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2023-12-31-accounts

2023 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS & IMPACT REPORT Re- bi￿1 MAE

Company Number: 03337853 Charity Number: 1063570

RE-CYCLE

Annual Report and Accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2023

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Contents of Annual Report & Accounts

PAGE
Charity & Company Information 2
Trustees Report 3
� Introduction 3
� Structure, Governance and Management 3
� Strategic Purpose and Principal Activities 5
� Financial review 6
� Reserves 6
� Responsibilities of the trustees in relation 7
to the financial statements
Independent Examination Report and Statement 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Cashflow Statement 11
Notes to the Accounts 12

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Charity & Company Information

Trustees Christopher Davis (resigned 8 April 2024) Hannah Perrins-Hill - Chair Trevor Fitchett (appointed 30 October 2023) John Savill Omolade Adeyeye Company Secretary Steve Brown - Treasurer Director Charlotte Ward (appointed 1 January 2023) Company number 03337853 Charity number 1063570 Registered office Unit 8 The Grove Estate Colchester Road Wormingford Colchester Essex CO6 3AJ Bankers CAF Bank (UK) Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Triodos Bank Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AS

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year to 31 December 2023.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and 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).

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Re-Cycle is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 21 March 1997 and registered as a charity on 24 July 1997. The company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 4 March 1997 as amended by special resolution dated 18 March 2004.

The charitable company has a governance structure based on five operational tiers:

  1. The first tier are the members who vote at the AGM for the directors/trustees to run the organisation. They are not involved on a regular basis, other than as ‘advocates’.

  2. The second tier is the Board of Trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) who have overall responsibility for and control of the charity/company and meet at regular intervals to discuss the performance to date and future plans. They are responsible for strategic direction and ensure that money is spent in accordance with the charity’s objectives in its constitution.

  3. The third tier is the day-to-day Re-Cycle operations with a team of 7 staff. Operational responsibility is overseen by the Director.

  4. The fourth (vital) tier is the volunteers and groups around the country who are involved in the collection, preparation, refurbishment and loading of bicycles.

  5. The fifth tier is our African partner organisations, who refurbish and distribute Re-Cycle bikes.

Directors

The Board of Directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law. Throughout this report they are collectively referred to as the trustees.

The following individuals served as trustees during the period and subsequently:

Christopher Davis (resigned 8 April 2024) Hannah Perrins-Hill Trevor Fitchett (appointed 30 October 2023) John Savill Omolade Adeyeye

All trustees served for the full year unless otherwise stated above.

All the trustees resign at each AGM and are eligible for re-election by the members.

The trustees meet at least quarterly, with the Director, to review the activities and direction of the charity, and make medium-to long-term decisions. The day to day running of the charity is delegated to the Director who manages the staff team and reports directly to the trustees. Charlotte Ward was appointed to the role of Director at the start of the year taking over the role from Claire Kettle.

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Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2023

Risk Management:

As with any organisation, Re-Cycle’s work involves some risk. It is the trustees’ responsibility to ensure that these risks are managed, minimised and mitigated. To achieve this, the trustees have worked to identify and review the major strategic, business and operational risks that the charity faces. These are assessed against their possible likelihood of occurring and their possible impact on the organisation.

The major risks have been identified as:

Our finances:

Re-Cycle grew significantly in past years, and then due to financial difficulties faced at the end of 2018, the charity underwent a major re-structure in 2019. Growth and fluctuations carry significant risks especially in uncertain financial times and to manage this, the charity uses a charity-specialist accounting firm to manage the finance function, and support fundraising and operational personnel in the day to day running of the organisation.

Our partners:

Re-Cycle works at a grassroots level, at a geographic distance, often with community organisations that may have a weak organisational capacity. Being aware of this, we have been addressing this aspect for a few years now and are making progress in developing better relationships and supporting our partners to advance.

Given the nature of Re-Cycle’s work, the trustees recognise that some areas of our work require the acceptance and management of risk if our key objectives are to be achieved. The trustees have adopted, or are working to adopt, policies and frameworks to mitigate these risks. These include:

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

Re-Cycle carries out a range of activities in furtherance of its charitable objectives, as detailed under activities and achievements below, which the trustees believe provide benefit to:

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Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2023

Strategic Purpose and Principal Activities

Our Vision: Africa unlimited by Transport

Re-Cycle envisions a future where every person in Africa has access to quality, affordable, sustainable transport.

Our Mission: Improving lives through bicycle re-use

Our Values: Sustainability; Integrity; Quality; Open & honest dialogue; Inspiring Changing lives

Key achievements:

Priorities for 2024:

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2023

Financial review

Building on a stable breakeven year post-pandemic, 2023 saw growth as the charity benefitted from having a full complement of staff.

Total income of £349k (2022, £275k), meant a 27% (£74k) increase in income over the prior year. Beneath the headline level of income, donation income increased by 1% (£0.25k), grant income increased by 71% (£73k) and earned income decreased by 2% (£3k). In terms of the mix of income, donations made up 9% (2022, 12%), grants 51% (2022, 38%) and earned income 39% (2022, 50%) of total income.

Overall expenditure increased by 10% (£26k) to £299k (2022, £272k). Expenditure on direct charitable activity remained at £233k (2022, £233k) and represented 78% of total expenditure, whereas fundraising costs increased by 67% (£26k) to £66k (2022, £39k). The increase in spend on fundraising is a direct result of bringing on board fundraising staff in 2023 after going through 2022 with limited fundraising resource. The increase in income reflects the effect of the new staff.

As a result, the charity ended the year with a net surplus of £50k (2022, £3k) and unrestricted reserves increased by £41k to £297k (2022, £257k). The trustees are confident that with the continued stability shown in 2023, that the charity can continue operating beyond the next 12 months.

Reserves

Re-Cycle maintains reserves to protect the charity from short term fluctuations in income, and to provide working capital both for its project activities (many of which are funded in arrears either by grants from donors or reimbursement from partners) and to invest in its growth strategy.

The policy was reviewed in 2023. The revised policy is to hold reserves equal to 9-12 months of expenditure on the core costs of running the charity and the cost of reimbursable project / partner expenses. The trustees believe this is prudent given;

The charity ended the year with reserves of £297k, which represents around 12 months of expenditure. The trustees consider this to be in line with policy.

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Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2023

Responsibilities of the trustees in relation to the financial statements

The trustees (who are also directors of Re-Cycle for the purposes of company law) 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).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They 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.

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Hannah Perrins-Hill (Sep 4, 2024 09:18 GMT+1)

Hannah Perrins-Hill Chair

Date: 04/09/2024

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Independent Examiner’s Report for the year ended 31 December 2023

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Re-Cycle (‘the charity’)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and 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 charity 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

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

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 in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other 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.

Louisa Tippett

Louisa Tippett (Sep 4, 2024 10:40 GMT+1)

Louisa Tippett ACA 121 Colchester Road, West Bergholt, Colchester, CO6 3JX

Date: 04/09/2024

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the Income and Expenditure Account) for the year to 31 December 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
9
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
10, 11		 2023
2022
£
£
986
1,012
10,580
14,103
320,410
263,539
330,990
277,642
(17,906)
(14,354)
313,084
263,288
314,070
264,300
16,640
7,750
297,430
256,550
314,070
264,300

The Trustees are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:

Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Hannah Perrins-Hill (Sep 4, 2024 09:18 GMT+1) Hannah Perrins-Hill Chair

Date: 04/09/2024

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Statement of Cash Flows for the year to 31 December 2023

Note
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
14
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Interest income
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period		 2023
2022
£
£
53,510
17,552
4,360
846
(999)
(960)
3,361
(114)
56,871
17,438
263,539
246,101
320,410
263,539

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

1 Principal accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

(b) Going Concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

(c) Fund accounting

(i) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

(ii) Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions imposed by the donor as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the accounts.

(d) Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income.

(i) Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts in kind and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

(v) Incoming resources from charitable activities are accounted for when earned. If received in advance, fees from courses and projects are deferred until the relevant activity has taken place

(e) Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred, and includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered.

(i) Expenditure on Charitable activities comprises those costs incurred on projects undertaken in pursuance of the charitable aims of the company.

(ii) Fund raising incorporates the salaries, direct expenditure and overhead costs of the staff who undertake fundraising work.

(iii) Governance costs are those costs incurred in the management of the charity's assets, organisation and compliance functions.

(iv) Support costs are those costs incurred by the company in support of its main charitable activities and projects. Where costs cannot be directly attributed, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

(f) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing over £500 (including any incidental expenses of acquisition) are capitalized. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic life. The rate of depreciation is 33[1] /3 % per annum for all assets.

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

2
Charitable activities
Staff costs
Bike handling expenses
Africa Programming Spend
Premises
Volunteers expenses
Freelance staff and consultants
Other direct costs
Support costs
3
Fundraising
Staff costs
PR and advertising
Support costs
4
Staff costs
Salary Costs
Gross wages and salaries
Employer's national insurance
Pension cost
The average staff headcount during the year was		 Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
83,414
88,341
24,717
23,371
8,207
5,012
22,612
25,242
6,726
4,898
1,966
5,184
2,966
5,903
82,639
75,221
233,247
233,172
2023
2022
£
£
30,636
20,356
5,052
2,368
29,890
16,574
65,578
39,298
2023
2022
£
£
161,676
135,495
8,838
8,157
7,459
6,775
177,973
150,427
5
4

No member of staff received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

The key management personnel of the charity, comprise of the trustees and the Director. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £55,000 (2022: £32,789 )

Staff costs have been analysed as:
Direct charitable expenditure
Costs of generating funds
Support		 2023
2022
£
£
83,414
88,341
30,636
20,356
63,923
41,730
177,973
150,427

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

5 Support costs

Support costs are those that are incurred by the charity in support of, but cannot be directly attributed to, its main activities. Re-Cycle remains a small charity with minimal overheads and as such the support costs consist of only two broad elements; general office costs, and management staff time that cannot be directly attributed to direct charitable activities, fundraising or governance. These then have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Support costs have been analysed as:
Direct charitable expenditure
Costs of generating funds
Net income (expenditure) for the year
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation		 Governance
Function
£
3,517
-
3,517		 General
Support
£
79,122
29,890
109,012		 Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
82,639
75,221
29,890
16,574
112,529
91,795
2023
2022
£
£
1,025
5,496

6 Net income (expenditure) for the year

Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions in year
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the period
At 31 December 2023
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Computers &
Office
Equipment
£
27,743
999
28,742
26,731
1,025
27,756
986
1,012		 Warehouse
equipment
£
33,892
-
33,892
33,892
-
33,892
-
-		 Vehicles
TOTAL
£
£
17,095
78,730
-
999
17,095
79,729
17,095
77,718
(0)
1,025
17,095
78,743
0
986
-
1,012

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

8 Debtors:amounts falling due within one year Debtors:amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade debtors - 3,505
Prepayments, accrued income & other debtors 7,461 7,107
VAT Debtor 3,119 3,491
10,580 14,103
9 Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade Creditors 6,203 9,820
Accruals & other creditors 11,703 4,533
17,906 14,354
**10 ** Movements in funds
At 1 At 31
January Incoming Outgoing Transfers December
2023 Resources Resources in / (out) 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted Funds:
African Partner Projects - 16,640 - - 16,640
UK Projects 350 - (350) - -
HQ Running Costs 7,400 2,000 (9,400) - -
Total restricted funds 7,750 18,640 (9,750) - 16,640
Total unrestricted funds 256,550 329,955 (289,075) - 297,430
TOTAL FUNDS 264,300 348,595 (298,825) - 314,070
African Partner Projects Part of Re-Cycle's work is aimed at supporting our African partners to enable them
to process the bikes they receive into usable bikes for end users, either through
funding shipments of bikes or building capacity.

UK Projects

This fund is made up of donations and grants towards initiatives in the UK that help further the charitable aims of Re-Cycle in the UK and Africa, such as pop up bike servicing and repair or sales of donated bikes.

HQ Running Costs

This fund is made up of donations and grants towards specific core costs at the Re-Cycle facility in Colchester, such as premises or IT costs.

In the Trustees’ opinion, there are sufficient resources held to enable each fund to be applied in accordance with the restrictions imposed by donors.

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023

11 Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds funds
£ £ £
Fixed Assets 986 - 986
Current assets 314,350 16,640 330,990
Current liabilities (17,906) - (17,906)
Net assets at 31 December 2023 297,430 16,640 314,070

12 Related parties

Re-Cycle is controlled by its Board of Trustees. No Trustees received any remuneration for their services to the Charity as trustees, and £Nil (2022: £151) was claimed in expenses during the year.

During the year Re~Cycle received £nil (2022: £nil) in donations from trustees.

13 Capital

The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. There are currently 5 members of the company and each member has undertaken to contribute up to £10 in the event of the company being wound up.

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

2023 2022
£ £
49,770 2,543
1,025 5,496
(4,360) (846)
3,523 7,703
3,552 2,656
53,510 17,552

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Company No:03337853 / Charity No:1063570

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OVERVIEW
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In The Gambia our partner offers a ‘Cycle to School’ a es oe i project providing bicycles to students with long aS en commutes. L oy Ho Lal =:st ——— ey eee ee ae ae eres f ine Se ee i 1 Pie,ela es Liat ey eat a Ol a iS NA) A eeeera We \aek MME? WERK Habby and Fatoumata, both 17, previously travelled over 7 kilometres daily for school. Thanks to the programme a saat providing them with bikes their journeys are now shorter, easing financial burdens and enhancing academic focus. Saji 7 Ph RSS mae ei Habby (left) and Fatoumata (right), Jappineh, The Gambia November 2023[eee] ey! tence ane aodEager at Se ea 7 ye eS[eae] aeiat[ee] Head | olNiet eee on 7) RRR ee See tena dee eons Satie f Wigs ies we ease ce ise Tada se f- —— 2 CONTENTS fee eo eraean nae A vim ae "iy trae eaa ade Neen: Shot es Sat ee ria! eer

IMPACT REPORT

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

Introduction 4
Our approach 7
Strategic review 8

UK OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS
Where our bikes come from 12
Our 2023 achievements 14
Our volunteers 18

AFRICA IMPACT

Where our bikes go 22
Sierra Leone 23
The Gambia 24
Zambia 26
South Africa 28
Ghana 30

SUSTAINABILITY

TAINABILITY
Sustainable initiatives 34
CO2 Emissions 37

FUTURE INITIATIVES

Our goals for 2024 39

3

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After my first full year in post as Director of Re-Cycle, it gives me great pleasure to report on one of the most successful years that Re-Cycle has had since it started in 1997.

The organisation, as a whole, has reached a new level of maturity and perspective, strengthening and solidifying our position whilst adopting a more strategic approach to fundraising and marketing.

BICYCLE DONATIONS

We received a record-breaking number of bicycle donations this year. A total of 19,996 bicycles were donated to us from a range of sources, including individual donations, Rotary club collections, school charity events and pop-up events however the majority of these came from our corporate partnership with Halfords. The total number of bicycles that were donated to Re-Cycle this year was 90% higher than last year.

CONTENTS

4

OVERVIEW

PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Our partnership with Halfords is going from strength to strength and in June we celebrated our 10-year anniversary of the partnership, along with celebrating having over 82,000 bikes donated since the start of the partnership! I am immensely proud of this partnership, and we are looking forward to where the partnership can go over the next 10 years. Thank you to everyone who has donated their bicycle to us this year. We are so grateful for your support.

CONTAINER SHIPMENTS

This year we exceeded the number of containers that we planned to load and send to our African partners. Our plan was 17 containers but by the end of the year we had sent 21! An amazing achievement for our warehouse team and the dedicated volunteers who assist us in this vital aspect of our operations. This totalled 11,250 bikes being sent to Africa to help transform 1,000s of lives.

NEW PARTNERSHIP IN AFRICA

As a result of our growth this year, I was very proud to announce our new partnership with The Village Bicycle Project in Sierra Leone. Their work aims to empower communities by strengthening bicycle culture, as improved mobility enables growth in productivity with better access to jobs, schools and healthcare. I am looking forward to developing this partnership next year and endeavour to expand the reach of our bicycles in Africa even further.

STRATEGIC GROWTH AND PLANS

This year we have also made huge strides with our strategic growth plans with the creation of a 5-year growth plan. This is an ambitious document that sets out our high-level strategic plans for the next 5 years. We are a small team with big ambitions and this plan plan sets out how we are going to achieve this.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024

In 2024 we will be into the second year of our strategic growth plan, developing and implementing organisational road-maps, whilst continuing to improve the support we provide to our African partners to further drive expansion and increase our impact in Africa.

To conclude, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of you who make our work possible and look forward to an exciting 2024.

Charlotte Ward Director

5

CONTENTS

CONTENTS .

OVERVIEW

OUR APPROACH

In Africa a bicycle can change a life...

Re-Cycle orchestrates a streamlined process that begins with collecting unused bicycles in the UK. Focused on efficiency, these bikes are carefully prepared to maximise the number that can be loaded onto containers and shipped to Africa.

Working closely with trusted partners, the bicycles are then distributed within local African communities. This approach not only enhances transport efficiency in partner communities, it also guarantees that the bikes are put to good use and maintained.

----- Start of picture text -----
COLLECT
Across the UK, thousands
of bicycles lie unused Re-Cycle collects ASSESS
unwanted bicycles
from across the UK Bicycles are assessed to
see if they are suitable
for Africa.
AFRICA for Africa are either sold or used Bicycles that are not suitable
Access to education, work and for parts - nothing is wasted.
healthcare is made easier for
people in Africa
DISTRIBUTE
Bicycles are unloaded and
distributed to communities by
our trusted partners
DELIVER LOAD
Containers arrive with Containers are fully
our partners in Africa loaded with bicycles
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DISTRIBUTE Bicycles are unloaded and distributed to communities by our trusted partners

PREPARE Volunteers prep the bicycles to allow the maximum number of bicycles per container

Containers are fully loaded with bicycles and bicycle parts

SHIP Containers are shipped overseas to our partners in Africa

7

CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC REVIEW

Re-Cycle supports our African partners to receive, refurbish and distribute bikes to their beneficiaries (women, men and children), more accustomed to walking long and time-consuming journeys to school, clinic, market or farm. In addition, Re-Cycle provides quality bike maintenance training to our partners and beneficiaries from our qualified experts.

MISSION

Improving lives through bicycle re-use.

We re-purpose quality used bicycles from the UK to provide access to income, education, and wellbeing, and create long lasting improvement to livelihoods in Africa.

VISION

Africa Unlimited by Transport.

Re-Cycle envisions a future when every person in Africa has access to quality, affordable, and sustainable transport.

VALUES

Our values set out what Re-Cycle stands for.

We provide opportunities for people to support the work we do and make a real difference to lives in Africa. We are committed to providing sustainable transport opportunities in the African countries we work in and enable the bicycles that are donated in the UK to have an even longer life in Africa.

8

oiIJENTS, .

ate Bno lives in Alr *•

UK OPERATIONS

Re-Cycle rescued 19,996 BICYCLES

from being discarded in UK landfills.

442

BICYCLES REFURBISHED

These bicycles have been refurbished and resold to the local community.

Our volunteers have donated over

8,300 HOURS of their time to support Re-Cycle.

11

UK OPERATIONS

WHERE OUR BIKES COME FROM

At Re-Cycle, our mission to provide bicycles to rural Africa wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable support of our partners and drop-off points across the UK. Through collaborative efforts, we’ve established a robust network that spans councils, schools, universities, Rotary clubs, bike stores, and other charitable organisations.

2023 BICYCLE NUMBERS

In 2023, we are thrilled to report a significant increase in bicycle donations. The total number of bicycles donated in 2023 stands at 19,996, marking a remarkable 90% increase compared to 2022. Notably, 14,978 bikes, constituting 75% of this total, were contributed through Halfords stores. This achievement underlines the effectiveness of our partnerships and the widespread community support for our mission.

EXPANDING OUR REACH

In 2023, we witnessed a surge in support from local authorities and organisations, with notable partnerships formed. Brighton and Hove City Council contributed 300 bikes from their old bikeshare program, while the charity, Last Night A DJ generously donated 250 bikes from a prestigious hotel and club. Additionally, Bright Vision events contributed 14 bikes to our cause.

GROWING TOGETHER

In 2023, our partnership with GOTO Events blossomed, with their support increasing from 50 bikes in 2022 to an impressive 136 bikes in 2023. The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the GOTO Events team has contributed not only to the growth in the number of bikes collected but also to the strengthening of our collaborative relationship.

MILESTONES OF SUPPORT

Rotary clubs have played a pivotal role in our journey, consistently collecting bicycles on our behalf. This year marked a significant milestone as Jackie Wellman, of the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill, celebrated the delivery of their 1000[th] donated bike to our warehouse.

12

UK OPERATIONS

A DECADE OF PARTNERSHIP

Halfords, our most significant partner, has been an integral part of our journey for the past decade, hitting a remarkable 10-year milestone since our partnership began in 2013. With over 70 drop-off locations nationwide, Halfords has been instrumental in collecting over 75,000 bikes that would otherwise end up in landfills. This year, our collaboration reached new heights:

SITE VISIT AND ENGAGEMENT

Charlotte Ward, Claire Kettle, and Georgia Brown visited Halfords Head office in Redditch, gaining insights into their operations at the distribution centre. Welcomed by Dan Boyle and the environmental team, they not only observed the processes but also presented to the wider Halfords team, educating them about Re-Cycle’s mission and how Halfords plays a vital role.

Halfords Warehouse Manager, Tom Shepherd, reciprocated the gesture by visiting our warehouse. Getting hands-on experience in preparing a bike for Africa, he deepened his understanding of our charity’s work, fostering stronger relationships between our organisations.

IMPACTFUL DELIVERIES

In 2023 alone, Halfords delivered an impressive 14,978 bicycles to our warehouse. These bikes, generously donated by the public across the UK, exemplify the tangible impact that our partnership with Halfords has on our mission.

Together with our diverse and committed partners, Re-Cycle continues to make a lasting impact - one bike at a time. We express our heartfelt gratitude to each partner, old and new, for contributing to our shared vision of empowering communities through the gift of mobility.

13

CONTENTS

UK OPERATIONS

OUR 2023 ACHIEVEMENTS

Our UK operations delivered significant accomplishments across the past year - furthering Re-Cycle’s impact and reach. Here are some of the highlights:

NEW 5-YEAR GROWTH STRATEGY

Under the leadership of Charlotte, our new director, we’ve devised a comprehensive 5-year growth strategy spanning from 2023 to 2027. This strategic roadmap outlines our vision for expanding our impact and operations.

MILESTONE CELEBRATION

A momentous occasion was marked as we celebrated sending our 130,000th bicycle to Africa. Charlotte personally loaded the bike onto the container bound for The Gambia.

RECORD YEAR FOR TRUST INCOME

Achieving a landmark figure of approximately £150,000, this year stands as a testament to the success of our fundraising efforts. Welcoming Caroline Bates as our new trusts and grants fundraiser has been instrumental in securing this financial support.

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this financial support.
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FULL TEAM STRENGTH

This year, we are delighted to announce the addition of two new team members, Caroline Bates and Georgia Brown, bringing our staff to full strength. With a complete team, we are better equipped than ever to navigate challenges, execute our initiatives efficiently, and work collectively towards achieving our mission.

RE-CYCLE & VCR SPORTIVE EVENT

On April 15th, 2023, the Re-Cycle Sportive event, organised in partnership with the VCR Colchester cycling club, raised an impressive £1000 for our cause. Additional donations from our charity pots on the day further bolstered the support garnered.

TEAM BUILDING EVENT

With our team now complete, we organised a team-building event aimed at strengthening relationships and enhancing communication among all staff members. The event, a visit to Galloping to Give followed by lunch, served as an excellent opportunity for team bonding.

CONTENTS

14

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UK OPERATIONS
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NEW AFRICAN PARTNER

In a significant expansion of our African partnerships, Re-Cycle proudly welcomed the Village Bicycle Project in Sierra Leone. Following a visit to Sierra Leone in March, the collaboration started to take form. ReCycle observed the instrumental role their programme initiatives play in supporting rural communities. In July the first container for Sierra Leone, loaded with 505 bicycles and an abundance of spare parts, was shipped.

BICYCLE FOR CITY DISPLAYS

Eight Re-Cycle bikes were donated to Colchester City Council in April for enhancing city floral displays, adding a creative and sustainable touch to the urban landscape.

CYCLE 4 RE-CYCLE EVENT

Our Cycle 4 Re-Cycle event held in September proved to be a tremendous success, raising an impressive £1515.90. This marked a substantial increase from the £395 raised during the event in 2021.

NEW TRUSTEE

Welcoming Trevor, who is a regular volunteer, as a new Trustee has proven to be a valuable addition. His hands-on experience, and knowledge of Re-Cycle, has swiftly made him an integral part of the Board, contributing to the organisation’s continued growth.

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POP-UP BICYCLE COLLECTIONS

Collaborating with local partners such as Gladwells Copdock Mill, Perrywood Tiptree and Sudbury, and Elmstead Market Community Centre, we organised popup bicycle collections - amassing a total of 78 bikes.

15

CONTENTS

UK OPERATIONS

WELCOMING PARTNERS FROM

ZAMBIA

Re-Cycle had the privilege of hosting partners from the Care Providers Foundation Zambia. Director Willard, and his wife Given, traveled all the way from Zambia to the United Kingdom, spending a day at our Wormingford warehouse as part of their trip.

FRESHERS FAIR AT UOE

Re-Cycle’s presence at the Freshers Fair at the University of Essex proved to be a great success yet again. With 41 bikes and numerous accessories sold, this event raised awareness about our mission and also gathered support from the community. Re-Cycle continues to support local students in traveling sustainably to university.

PARTNERSHIP WITH CHIMNEY FIRE COFFEE

A significant highlight was our January visit to our partner, Chimney Fire Coffee. This visit provided a opportunity to connect with their team and strengthen our relationship.

We were delighted that Chimney Fire Coffee continue to support us as they generously donate a portion of the sales from their Discovery Coffee to further our operations. In 2023 we received £2,054.13 from them.

16

UK OPERATIONS

DR BIKE PROGRAM

The Dr Bike program at the University of Essex Colchester Campus continued to thrive in 2023. Income generated from bike sales and servicing through Dr Bike amounted to £7,354.50. Furthermore, the service was supported by the addition of a new team member, Robyn, who contributed to the Dr Bike service every other week.

BRIGHTON BIKES

We were fortunate to receive 260 bicycles donated by Brighton & Hove City Council. These bikes, having reached their end of life as BTN BikeShare bikes, have been distributed to our partners.

NEW FUNDRAISING STRATEGY

We’ve implemented a new fundraising strategy – the first Re-Cycle has had for some years. This strategy is geared towards sustaining and amplifying our efforts through diversified funding channels.

SUCCESSFUL CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

Our christmas campaign was successful as we introduced limited edition Re-Cycle Christmas cards for the first time, specially designed for us by an illustrator. These cards, along with our Mystery Gift Campaign, collectively raised over £2000 during the Christmas season, significantly impacting our fundraising efforts and raising awareness of the charity.

GOTO EVENTS PARTNERSHIP

We continued our partnership with GOTO Events in 2023, hosting a series of bike building corporate days. All finished bikes from these events were donated to Re-Cycle. Through this collaboration, a total of 136 bikes were delivered in 2023.

REFURBISHED BIKES

In our workshop, the team refurbished a grand total of 442 bicycles. These bicycles found new homes through direct sales to the public, having a positive impact on our local community by offering affordable and environmentally friendly transportation choices. This effort resulted in a remarkable income of £67,638 from the sales.

17

CONTENTS

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UK OPERATIONS
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Re-Cycle has 35 VOLUNTEERS to help us achieve our mission

Our volunteers dedicated 8,300 HOURS in 2023

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteers play an indispensable role in Re-Cycle’s day-to-day operations. Their dedicated efforts have been pivotal to the massive success achieved in 2023, contributing to every facet of Re-Cycle’s mission. Without their unwavering commitment, we simply could not accomplish all that we do. Here are some key highlights from the remarkable contributions of our volunteers throughout the year: , “ bt - = Pa

REMARKABLE VOLUNTEER HOURS

In the year 2023, the dedication of our volunteers shone brightly as they collectively contributed an impressive total of 8,300 hours, showcasing their commitment and passion for our cause. Notably, the months of October and November stood out, witnessing over 800 volunteer hours logged each month. Their tireless efforts and selfless devotion continue to be the driving force behind the success of Re-Cycle.

18

UK OPERATIONS

NEW SUPPORT

This year, two new volunteers joined the workshop, supporting Chris in refurbishing bikes. Additionally, a new volunteer joined Mark in the warehouse.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS

Welcoming Graham and David as two new volunteer drivers marked a significant achievement in our efforts to collect bicycles. Their support, driving the Re-Cycle van, has helped expand our collection outreach.

EVENT ASSISTANCE

Volunteers played a crucial role in the successful execution of various events throughout the year. From assisting with the Freshers Fair and Eco Festival, to contributing to Saturday bike sales, their dedication ensured the smooth operation of these initiatives.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

On December 8th, the Volunteer Christmas Party at Wivenhoe House was a festive occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude for the ongoing support of our volunteers. It provided a valuable opportunity to come together, reflect on shared accomplishments, and express our appreciation for the invaluable contributions they have made to Re-Cycle’s

mission and impact throughout the year. ila ad

VOLUNTEER BBQ IN JULY

The summer saw a Volunteer BBQ attended by our volunteers and their significant others. This event provided an opportunity for everyone to connect and celebrate the collective contribution of our volunteers.

CONTENTS 19 6 a — =A =A

$4 CONTENTS

OVERVIEW

Re-Cycle shipped

21 CONTAINERS

to its partners in Africa

11,250 BICYCLES SENT TO AFRICA

These bicycles have been distributed by our partnes into the local communities.

21

AFRICA IMPACT

WHERE OUR BIKES GO

Since we began in 1997, Re-Cycle has been committed to providing bicycles to various organisations across Africa. In 2023, our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions remains firm as we actively collaborate with organisations in five countries across the continent. SIERRA LEONE THE GAMBIA 2 Containers 5 Containers 1015 Bicycles 2593 Bicycles GHANA 8 Containers 4461 Bicycles ai ZAMBIA 2 Containers 1025 Bicycles In 2023, we sent 21 containers to Africa, surpassing our targeted goal of 17. This translates to a total of 11,250 bicycles dispatched to the continent within a single year. As of the end of 2023, our cumulative contribution stands at an impressive 140,229 SOUTH AFRICA bicycles sent to Africa. 4 Containers 1635 Bicycles This milestone underlines the impact of ReCycle and the positive transformation it brings to the lives of individuals in communities across the continent. Our commitment to providing bicycles as a means of fostering economic empowerment, education, and = improved livelihoods remains at the core of our mission.

22 CONTENTS

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AFRICA IMPACT
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s School Girls in Lunsar, Sierra Leone

BIKES TO SIERRA LEONE

SIERRA LEONE

1,015 2,474 In 2023 Since 1997

We have been in partnership with Village Bicycle Project in Sierra Leone since 2023

VILLAGE BICYCLE PROJECT

As of 2023, Re-Cycle is proud to announce the expansion of our partnership with the Village Bicycle Project (VBP), an existing collaborator with whom we are now actively working in Sierra Leone.

Village Bicycle Project, established in 1999, has been making impactful strides in Sierra Leone since 2009. Their dedication revolves around development projects that primarily focus on preventing and alleviating poverty, with a special emphasis on the well-being of women and girls.

EMPOWERING GIRLS

This initiative in Sierra Leone aims to enhance education access for girls. A recent programme provided 25 bicycles to two different schools, along with comprehensive training covering safety and basic mechanical skills. The impact is profound, transforming the daily commute for many girls who previously walked 7-8 miles.

Beyond efficient transportation, these bicycles bring empowerment, supporting both education and family responsibilities. Re-Cycle is honored to contribute to initiatives that empower communities and create positive transformations in Sierra Leone.

23

CONTENTS

AFRICA IMPACT

THE GAMBIA

WONDER YEARS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Wonder Years Centre of Excellence (WYCE) is a well known project that calls the village of Madina Salam in The Gambia, West Africa home. Their mission revolves around delivering essential services in Primary Health Care, Education, and Life Skills to the children and youth of The Gambia.

When the Re-Cycle bikes arrive in The Gambia, our trusted partner, WYCE, takes charge of local distribution. A percentage of each shipment is directed towards schools, while the remaining bicycles and parts are made available to bike mechanics and small bike shops for sale. These sales not only sustains their programmes but also supports local businesses.

BIKES TO THE GAMBIA

) 2,593 15,535 In 2023 Since 1997 | Wiper ~~ee~~ We have been in partnership with Wonder Years Centre of Excellence in The \ Gambia since 2013

FIELD TRIP TO THE GAMBIA

This year, Georgia - Fundraising & Marketing Manager, and Chris - Workshop Manager, embarked on a field trip to The Gambia, immersing themselves in the impactful work of the WYCE. Actively participating in mechanic training sessions, they gained practical insights into the daily lives of community members.

A key highlight was their firsthand experience with the WYCE Cycle to School programme, witnessing the distribution of bicycles to students and understanding the program’s transformative impact on their lives. Engaging with teachers and coordinators provided valuable insights into the successes and challenges of the initiative.

Throughout the week, Chris actively participated in training sessions with the WYCE mechanics, while Georgia collaborated with the WYCE team on administrative tasks, enhancing their IT capabilities.

The trip was a great success, significantly strengthening Re-Cycle’s relationship with WYCE, fostering clearer communication channels and a deeper understanding of their mission and operational structure. Additionally, areas for improvement and potential upgrades in the workshop were identified - where Re-Cycle can offer valuable assistance.

24

AFRICA IMPACT

WYCE, THE GAMBIA IMPACT DATA FOR 2023:

25

AFRICA IMPACT

BIKES TO ZAMBIA

ZAMBIA

----- Start of picture text -----
1,025 19,819
In 2023 Since 1997
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We have been in partnership with Care Providers Foundation in The Gambia since 2009

CARE PROVIDERS FOUNDATION

The Care Providers Foundation Zambia (CPFZ), formerly known as Kaloko Trust Zambia, collaborates with local partners and communities to enhance access to essential resources such as food, water, healthcare, education, and income for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Our commitment

is reflected in effective, appropriate, and sustainable development projects.

CPF firmly believe that long-term, sustainable development can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of poverty through an integrated approach, leveraging the power of collaboration and partnership.

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aed yt et Bat, Litt ee
Terry Sikanyika. Bicycle Mechanic from Zambia
July 12, 2023 26
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AFRICA IMPACT

CPF, ZAMBIA IMPACT DATA FOR 2023:

TRAINING OF BICYCLE MECHANICS

Four Bicycle mechanics were trained in 2023, of which two are working for Kaloko Resources, while the other two have set up their own workshops in Kapiri and Lusaka respectively.

PROVIDING BICYCLES TO STUDENTS

CPFZ has continued supporting the five schools that Kaloko Trust Zambia previously supported. In 2023, the schools were asked to come up with a list of their most vulnerable children attending school from distances not less than 8 kilometers. The numbers were overwhelming. CPFZ was not able to support all but allocated 5 bicycles for the most vulnerable at each school, and therefore 25 bicycles were given out.

This is a project CPFZ intends to continue annually. The value of the bicycles issued out in this instance was ZMW 50,000 (£2,000). The time travelled to these schools was reduced by an average 1 hour 30 minutes.

PROVISION OF SANITARY PRODUCTS TO SCHOOLS

CPFZ has procured 3,600 packets of sanitary towels and 720 tablets of soap worth ZMW 87,500 (£3,500).

These items will be distributed to six selected schools in January 2024, during the first week of school opening. The distribution of these items will enable 1,200 girl learners in these schools to attend school for the whole first term of 2024 without worrying about their periods.

TRAINING SCHOOL EDUCATORS

REHABILITATION OF BOREHOLES FOR SCHOOLS

CPFZ has rehabilitated five boreholes located in schools. Of these, three were completely broken down while two needed some attention.

Additionally, they have provided tools to the teachers and students to help maintain the boreholes.

CPFZ has trained 10 peer educators to work in five schools and train their fellow peers on health-related matters such as facilitation skills, counselling skills, adolescence sexuality, gender and sexuality, human rights, substance abuse, sexual offenses, HIV, and AIDS.

To enable these peer educators to reach out to their peers with ease, CPFZ also donated bicycles to them.

27

CONTENTS

AFRICA IMPACT

Thrilled with his Re-Cycle bicycle, Given escapes the danger of unreliable and slow rides that made him vulnerable to theft. Having lost a previous bike to thieves he is grateful to BEN for providing him with a reliable and secure mode of transportation.

eSPig 28 ep i

AFRICA IMPACT

BIKES TO SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

2,157
In 2023		 17,896
Since 1997

We have been in partnership with Bicycling Empowerment Network in South Africa since 2008

BICYCLING EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

The mission of the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) is to provide access to opportunities through the use of bicycles, offering hope and a helping hand to those in need. Your support is crucial in turning this mission into reality.

BEN’s overarching goal is to foster sustainable social and economic empowerment through the utilisation of bicycles. This is achieved by ensuring a consistent supply of donated and affordable bicycles to disadvantaged communities and institutions.

BEN’s distribution strategy relies on Small and Medium Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and Community Partners. These community-driven centers, managed by local entrepreneurs trained in business and bike mechanics, are vital for distributing and maintaining bikes within their communities. The establishment of SMMEs and Community Partners not only fosters employment but also creates an efficient distribution network, providing communities with affordable bike access.

BEN, SOUTH AFRICA IMPACT DATA FOR 2023:

29

CONTENTS

AFRICA IMPACT o ee}pia

BIKES TO GHANA

GHANA

4,461 40,289 In 2023 Since 1997

We have been in partnership with Village Bicycle Project in Ghana since 2003

FIELD TRIP TO GHANA

This year, Charlotte - Director and Mark - Warehouse Manager, embarked on a visit to our partner The Village Bicycle Project (VBP) in Ghana. The trip encompassed meetings with the VBP team, interactions with local bike shop owners, and direct engagement with the beneficiaries of the bicycles we send to Ghana.

In conclusion, the field trip deepened our ties with VBP, provided insights into the impact of our initiatives, and positioned us strategically for continued positive contributions to communities in Ghana.

Charlotte and Mark had the unique opportunity to meet the direct beneficiaries of our bicycle initiatives. Conversations with bike shop owners and recipients provided valuable insights into the tangible impact our contributions have on local communities.

To enhance our impact, Mark provided additional training to VBP trainers - reinforcing local expertise.

CONTENTS

30

AFRICA IMPACT

VBP, GHANA IMPACT DATA FOR 2023:

VILLAGE BICYCLE PROJECT

In 2023, Re-Cycle proudly marked a decadelong partnership milestone with the Village Bicycle Project, collaborating to enrich bicycle culture and uplift communities.

Together, over the past ten years, we have been dedicated to providing high-quality bicycles and hands-on maintenance training - addressing gender disparities and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. Through this partnership, we continue to empower communities by reinforcing bicycle culture and making lasting impacts on the lives of individuals through accessible and reliable transportation.

For women and girls in Ghana, learning to ride a bike is a journey towards independence and success. In rural communities, where transportation is expensive and daily commutes involve extensive walking, acquiring the skill of riding a bike becomes a liberating asset.

Village Bicycle Project has actively targeted women and girls in their efforts. Their initiatives have resulted in teaching 4,200 women and girls to ride a bike. This not only enhances their mobility but also brings about positive changes in their world, opening doors to newfound opportunities and a better quality of life.

31

SUSTAINABILITY

SUSATINABILITY

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

In the area of sustainable charity initiatives, Re-Cycle’s dedication to providing eco-friendly transportation solutions continues to grow. With a commitment to sustainability, Re-Cycle’s operations throughout the year have showcased the transformative power of bicycles as a vehicle for positive change. From empowering local bicycle mechanics to rescuing thousands of bicycles from UK landfills, our sustainability endeavours have made a lasting impact in both Africa and the UK. Here we look into our notable achievements in 2023, highlighting key initiatives and impactful strides towards a more sustainable future for all.

BICYCLES AS OUR SUSTAINABLE CHOICE OF TRANSPORTATION:

In 2023, Re-Cycle reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability through our preference for bicycles as the primary mode of transportation.

Not only do bicycles offer environmental benefits, but they also incur minimal operational costs, perfectly aligning with our mission to promote eco-friendly transportation solutions.

CONTENTS

34

SUSATINABILITY

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN AFRICA:

A pivotal aspect of our sustainability commitment involves providing comprehensive bicycle mechanic training to local communities.

By empowering these mechanics, we are ensuring a sustainable approach to bike maintenance, contributing to long-term usage and reducing waste in African communities.

A ZERO-WASTE PHILOSOPHY:

Central to our mission in 2023 was our commitment to a zero-waste approach. Recognising the environmental hazards posed by landfills, we meticulously manage every component of every bicycle received. Whether through reuse, repurposing, or recycling, we ensured that no part went to waste, prioritising environmental conservation at every stage of our operations.

MITIGATING LANDFILL IMPACT:

In 2023, our efforts resulted in the rescue of 19,996 bicycles from UK landfills. These bicycles, sourced through public donations and partnerships, played a vital role in mitigating climate change and reducing unnecessary waste. This initiative showcased the positive environmental impact of repurposing bicycles, thus diverting them from contributing to landfill pollution.

35

CONTENTS

SUSATINABILITY

STREAMLINING CONTAINER PACKING FOR EFFICIENCY:

In transporting bicycles to Africa, our focus on recycling and sustainability remained unwavering. Through the implementation of a ‘sardine style’ packing method, we maximised the amount of bicycles in each shipment, thereby reducing the number of containers required for transportation while still ensuring a maximum number of bikes reached Africa. Our dedication to efficiency extended further as we strategically utilise every inch of space, packing spare parts and tools to optimise resources.

Notably, in 2023, we achieved a significant milestone by increasing the average number of bicycles packed per container, averaging an impressive 536 bicycles per shipment. This accomplishment underlines our ongoing commitment to enhancing efficiency and maximising impact in delivering sustainable transportation solutions to communities in need.

This improvement is noteworthy considering our historical averages. In 2022, we averaged 519 bicycles per container, and in 2021, the average was 508 bicycles per container. We have witnessed a steady increase in the number of bicycles per container since our inception in 1998. This progression reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and optimising resources to ensure the greatest possible impact in our mission.

CONTENTS

36

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SUSATINABILITY
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CO2 EMISSIONS REDUCTION IN 2023

In addition to our ongoing efforts in sustainability, we are proud to present ReCycle’s CO2 emissions for the year 2023. This year, we have improved our tracking system to assess the environmental impact of our operations, particularly focusing on our bike reuse and recycling initiatives.

Below are the key figures for our CO2 emissions reduction efforts in 2023:

RECYCLED SCRAP METAL:

8.875 TONNES (8,875KG)

REUSED BICYCLES AND SPARE PARTS FOR AFRICA:

179.75 TONNES (179,750KG)

BIKES SOLD IN THE UK:

6.720 TONNES (6,720KG)

Total: 195.35 tonnes

TOTAL CO2 EMISSIONS SAVED IN 2023: 547 tonnes

Based on the DEFRA waste report, which estimates that 1 tonne of metal saves approximately 2.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

These figures show an increase in savings from 2022, where the total CO2 emissions saved amounted to 343.5 tonnes, demonstrating a notable advancement in our sustainability efforts.

According to the DEFRA waste report, which estimates that 1 tonne of metal saves approximately 2.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions,

our initiatives in 2023 have resulted in significant environmental benefits. In 2023, the total CO2 Emissions Saved reached 547 tonnes for bikes sent to Africa and recycled scrap metal.

These statistics underline our unwavering dedication to sustainability and highlight the tangible impact of our initiatives in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener planet.

37

FUTURE INITIATIVES

FUTURE INITIATIVES

As we journey into 2024, we start an exciting new phase in the history of our charity. For the first time, we have developed and implemented a comprehensive 5-year strategy that charts our course from 2023 to 2027.

This strategic roadmap not only serves as a guide for our present actions but also for the path forward. The plan represents a significant milestone for our charity, offering a structured framework that empowers us to navigate the complexities of our mission with clarity and purpose. With each initiative and goal outlined within this strategy, we are equipped with the tools needed to drive meaningful change and make a lasting impact.

Through the lens of our 5-year strategy, we look ahead with optimism and determination - knowing that we are better positioned than ever before to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

38

FUTURE INITIATIVES

OUR GOALS FOR 2024

Building upon the successes of the past year, we have reassessed our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), that were set at the beginning of 2023, to ensure continued growth and impact.

CONTAINERS TO AFRICA

Following the achievement of sending 21 containers to Africa in 2023, surpassing our initial target, we are increasing our aim for 2024 from 19 containers to 22 containers. This increased target reflects our proactive approach to expanding our impact in African communities, capitalising on the momentum generated by our successful endeavours in 2023.

VOLUNTEER TIME

We aspire to see over 8,500 hours donated in volunteer time.

BRAND IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

To amplify our impact and reach, we aim to enhance our brand identity, with a goal of increasing supporters by 15% in 2024.

BIKES TO AFRICA

Originally outlined in our strategic plan with a target of 9,500 bikes to be delivered to African communities in 2024, we have revised this goal following the exceptional success of 2023. We have increased our target to deliver 11,750 bikes in 2024.

BIKES DONATED TO RE-CYCLE

Initially set at 12,000 bikes in our strategic plan for 2024, our target for bike donations from across the UK has been significantly elevated due to the outstanding achievements of 2023. With an exceptional response from our donors, we are now aiming to receive 20,000 bike donations in 2024.

VAN ACQUISITION

To streamline our operations and increase bike collections, we plan to purchase an additional van in 2024, facilitating more efficient transportation of donated bicycles.

FIELD TRIPS TO AFRICAN PARTNERS

In 2023, two field trips were organised, marking significant progress in our efforts to strengthen relationships with our African partners. Notably, by the end of 2023, our Director, Charlotte, had met and visited all five of our African partners. Looking ahead, we plan to organise three field trips in 2024 to partners that we have not visited for the longest duration.

MONITORING & EVALUATION

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Recognising the vital role of corporate partnerships in driving our mission forward, we aim to increase our partnerships in 2024, fostering mutually beneficial collaborations for positive change.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

In 2024, we are committed to diversifying and expanding our range of volunteer opportunities, providing local individuals with meaningful ways to contribute to our cause.

We are committed to continuously improving our monitoring and evaluation processes for our African partners in 2024, ensuring that our interventions are impactful and sustainable.

With the support of our dedicated team, volunteers, donors, and partners, we are confident in our ability to achieve these goals and create a brighter future for all.

39

01206 617 865 | re-cycle.org Unit 8 The Grove Estate, Wormingford, Colchester, Essex CO6 3AJ Registered Charity No: 1063570