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2024-03-31-accounts

Company no. 03836786 Charity no. 1077575

Life Cycle

Report and Audited Financial Statements

31 March 2024

Life Cycle

Contents

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Page
Reference and administrative details 1
Report of the trustees 2 - 10
Auditor's report 11 - 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 30

Life Cycle

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2024 Company number 03836786 Charity number 1077575 Registered office and The CREATE Centre operational address Smeaton Road Bristol BS1 6XN Tel: 0117 353 4580 Email: hello@lifecycle.org.uk Website: www.lifecycle.org.uk Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows: K Norman - Chair (From 14th November 2023) S Mowl - Chair (Resigned 14th November 2023) H Binley - Treasurer K Chaterjee A Dodd M Hobson (Appointed 1st August 2023) C Keble (Resigned 6th August 2023) N Key S McMillan (Resigned 9th April 2024) A Menter N Saba A Webber (Resigned 14th November 2023) E Williams (Resigned 14th November 2023) Chief executive Edward Norton Company secretary Edward Norton Bankers Triodos Bank Deanery Road Bristol BS1 5AS Auditors Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor, Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

1

Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Objectives and activities of the charity

Hello, we're Life Cycle

We work with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey: From learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

We know that with the right support, anyone can benefit from bikes. We help thousands of people each year by providing:

  1. Bikes that are safe, smooth and fun to ride;

  2. Cycle training for all ages and abilities;

  3. Cycling activities for people with additional needs; and

  4. Industry-accredited training for the public - and people in prison.

Why are we here?

Our society is facing some serious problems: the climate emergency, rising inequality and public health crises need bold action, now.

It can be hard to know how to make a difference. But the answers don�t have to be complicated or expensive. We believe in practical solutions - and small steps with big effects.

If more of us cycle, we�ll see huge impacts on public health, community well-being and our natural environment. So, we�re here to help more people get cycling! We�ve been doing it since 1999 and we help more people each year.

Who do we help?

Everyone! We�re here to show that cycling can be safe, practical and affordable for most short journeys; no matter who you are, what you do or what you look like. We create positive spaces where people can be themselves, develop and reach their goals.

We're all about empowering people on their cycling journey.

Our vision

A world with clean air and healthy people where cycling is the chosen mode of transport, for most people, for short daily journeys.

Our mission

We help more people experience the benefits of cycling - transforming lives and the environment.

Our values

  1. Quality: We strive for excellence in everything we do;

  2. Inclusivity: We want cycling to be accessible to everyone;

  3. Curiosity: We aren�t afraid to try new things. We are bold. We are always learning; and

  4. Empowerment: We are guided by the people we work with.

2

Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Structure, governance and management

Life Cycle (previously "Life Cycle UK") is a registered charity (number 1077575) and company limited by guarantee (registered number 3836786). The charity has no subsidiary undertakings or formal integration with any other charities and organisations with which it co-operates in the pursuit of its charitable objectives.

Day-to-day operations are managed by the Charity’s Chief Executive, supported by a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and an Operations Group. Activities are delivered by a team of staff members, freelance cycle instructors and mechanics and a fantastic group of volunteers.

Board of trustees

The number of trustees is a maximum of ten, unless otherwise approved by the trustees, and shall not be less than three. The directors and trustees of the charitable company during the period are listed on page 1.

The charity periodically holds open public recruitment for new trustees. Any person who is willing to act as a trustee, and who is permitted by law to do so, may be appointed to be a trustee by resolution of the trustees - although in practice trustees hold a formal application process, including written applications, interviews and reference checks before appointing any new trustees. New trustees are inducted by existing board members and the chief executive. In line with best practice, trustees are limited to three terms of three years, except in exceptional circumstances. There is no AGM; this is not legally required because trustees are both members and directors and can voice opinions and receive information throughout the year.

The Board of Trustees meets quarterly. Scrutiny and oversight of specific areas is delegated to subcommittees: Finance Committee; Governance Committee; and Remuneration Committee - which sets the pay and remuneration of the charity’s key management personnel with reference to performance and market benchmarking for pay. Each committee meets up to four-times a year and is represented by three or more trustees.

Achievements and performance (Public Benefit)

12,869 people accessed the charity's services in the 12-months to 31[st] March 2024 — a 5% increase on the previous year. This continues our general trend of growth in recent years, despite contending with strong headwinds due to covid, high inflation and the cost-ofliving crisis.

3

Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Public benefit was achieved in the West of England, Somerset, North Somerset, Cotswolds, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, Aylesbury, Derby and Leicester in the following ways:

1. Offering access to working bicycles

Our bike recycling project, run in partnership with HM Prison Service, helped 99 men inside prison to train as a City & Guilds accredited cycle mechanics. We also offered community placements to 22 exoffenders to improve pathways to further training and employment.

During the year we exited our small bike workshop inside HMYOI Aylesbury but opened a flagship new workshop inside HMP Fosse Way, with space for up to 15 learners who will be taught by 2 fulltime, dedicated Tutors employed by Life Cycle.

Offenders, with our mechanics, refurbished 860 bikes (all donated by the public) otherwise destined for scrap. These bikes are now in use by grateful members of the public in need of cheap, reliable transport. 344 of these bikes (40%) were sold to the public at affordable prices:

"I was surprised at how big the facility was and how many bikes they had there. I would definitely recommend checking it out for anyone looking to buy a second-hand bike and knowing this project is helping offenders to rehabilitate is the icing on the cake�. - Neil

And 516 of these bikes (60%) were given away discounted, or free, to those on the very lowest incomes � thanks to donations from Trusts, Foundations and generous members of the public:

�Thank you for helping us, thank you for the bike. I can use my bike to go shopping, to go to college. I can leave the hotel and go on my bike. I can go to the river and see the ducks.� � Abdul (name changed), referred for a free bike via Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity

Mechanics at our public workshops serviced 1,285 bikes in 2023-24, keeping them running smoothly and safe for regular use. This is up from <250 bikes/year pre-pandemic:

�This place is brilliant. I had a great service experience, quick turnaround and reasonable price. If you�re a bike novice like me don�t hesitate, they�ll look after you. Equally they seem to service & repair all levels of bikes.� � Hannah

In addition, our mechanics made free repairs to 2,288 bikes at �pop-up�Dr Bike events this year. As the cost-of-living crisis bit into household budgets, we continued to see many people wheel a previously disused bike out of their shed that needed repairs to get it running again.

2. Helping people gain the skills and confidence to cycle wherever they want, whenever they want

Our Bikeability cycle training programme taught 5,795 school children to cycle �despite disruption from teachers strikes, heatwaves and cold snaps. 99% of schools said that their training was either �Good� (6%), �Very Good� (30%) or �Excellent� (62%). Example feedback:

�As always, we are delighted with the service we receive. We love working with you to teach our children fantastic bike skills. Thank you so much.�

4

Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

�Excellent teaching and teachers, very knowledgeable and patient, and considerate of individual children's needs on the day.�

�Instructors are always very friendly and punctual. Accommodating for SEND children and feedback well to the class teachers to support transition back into the classroom, thank you.�

Training volumes are now 32% above pre-pandemic levels. We expect further year-on-year rises as the Department for Transport marches towards its goal of providing cycle training for every school child. The charity is proud to be doing its part to develop the next generation of cyclists.

We also helped 473 adults to learn or refresh their cycling skills. Countering the typical cyclist profile, 77% of adult trainees were women. Feedback received:

97% rated training as �very good� (12%) or �excellent� (85%);

Very useful and informative. Improved my road confidence greatly. Great instructor.�

�[Instructor] was so kind and patient. He completely met me at my level and empowered me�

�I really appreciated that my instructor took the time to ask what I wanted to get out of the session then used that to help me work on individual skills. I felt listened to and didn�t feel embarrassed about having limited knowledge on cycling. I left feeling very positive.�

3. Offer extra support to anyone who faces barriers to unlock the benefits of cycling

This year, we supported 350 people via our �Inclusive Cycling� projects. These included:

�I�m a mum of four kids and I had a baby, six-months old when learning to ride the bike. When I started, it felt like a very big thing�how can I balance on this? But when I got on it, it was like, I can do it. I can now cycle, and I can join my kids and they are so proud of me.�� Swiba

�Jess�self-esteem and confidence has grown so much since joining this group, it has been brilliant to see the progress that she has made especially seeing her chat to the front riders.� � Jess� (name changed) carer.

�[I�m] cycling more now than I have since my early 20s and I'm now 75. I record the mileage I do... I've cycled over 2,000 miles.� � Sylvia (name changed)

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Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

In addition, our Youth project ran free weekly activities that helped 731 kids in deprived communities start engaging with cycling through a mix of activities, trips and mechanics sessions.

�I like working on my bike, its more active than sitting watching TV all day and I learn something new that helps me.� � Kayden, Youth project participant.

�Jeffrey has much more confidence and interest in cycling. One day after the session, he said he wanted to show me the route from our house to the school that he had practiced that day � so he proposed to be the guide!� � Jeffrey�s Dad.

4. Strengthening the cycling sector

Whilst the number of people Life Cycle directly supports has grown considerably in recent years, we recognise that the impact we alone can have on overall cycling levels is modest. A key part of our strategy is to upskill individuals at other cycling initiatives �or founding new schemes �to create a �ripple effect� of benefits beyond our involvement. This year the charity:

Trained 108 people as 1[st] 4Sport accredited cycle instructors; and Trained 109 members of the public as City & Guilds accredited cycle mechanics.

We continue our approach of blending fee-paying customers with bursary-funded learners on these courses, often as part of partnerships, to build capacity at other smaller cycling projects. Partners we supported this year included:

Emmaus: a charity that helps people out of homelessness and poverty;

Bristol Bike Project: repairing and rehoming second-hand bikes through Earn a Bike programmes and DIY maintenance sessions; and

On Your Bike: a bike recycling scheme in Bridgwater.

This year we also helped 113 people gain membership of an on-street Bike Hanger to securely store their bike; and installed 138 cycle stands �free of charge �at community venues to improve daily access to secure cycle parking:

"Excellent service, thank you so much for our cycle stands! As a dental practice with no cycles stands we were getting feedback to have some installed, so this was a fantastic opportunity for us. We cannot thank you enough." Frome dentist

Finally, we are providing access to electric bikes and cycle training for a research study run by the University of Bristol and local Hospitals looking into how e-bike use can improve health outcomes for cancer patients. The trial stage has now finished. We look forward to the results!

6

Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Risk Statement

The trustees continue to consider and manage risks to the charity through an organisational risk register that is regularly reviewed. These risks include:

Risk : High inflation increases our costs faster than our income .

Mitigation : We have worked closely with funders and commissioners, where possible, to renegotiate terms of key grants and contracts to reflect the true (rising) costs of delivery. Our fees are regularly reviewed. Expenditure is closely monitored. When supplier prices rise, we review suppliers or Pro Bono alternatives. As people are our largest expenditure area, trustees continue to invest in improved digital systems which should increase staff productivity.

Risk: Loss of Derby workshop premises at less than 12-months�notice (due to eviction from Compulsory Purchase Order & site redevelopment).

Mitigation : The Derby Hub workshop which we have occupied for 10-years will be compulsorily purchased in December 2024 and redeveloped. The charity has negotiated, and received, an advanced compensation payment from Derby City Council to cover the costs of relocating to an alternative premises. We are also negotiating with the developer about holding over for 6-12 months after the compulsory purchase date to give us longer to find our ideal new premises, if we need it.

Risk: Cyber-attack / phishing compromises systems making data and resources inaccessible and/or services undeliverable.

Mitigation : Trustees recognise the risk of cyber-attack. The charity retains a Microsoft Gold Partner accredited IT Agency to oversee system integrity and back-ups; a professional 3[rd] party website support agency; mandates use of business grade Antivirus and Multi Factor Authentication for all users; cybersecurity training for all staff on induction; and holds specific cyber insurance and business interruption cover.

Fundraising

We continue to secure grants from a range of local, regional, and national funders, using fundraisers employed by the charity. Like all charities, we notice that competition for grants is increasing. Income from contracts and fees now represents a large share of our funding, reflecting our long-term strategy to reduce reliance on grant funding. Income from the sale of refurbished bikes and servicing is also a core foundation stone of our income mix. We are grateful to the thousands of people who donated us an unwanted bicycle for refurbishment.

We ran a successful Crowdfunder in late 2023 and plan to continue to explore raising funds from Individual Giving in future to further diversify our income. To protect vulnerable people, we do not � and do not plan to �solicit donations via face-to-face fundraising �chuggers�or via lotteries. All fundraising activities adhere to our Safeguarding Policy and we have not used the services of external professional fundraisers during the year. Life Cycle is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and follows their code of conduct. No complaints have been received regarding our fundraising activities.

7

Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Future Plans

Despite short-term economic headwinds, trustees believe demand for the charity�s services will grow throughout the 2020s as cycling remains a key factor in national and local government strategies to reduce transport emissions, improve air quality and enhance public health. We anticipate developments in the following areas:

  1. Access to bikes : we look forward to the first full year of operation for our new bike recycling workshop in HMP Fosse Way and are in discussions about 4 other potential sites for new bike recycling workshops in prisons. We also plan to re-locate our (public) Derby Hub workshop to a bigger premises.

  2. Cycle Training : the government�s pledge to fund Bikeability training for every school child in England suggests demand for our cycle training services will keep growing.

  3. Extra support : we continue to refine our offers to meet the needs of the post-covid and cost-ofliving era. We hope to be able to grow activities in the medium term.

  4. Strengthening the sector : we aim to pursue further partnerships with other cycling groups to build the sector�s capacity via accredited training for new cycle instructors and bike mechanics. In particular, we seek to expand and enhance our accredited bike mechanic training offers.

Thank you

Trustees wish to thank the 83 amazing volunteers who between them gave up 4,813 hours to help transform lives through cycling, via the above programmes. This includes everyone from volunteer bike mechanics, cycle �buddies�or tandem pilots, to inspiring fundraisers �thanks to each and every one of you. We couldn't do it without you.

Financial review

The income of the charity has grown by 19% (£207k) this year to £1.318M, (2023: £1.111M).

The overall in-year deficit is £50k, with £12k funded from the balance of designated reserves. A budget deficit was approved by the trustees before the start of the year to enable the charity to expand. This enabled the charity to implement IT and staffing changes. The launch of new systems was delayed and therefore the expected positive impact has not yet been fully felt. There was also a two month vacancy period for the fundraising manager post which has now been filled.

Grant funding has become increasingly competitive, we have been fortunate to have the continued support of many funders. There has been a significant drop in multi year grants. We are actively exploring diversifying fundraising to help reduce this risk.

Our restricted reserves are sufficient to keep grant funded projects operating for the agreed period.

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Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Investments

The trustees Investment Policy seeks to improve the return on surplus cash balances to protect the value of investments against inflation and earn unrestricted income which can help fund our work, whilst allowing prompt access to a reasonable proportion of reserves to ease any temporary cash flow disruptions or fund one-off items of capital expenditure. The charity is not reliant on investment income to fund its day-to day operations and the trustees have therefore not set a specific income target. Preservation of the value of the investments against inflation is prioritised over income. At the year end we had a small gain on investments of less than £1k. Trustees review our investments regularly, which are held for medium to long term and for investment income. Trustees decided to sell the investments and reinvest in funds that are more diversified and in line with Life Cycle's environmental and social standing.

Going Concern

The trustees have considered the charity�s current and future financial position. The charity holds unrestricted general reserves of £222k. The trustees consider that the charity has sufficient unrestricted reserves and cash flow to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved. For this reason, the accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis.

Reserves policy

The trustees have determined that the target level of general unrestricted reserves of the charity should be between 3 and 6 months of current operating costs. In the opinion of the trustees this makes prudent provision of unrestricted funds to cover management, administration, and support costs in the event of an unexpected reduction in funding. The unrestricted reserves need to be in line with growth of the charity's expenditure. The general unrestricted reserves are £222k representing approximately 2 months of next year's budgeted operating expenditure. The charity plans to build up general reserves from 2025/26 onwards; when it is expected that Life Cycle will fully benefit from the impact of IT development and staff restructure. Life Cycle are undertaking a detailed costed risk review with a view to refining our reserve policy.

Designated Reserves: Any legacies received, because of their unpredictable nature, are recognised as designated income for development opportunities. The balance of the designated reserves was used in 2023/24 for the digital transformation project.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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Life Cycle

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Auditors

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as auditors to the charitable company during the year and has expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 3 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by

Keith Norman - Chair

10

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Life Cycle

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Life Cycle (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and the related notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor�s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC�s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees�use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor�s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

11

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Life Cycle

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors�report included within the trustees�report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees�responsibilities statement set out in the trustees�report, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity�s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

12

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Life Cycle

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor�s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The procedures we carried out and the extent to which they are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, are detailed below:

(1) We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, and assessed the risk of non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Throughout the audit, we remained alert to possible indications of non-compliance.

(2) We reviewed the charity�s policies and procedures in relation to:

(3) We inspected the minutes of trustee meetings.

(4) We enquired about any non-routine communication with regulators and reviewed any reports made to them.

(5) We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and assessed their compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

(6) We performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected transactions or balances that may indicate a risk of material fraud or error.

(7) We assessed the risk of fraud through management override of controls and carried out procedures to address this risk. Our procedures included:

Testing the appropriateness of journal entries;

Testing transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. Irregularities that arise due to fraud can be even harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

13

Independent auditors' report

To the members of

Life Cycle

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council�s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor�s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Date: 3 September 2024

William Guy Blake ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of:

GODFREY WILSON LIMITED

Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

14

Life Cycle

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 March 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
6
Net expenditure before gains
11
7
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net gains / (losses) on
investments
Net expenditure & net
movement in funds
Restricted
£
-
404,121
-
404,121
42,082
363,579
405,661
(1,540)
-
(1,540)
114,231
112,691
Designated
£
-
-
-
-
-
12,198
12,198
(12,198)
-
(12,198)
12,198
-
General
£
30,608
877,881
5,797
914,286
12,403
938,264
950,667
(36,381)
465
(35,916)
258,273
222,357
2024
Total
£
30,608
1,282,002
5,797
1,318,407
54,485
1,314,041
1,368,526
(50,119)
465
(49,654)
384,702
335,048
Restated
2023
Total
£
28,278
1,072,391
10,444
1,111,113
49,670
1,143,563
1,193,233
(82,120)
(22,778)
(104,898)
489,600
384,702

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 17 to the accounts.

Prior period income has been restated as described in note 4 to the accounts. Total income for the prior year is unaffected.

15

Life Cycle

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Investments
11
£ 2024
£
-
155,872
2023
£
-
224,879
Current assets
Stock
12
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
35,930
156,924
110,984
155,872 224,879
28,316
103,054
159,916
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
14
303,838
124,662
291,286
131,463
Net current assets 179,176 159,823
Net assets
16
335,048 384,702
Funds
17
Restricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
112,691
-
222,357
114,231
12,198
258,273
Total charity funds 335,048 384,702

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 3 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by

Keith Norman - Chair

16

Life Cycle

Statement of cash flows

As at 31 March 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Cash used in operating activities
Net movement in funds (49,654) (104,898)
Adjustments for:
(Gains) / losses on investments (465) 22,778
Dividends and interest from investments (5,797) (10,444)
Decrease / (increase) in stock (7,614) 570
Decrease / (increase) in debtors (53,870) 5,489
Increase / (decrease) in creditors (6,801) 18,026
Net cash used in operating activities (124,201) (68,479)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of investments 219,472 -
Purchase of investments (150,000) -
Dividends and interest from investments 5,797 10,444
Net cash provided by investing activities 75,269 10,444
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents in the year (48,932) (58,035)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 159,916 217,951
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 110,984 159,916
----- End of picture text -----

The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.

17

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting policies

a) General information and basis of preparation

Life Cycle is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN.

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

Life Cycle meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Grants are deferred where preconditions exist relating to programmes to be delivered in future accounting periods.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Contract and fee income is recognised when the services are delivered. Income received in advance of provision of service is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

d) Volunteers

The charity benefits from the services of volunteers. During the year 83 volunteers gave 4,813 hours of their time to support the charity. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not given a value in the accounts.

18

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

f) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds (referred to in these accounts as general funds) are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity�s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities as follows:

2024 2023
Raising funds 4% 4%
Charitable activities 96% 96%

i) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Plant and equipment 3-5 years straight line

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £2,500.

j) Investments

Investments held as fixed assets are carried at their fair value, and are revalued at market value at the balance sheet date. The gain or loss for the period is taken to the statement of financial activities.

19

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting policies (continued)

k) Stock

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value.

Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value, which is deemed to be the average expected sale proceeds less the expected costs of sale. Donated stock represents second hand bicycles which are refurbished by the charity and then put up for sales. Donated stock is only recognised once the bicycle has been fully refurbished and is fit for sale.

l) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

m) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

n) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. We aim to pay within 28 days.

o) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

p) Pension costs

The charitable company pays into various defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of staff. The cost of providing pension and related benefits is charged to staff costs within the statement of financial activities.

q) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only the period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no key sources of estimation uncertainty.

20

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

2. Prior period comparatives

The following note is required under the SORP FRS 102 to explain the breakdown of income and expenditure between restricted and unrestricted funds in the prior period.

Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net losses on investments
3.
Donations
General donations
Prior period comparatives
General donations
Total donations
Legacies
Net expenditure and net
movement in funds
Net expenditure before losses
Restricted
£
-
271,949
-
271,949
35,869
267,753
303,622
(31,673)
-
(31,673)
Restricted
£
-
Restricted
£
-
-
-
Designated
£
5,000
-
-
5,000
-
35,265
35,265
(30,265)
-
(30,265)
Designated
£
-
Designated
£
-
5,000
5,000
General
£
23,278
800,442
10,444
834,164
13,801
840,545
854,346
(20,182)
(22,778)
(42,960)
General
£
30,608
General
£
23,278
-
23,278
Restated
2023
Total
£
28,278
1,072,391
10,444
1,111,113
49,670
1,143,563
1,193,233
(82,120)
(22,778)
(104,898)
2024
Total
£
30,608
2023
Total
£
23,278
5,000
28,278

21

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

4.
Income from charitable activities
Grants of £15,000 or more:
Bristol City Council - Wheels to Work
Swire Charitable Trust
Grants of less than £15,000
Fees for services
Bike sales and servicing
Total charitable activities income
The National Lottery Community Fund:
Reaching Communities
National Grid
Foundation Derbyshire - The Tom
Carey Fund
GWR - Customer and Community
Improvement Fund
School for Social Entrepreneurs - Cost
of Living Challenge Fund
Crowd Funder - Cost of Living
Challenge Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund:
Awards for All
The Bikeability Trust - Scale Up
Funding
Quartet Community Foundation -
Recovery Strategy (Sector
Development)
Restricted
£
15,000
25,000
30,000
32,063
17,445
30,000
15,000
20,000
21,395
15,000
22,000
161,218
-
-
404,121
Designated
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
General
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,500
658,778
211,603
877,881
2024
Total
£
15,000
25,000
30,000
32,063
17,445
30,000
15,000
20,000
21,395
15,000
22,000
168,718
658,778
211,603
1,282,002

In addition to the funders listed, Life Cycle would like to thank the following funders for their support: John James Bristol Foundation, The 29th May 1961 Charity, Barbara Ward Children�s Foundation, Wesport and Sarah Mowl.

22

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

4. Income from charitable activities (continued) Prior period comparatives

Prior period comparatives
Grants of £15,000 or more:
The Garfield Weston Foundation
Grants of less than £15,000
Fees for services
Bike sales and servicing
Total charitable activities
The National Lottery Community Fund
The Bikeability Trust
Hinkley Point C Community Fund /
Somerset Community Foundation
Restricted
£
18,247
25,000
46,063
30,951
151,688
-
-
271,949
Designated
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
General
£
-
-
-
-
10,500
574,165
215,777
800,442
Restated
2023
Total
£
18,247
25,000
46,063
30,951
162,188
574,165
215,777
1,072,391

On review of income classifications against the Charities SORP, the trustees have reclassified income from bike sales and servicing as income from charitable activities this year. The trustees consider that this classification better reflects the nature of this income stream as relating to the charity's primary purposes. The income has previously been classified under income from other trading activities, and the prior year has been restated for comparability.

5. Government grants

The charity received government assistance, in the form of grants from Bristol City Council to fund a variety of the charity's projects and from The School for Social Entrepeneurs. The total amount of such grants in the year ended 31 March 2024 was £56,030. In the prior year, the total of such grants received was £10,000. There were no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants. In addition the charity receives fees for services from various different local authorities.

23

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

6. Total expenditure

Staff costs (note 8)
Projects and services
Publicity and marketing
IT costs
Insurances
Professional fees
Governance
Office rent
Computers
General office
Sub-total
Allocation of support and
governance costs
Total expenditure
Prior period comparatives
Staff costs (note 8)
Projects and services
Publicity and marketing
IT costs
Insurances
Professional fees
Governance
Office rent
Computers
General office
Sub-total
Allocation of support and
governance costs
Total expenditure
Raising funds
£
50,418
-
-
380
-
-
-
-
-
-
50,798
3,687
54,485
Raising funds
£
45,889
-
-
407
-
-
-
-
-
-
46,296
3,374
49,670
Charitable
activities
£
779,025
361,591
22,738
47,480
9,397
1,949
-
-
-
-
1,222,180
91,861
1,314,041
Charitable
activities
£
679,478
328,681
12,148
35,160
8,855
953
-
-
-
-
1,065,275
78,288
1,143,563
Support and
governance
costs
£
63,174
-
-
-
-
-
6,013
7,200
6,817
12,344
95,548
(95,548)
-
Support and
governance
costs
£
50,490
-
-
-
-
-
6,250
6,963
6,530
11,429
81,662
(81,662)
-
2024 Total
£
892,617
361,591
22,738
47,860
9,397
1,949
6,013
7,200
6,817
12,344
1,368,526
-
1,368,526
2023 Total
£
775,857
328,681
12,148
35,567
8,855
953
6,250
6,963
6,530
11,429
1,193,233
-
1,193,233

24

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

7. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Trustees' remuneration
Trustees' reimbursed expenses
Audit fees (excluding VAT)
2024
£
-
Nil
561
6,000
2023
£
-
Nil
Nil
5,700

Two trustees were reimbursed £561 (2023: nil) for travel costs incurred for attending board meetings.

8. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs
Average staff head count
Full time equivalent staff
Life Cycle is a real living wage employer.
2024
£
802,429
53,592
36,596
892,617
2024
No.
39
29
2023
£
694,800
49,245
31,812
775,857
2023
No.
34
26

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year (2023: none).

The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the senior management team 2024: 6 (2023: 5). Total employee benefits (salaries, national insurance and pension contributions) paid to key management personnel were £213,019 (2023: £165,339).

9. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

25

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

10. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
11. Investments
Market value at 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
Investment gains / (losses)
Market value at 31 March 2024
Investments comprise:
Listed investments
12. Stock
Refurbished bicycles
Parts and accessories
2024
£
224,879
150,000
(219,472)
465
155,872
155,872
2024
£
15,625
20,305
35,930
£
25,086
25,086
-
-
2023
£
247,657
-
-
(22,778)
224,879
224,879
2023
£
12,200
16,116
28,316
Plant and
equipment

The charity received donated stock in the form of second hand bicycles which are refurbished by the charity and subsequently sold. Bicycles are included as stock at the point when they have passed a final safe for sale check.

26

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

13. Debtors

Trade debtors
Prepayments
Other debtors
Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
VAT
Other creditors and accruals
Deferred income (note 15)
2024
£
73,206
14,448
69,270
156,924
2024
£
21,803
20,367
13,842
35,845
32,805
124,662
2023
£
63,119
12,954
26,981
103,054
2023
£
25,675
17,676
11,652
36,400
40,060
131,463

14. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year

15. Deferred income

Balance brought forward
Amount released to income
Amount deferred in year
Balance carried forward
2024
£
40,060
(36,883)
29,628
32,805
2023
£
37,960
(33,848)
35,948
40,060

Deferred income comprises contract income and fees received which are for specific future work. This is comprised of the following:

Take a Stand
1st 4 Sport
Maintenance Courses
Cycle Lessons
Other
CRANK
Bikes and Accessories
Total
2024
£
28,533
1,780
1,080
980
432
-
-
32,805
2023
£
12,305
7,063
9,195
980
567
9,000
950
40,060

27

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 March 2024
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 March 2023
Prior period comparatives
Restricted
funds
£
-
114,858
(2,167)
112,691
Restricted
funds
£
-
117,915
(3,684)
114,231
Designated
funds
£
-
-
-
-
Designated
funds
£
-
12,198
-
12,198
General
funds
£
155,872
188,980
(122,495)
222,357
General
funds
£
224,879
161,173
(127,779)
258,273
Total
funds
£
155,872
303,838
(124,662)
335,048
Total funds
£
224,879
291,286
(131,463)
384,702

28

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

17. Movements in funds

Restricted funds
Inclusive Cycling
Bristol Hub
Derby Hub
Somerset Cycling
Course delivery
Bikeability Scale Up
Funding
Expansion of prison cycle
workshops
School for Social
Entrepreneurs Funding
Quartet - Cycling sector
development
Take a Stand
Total restricted funds
Designated funds
Development
General funds
Total funds
At 1 April
2023
£
28,492
2,682
17,413
28,196
6,448
-
31,000
-
-
-
114,231
12,198
258,273
384,702
Income
£
100,668
133,643
80,321
14,657
7,992
21,395
1,000
17,445
22,000
5,000
404,121
-
914,286
1,318,407
£
(98,541)
(97,825)
(89,532)
(42,853)
(8,520)
(9,070)
(32,000)
(17,445)
(4,875)
(5,000)
(405,661)
(12,198)
(950,667)
(1,368,526)
Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
465
465
Gains /
(losses) on
investments
At 31
March
2024
£
30,619
38,500
8,202
-
5,920
12,325
-
-
17,125
-
112,691
-
222,357
335,048

Purposes of restricted funds

Inclusive Cycling - Project to support everyone to cycle including:

Bristol Hub � Bike recycling project in Bristol including Bikes Beyond Bars.

Derby Hub - Bike recycling and maintenance training projects in Derby.

Somerset Cycling - For cycling initiatives in Somerset.

Course Delivery � Restricted funds for City and Guild and 1st4Sport courses.

Bikeability Scale Up Funding - Funding to increase Bikeability in schools.

29

Life Cycle

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2024

17. Movements in funds (continued)

School for Social Entrepreneurs Funding - To support an increase in social enterprise trading activities.

Quartet - Cycling sector development - Development funding to pilot collaboration between West of England cycle groups.

Take a Stand - Bike stand project.

Expansion of prison cycle workshops � Exploring the setup of recycling projects at other prisons.

Purpose of designated fund - development

Funds earmarked for the development of projects and services.

Prior period comparatives

Restricted funds
Inclusive Cycling
Bristol Hub
Derby Hub
Somerset Cycling
Course delivery
Total restricted funds
Designated funds
Development
Total designated funds
General funds
Total funds
Expansion of prison
services
At 1 April
2022
£
25,625
37,009
19,984
25,632
12,654
25,000
145,904
42,463
42,463
301,233
489,600
Income
£
102,807
31,895
39,003
56,063
11,181
31,000
271,949
5,000
5,000
834,164
1,111,113
£
(99,940)
(66,222)
(41,574)
(53,499)
(17,387)
(25,000)
(303,622)
(35,265)
(35,265)
(854,346)
(1,193,233)
Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(22,778)
(22,778)
Gains /
(losses) on
investments
At 31
March
2023
£
28,492
2,682
17,413
28,196
6,448
31,000
114,231
12,198
12,198
258,273
384,702

18. Related party transactions

During the year, one of the trustees was employed by the charity as a freelance cycling instructor and was paid £1,754 (2023: none). No amounts were outstanding at year end.

30