Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1068084
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 FOR
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the trustees | 1 - 4 |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8-11 |
Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE MANCHESTER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Charity conversion to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation was implemented in 2023. The focus on advancing the education of the public generally but particularly within the Greater Manchester region concerning French language, literature, culture and associated modes of thought and to promote cultural harmony and linguistic diversity by encouraging linguistic and cultural exchanges has been successfully implemented with no change in 2024.
The full-time Managing Director, whose salary is paid by the French Foreign Office, is assisted by the following members of staff:
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a course and exam administrator, full time: new employee since June 2024 after resignation of the previous staff member,
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a full-time course director,
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a full-time administration manager,
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2 part time assistants: 1 in course and exam administration and 1 acting as administrator/receptionist in evening hours during term time and over the summer period.
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The remaining staff employed as teachers assist with other events as appropriate.
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Again In 2024, the Alliance had the benefit of two French volunteers gaining work experience in the UK.
BUSINESS REVIEW
2024 is the second full year of return to normal business since the changes of end 2021 regarding the new course calendar (shorter sessions and possibility to enrol and pay online) were implemented. The results are stable and positive compared to the previous couple of years. Throughout 2024, the demand for in-class courses has continued to progress. The course fees were increased in 2024 giving AFM an increased yearly income compared to 2023.
The number of enrolments has increased slightly (+ 2%) compared to 2024 but the number of students has decreased by 10% compared to 2023 meaning that AFM attracted less new students than the previous year but students bought more courses than before.
After 2023 increase, 2024 exam enrolments decreased by 47% due to the obligation to cancel the entire June session following the resignation of the course and exam administrator.
In 2024 as in 2023 and 2022, the position regarding the rented accommodation remains unresolved. The Alliance occupies the ground floor of 125 Portland Street on a lease lasting until November 2026 and continues to use the first floor at that address on a temporary basis, but with the obligation to move out of all or part of that floor at short notice.
As part of the arrangement, the Alliance had agreed in 2020 to give up the occupancy of the first floor of its offices if and when the landlord found a new tenant. In November 2023, AFM was informed that a new tenancy has been identified and that building improvements would need to be performed before. Building works did not start in 2024 and the date of moving out for AFM has not been identified yet.
The AFM needs to try to maintain its activities in the current premises as it appears to be the less expensive temporary solution. The landlord also informed AFM that he might be able to submit a less expensive premises solution to AFM when it is time to move out.
Since Brexit, it has been more difficult for AFM to recruit teachers or volunteers from France which is why our strategy going forward is to recruit people with the relevant right to work in the UK.
The Alliance cultural program was satisfactory in 2024 with a few major events such as the Paris Olympics 2024 in Partnership with the University of Lancaster (4 conferences and an exhibition), an exhibition presenting the FrancoBritish “entente cordiale” anniversary co-organised with the Central Library and 7 online talks. Still, the Book Club gathered over 150 persons in its 10 sessions and the 22 Film Clubs screenings gathered 680 persons in the 3 different locations.
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ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE MANCHESTER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The Alliance is still operating with caution despite some signs of recovery of the demand for language classes. A solution for the persistent problem with the premises will need to be identified in 2025 as the current lease will come to an end by 2026.
Future plans have been identified by the Board towards helping the AFM to generate more income, improve its visibility via digital marketing, develop the staff resources, hire more teachers and reach self-sufficiency.
As planned, new Board members/trustees (7) have been recruited to help the Alliance’s development.
The Trustees are taking part in operational work groups, meet regularly to consider the various changes and developments affecting the life of the Alliance and to consider how best to respond to these. The Managing Director provides regular financial up-dates along with projections of likely future developments and these are discussed at the regular meetings of the Board.
In order to consolidate its activities, the Alliance will continue to work actively with an expert in digital marketing to increase the number of students and will launch a French course program for companies based in Greater Manchester dealing with international business.; it will also need to create a new staff position after the loss of the French interns to help promoting its cultural activities both on its own and in collaboration with partners.
FINANCIAL POSITION & RESERVES POLICY
The financial situation of the Alliance would be more problematic if it did not benefit from the free occupation of the 1[st] floor in the premises and the grant made by the French Government. The Trustees are grateful for this support but, having been aware for a number of years, that this support had been declining and that running costs (renting property in Central Manchester and salaries) do increase regularly, they have sought to build up reserves and looked locally for cheaper teaching accommodation in south Manchester (Altrincham library). In 2024 the Alliance has managed thanks to a cautious spending policy to reach a balanced budget despite a loss of income (fewer new students and cancellation of an entire exam session) added to exceptional and non-provisioned expenditure (employment termination fees paid to a teacher, legal advice fees paid to a specialised lawyer, etc) . Yet, this balance would have been a deficit if AFM had paid full rent for the offices in use. Reserves remain untouched and sufficient to enable the Charity to continue its activities.
INVESTMENT POWERS AND POLICY
Under its governing document, the Alliance has powers to invest in any way the trustees choose. The directors continue to monitor relevant rates and remain ready to move funds in order to increase the interest earned. DIRECTORS
Rodolphe Soulard and Isabelle Vanderschelden all served throughout the year. Rachel Hayward, Joseph McGonagle, Guy Robson resigned.
Frederic Blesser, Romain Bardot, Sirka Moore, Stephen Chegwin, Virginie Ghaznavi, Jonathan Leese, and Margaux Stivanin joined as Board members.
The Managing Director is paid by the French foreign office. All other members of the Board serve in an honorary capacity and none received any remuneration in the year under review.
Rodolphe Soulard acts as honorary French consul in Manchester and the Alliance provides him with office space for two periods of two hours per week, for which he pays a rent of £50 per month. He took over the role of Chairman of the Board of the AFM in April 2023.
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE MANCHESTER
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
RISK MANAGEMENT
As outlined above, the trustees keep under review the risks that the Charity faces; they continue to monitor the financial systems of the Alliance and also seek, as far as they are able, to keep under consideration other operational and business risks faced by the Charity.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of Alliance Française de Manchester) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law governing charities 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 that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which 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.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's independent examiners are unaware.
4/7/2025 | 6:18 PM BST Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
Romain Bardot Trustee/Secretary
Rodolphe Soulard Chairman / Trustee
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Trustees
| Trustees | |
|---|---|
| G R J Robson | Resigned |
| Dr J McGonagle | Resigned |
| Rodolphe Soulard | |
| Rachel Hayward | Resigned |
| Isabelle Vanderschelden | |
| Fred Blesser | Appointed 17 October 2024 |
| Sirka Moore | Appointed 12 February 2024 |
| Romain Sebastien Bardot | Appointed 12 February 2024 |
| Jonathan Leese | Appointed 12 February 2024 |
| Virginie Ghaznavi | Appointed 6 March 2024 |
| Margaux Stivanin | Appointed 6 March 2024 |
| Stephen Chegwin | Appointed 29 May 2024 |
Independent Examining Accountant Cowgills Limited Fourth Floor Unit 5B, The Parklands Bolton BL6 4SD
Bankers
Drummond House (DO) Branch Customer Service Centre, Drummond House, 1 Redheughs Avenue Edinburgh, EH12 9JN
Solicitors
Davis Blank Furniss 90 Deasngate Manchester M3 2QJ
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
I report on the company for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 10.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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Examine the charities accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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Follow all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the
Act.
Independent examiner's statement
The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Nicola Roby FCA FCCA
for and on behalf of Cowgills Limited Fourth Floor Unit 5B, The Parklands Bolton BL6 4SD
8/7/2025 | 12:59 AM PDT Date: ............................................
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Funds | Funds | ||
| Notes | £ |
£ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||
| Incoming from activities in furtherance of the | 408,234 | 370,949 | |
| charity’s objectives | |||
| Bank interest received | 2,992 | 1,977 | |
| Grants received French government & other | 1 | 30,034 | 30,683 |
| grants | |||
| Total Income | 441,260 | 403,609 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | 2 | ||
| Cost of activities in furtherance of the Charity’s | (386,512) | (327,160) | |
| Objects | |||
| Other expenditures: | |||
| Marketing and publicity | (7,131) | (7,987) | |
| Management and administration of the charity | (45,956) | (27,220) | |
| Total resources expended | (439,599) | (362,367) | |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | 1,661 | 41,242 | |
| Total funds brought forward at 1 January | 186,189 | 144,947 | |
| 2024 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 187,850 | 186,189 |
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
All incoming resources and resources expended arise from charitable activities during the period.
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
BALANCE SHEET At 31 December 2024
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | |||
| Tangible assets | 3 | 6,076 | 2,630 |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Stock | 6 | - | - |
| Debtors | 4 | 20,460 | 15,846 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 186,984 | 194,285 | |
| 207,444 | 210,131 | ||
| CREDITORS | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 5 | (25,670) | (26,572) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 187,850 | 186,189 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT | |||
| LIABILITIES | 187,850 | 186,189 | |
| FUNDS | 7 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 187,850 | 186,189 |
4/7/2025 | 6:18 PM BST
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on …………………….and were signed on its behalf by:
| f ...................... Sign e d by: e ..................................... Romain,Signed by: Bardot Rodolphe Soulard D59C74BADO6E4AF... Romain Bardot B9396268F 268464... .
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)',
Assessment of going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income
Income represents enrolment and tuition fees receivable by the company for services provided unless they relate to a future period in which case they are deferred.
Grant receivable
Grants are credited as incoming resources when they are receivable provided conditions for receipt have been complied with, unless they relate to a specific future period in which case they are deferred.
Expenditure
Expenditure which is charged on an accruals basis is allocated between:
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Expenditure incurred directly to the fulfilment of the charity’s objectives
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Expenditure incurred directly in the effort to market the charity
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Expenditure incurred in the management and administration of the charity
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation which is provided in annual instalments over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Small items of equipment and furniture are not capitalised but are written off on acquisition through the income and expenditure accounts.
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates:
Leasehold improvements 10% Fixture and fittings 25% Office equipment 25% Computer equipment 33%
Stock
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 1. 2. 3. |
GRANTS RECEIVED French government and other grants ANALYSIS OF TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Leasehold improvements £ COST At 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 116,946 116,946 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2024 116,946 Charge for year - At 31 December 2024 116,946 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2024 - At 31 December 2023 - Staff cost £ Direct charitable Teaching 271,936 Cultural Other expenditure Marketing Management & administration of charity 271,936 |
31.12.24 31.12.23 £ £ 30,034 30,683 Fixture & Fittings Computer equipment Totals £ £ £ 41,619 41,619 29,515 5,437 34,952 188,080 5,437 193,517 40,505 27,999 185,450 330 1,661 1,991 40,835 29,660 187,441 784 5,929 6,076 1,114 1,516 2,630 Other Depreciation Total £ £ £ 109,789 1,991 383,716 2,796 2,796 7,131 7,131 45,956 45,956 165,672 1,991 439,599 |
|---|---|---|
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
4. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 15,354 | 15,020 | |
| Other debtors | 5,106 | 826 | |
| 20,460 | 15,846 | ||
| 5. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade creditors | 1,598 | 6,238 | |
| Delegation Generale | 603 | 603 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 4,461 | 4,126 | |
| Other creditors | 19,008 | 15,605 | |
| 25,670 | 26,572 | ||
| 6. | STOCK | ||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Stock of education materials | - | - | |
| 7. | UNRESTRICTED FUND | ||
| 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| At 1 January 2024 | 186,189 | 144,947 | |
| Profit/(Deficit) for the year | 1,661 | 41,242 | |
| At 31 December 2024 | 187,850 | 186,189 |
8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
The French government which sponsors this company has made grants totalling £30,034 (2023: £30,683) towards operational costs.
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Docusign Envelope ID: C7CCE9BF-71BF-4517-A7F7-55239C928DC5
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MANCHESTER
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Income Fees receivable Grant receivable Bank interest received Cost of sales Opening stock Education materials Closing stock Gross Profit Expenditure Investment in cultural events Examination fees Salaries Administration subsistence Training Travel Cleaning Rent and service charges Rates and council tax Telephone PPS Advertising and marketing Website Costs Repairs and maintenance Computer software Accountancy Insurance and security Depreciation Bank charges Library Translations Hire of equipment Legal fees Net Profit/(Deficit) for the year |
31.12.24 £ 408,234 30,034 2,992 441,260 - 463 (-) 463 440,797 2,796 11,742 271,936 16,181 533 1,098 12,664 60,710 15,567 1,911 2,715 7,131 5,259 6,940 2,635 4,050 3,399 1,991 6,880 280 - - 2,718 439,136 1,661 |
31.12.23 £ 370,949 30,683 1,977 |
|---|---|---|
| 403,609 - 203 (-) 203 403,406 425 7,780 236,406 2,960 - - 10,873 60,271 11,448 2,190 2,338 7,987 2,756 2,703 3,000 3,536 433 6,182 263 613 - - 362,164 41,242 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 11