REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1064952 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR BABY BASICS MK Rawlinson Pryde & Partners Chartered Certified Accountants Argent House 5 Goldington Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 3JY
BABY BASICS MK CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report Statement of assets and liabilities Receipts and payments account Page 1 to 3 4 5 6
BABY BASICS MK REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1064952 Principal address MK Charity Hub Barford, Galley Hill, Milton Keynes MK11 1PE Trustees SL Forbes - Chair SE McGrory - Trustee P A Verity - Trustee Volunteers E Amartey - Treasurer Independent examiner Rawlinson Pryde & Partners Chartered Certified Accountants Argent House 5 Goldington Road Bedford Bedfordshire, MK40 ЗJY STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust (resolution and amended deed adopted February 2017) and constitutes an unincorporated charity. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees Trustees are appointed after being interviewed by the panel of trustees then voted upon and appointed The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Baby Basics MK receives donations, sorts and prepares these donations into gift packages, and gives these to those in need. Page 1
Network of Referrals All of this is done through referrals from Health Professionals, Children Centres, Nurseries, Churches, Social Services, MK University Hospital and General Practitioners and the like across Milton Keynes. MK Charity Hub Baby Basics MK is situated in the Milton Keynes Charity Hub, alongside Foodbank MK and Girl Pack, which is sponsored by Milton Keynes Council. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Summary of the objectives of the charity set out in its document a) The prevention of relief of financial hardship, poverty or distress, among people living or working in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, by providing such persons with children's clothing, toys and related children's furniture which they could not otherwise afford through lack of means and by the recycling and provision of furniture, clothes and other items specifically related to the needs of young people. b) The promotion of such other charitable purposes which may conveniently be carried on in connection with the above objectives. Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objectives What a year it has been for Baby Basics MK! From our early days as a small, volunteer-led project, the charity has grown into a vibrant, community-driven organisation. A pivotal grant of £18,563 from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation enabled us to secure a part-time paid role as demand increased, providing stability and professional oversight. Today, our work continues to be powered by the generosity of individuals, companies and local businesses who believe passionately in out mission. At the heart of Baby Basics MK is an extraordinary team of volunteers. Their passion, dedication and diverse skills make everything we do possible, Thanks to them, our reach has expanded, our services have strengthened and our impact across Milton Keynes continues to grow in remarkable ways. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE The year 2024-25 has been one of our most dynamic, demanding and impactful to date. The ongoing financial crisis has placed immense strain on families - rising living costs and unaffordable bills have pushed more people into hardship. Against this backdrop, Baby Basics MK has stepped up with determination and compassion, ensuring families receive the support they urgently need. Leadership Transition This year marked a major milestone in our journey. We extend our deepest appreciation to Melanie Lewis, who led Baby Basics MK 2014/15 to 2023/24, laying exceptional foundations and raising the charity profile across the Milton Keynes. In 2024 we were thrilled to welcome Hannah Forbes as our new project manager. With her background as a former community mobiliser, Hannah brings fresh energy, vision and an exciting drive for the next chapter of the charity. Page 2
Our Impact at a Glance (2024/25) - 3117 children supported through our core services - Powerful feedback from families, NHS professionals and Family Centre, reinforcing the essential role we play in alleviating poverty and supporting child wellbeing - A major move into new premises alongside the Charity Hub, provided by Milton Keynes Council - an exciting step securing our long term future and enhancing how we serve families. Top Up Shop: Continued Growth Launched in September 2021 in partnership with King's Community Centre, the top up shop has become a lifeline for families. For a small donation, parents can access 10-20 essential baby items including nappies, wipes and food - support that has never been more needed. In 2024/25 the Top Up Shop supported: - 1281 children With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to tighten its grip, the Top Up Shop has proven invaluable, offering dignity, choice and practical help to families navigating enormous financial pressure. Looking Ahead This year has been transformative for Baby Basics MK - marked by leadership renewal, strengthened partnership with Family Centres, the move into new premises and continued growth in the number of families we support. As we look to the future we are delighted to announce the creation of a salaried Warehouse Lead role. This new position will support our Project Manager and help steer the charity into its next phase of development - ensuring we remain resilient, responsive and ready to meet rising community need. FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy The trustees seek to keep 2 months reserves. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13-12 - 2025 .....and signed on its behalf by: S L Forbes - Chair of Trustees Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BABY BASICS MK I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages five to seven. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'). I have examined your charity's accounts as required under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 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. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: 1. 2. 3. 4. that accounting records were not kept as required by section 130 of the Act; or that the accounts do not accord with those records; or that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Act; or that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Tracey Walker TJ Walker (Mrs) Rawlinson Pryde & Partners Chartered Certified Accountants Argent House 5 Goldington Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 3JY Date: 13 December 2025 Page 4
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 MARCH 2025 31.3.25 Unrestricted Funds 31.3.24 Unrestricted Funds CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS 76,336 76,336 76,336 66,077 66,077 66,077 FUNDS Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 76,336 76,336 66,077 66,077 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on. 13|12.2025 ...and were signed on its behalf by: SL Forbes -Chair of Trustees SE McGrory - Trustee Page 5
BABY BASICS MK RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 31.3.25 RECEIPTS Donations Top up shop sales Clothes recycling and cash fundraising Grant 35,735 3.235 1,071 40,041 100 Total receipts PAYMENTS Wages Training Insurance Telephone Sundries Information technology Accountancy Bank charges 40,141 20,001 342 700 391 410 852 - 7 22,703 Costs of charitable activities Supplies - general, mattresses, milk powder and nappies Supplies - toys and gifts for referrals christmas hampers Supplies- top up shop 2,259 840 4,080 Total payments Net receipts Cash Funds last year Cash Funds this year 29,882 10,259 66.077 76,336 Page 6 31.3.24 37,678 3,159 2,386 43,223 750 43,973 19,250 668 389 77 601 1,212 5 22,202 250 4,075 26,527 17,446 48,631 66.077