ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS Spenc APRIL 2023 – MARCH 2024 ~~confae~~ Christian ~~7~~ Care and Concern for the Community| 0 



## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Contents 

|Welcome _____________________________________________________________ 2|
|---|
|Our Mission, Vision and Ethos _____________________________________________ 4|
|Mission<br>4|
|Constitution and Objectives<br>4|
|Ethos<br>4|
|Public Benefit __________________________________________________________ 6|
|Provision of Furniture to People in Need<br>6|
|Prayer<br>7|
|Voluntary Work<br>7|
|Environment<br>7|
|Collaboration<br>7|
|Board of Trustees, Staff Members & Volunteers _______________________________ 8|
|Chairman’s Report ______________________________________________________ 9|
|General Manager’s Report _______________________________________________ 10|
|Key Statistics 2023/24 __________________________________________________ 12|
|Acknowledgements ____________________________________________________ 15|
|Fundraising ___________________________________________________________ 16|
|Treasurer’s Report for Year Ending 31stMarch 2024 ___________________________ 18|
|Accounts 2023/24 _____________________________________________________ 19|



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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Welcome 

Welcome to Spencer Contact’s Annual Report for 2023/24.  Thank you for taking an interest and the time to read it through.  Since 1999 Spencer Contact has been providing the residents of Northampton with good quality second hand (sometimes new) furniture and household items in order to show Christian care and concern to people in need living in our community.  There is a great need in the town of Northampton and we have grown significantly over the years to continue meeting that need.  We own a large warehouse on Gladstone Close, have a fully committed team of 7 staff and our objective every day remains the same, to help others, whoever they le | are, whatever their circumstances, fi Rou < Cc ct | ; : in their time of need. 

Imagine waking up early because you have no curtains at the window; you’ve not slept because you don’t have a bed; your body aches from sleeping on the floor; all the clothes you own are kept in a bin bag in the 

corner of the room; there is no table or chairs to sit at in your house or a sofa to relax into; your children are tired because they’ve spent the night sharing the only bed in the house with their siblings…and so another day begins.  Sadly, this is the reality of many people’s lives in Northampton today.  They have a roof over their heads but don’t have the means to obtain the items of furniture needed to make that house comfortable, more than that, to make that house a home.  Circumstances can change suddenly leaving people, who maybe thought they would never need to use the services of Spencer Contact, reaching out for help.  That help is often in the form of items which so many take for granted every day, but to be given them in a time of need makes such a positive difference to the lives of those who receive them. 

This year we have seen the cost of living continue to rise, making life difficult for many households across the country and in this town.  Some have been forced to decide between 

paying to heat their home or spending the money available to them to feed their family.  This increase in financial hardship has impacted on the demand for the service we provide and we have done all that we can to keep up with the need by trying to ensure that deliveries of items are fulfilled as quickly as possible. 

Sometimes world events, like the war in Ukraine, increase the demand for the service that Spencer Contact provides. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

We are regularly contacted by people who have fled war torn countries and found refuge here in the UK where they have a house but no means to furnish it. 

Over 25 years the one thing that has remained constant is ‘Why we do what we do’ and that is to show something of the love of God to individuals in this town.  Somebody once said ‘we come representing a giving God and therefore we must come giving’.  We trust that by doing what we do there will be those who will appreciate that they are not forgotten but are loved and valued, not only by us but by the God we serve. 

Enjoy reading through the report.  If you would like to know more or tour our premises then please do not hesitate to contact the General Manager, Steve, at _steve@spencercontact.com_ . 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Our Mission, Vision and Ethos 

## MISSION 

Our mission is to show Christian love to the community in Northampton by freely providing furniture to any person in need, regardless of the cause of their hardship. This is the core of the charity, upon which all our aims and objectives have been built and it has not changed since its founding.  Our vision statement is ‘Christian care and concern for the community’. 

## CONSTITUTION AND OBJECTIVES 

The charity exists under a constitution adopted on 4th March 1998 and amended on 7th November 2001. 

The stated objectives in the constitution are: 

- The relief of poverty by the provision of furniture, other household accessories and/or services calculated to reduce need, hardship or distress. 

- The relief of persons with mental health problems requiring treatment, including persons suffering from emotional distress by the provision of assistance. 

- The advancement of the Christian religion in England and Wales. 

## ETHOS 

Spencer Contact is characterised by its energetic demonstration of Christian care and concern for those whom we serve outside the organisation in action, word and prayer, and to reflect this Christian care and concern in our relationships with one another. 

The motivation for our mission comes from Christ’s care, concern and compassion that is evident in the Bible and is therefore rooted in our faith in Christ.  This faith produces a distinctive heart attitude of love, as we respond to the love God showed for us, which we seek to express and portray with the following core values: 

- That people matter; 

- To demonstrate the love of Christ in a practical manner; 

- To help bring comfort and relief to the poor; 

- To love your neighbour as yourself; 

- To make a difference one person at a time. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

These values and behaviours are intrinsically linked to our success and fulfilment of our mission.  Therefore, the attitude and motivation of our staff and voluntary workers and the way our mission is achieved are as important as the mission itself. 

_“A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34_ 

_Jesus replied, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like unto it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."_ 

_Matthew 22:37-40_ 

As this attitude and motivation come only from a relationship with Christ, it becomes a genuine occupational requirement that most of the positions within Spencer Contact to be 

filled by committed Christians.  Roles that have significant leadership, or that are central to fulfilling our aims and purposes, or developing and maintaining our Christian ethos, will always be held by committed Christians.  It is also essential that these attitudes and behaviours continue, and so we expect our staff to act in good faith and with loyalty to that relational ethos and to evangelical Christian standards of behaviour. 

Notwithstanding this, the organisation is committed to diversity amongst its staff and volunteers and will not discriminate on any other grounds that are unrelated to our ethos. We believe that defining our occupational requirements does not restrict, but actually enhances, our commitment to diversity. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Public Benefit 

Spencer Contact carries out a range of activities in following its charitable aims.  The trustees believe that the activities summarised below provide benefit to the people of the town of Northampton and outlying villages. 

## PROVISION OF FURNITURE TO PEOPLE IN NEED 

Spencer Contact provides good quality furniture and household items to those in need in Northampton and the surrounding villages.  Those who use our service are often going through periods of crisis and are made aware of our service by housing associations, local homeless charities, women’s refuges and Social Services. We are usually the last link in the chain to those moving into a new property; helping to furnish their new homes.  We seek to meet the needs of anyone who requires our service, and this is on a strictly non-prejudicial, first-come, first-served basis. 

All the furniture we provide is generously donated to us by members of the public and occasionally from local companies.  It is then checked, cleaned and restored as necessary so that it is delivered in excellent condition.  This is important as we want the items to last.  It 

also shows those we help that they are valued and not just receiving cast offs from other people.  It is wonderful to see the difference to our customers a few basic items makes; items which most people take for granted.  We do not sell the furniture we provide but do charge a small delivery fee, which covers approximately 10% of our annual running costs. 

Demand for the items we provide 

remained high during 2023/24 and we were able to meet 69% of requests for help we received.  This figure was higher than the previous year.  Bedroom furniture is always in most demand and the one item that we struggle to collect enough of is good quality mattresses (as we only collect ones that are not stained) to meet the needs of the people requesting our assistance.  However, we often have a surplus of items such as wall units, sideboards, dining tables and large sofas.  This is due to these not being priority items for our customers and they are sometimes too big for the smaller flats and homes to which we deliver.  When we have too many of these in stock, we have to turn down offers of these items, allowing us time to collect the items in higher demand. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## PRAYER 

During the course of our work, we receive requests for prayer.  These requests are upheld at our morning devotions at the beginning of each day and our weekly prayer meeting, which is open to all members of staff, trustees, voluntary workers and supporters.  We use this time to take all our work in prayer to the Almighty God who holds everything in His hands. 

## VOLUNTARY WORK 

The work of the charity creates many opportunities for voluntary work; helping with our delivery and collection team, repairing and restoring furniture, fundraising, cleaning, sorting and administration work.  Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds; from those who are seeking work experience, to those who have learning difficulties, to the retired who are seeking to use their free time for good.  We also have a team of regular volunteers who help us run the stalls at our sales, which are held twice a year.  Voluntary opportunities are open to everyone and anyone interested is encouraged to apply. 

## ENVIRONMENT 

Our work as a furniture reuse charity has great environmental benefits.  Furniture, which often otherwise would be sent to landfill, is donated to us to be reused elsewhere.  We usually aim to redistribute approximately 100 tonnes of furniture per year through our main work of helping those in need.  Items which we do not supply to people in this way, we sell to raise extra money for our work, which again extends the life of the items.  We have a small workshop where we are able to carry out repairs to many of the broken or tired items we collect.  We also recycle items and earn extra income by selling scrap metal, textiles and books over the course of this year.  All other waste items are sorted before being disposed of, allowing us to send wood, glass, crockery and waste electrical items for recycling.  In our work, we are sometimes offered various white goods.  If we are collecting other furniture, we pick them up, PAT test them and sell them at price which is affordable to those in need. This again helps the environment by preventing items going to landfill, but it also serves as some extra income to help towards the operational costs of the charity.  Thanks must go to West Northamptonshire Council who provide us, as a registered charity, a permit to use their waste transfer sites free of charge to recycle and dispose of items we cannot reuse. 

## COLLABORATION 

We aim to assist other charitable organisations who work within our local community for our mutual benefit.  We have provided storage space within our warehouse for Good News for Everyone and Northamptonshire Association for the Blind for some years. We have Voluntary Impact Northampton (VIN) storing their buses in our car park, Northampton Community Sheds (“NCS”) and World Mandate Ministries operating from our premises. 

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SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Board of Trustees, Staff Members & Volunteers 

## GOVERNANCE 

The charity is managed on a day-to-day basis by a full-time, paid General Manager and is overseen by an executive committee of trustees.  There are currently eight trustees, with three trustees holding the honorary offices of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.  None of the trustees receive any pay for the work that they carry out.  Members of the committee are elected at the Annual General Meeting, and each member serves a maximum of three years before they need to seek re-election.  Trustees are elected from the membership of the charity, which is open to everyone. 

## BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Honorary Chairman Honorary Secretary Honorary Treasurer Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee 

Pete Burditt Richard Barrett Phil Stiles Sam Baxter Steve Pollock Eric Lightfoot Sonja Lightfoot John Phillips 

## STAFF MEMBERS 

General Manager Administrator (Part Time) Administrator (Part Time) Administrator Warehouse/Delivery Person Warehouse/Delivery Person Warehouse 

Steve Scarsbrook Esther Scarsbrook Sharon Smith Ruth Magombo Kim Bon Cheong Martin Nelson Gary McDonnell 

There are no ‘higher paid’ employees and none of the Trustees claimed any expenses during the year. 

## REGULAR VOLUNTEERS 

Grace Boulter Edwina Cutler Heather Burditt John Green Pete Burditt Eric Lightfoot Sonja Lightfoot Marion Green Phil Stiles David Kinuthia Crawford Lindsay Tiffany Carter John Phillips Stewart Townsend Kathryn Sandall 

## OTHER VOLUNTEERS 

Brenda Barton Richard Barrett Sam Baxter Dave Strachan Lucie Richard Fox Jacqui Elmore Ellen Judith Burditt Sue Page Martin Page Joy Jane Clark Ruth Burditt Jean Attwood Grace Smith Steve Hackett Northampton Community Sheds Rosie Smith 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Chairman’s Report 

Stephen Hibbert was elected the 783[rd] Mayor of Northampton on 15 May 2023 and chose Spencer Contact as his nominated charity for his year of office.  We counted it a privilege to be honoured in this way and Steve and Esther Scarsbrook represented Spencer Contact at various events throughout the year.  One benefit was to raise the profile of the charity amongst the business community and in the local press. 

Another new venture for us was when we were introduced to the local chapter of Business Network International.  The contacts formed have been helpful and the members have supported the charity in various ways including some volunteering. 

We appreciate the facilities offered by our premises at Gladstone Close which have been altered previously to provide further office accommodation rented to tenants, thus bringing in helpful funds.  We do however see a need for more storage space and a mezzanine project is in planning.  Supporters including through the Mayor's Charity have generously donated some funds and these are ring fenced. 

fr| i 

We are a Christian Charity that ultimately takes a faithbased approach to our funding whilst being financially responsible.  As an example, we discovered that we had been overcharged for our energy bills and used the sum recovered to replace our warehouse lighting to a more efficient system that has improved the illumination and reduced running costs.  We also arranged for an up-todate valuation of our premises. 

Our 25[th] Anniversary celebrations were under review during the year with an investment in time to organise a major sponsored bike challenge ride which was planned for May 2024. 

The list of Members was reviewed during the year and refreshed with contact made with everyone on the list.  We also started a review of policies. 

Thanks go again to the staff whose efforts are appreciated particularly so this year as serious health matters were encountered.  The work done by volunteers and fellow Trustees has been a big help as was support from so many Trusts and the grant from West Northants Council. 

Pete Burditt 

(Chair) 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## General Manager’s Report 

Once again, I count it a privilege to have been given the opportunity to manage Spencer Contact for another year.  The need in Northampton remains great and we have been brought into contact with individuals and families who are experiencing real difficulties in their lives and have been able to help them.  These difficulties can take many varied forms like fleeing countries that are torn by war and finding safety and refuge from violence (this then brings the additional challenge of settling families into a different culture and learning a new language whilst trying to provide each day for the daily needs of their families); those battling addictions; those adjusting to a complete change in life following a broken relationship; or those trying to survive on a low income and the challenges that brings in ‘making ends meet’ and the difficulties of affording the necessities of life. 

Spencer Contact remains a constant in doing what we can in giving furniture and essential household items to those who find themselves in need, in order to help bring some stability and comfort into their lives.  Not only do we look to provide practical help but we daily pray (to a God who hears and understands) for those that we come into contact with that they may know something of God’s love in their lives.  I am, once again, firstly thankful to God who has daily provided for the needs of Spencer Contact over another year which has enabled us to reach out and help those who are in need. 

Thank you to those who faithfully support this work.  Not only has the cost of living increased for us all but the day-to-day cost of running Spencer Contact has also significantly increased. Thank you to all the trustees of trust funds that have kindly donated to this work, companies that supported us financially, individuals who give a regular sum each month or an annual payment, churches, associations and schools that have engaged in fundraising activities.  All this has helped us to continue and every donation whether financial or material goes towards helping the people of this town.  We own the warehouse, offices and vans which means that none of the money received has to go on mortgage, rental or interest payments each month.  The Apostle Paul wrote to a church in Philippi and he reminded them that ‘ _my God shall supply all your need’_ .  Over the past 25 years, through challenging times, we can attest to the fact that God has remained faithful and by varied means has supplied for the needs of Spencer Contact.  To those of you who pray, please join with me in praying for wisdom that the money provided to Spencer Contact will be used in a correct and careful manner to the good of others. 

A special thanks should be given to the Mayor Stephen Hibbert and Mayoress Liz Cox for kindly choosing Spencer Contact as the Mayor’s charity for their year in office from May 2023 to May 2024.  So far, it has been a busy and exciting year and I am thankful for the effort that they have put in to raise awareness of the work that we do and funds to help support it. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

Thank you to those ‘behind the scenes’ who make this work possible by tirelessly supporting it.  Those who donate furniture and household items, those who give their time to assist with the work, cleaning furniture, sorting through donations, testing electrical items, collating ancillary packs, helping with the business of the sale weeks; overseeing the running of the charity and providing wisdom, experience, prayer support and guidance in important decisions that need to be made. 

Thank you for the effort and commitment put in by the staff, for all they do in trying to ensure that the furniture given away to our customers is of a high standard and that the items we sell are complete and ready to be used by those who purchase them.  Some of the staff have encountered significant health issues this year and we would appreciate your prayer for health, harmony, strength and that the skills and abilities each have been given may be used to serve others and honour God. 

Managing Spencer Contact has taught me to be more compassionate towards others, to show love and not to judge people on their circumstances.  People’s circumstances can change very suddenly and unexpectedly; a loss of stable employment, ill health (physical or mental), the breakdown of a relationship, or the loss of a loved one who others were dependent upon, are just some of the circumstances which leave people unable to cope and in need of some help. 

Sometimes managing Spencer Contact can be busy, sometimes stressful…requiring long hours to be put in.  I look at the example of the Lord Jesus in Luke Ch. 4.  He had worked all day and then it says ‘ _Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with diverse diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them._ ’  He didn’t judge and He didn’t send those in need away. He showed care, compassion and love and He continued long through the night after a busy day.  It is an honour to serve, represent and tell others about one who showed love on a practical basis more than any other. 

Steve Scarsbrook 

(General Manager) 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Key Statistics 2023/24 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Collections ltems Items<br>747 Collected<br>(28,637) 3,902 1,683<br>On (106,252)<br>average, it<br>took two<br>collections|to — _<br>bring in Our Deliveries:<br>enough only were moving into<br>Me sew home<br>one  delivery 73% tenants in social<br>a housing<br>Average Average e r<br>collection<br>response time res me for<br>15 days 64 days<br>Figures in brackets show the total since we began operations in January 1999.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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- SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

- ~~ee~~ 

## WHO WE HELPED 

## **Individuals Helped** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2023-2024 Since Founding<br>PENSIONERS (AGES 65 &  26<br>OVER) 634<br>495<br>ADULTS<br>8,683<br>47<br>YOUNG ADULTS (18-25)<br>2,499<br>513<br>CHILDREN<br>9,027<br>Total for financial year 2023-2024:  1,081  Total since founding:  20,843<br>OO Oo<br>Family Groups Helped*<br>Multi-<br>Shared Occupancy<br>Generational<br>Multi-Generational  Shared Occupancy 81, 1% Other<br>Family<br>Family 8, 3% 332, 4%<br>Other 236, 3%<br>13, 5%<br>1, 1%<br>\ ——w \ fo<br>Single Adults<br>Two Parent  Single Adults<br>65, 27% \<br>Family 2,785, 33%<br>1492, 18%<br>Two Parent  Total:  Total:<br>Family 242  8,318<br>88, 36%<br>Single Parent<br>Single Parent<br>Family<br>Family | Two Adults 2,667, 32%<br>51, 21% y Two Adults<br>16, 7%<br>725, 9%<br>2023-2024  Since Founding<br>a ee<br>previously;  ‘Multi-Generational Family’ and ‘Shared Occupancy’. *Two categories have been added in 2015/2016 that we did not record<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS 

From our 2023/24 customer satisfaction survey, we found that: 

- 99% of those helped were satisfied, happy or very happy with the furniture they received. 

- 56% of those helped would have had some sort of difficulty in moving in to their property without the furniture we provided. 

- 99% rated the speed of our delivery service as excellent or good. 

- 99% of clients thought our delivery charges to be cheap or very cheap, with 1% receiving a delivery considering the charges to be expensive. 

- 79% of clients indicated that they would not have been able to get the furniture delivered without Spencer Contact. 

## COMMENTS 

The following comments come from customers writing on the survey about the difference our service had made to their lives: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
“They have brought hope and light at the end<br>of the tunnel for us. God bless you all.”<br>ae<br>“Delivery men very respectful, helpful and<br>patient. This is the only contact I've had that<br>actually helped. I'd still be on the floor tonight<br>but now I won't. Very grateful. God bless.”<br>ae aa<br>“Thank you for providing such services to<br>needy people. Great job.”<br>—<br>|<br>“I want to thank Spencer Contact for coming<br>f lee<br>to our aid when we needed it”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Acknowledgements 

We express our grateful thanks to those charitable trusts and organisations that have made a financial or material contribution to the work of Spencer Contact, including the following: 

|Alfred Haines Charitable Trust|West Northamptonshire Council|
|---|---|
|Matthews Wrightson Charity Trust|The P & F W Family Charitable Trust|
|Hunsbury Park School|Davidge Usher Trust CIO|
|The Bishop Radford Trust|Eric Stanton Northampton Trust|
|The Maud Elkington Charitable Trust|The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust|
|The Hearth Foundation|The Pettit Charity|
|The Eric Stanton (Northampton) Trust|The Wyvill Charitable Trust|
|The Northampton Municipal Church Charity|Lowther Charitable Settlement|
|The Souter Charitable Trust|Persula Foundation|
|The Fulmer Charitable Trust|Viscountess Blakenham's Charitable Trust|
|The Thomas and Rosemary Greenhalgh<br>Charitable Trust|Gay and Peter Hartley’s Hillards Charitable<br>Trust|
|Steyn Charitable Trust|The Archer Trust|
|David Laing Foundation|May Hearnshaw Charitable Trust|
|Garfield Weston Foundation|The Beatrice Laing Trust|
|The Dorcas Trust|Kingsthorpe Manor And Town Charity|
|The Benham Charitable Settlement|The Constance Travis Charitable Trust|
|Sir Derek Greenaway Foundation|Reynard Way Church|
|Good News For Everyone|East Hunsbury Townswomen’s Guild|



We also give our heartfelt thanks to those supporters, both organisations and individuals, that are not listed here. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Fundraising 

Spencer Contact, as with every other charity in the UK, faces the continuous challenge of raising money in order to fund the work that we look to do.  For many years, because of the kindness of those that give financially towards this work, we have been able to keep our delivery charges at a relatively low level.  The customer pays between £35 and £65 for their delivery of furniture and this is calculated on the number of items that are being delivered. If we are furnishing an entire home then the most a customer would be expected to pay is £65.  We found that where a financial sacrifice is made by the customer (even if relatively 

small) they tend to value more the items that they receive.  The delivery charges taken each year cover less than 10% of our overall operational costs. 

The warehouse, offices and vans are all owned outright by Spencer Contact which means that we do not have to make mortgage or rental payments each month.  We had 6 purpose built offices, together with a staff room and toilets built upstairs to allow us to 

make good use of what was before ‘wasted space’ and these are rented out primarily to another charity and a roofing business.  We have a boardroom which comfortably seats 12 and is available by buisnesses to hire (please see the photo).  We also rent parts of our car park for another charity to store their community busses.  All the monies raised from this goes towards funding the work of Spencer Contact. 

We are thankful to God for those that give of their finances to help fund this work; trustees of funds, churches, individuals and parents of school children.  Without all of their support we would not be able to continue helping the residents of Northampton who find themselves in times of need. 

Our fundraising initiative ‘Sleep on the Floor so others don’t have to’ where we invite primary school age children to raise sponsorship from family and friends by giving up their own bed for one night and sleeping on their floor has a growing interest amongst primary schools in Northampton.  The money raised through this event enables us to continue providing beds and household furniture to those in the town who do not have these basic items. 

We are also approaching secondary schools asking them to participate in ‘non-uniform days’ or ‘wearing blue for Spencer Contact’ events in order to raise awareness and funds. 

Spencer Contact was honoured to be chosen by the Mayor of Northampton, Mr Stephen Hibbert as the Mayors charity of the year 2023/24.  The Mayor and the Mayoress, Liz Cox, worked tirelessly in raising awareness of the charity and the work we do and also organised 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

a number of fund raising events in order to raise much needed funds.  Thank you for your tremendous invaluable support over this past year. 

Esther is a member of the BNI Lighthouse networking group.  Spencer Contact is their charity and they support this work both financially and practically.  Thank you for the support you have given and the difference you have made to the lives of those in need in Northampton. 

We have entered our 25[th] year this year and have a number of events planned to celebrate including the Manager cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to raise support of this vital work. 

## SALES 

We held two main sales during the year 2023/24 in May and November.  We cleared a large section of our warehouse, erected two tents outside in the car park and sold ‘non-essential household items’.  Prices are kept low to ensure that nobody in the town feels excluded from being able to purchase items.  We ensure that any ; ea" WER items we sell are of good quality, complete and clean (the eo nt same standard is expected for sale items as the items we give away to those in need).  We also sell items throughout the year on Facebook Marketplace in order to bring in additional funds to fund the work of Spencer Contact and to manage the available space in the warehouse. 

We plan to hold futher sales in June and November 2024. Your support at these events would be greatly appreciated. 

We do what we can to raise our own funds to support the work that we do and are developing our fundraising strategies to try and become more self-sufficient and less reliant on income from external sources like Trust Funds. We are pleased to see that currently there is almost a 50:50 split between income generated by our own fundraising and 

income kindly donated from external funders.  Thank you once again to all those who have and continue to financially support this work and in doing so make a positive difference to the lives of those in need in Northampton. 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## Treasurer’s Report for Year Ending 31[st] March 2024 

The UK economy shrank in the latter half of 2023 and went into recession. The recession ended in the early part of 2024. There was widespread uncertainty on growth which remained weak. There were major conflicts and trade tensions all over the world which had 

the effect of uncertainty for a lot of people. Peoples living standards suffered as a result. 

## INCOME RESOURCES 

Although the level of donations received overall was down compared to the previous financial year the sale of goods increased. The level of interest we received was also up compared to the last financial year. 

## RESOURCES EXPENDED 

Our level of expenditure has increased compared to the last financial year mainly due to rising costs. 

On page 4 under “Current Assets” you will see our financial position at the end of this financial year. 

## SUMMARY 

These accounts show that despite the rise in costs we have been able to maintain our dayto-day operations. We continue to praise and thank our Lord for his continued provision and guidance in all that we seek to do for Him through Spencer Contact. 

We continue to make every effort to budget prudently in order to maintain a viable trading position for the future. 

Phil Stiles 

(Treasurer) 

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## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

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SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
PENCER
We report on the accounts of the Charity for ihe period ended 31 March 2024 whlch are
set out on pages 2 to 7.
Respectlve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner
As the Charitvs trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the account5., you consider
that the audlt requirement of settion 14412) of the Charlties Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply
and that an independent examination is needed.
It Is our responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified In the General Directions
given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5Xb) of the Act, whether particular
matters have come to our attention and to examlne the accounts under Section 145 of the
2011 Att.
Basls of Independent examinerfs report
Our examinatlon carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the
Charities Commission. An examlnation includes a review of the accountlng records kept
by the charlty and a comparlson of the accounts presented with those records. It also
includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking
explanatlons from you as trustee5 concerning any such matters. The procedure5 undertaken
do not provide all the evidence that would be required In an audit. and consequently we do
not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Our report Is Ilmited to those
matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examlnerfs statement
In connectlon wlth our examination. no matter has come to our attentlon:
vthich glves us reasonable cause to believe that In any material respect the followlng
requlrements have not been met
to keep accounting records In accordance with sectlon 130 of the Act: and
b)
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to
comply wlth the accounting requirements of the Act: or
12)
to Ithlch, In our oplnion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of ihe accounts to be reached.
-fc, a/- £,aJ
TC Ollls Umlted
Nelson House, 2 Hamllton Terrace. Leamlngton Spa. Warwickshire. CV32 4LY
6th November 2024
20

SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
SPENCER coTr￿A
ATEMENT
F FINANCIAL AcnvmES
TH
YEAR EN
I MARCH 2024
Unrestricted Restrlcted
funds
funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Unrestrlcted donatlons
Restritted donatlon5
Local 9overnment grants
Inland Revenue Tefunds
Fundraising events
Sale of goods
Dellvery charges
Rental and storage income
Commission
Interest
65.230
65.230 87.527
17.370
6.000
10.834 15.000
1.051
17.370
10.834
290
48,421
12.681
32.924
290
48.421 41,967
12.681 12.959
32.924 33.788
97
147
171.755
17.370 189.125 198.536
RCES EXPEN
leEx
nditure
Wages and national insurance
Staff pension
Protective dothing
Insurance
Waieri gas and elearlcity charges
Telephone
Prlnting. postage and statlonery
Premises costs. repalrs and small tools
Motor and travel expenses
Fundraising expenses
Professional fees
Depreciatlon
Sundry expenses
Donations
Volunteer expenses
140.447
2.750
148
4.636
4.676
2.099
1.034
8.234
4.917
1.335
2.732
24.575
2.655
5.034
779
140.447 142,161
2,750
2.689
148
558
4.636
4.240
4.676
7.803
2.099
1.799
1.034
658
8.234
5.141
10.287
7,273
1.335
898
2.732
1 .645
24.575
5.821
2.655
1.521
5.034
4.480
779
772
5,370
206.051
5.370 211,421 787.459
21

SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
NTAcr
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL Acrr4rriES
FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MAR
24
Unrestrltted Re5￿cted
fund5
funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Accountancy: Independent Examlnation
Sub5cription5
Software and computer costs
1.250
i.oso
717
3.017
1.250
1,050
717
3.017
1.302
893
3.227
N REVAL
ATION
89.698
PE
209.068
214 438 280 384
INCOMING
RESO
RC
RTH
YEAR
-37.313
12,000
-25.313
-81.848
ES BROUGHT FORWARD
I APRIL 2023
1.302.291
6.000 1.308,291 1.390.139
LAN
ES CARRIED F
IMAR
24
WAR
1.264.978
18.000 1.282.978 1,308.291
22

SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
rATEMwr
F FINANCIAL posmoN
E YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Notes
31.3.2024
Unrestricted Restricted
nds
nds
31.3.2023
Total
1.2H.452
1.244.452
1.269.027
URRENT ASSErs
Prepayments and other debtors
Deposit account
Santander
Currenr accounr
CO-OP
Cash in hand
3.801
12,655
8.168
845
3.801
30.655
8.168
845
4,744
21.527
17.209
411
18.000
RRENT
PAYE & NI
Other credltors and accrnals
ILfftES
2.443
2.443
2.260
CuRREfr￿ ASS
20.526
18.000
38,526
39,264
1.264.978
18.000 7.282.978
1.308.291
Represented by.
EDF
1.264.978
1.302.291
REThI
D FUND
18.01)0
6.000
1.282.978
1 .308.291
l approve the ab
accounts on behalf of the trustees.
P Burdttt. Hon. Chainnan
Date of meeting: .......... .... ..... ....-.
I confirm that I have made available all the relevant record5 and inforniatlon for the
preparation of these accounts.
. P Stiles, Hon. Treasurer
23

SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
SPENCER CONTAcr
107
07
TEST
TH
FOR THE YEAR EN
I MARCH 2024
SUMMARY OF SIGNIF1CM￿ ACCOUNTING pouaES
General infonnation and basi5 of preparation
The nature of the chariVs operatlons and princlpal actlvitles are Sh(￿ on pages 2 ro 4.
The charty constitutes a public benefit entity a5 defined by FRS 102. The financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by
Charities= Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparlng thelr
accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and
Republic of Ireland Issued in October 2019. the Financial Reponing Standard applicable
in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted
Pra(tice.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair. vlew and have
departed from the Charr(ies (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent
requlred to provlde a true and fair vlew.. This departure ha5 involved following the
Accountln9 and Reporrlng by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable
to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wlth the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019.
The flnandal statements are prepared on a going concern basi5 under the historical cost
convention. modified to indude certain items at fair value. The financial statements are
presented in sterlin9 whlch is the funttional currency of the charlry.
The signifiont accounting policies applied in the preparation of these finanaal
SEatements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years
presenied unless otheThvlse stated.
24

SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
NOTES TO THE ACCOUP¥FS
THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2
General
These accounts have been prepared under the hlstoric cost convention and in
accordance wlth applicable accounting standards and the Statement of
Recommended Pracrice on Accountlng by Charitles. The term "resources" includes
funds iecewed and paid during the period adjusted for rtems vthlch are accrued
and prepaid at the perfod end.
Depreciation
Depreclatlon is provlded ar the following rates based on the estimated useful life
of these fixed a55ets and their anticipated residual value:
Property
Motor vehicle
Equipment
2% p.a. (straight line basis)
25% p.a. (reducing balance basis)
20% p.a. (reducing balance basis)
Included wlthln freehold property 15 freehold land at a historical cost value of £285.000.
No depreciation was provided on the value of the land.
Incoming Re50urces-.
Recogntrion of Incomlng Resources
These afe included in the Statement of Flnancial Activities (SOFW when:
the charity become5 entitled to The resources
the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources., and
- the monetary value can be measured wlth sufficient reliability
Grants and Donatlons
Grants and donatlons are onty included in the SOFA when the Charity ha5 uncondftional
entltlement to the resource5.
Investment Income
Thi5 15 included in the accounts T*•hen receivable
Expendlture and Liabilities=
Llability Recognltlon
Liabilities are reiognised as soon as there Is a legal or con5tructlve obllgation committlng
the charity to pay out resource5
Revaluatlon of property
The property was revalued on 5 April 2023 and found to be worth less than the
original COSL Further revaluations will be carried out on a regular basis.
25

SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
R THE YEAR END
24
ED
Land and
L￿IldIn
Motor
vehicle5 Equipment
Total
Cost at 1.4.2023
1.250.000
75.423
6.981 1.332.404
Additions
Cost at 31.3.2024
1 250 000
6 981 1 332 404
Depreciation at 1.4.2023
59.959
3.418
63.377
Charge for the year
20.000
3.866
709
24.575
Dep￿cIatIon at 31.3.2024
Net book value at 31.3.2024
1.230.000
11,598
2.854 1,244.452
Net book value at 31.3.2023
1.250.000
15.464
3.563 1,269,027
The property vn5 revalued in 2023. Without thi5. the historical cost carrying value would
have been £l.293,844 at the year end.
Balance at
1.4.2023
Duri
Income
ear:
Ex enditure
Balance at
31.3.2024
Mezzanine floor fund
land End to John ofroats expenses
Vehlcle running costs
i 0.000
2,000
5.370
16.000
2.000
-5.370
6.000
17.370
-5.370
18.000
ERA
ON
None of the trustees or management committee members recelved any payment for
the servlces they provided durlng the perlod.
6 RELATED PARTY T
During the year the charity received donations from trustees with a total value of £1.462.
26

## SPENCER CONTACT ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 

## END OF REPORT 

## Supported By: 

27