had our expenses remunerated, for 8 years.

The Charity is working in furtherance of its aims and objects, the following activities were undertaken during the noted financial year:

  1. We developed the ministry throughout the U.K working in partnership with other Bethel family of churches, who are registered independently. The individual members of independent branch churches remain individual voting and nonvoting members of Bethel Charity (1047717).

  2. Our Annual 68th National convocation and other national department meetings, in person, occurred during the financial year which were well supported by members.

  3. The Charity supported Children’s ministry i.e. Bethel United School of Youth (BUSY) during national meetings. This Charity also supported our elderly treasured saints from 70+ years e.g. national fellowship meals, free of charge, during our annual Convocation.

  4. We continue our fundraising activities and hospitality function to facilitate the above activities as well as the maintenance of fixed assets.

  5. Monthly repayments of £6,104 average per month on the loan for BCC, continues and the remaining loan tenure is 9 years and 5 months, as of 31st March 2025.

  6. The Conflict-of-Interest Policy remains relevant during trustees’ meetings, practice, etc.

  7. Financial Controls & Expense Policies; and Fraud Risk Management Policy remain in place during the noted financial period.

  8. Account reporting system continues to be monitored to maintain and or improve auditing; trustees have fully implemented Zero accounting software instead of sage.

  9. The Charity submitted required corporation tax information via our accountants to HMRC.

Page 2

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements and performance (continued)

  1. Investment improvements, repairs continue to be made to Bethel Convention Centre, which is now valued at £4.330m.

  2. Branch churches registered independently, together with individual membership donations, as well as income from national meetings and gift aid claims, contributed towards monthly loan repayment and some capital investment/repairs. The outstanding mortgage principal owed to Barclays Bank was £463,961 as of 31st March 2025. The capital amount paid during the period was £84,646. However, the interest paid since the new contract is £38,208.

  3. Capital investment/repairs on BCC for the period was £54,393: these consisted of LED screens, upgraded security alarm system, software upgrades and training for cyber security, lift renovation, the latest version of desktop computers & laptops, power wiring, office equipment, and, carpet for the chapel. Income from BCC as well as from the above sources serves to finance the entire aims and objectives of the Charity.

  4. There are no branch churches remaining in the charity 1047717. However, trustees are in the process of transferring 2 Gibson Road Church building, their fixed assets, bank account together with gifting three houses bequeathed to 1047717. BUCJCA 2 Gibson Road was registered in December 2022 but their assets remain within and are consolidated within 1047717.

  5. Trustees, in consultation with the Board of Bishops and voting members, are in the process of moving the legal structure of the Organisation from an Unincorporated to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Agreeing the contents of a CIO Constitution is still under consultation.

  6. This reporting period also provides an overview of the current operational structure, workforce composition, and strategic improvements underway at BCC. The organisation is supported by a mixed staffing model comprising permanent employees, zero-hour and contracted staff. However, our dedicated group of volunteers, who had contributed significantly to service delivery and community engagement, has retired. We thank them very much for their labour of love. To ensure continuity during a period of long-term sickness, we have recruited a temporary office worker. This measure has stabilised administrative functions while wider work continues to develop a comprehensive staff skills matrix. This matrix will clearly define roles, responsibilities, and competencies, to reduce duplication, streamline workflow, and manage staffing costs more effectively.

  7. We endeavour to effectively monitor staff hours to ensure events labour cost doesn’t detriment profit margin. For example, event labour costs, excluding permanent contract hours, from July to November 2025 were £3,990. This adjustment reflects our ongoing commitment to aligning resources with operational demand. Communication and organisational effectiveness have also been strengthened through the formation of a monthly Senior Leadership Team (SLT), providing a structured forum for decision-making, oversight, and strategic planning.

  8. Across all activities, we continue to identify marginal gains that can deliver cumulative savings, enabling reinvestment into priority areas. Capital expenditure remains a significant obligation (“big-ticket item”), as maintaining a functional, safe, and attractive environment is essential for ensuring the venue remains bookable and competitive. Recognising the lasting impact of COVID-19 on weekday footfall and hiring patterns, renewed efforts are being made to increase weekday bookings through enhanced marketing and outreach. This remains a key challenge but also a priority opportunity for revenue diversification and future growth.

  9. Overall, BCC is making steady progress in strengthening operational resilience, improving efficiency, and positioning the organisation for sustainable development in the year ahead.

Page 3

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements and performance (continued)

b. Investment policy and performance

The inflated cost of living, including high interest rates, impacts every stratum of society including the Charity's fundraising initiatives across the board. However, the Charity's assets are available. The Charity has the core personnel for growth i.e. salespersons, general manager, and a bookkeeper.

Financial review

a. Going concern

The Charity has reported a deficit for the year of £21,947 (2024 - deficit of £162,488) and at the balance sheet date had net current assets of £524,397 (2024 - £54,129).

Before and in March 2020 the spread of COVID-19 precipitated an unprecedented level of temporary closure to entities within the leisure and hospitality sector as well as religious organisations. As a result of these restrictions, branch churches were closed for a considerable period as well as the Bethel Convention Centre closing at the end of March 2020. These situations resulted in a significant reduction in income from 1st April 2020. Since the easing of restrictions within the leisure and hospitality sectors in May 2021, the Convention Centre has been able to utilise some of its capacity and hold Sunday service events and is slowly starting to facilitate external lettings.

The Trustees have prepared forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonable increases in letting performance, which show that the Charity should be able to operate within the levels of its current facility.

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Thus, they consider that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

b. Reserves policy

The Trustees have established the level of reserves (that is those funds which are freely available) that the Charity ought to have. Reserves are needed to ensure that the day to day operation of the Charity can be sustained. The Charity's policy is to try to maintain reserves to cover 6 months of unrestricted expenditure.

Movements in individual fund balances are given in note 15 and show closing reserves of £1,452,981 (2024 - £1,373,665) after allowance for designated funds and amounts tied up in fixed assets. This equates to roughly 15 months of unrestricted expenditure.

c. Principal funding

A detailed Statement of Financial Activities is set out on page 12 of the Financial Statements. A summary of the financial results of the charity is set out below.

During the year, the Charity raised a total of £1,127,508 (2024 - £877,808) income before charitable expenditure. All of this income related to unrestricted funds and were raised through donations, tithed income, offerings, trading income, rental income and interest received.

Page 4

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

The Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) UK was established in January 1986 and is governed by its constitution dated 29 May 1995, amended in 2004 and amended again on 16th December 2017. The Charity was registered with the Charity Commission on 4 July 1995 under Charity number 1047717.

The Charity has a new Spiritual Board called the Board of Bishops (BOBS), which is made up of Bishops. The BOBS replaced the National Ecclesiastical Council which had replaced the Spiritual governance role previously held by the Executive Board. This is referred to in the Charity’s Constitution amended on 29 July 2004; 16 December 2017 and 4th February 2023). This is further explained in the minutes of the AGM which have been submitted to the Charity Commission.

The distinct separation of the Spiritual and legal components of the Charity is unique for the charity and for this reason, will be a working progress. Nevertheless, trustees remain accountable for all financial transactions and the legal compliance of the Charity.

The Charity operates from the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich. All branch churches are now registered independently. This Charity and independently registered charities, for financial administrative purposes, will continue to support Charity 10147717: this is through donations and national meetings but is under the same spiritual governance. The Charity also has ongoing contact with other overseas organisations operating under the Bethel name, especially during international convocations where donations are made to this Charity.

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Constitution, as stipulated in the amended constitution dated 16th December 2017. Trustees can but do not receive subsistence, that is, lunch allowances, but no other remuneration for the performance of their duties.

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Charity is managed, and its policies are directed, by the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Board of Bishops. The Charity is structured as follows but is under review:

Chair Vice Chair Council of Elders General Secretary Assistant Secretary Voting Members Non-Voting Members

The Charity itself is made up of Individual Members, Voting Members and Non-Voting Members. Members who hold a current License, or are ordained in the Church, are Voting Members and have the right to vote on all matters about the Church. General Members have the right to vote only in relation to the dissolution of the Charity.

The title to the property belonging to the Charity is held by the Trustees listed on page 1.

Page 5

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Structure, governance and management (continued)

d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees

New Trustees will be encouraged to undergo a briefing on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Constitution, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and the recent financial performance of the Charity. The new Trustees will also be encouraged to meet key employees and other Trustees. Trustees are and will be encouraged to attend appropriate internal and external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.

e. Financial risk management

The Trustees have the responsibility of assessing the major risks to which the Charity is exposed; in particular, those related to the operations and finances of the Charity. Trustees are currently reviewing the systems and procedures to ensure these are in place to mitigate our exposure to major risks. Trustees reviewing these risks are ongoing.

Plans for future periods

The Charity's longer-term strategy for beyond 2025 is to maintain its activities and, to achieve some growth. The trustees have continued to put measures in place to try and expand the areas in which the charity operates to achieve this. As such, the trustees believe the Charity to be a going concern and have adopted this assumption in preparing the financial statements.

The trustees are looking to incorporate Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic UK into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation under the same name. The Trustees had commissioned Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP to prepare a draft constitution and make the application to the Charity Commission. The draft constitution is awaiting input from the Board of Bishops before voting on it. It was withdrawn from the AGM in 2024.

This decision to change the legal structure is based on the trustee’s desire to take advantage of the separate legal personality and limited legal liability for trustees and the membership.

Because of the impact of COVID-19, in the short term, trustees adopted a volunteering support model for the day-today running of the Bethel Convention Centre. However, key permanent staff coupled with Zero hour contracts and volunteers are in place.

Page 6

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Trustees' Report (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

The auditors, Dains Audit Limited, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

_________ 85A50B54EE544DA... Mr G Pomell

Chair of Trustees

Date: 29 January 2026

Page 7

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 8

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. (continued)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 9

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. (continued)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the Charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

Page 10

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. (continued)

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and its Trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Dains Audit Limited

Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants

Birmingham

Dains Audit Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 11

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total expenditure
Net expenditure before net gains on investments
Net gains on revaluation of investment properties
Net movement in funds before demergers
Demerger of branch churches to independent charities
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
15
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
15
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
514,637
532,313
80,558
1,127,508
1,149,455
1,149,455
(21,947)
-
(21,947)
-
(21,947)
3,665,465
(21,947)
3,643,518
Total
funds
2025
£
514,637
532,313
80,558
1,127,508
1,149,455
1,149,455
(21,947)
-
(21,947)
-
(21,947)
3,665,465
(21,947)
3,643,518
Total
funds
2024
£
470,856
318,019
88,933
877,808
1,109,879
1,109,879
(232,071)
80,000
(152,071)
(10,417)
(162,488)
3,827,953
(162,488)
3,665,465

The notes on pages 15 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. Registered number:

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025

2025 2025 2024
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 2,058,073 2,159,336
Investment property 11 1,452,000 1,452,000
3,510,073 3,611,336
Current assets
Debtors 12 56,483 46,948
Cash at bank and in hand 797,000 630,954
853,483 677,902
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (329,086) (623,773)
Net current assets 524,397 54,129
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than
one year 14 (390,952) -
Total net assets 3,643,518 3,665,465
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds 15 3,643,518 3,665,465
Total funds 3,643,518 3,665,465

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:


Mr G Pomell

Chair of Trustees

Date: 29 January 2026

The notes on pages 15 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
17
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of borrowing
Net cash used in financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
18
2025
£
298,198
(85,195)
(85,195)
(46,957)
(46,957)
166,046
630,954
797,000
2024
£
(12,718)
(76,346)
(76,346)
(32,417)
(32,417)
(121,481)
752,435
630,954

The notes on pages 15 to 32 form part of these financial statements

Page 14

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K. meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

1.2 Going concern

The Charity has reported a deficit for the year of £21,947 (2024 - deficit of £162,488) and at the balance sheet date had net current assets of £524,397 (2024 - £54,129).

The Trustees have prepared forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonable increases in letting performance, which show that the Charity should be able to operate within the levels of its current facility.

The Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. Thus, they consider that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Page 15

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Gifts in kind donated for distribution are included at valuation and recognised as income when they are distributed to the projects. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold.

Where the donated good is a fixed asset, it is measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor should be used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life in accordance with the Charity's accounting policies.

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount it 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.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1.5 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 institution with whom the funds are deposited.

Page 16

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.6 Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

1.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Freehold land - not depreciated
Freehold property - 3% straight line
Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 15-25% straight line

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

1.8 Investment properties

Investment property is carried at fair value determined annually by trustees and derived from the current market rents and investment property yields for comparable real estate, adjusted if necessary for any difference in the nature, location or condition of the specific asset. No depreciation is provided. Changs in the fair value are recogised in the Statement of financial activities.

1.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and 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.

Page 17

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

1.12 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.

1.13 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

1.14 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

1.15 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 18

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

2. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Critical areas of judgement:

Depreciation and residual values

The Trustees have reviewed the asset lives and associated residual values of all fixed asset classes and have concluded that asset lives and residual values are appropriate.

Valuation of investment properties

The Trustees have reviewed the valuation of each investment property and have concluded that the valuation is appropriate.

Page 19

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds funds
2025 2025 2024
£ £ £
Donations, offerings and tithes 514,637 514,637 470,856

4. Income from trading activities

Unrestricted Total Total
funds funds funds
2025 2025 2024
£ £ £
Convention Centre 532,313 532,313 318,019

5. Investment income

Rental income
Bank interest
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
79,597
961
80,558
Total
funds
2025
£
79,597
961
80,558
Total
funds
2024
£
88,933
-
88,933

Page 20

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Church mission
Convention Centre
Church mission
Convention Centre
Activities
undertaken
directly
2025
£
320,188
826,047
1,146,235
Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
335,293
766,286
1,101,579
Governance
costs
2025
£
3,220
-
3,220
Governance
costs
2024
£
8,300
-
8,300
Total
funds
2025
£
323,408
826,047
1,149,455
Total
funds
2024
£
343,593
766,286
1,109,879

Page 21

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Church Wages & Office Expenses
Office and administration
Convocational expenses
Donations
Food and direct purchases
Bank charges and interest
Marketing and publicity
Premises expenses
Equipment hire
Postage and stationery
Telephone
Other expenses
Repairs and maintenance
Motor and travel
Accountancy fees
Professional fees
Movement in bad debt provision
Total 2025
Church
Mission
2025
£
-
-
58,224
-
12,000
40,707
-
4
-
16,369
-
116
763
8,764
182,608
-
-
633
-
320,188
Convention
Centre
2025
£
177,427
186,458
-
260
-
6,277
28,153
37,660
22,216
204,547
33,398
4,286
18,833
79,487
26,975
18
8,390
38,571
(46,909)
826,047
Total
funds
2025
£
177,427
186,458
58,224
260
12,000
46,984
28,153
37,664
22,216
220,916
33,398
4,402
19,596
88,251
209,583
18
8,390
39,204
(46,909)
1,146,235

Page 22

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Depreciation
Ministerial expenses
Office and administration
Convocational expenses
Donations
Books and equipment
Food and direct purchases
Bank charges and interest
Marketing and publicity
Premises expenses
Equipment hire
Postage and stationery
Telephone
Other expenses
Repairs and maintenance
Motor and travel
Accountancy fees
Professional fees
Movement in bad debt provision
Total 2024
Church
Mission
2024
£
-
-
45,428
-
12,000
31,941
-
-
-
-
13,210
-
-
726
13,178
209,802
-
-
9,008
-
335,293
Convention
Centre
2024
£
122,140
176,185
-
1,494
-
3,019
60
29,996
54,640
5,730
182,602
30,174
3,232
14,278
44,591
19,920
651
1,151
30,395
46,028
766,286
Total
funds
2024
£
122,140
176,185
45,428
1,494
12,000
34,960
60
29,996
54,640
5,730
195,812
30,174
3,232
15,004
57,769
229,722
651
1,151
39,403
46,028
1,101,579

Page 23

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

7. Net income/(expenditure)

This is stated after charging:

2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 186,458 176,185
Auditor's remuneration - audit 9,100 8,300

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
2025
£
168,031
6,370
3,026
177,427
2024
£
114,141
6,413
1,586
122,140

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Convention centre

2025 2024
No. No.
13 10

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

The total compensation received by the key management personnel of the Charity was £NIL (2024 - £NIL).

9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL).

Page 24

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

10. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Freehold land
and property
£
5,954,527
975
5,955,502
3,895,046
148,665
4,043,711
1,911,791
2,059,481
Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
893,967
84,220
978,187
794,112
37,793
831,905
146,282
99,855
Total
£
6,848,494
85,195
6,933,689
4,689,158
186,458
4,875,616
2,058,073
2,159,336

Page 25

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

11. Investment property

Valuation
At 1 April 2024
At 31 March 2025
Freehold
investment
property
£
1,452,000
1,452,000

The 2025 valuations were made by the Trustees on an open market value for existing use basis. In the opinion of the Trustees, the market value of the investment property is still materially correct at 31 March 2025.

12. Debtors

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
2025
£
42,020
4,569
9,894
56,483
2024
£
40,005
4,273
2,670
46,948

Page 26

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loan
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
2025
£
73,009
22,258
20,015
46,492
167,312
329,086
2024
£
510,918
72,782
13,762
6,143
20,168
623,773

Bank loan security

The mortgage loan is secured via a first legal charge over the land and buildings at Bethel Convention Centre, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich. During the year, the Trustees renegotiated the repayment profile of the bank loan to be repaid over 10 years.

14. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year

2025 2024
£ £
Bank loan 390,952 -

The mortgage loan is secured via a first legal charge over the land and buildings at Bethel Convention Centre, Kelvin Way, West Bromwich.

Page 27

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Donations account
Fixed assets
General funds
General Funds
Total Unrestricted funds
Balance at 1
April 2024
£
132,464
2,159,336
2,291,800
1,373,665
3,665,465
Income
£
-
-
-
1,127,508
1,127,508
Expenditure
£
-
(186,458)
(186,458)
(962,997)
(1,149,455)
Transfers
in/(out)
£
-
85,195
85,195
(85,195)
-
Balance at 31
March 2025
£
132,464
2,058,073
2,190,537
1,452,981
3,643,518

Designated funds

Donations account

This fund comprises cash held at bank to fund future mortgage loan repayments over the next 12 months, the capital element of which is held in creditors on the balance sheet.

Fixed assets

This fund represents amounts tied up in the tangible assets of the charity.

Restricted funds

Mortgage reserves

Donations received to specifically assist the repayment of the mortgage liability.

Page 28

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

15. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Donations
account
Fixed assets
General funds
General Funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Balance at
1 April 2023
£
132,464
2,269,592
2,402,056
1,425,897
3,827,953
Income
£
-
-
-
877,808
877,808
Expenditure
£
-
(176,185)
(176,185)
(933,694)
(1,109,879)
Transfers
in/(out)
£
-
65,929
65,929
(65,929)
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
69,583
69,583
Balance at
31 March
2024
£
132,464
2,159,336
2,291,800
1,373,665
3,665,465

Page 29

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Investment property
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Creditors due in more than one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
2,058,073
1,452,000
853,483
(329,086)
(390,952)
3,643,518
Total
funds
2025
£
2,058,073
1,452,000
853,483
(329,086)
(390,952)
3,643,518

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Investment property
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
2,159,336
1,452,000
677,902
(623,773)
3,665,465
Total
funds
2024
£
2,159,336
1,452,000
677,902
(623,773)
3,665,465

Page 30

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

17. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
De-merger of branch churches to independent charities
Increase/(decrease) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Revaluation of investment properties
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
18.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
19.
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1 April
2024
£
Cash at bank and in hand
630,954
Debt due within 1 year
(510,918)
Debt due after 1 year
-
120,036
2025
£
(21,947)
186,458
-
(9,534)
143,221
-
298,198
2025
£
797,000
797,000
Cash flows
£
166,046
437,909
(390,952)
213,003
2024
£
(152,071)
176,185
(10,417)
26,961
26,624
(80,000)
(12,718)
2024
£
630,954
630,954
At 31 March
2025
£
797,000
(73,009)
(390,952)
333,039

Page 31

Docusign Envelope ID: EC4DE7D1-54D1-4FD2-B232-A37379467FF5

Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic U.K.

Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 March 2025

20. Pension commitments

The Charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £3,026 (2024 - £1,586). Contributions totalling £670 (2024 - £NIL) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.

21. Related party transactions

The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 31 March 2025.

Page 32