COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 03449469 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1066921 North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 March 2025 WALTER HUNTER & CO LIMITED Chartered accountants 24 Bridge Street Newport South Wales NP20 4SF
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) Independent examiner's report to the trustees Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position Statement of cash flows Notes to the financial statements Page 1 13 15 16 17 18
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. Reference and administrative details Registered charity name North Bristol Advice Centre Charity registration number 1066921 Company registration number 03449469 Principal office and registered 2 Gainsborough Square office Lockleaze Bristol BS7 9XA The trustees Independent examiner S Edmunds R Walters J Rogers J Sankey J Garel C MacDiarmid C Moore R Hey Mr Jonathan Rhodes BSc BFP FCA 24 Bridge Street Newport South Wales NP20 4SF (Resigned 16 July 2025) (Resigned 16 September 2024) (Appointed 10 July 2024) (Served from 11 September 2024 to 16 July 2025)
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Structure, governance and management The trustees are pleased to present their annual Directors' report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors' report for Companies Act purposes. 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 small charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 01 January 2015). The organisation incorporated as a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered as a 14/10/97. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. Organisational Structure North Bristol Advice Centre has a Management Committee who meet monthly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. This financial year the board had seven members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Director, Head of Services, Welfare Benefits Team Leader and Debt Team Leader. The Director is responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key targets are met. The Head of Services and Advice Team Leads have responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the advice service, and individual supervision of the advice team. They also ensure that team members continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice. Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee The Directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. North Bristol Advice 2
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Trustee Induction and Training Most trustees familiarise themselves with the practical work of the charity by undertaking a tour of the Advice Centre and the Outreach Work. Additionally, new trustees attend briefing sessions on the Charity and the context within which it operates. These are led by the Chair of the Management • The obligations of Management Committee members • The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles • Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts • Publications from the Charity Commission relating to the roles and responsibilities of trustees • Future plans and objectives Ongoing training is encouraged and regular policy days are held to ensure the Business Plan is delivering and on target. A Trustee Induction Pack is provided. 3
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Objectives and activities Purposes and Aims Located in Lockleaze, Bristol, North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC) is a community-based advice centre. It is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Our charity's objects are: • to assist in the promotion of any charitable purposes for the benefit of the inhabitants of North Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas by the provision of free and independent advice and support, especially in relation to access to welfare benefits and managing personal debt; and to advance education and provide training and other services that support and strengthen the skills, health and wellbeing of the said inhabitants. The aims of the charity are to promote social justice and combat poverty by providing free and independent advice and support that enables people to develop skills, improve wellbeing and make positive changes in their lives and communities. Our activities We help people at times of crisis, work to address the causes of deprivation and support people to take practical steps to improve their situation in the longer term. The activities we provided to meet our objectives included: • Free, confidential and independent advice services, including welfare benefits and debt advice, complex casework and representation at tribunal. • Digital inclusion work to increase digital skills, improve access to online tools and services and increase financial and social inclusion. • Home-visiting advice services for older people to maximise income and help them remain independent in their homes. North Bristol Advice Centre has been serving the communities of North Bristol and South 4
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Review of 2024/25 This year, NBAC celebrated its 40th anniversary, though celebrate is perhaps the wrong word. The founding volunteers who set up the Lockleaze Community Advice Service back in 1984 could hardly imagine how this small information point would grow into a professional advice service covering all of North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Sadly, 40 years on, the need for NAC's advice services is higher than ever. Cost of living pressures, assaults on benefits entitlements, complex family situations complicated by illness or disability and bureaucratic systems that generate needless suffering have created unprecedented demand for our services. Last year our administrative team handled 2000 more enquiries than the year before and had to turn away 900 people because our appointment slots were all full. Our anniversary year was a chance to reflect on past work, present need and to plan for the future. In October we launched our 5-year strategic plan "Sustain and Develop". We developed this over 3 years, working with staff and volunteers, trustees, stakeholders, clients and community partners, who all fed into the development of the plan. The plan highlights the ongoing need for community-based advice, while recognising the challenges and constraints of the current funding environment. Our overall aim is to sustain our community-based advice services, while continuing to develop and innovate in order to provide the best outcomes for our clients. NBAC remains committed to being a dynamic and responsive organisation, delivering the services needed in our communities. We were delighted to be awarded 3-year National Lottery Community Funding this year towards our core services, providing us the stability that long-term core funding brings. We continue to be supported by a number of local and national trusts and foundations (detailed in the financial review section) who share our ethos and are invaluable in enabling NBAC to maintain its advice services. Some 50% of our income now comes from trusts and foundations and we are hugely grateful for their support. This year we were able to realise a long-standing ambition to reduce our environmental impact with an Energy Efficiency project. We secured funding for an energy audit, and the installation of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, LED lights throughout the office, and solar panels. This will help us to reduce costs by up to £1500 per year, while also reducing our carbon emissions. Over the past few years we have worked hard to build up our volunteering programme. This year, NBAC was supported by an amazing team of 29 volunteers who gave their time, expertise and dedication to support our clients and services. Together, they donated 1442 hours, the equivalent £20,044. Through their roles as Tea and Tech volunteers, Advice Support Volunteers, Debt training, support and supervision to our volunteers to ensure they are well supported and have a positive and meaningful experience with us. 5
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Working in partnership remains core to NBAC's ethos and our ability to deliver the advice support our communities need. This year we focused on: Community partnerships - We continued our outreach sessions co-locating with community partners Advice partnerships - NBAC is part of the Bristol Advice Partnership (BAP) comprised of the mair advice agencies in Bristol. This year the partnership delivered the Future of Advice in Bristol event bringing together over 100 funders, stakeholders and providers together to feed into the development of a VCSE Advice Strategy for Bristol. NBAC is also part of the South Gloucestershire Advice Service (SGAS), working in partnership with other advice agencies to provide advice to communities across South Gloucestershire. VCSE partnerships - We continued our partnership with Housing Matters, developing our priority referral system to improve client journeys and access specialist housing advice for our clients. NBAC remains a committed partner of WHAM, the Centre for Sustainable Energy's multi-agency project providing holistic support to people in fuel poverty and financial hardship. NBAC is also a member of the VCSE Alliance, which is a key strategic partner in the transformation and delivery of local health and wellbeing through influencing and collaborating with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System. Digital Outreach in Communities - Our digital outreach service, Tea and Tech, continued across North Bristol and beyond, hosted by partners in community settings including Avonmouth Community Centre, Shirehampton JTE, Henbury and Brentry Community Centre and St Chad's. We trialled sessions with Bristol Refugee Rights and Bristol Methodist Centre (now Homeless Link) supporting their client groups. We also collaborated with the Mendip Vale Group (MVG) in Sea Mills to support patients to upload, register and use their NHS App, with MVG on hand to rectify any technical issues. ACFA (The Advice Network) - NBAC is an active member of this network for independent advice agencies across the West of England, with our Director acting as Chair of Trustees. This year ACFA has gone from strength to strength, successfully delivering a range of mental health and wellbeing training for frontline advice workers, developing a strategy and securing onward funding to develop the network. NBAC worked in partnership with BAP, Bristol City Council and ACFA as one of 14 agencies to deliver additional advice services under the Household Support Fund. 6
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements and performance How our activities deliver public benefit. Our main activities and who we support are described below. Full details on how our services benefit clients, including client stories, can be viewed in our Impact Report, available on our website. Who used and benefited from our services? We supported 2231 people in communities across North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. 31% of advice clients suffered from mental ill health, 7% had a long-term illness and 21% were physically disabled. 40% were unfit to work and 60% were living in social housing or private rented accommodation. 22% were BAME, speaking 23 different languages. People sought our support due to the high living costs (with many in "deep poverty", unable to meet their basic needs) as well as unexpected changes of circumstance such as unemployment, long term illness, bereavement or disability which plunge them into sudden and severe financial difficulties. Those on legacy benefits, who are among the most vulnerable, needed support with the transition to Universal Credit (UC), including help to resolve incorrect calculations that led to under and over Those at Code eing mandal rit, Diers need red, they're entitled to or need legal support to challenge decisions of the local authority, DWP and HMRC. The demand for complex casework for both welfare benefits and debt remains high. For our digital inclusion work, the majority of drop-in attendees (75%) were over 65. 15% did not have internet access in their homes, while 12% had never used a computer before. Some 10% were from BAME communities. Advice services NBAC provides specialist welfare benefits and debt advice. Some 60% of this is specialist legal advice made up of end-to-end casework and appeals support, including representation at tribunal. • 6109 enquiries handled by our admin team • 237 people supported at triage with one office advice or to self-help 1834 people received one-to-one advice support • 408 people at risk of homelessness kept in housing £1,900,677 was raised for clients £4,380,940 in debt was managed • 95% success rate at appeal We survey our advice clients at case closed to gain feedback on the impact of our services. This year 98 people completed questionnaire, fewer than previous years. We are reviewing the way we gather this feedback and will trial using an online form, to improve responses. The results of the data are consistent with previous years, with clients reporting that, as a result of our advice and support: : 86% were in a better financial situation 84% were less stressed • 89% felt better able to manage their affairs 86% had improved understanding of their legal rights 7
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Three months after case closed, we contact clients by phone to get feedback on the long-term impact of our support. 119 people responded, with over half of saying there had been long term changes in their life as a result of our advice: • 80% have been able to budget and plan their expenditure 86% teel more confident about keeping a roof over their head 77% feel more in control of their finances now We also ask our clients what they spend their increased income on, with more/better food and keeping homes warm scoring highest by far. w you've got more money coming in, what kinds of things are y le to use it for - that were perhaps difficult to pay for befor Treats/presents for kids/grandchildren Transport Social activities / going out / trips / holiday Savings Other More or better food Keeping warmer/ home improvements 10 20 30 50 50 Our professional advisers were supported by a team of trained and dedicated Advice Support Volunteers who provided one-to-one support to people at the start of their claim journey. They help clients to understand how the claims process works, what sort of evidence they need to gather appropriate information to include on their application form, and help them to complete complex benefit forms. They also pick up on where clients might need other help and signpost them. This early intervention work helped ensure vulnerable people secured their legal entitlements, preventing financial problems developing or escalating. Volunteers also complete charity applications for white goods/beds/carpets for those most in need. Home Visiting Advice Service A total of 67 older people were supported through our home visiting service, with £240,402 in income raised. This service is for older people who cannot access advice services due to disability, poor health conditions or mobility problems. challenging decisions (eg. Carers' Allowance overpayments) or if an award/decision is incorrect, following up with Mandatory Reconsideration application. A home visit allows our adviser to pick up on other issues (e.g. cold homes, adaptation needs) and link clients in with local services. 8
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Digital Inclusion In addition to our weekly Lockleaze drop-in, we delivered 104 "Tea and Tech" outreach sessions in 9 ommunity settings, supporting 130 people. These sessions are supported by our team of Tea an ech volunteers who give one-to-one help to people to develop their digital skills and knowledge in way, and at a pace, suitable for them. • 130 people received one-to-one digital support 155 sessions held in Lockleaze and across North Bristol • 701 foot-fall at drop-in and outreach • 95% of attendees can get online independently as a result of attending drop-in Our volunteers keep track of what clients are supported to learn, captured in the chart below: Type of Digital Support Sought Use an email address Use a search engine Update my passwords Social media Online forms Learning online Health Finances Connect device to internet Communication apps Buying things online 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 9
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Financial review During the year, we were once again successful in raising funds, with income from donations, charitable trusts and grants generating £591,970 (2024: £571,810) while expenditure was £556,004 (2024: £539,810). There was a surplus of £35,966 (2024: £32,000). Principal Funding Sources Our main core tunding came from Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire County Council, Mone! and Pensions Service (MaPS), the Henry Smith Charity, The Nisbet Trust, Garfield Westor Foundation, The Access to Justice Foundation, Quartet Community Foundation, Allen and Overy, Th National Lottery Community Fund, John James Bristol Foundation, St Monica Trust and The Dolphi Society. We were also supported by a range of charitable trusts and individual donors. Without their support we would not be able to deliver the current level and quality of services to local communities. Our fundraising NBAC does not actively fundraise from the public. The Management Committee were pleased to receive unsolicited donations from clients and supporters. Our one fundraising activity is the Bristol Legal Walk where staff and volunteers raise sponsorship money while raising awareness of the free legal advice sector. Investment policy NBAC is in the fortunate position of owning the building where it operates. This property represents the charity's most substantial asset, and is a good long term investment. CAF Bank deposit account a source of ethical investment and interest. We also have savings with Cambridge & Reserves policy The Management Committee has examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be between 3 and 6 months of the expenditure, which currently equates to £125,000 to £250,000. At this level, the Management Committee feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding, allowing time to secure alternative funding or make changes. The current level of general reserves is £238,276 for running costs. We have further reserves held as capital within 10
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Priorities for the year ahead • Develop an action plan to prioritise and deliver on the aims in our strategic plan. Work with the Bristol Advice Partnership to submit a bid for the new 4-year advice grant tro ristol City Council, supporting the sustainability of NBAC and advice services in North Bristo • Develop our outreach services in North Bristol communities, focusing on Southmead and Lawrence Weston over the next two years. • Continue to develop our partnerships and collaborations with advice and other partners, to improve access to advice and outcomes for clients. • Promote wellbeing for all staff and volunteers within NBAC in a proactive way that helps to embed wellbeing in our ethos, culture and ways of working. • Maintain and develop relationships with local and national trusts and foundations that share our ethos, securing the long-term funding needed to develop and deliver services that help make change. • Work with ACFA, key agencies and stakeholders to increase strategic engagement and influence policy locally and nationally. Risk management xposed. A risk register has been established and is updated at least annually. Where appropriate ystems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Significan external risks to funding have led to the development of a funding strategy which will allow for the diversification of income streams. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the centre. Related Parties In so far as it is complementary to the charity's objects, the charity is guided by both local and national policy. NBAC works in partnership with other local and city-wide professional agencies to ensure a range of complimentary services. We are aware of national developments which could have an impact on our service, for example ongoing Government changes to social welfare law and the welfare state. 11
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Small company provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption. The trustees' annual report was approved on 5 November 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: Foca S Edmunds Trustee 12
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of North Bristol Advice Centre Year ended 31 March 2025 I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of North Bristol Advice Centre ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report s the trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you a sponsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of th Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination o the charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act). I 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 the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (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: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3. the financial statements 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 financial statements 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).
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of North Bristol Advice Centre (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 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. Mr Jonathan Rhodes BSc BFP FCA Independent Examiner 24 Bridge Street Newport South Wales NP20 4SF 5 November 2025 14
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account) Year ended 31 March 2025 Income Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investment income Other income Total income xpenditur xpenditure on charitable activitie Total expenditure Note 5 6 7 8 9 10,11 Unrestricted funds € 3,328 147,810 815 15,227 19,617 186,797 150,831 150,831 2025 2024 Restricted funds Total funds Total funds € Net income and net movement in funds Total funds carried forward 35,966 503,201 539,167 405,173 405,173 405,173 405,173 9,197 9,197 3,328 552,983 815 15,227 19,617 559,970 556,004 556,004 35,966 512,398 548,364 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities 4,632 543,861 10,054 7,021 6,242 571,810 539,810 539,810 32,000 480,398 512,398 The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements. 15
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Position 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Note 18 203,690 208,621 19 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets 20 22,772 386,146 408,918 64,244 344,674 548,364 548,364 19,613 361,008 380,621 76,844 303,777 512,398 512,398 Funds of the charity Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total charity funds 23 9,197 539,167 548,364 9,197 503,201 512,398 For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors' responsibilities: The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476; The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime. These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 5 November 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by: fore S Edmunds Trustee The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements.
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Cash Flows Year ended 31 March 2025 Cash flows from operating activities Net income Adjustments for: Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Other interest receivable and similar income Interest payable and similar charges Accrued expenses/(income) Changes in: Trade and other debtors Trade and other creditors Cash generated from operations Interest paid Interest received Net cash from operating activities ash flows from investing activitie urchase of tangible asse Net cash used in investing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2025 35,966 4,931 (15,227) 11,685 5,084 (8,159) (12,684) 21,596 (11,685) 15,227 25,138 25,138 361,008 386,146 The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements. 2024 32,000 8,997 (7,021) 11,165 (4,917) (6,529) (10,906) 22,790 (11,165 7,021 18,646 (1,393) (1,393) 17,252 343,756 361,008 17
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025 1. General information The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 2 Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, Bristol, BS7 9XA. 2. Statement of compliance These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. 3. Accounting policies Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Going concern There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or endowment funds of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or 18
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Accounting policies (continued) Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. • legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established. • income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers. income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates: • expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non-charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis Tangible assets 19
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Accounting policies (continued) Tangible assets (continued) An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities. Depreciation Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Freehold property Fixtures and fittings 2% straight line - 25% reducing balance Impairment of fixed assets A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of th cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smalles identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units. Financial instruments A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. 20
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 3. Accounting policies (continued) Financial instruments (continued) Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently measured at cost less impairment. Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Other financial instruments subsequently measured at fair value, with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective evidence of impairment at the end of each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial assets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impairment. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Any reversals of impairment are recognised immediately, to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Defined contribution plans Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund. When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises. 4. Limited by guarantee Every member of the Charity undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required (not exceeding £1) to the Charity's assets if it should be wound up while he or she is a member or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, for payment of the Charity's debts and liabilities contracted before he or she ceases to be a member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves. Number of members of the charity as at 31 March 2025 is 7 (2024: 6). 21
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 Donations and legacies Donations Donations 6. Charitable activities Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Funds 2024 3,328 3,328 4,632 4,632 Small Grants John James Bristol Foundation BNWFB Bristol City Funds BCH Health and Wellbeing Quartet Community Foundation Van Neste WHAM Grant IMA Grant Garfield Weston The Dolphin Society Henry Smith Charity Bristol Wessex Billing Services The Allen & Overy Foundation Groundwork MaPS Grant Shire Access to Justice - HALS Access to Justice - IOTLS Access to Justice - CIF The National Lottery Bristol City Council - Cost of Living Bristol City Council - IAG Bristol City Council - HSF South Gloucestershire CC - Cost of Living South Gloucestershire CC The Nisbet Trust St Monica Trust Unrestricted Funds € 7,126 - - - - - - - - 10,000 12000 57,624 = 44,560 16,500 - 147,810 Restricted Total Funds 2025 11,000 7,126 11,000 11,758 11,758 19,167 19,167 19,180 - - 10,000 60,000 = 12,539 125,121 - 71,637 1,667 42,104 = 21,000 405,173 10,000 12,539 125,121 12,000 71.637 1.667 57,624 42,104 44,560 16,500 21,000 552,983 22
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 6. Charitable activities (continued) Unrestricted Funds 700 Small Grants John James Bristol Foundation BNWFB Bristol City Funds BCH Health and Wellbeing Quartet Community Foundation Van Neste WHAM Grant IMA Grant Garfield Weston The Dolphin Society Henry Smith Charity Bristol Wessex Billing Services The Allen & Overy Foundation Groundwork MaPS Grant Shire Access to Justice - HALS Access to Justice - IOTLS Access to Justice - CIF The National Lottery Bristol City Council - Cost of Living Bristol City Council - IAG Bristol City Council - HSF South Gloucestershire CC - Cost of Living South Gloucestershire CC The Nisbet Trust St Monica Trust 4,200 = 12,000 - 12,196 57,624 34,604 16,500 157,824 Restricted Total Funds Funds 2024 833 700 833 19,901 19,901 5,340 5,340 8,333 8,333 10,000 10,000 8,250 8,250 4,011 4,011 10,000 20,000 10,000 60,000 60,000 4,200 115,376 12,500 51,883 8,333 14,617 20.000 20,000 116.376 12,000 12,500 51,883 12,196 8,333 14,617 57,624 20,000 20,000 34,604 16,500 16,660 386,037 16,660 543,861 23
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 7. Other trading activities Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Funds 2024 815 815 10,054 10,054 Room Hire Investment income Bank interest receivable Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2025 Funds 2024 15,227 15.227 7.021 9. Other income Advice Services Miscellaneous Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2025 € Funds 2024 19,617 19,617 - - 5,368 5,368 874 874 19,617 19,617 6,242 6.242 24
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 10. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type Charitable activities Support costs Unrestricted Funds 147,158 3,673 150,831 11. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type Activities undertaken directly Charitable Activities Governance costs 544,254 544,254 Activities directly undertaken can be further analysed as: Grants Wages and salaries Employer's NIC Pension costs Other employment benefits Rates and water Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Insurance Other motor/travel costs Legal and professional fees Telephone Other office costs Depreciation Finance costs Marketing and publicity Subscriptions and membership Sundries Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds 2025 2024 397,096 544,254 529,880 8,077 11,750 9,930 405,173 556,004 539,810 Support Total funds costs 2025 544,254 11,750 11,750 11,750 556,004 Total fund 2024 529,880 9,930 539,810 - 392,397 27,262 14,137 20711 10,483 21,232 3,461 1,783 15,576 11,090 32,426 4,931 11,685 1,983 2,057 1,639 556,004 2024 6,183 365,814 23,566 10,877 5,492 2,330 4,837 17,515 2,228 2,546 11,978 11,882 47,933 8,997 11,165 2,010 3,845 539,810 25
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 12. Analysis of support costs Finance costs Governance costs Analysis of support costs 65 11,685 11,750 Total 2025 € 65 11,685 11,750 Total 2024 62 9,868 9,930 13. Analysis of grants 2025 Grants to individuals Grants to individuals Total grants 14. Net income Net income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 15. Independent examination fees 2024 6,183 6,183 2025 € 4,931 2024 8,997 Fees payable to the independent examiner for: Independent examination of the financial statements 2025 € 2,286 2024 2,202 16. Staff costs The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follow 2024 Wages and salaries 392,397 Social security costs 27,262 Employer contributions to pension plans 14,137 Other employee benefits 2,111 435,907 365,814 23,566 10,877 5,492 405,749 26
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 16. Staff costs (continued) The average head count of employees during the year was 19 (2024: 17). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows: 2025 No. 2024 No. Number of staff - management Number of staff - administration Number of staff - support workers 2 15 19 13 No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil). 17. Trustee remuneration and expenses No remuneration or expenses or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees 18. Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 19. Debtors Freehold Fixtures and property fitings 61,479 233,523 25,947 4,670 30,617 202,906 207,576 60,434 261 60,695 784 1,045 Total 295,002 86,381 4,931 91,312 203,690 208,621 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 2025 20,966 1,806 22,772 2024 13,016 6,597 19,613 27
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 20. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes Other creditors 2025 6,769 49,336 1.201 64,244 2024 21,305 42,536 10,633 2,370 76,844 21. Deferred income 2025 47,050 2024 40,334 Amount deferred in year 22. Pensions and other post retirement benefits Defined contribution plans The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £14,137 (2024: £10,877). 23. Analysis of charitable funds Unrestricted funds General funds Reserve for Building Repairs Reserve for Redundancy and Sickness Reserve for Capital Expenditure General funds Reserve for Building Repairs Reserve for Redundancy and Sickness Reserve for Capital Expenditure At 1 April 2024 € 202,310 10,000 50,000 240,891 503,201 At 1 April 2023 170,310 10,000 50,000 240,891 471,201 Income Expenditure 186,797 (150,831) 186,797 (150,831) Income Expenditure 185,773 (153,773) 185,773 (153,773) At 31 March 2025 238,276 10,000 50,000 240,891 539,167 At 31 March 2024 202,310 10,000 50,000 240,891 503,201 28
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 23. Analysis of charitable funds (continued) Restricted funds At 1 April 2024 John James Bristol Foundation BNWEB Bristol City Funds BCH Health and Wellbeing Here mi hairy, Van Neste The National Lottery St Monica Trust MaPS Grant Redundancy South Gloucestershire CC - Cost of Living WHAM Grant Bristol City Council - HSF Bristol City Council - Cost of Living The Dolphin Society Access to Justice - HALS Access to Justice - IOTLS - - - - - - 9,197 = - - - - 9,197 Income Expenditure 11,000 (11,000) 11,758 (11,758) 12,539 60,000 125,121 19,167 1,667 21,000 (12,539) (60,000) (125,121) (19,167) (1,667) (21,000) 19,180 42,104 10,000 71,637 405,173 (19,180) (42,104) (10,000) (71,637) (405,173) At 31 March 2025 - - - - - 9,197 = - - - - 9,197 29
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 23. Analysis of charitable funds (continued) At 1 April 2023 Names Bristol Foundation Bristol City Funds BCH Health and Wellbeing Groundwork Henry Smith Charity MaPS Grant Quartet Van Neste The National Lottery St Monica Trust MaPS Grant Redundancy South Gloucestershire CC - Cost of Living WHAM Grant IMA Grant Bristol City Council - HSF Bristol City Council - Cost of Living The Dolphin Society Access to Justice - HALS Access to Justice - IOTL$ - - - - - - - 9,197 - - - - - - - - 9,197 Income Expenditure 833 (833) 19,901 (19,901) 5,340 (5,340) 60,000 (60,000) 115,376 8,333 (115,376) (8,333) 10,000 (10,000) 8,333 (8,333) 16,660 (16,660) 20,000 8,250 4,011 20,000 14,617 10,000 12,500 51,883 386,037 (20,000) (8,250) (4,011) (20,000) (14,617) (10,000) (12,500) (51,883) (386,037) At 31 March 2024 - - - - - - 9,197 - - - - - - - - 9,197 30
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 23. Analysis of charitable funds (continued) Purpose of restricted funds 2024/25 The Access to Justice Foundation - IOTLS - towards our triage and outreach services, providing early intervention legal advice support to vulnerable residents. BNWFB - towards delivery of debt advice services at Bristol Northwest Foodbank in Avonmouth. BCC Household Support Fund - part of city-wide partnership to increase access to advice services by increasing complex casework capacity and priority referrals with Housing Matters. The Dolphin Society - towards our Home Visiting Advice Service. Groundworks - capital funding towards energy efficiency works, including solar panel installation. Henry Smith Charity - this grant was awarded towards the salary and running costs of our advice services. IMA - funding towards our debt work and debt relief orders. John James Bristol Foundation - awarded towards non salary operational costs. MaPS - funding of our main debt service and the provision of face to face debt advice. MaPS redundancy reserve - this money is for the provision of redundancy as full and final settlement of all of MAS's obligations under the funding agreement it has with NBAC. The National Community Lottery - Awards 4 All - towards the running costs of our advice services. Quartet Community Foundation - towards providing welfare benefits advice support to older people on low incomes to secure legal entitlements and maximise income. St Monica Trust - grant for our Bristol Tea and Tech Outreach project, working with community partners to take digital support into community settings. WHAM - Part of a partnership project, providing advice to residents struggling with high fuel bills, referred by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, the lead partner. Purpose of Designated Funds Building Repairs Reserve - this reserve has been established to set aside funds for future repairs and maintenance on the building. Redundancy and Sickness Reserve - this reserve has been set up to cover the cost of potential redundancies, sickness and maternity pay. Capital Expenditure Reserve - this reserve represents the capital assets value owned by the charity that do not make up part of the charity's free reserves. 31
North Bristol Advice Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025 24. Analysis of net assets between funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 25. Analysis of changes in net debt Cash at bank and in hand Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2025 203,690 203,690 408,918 408,918 (64,244) (64,244) 548,364 548,364 Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 € 208,621 208,621 380,621 380,621 (76,844) (76,844) 512,398 512,398 At 1 Apr 2024 361,008 Cash flows 31 Mar 2025 25,138 386,146 32