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← World Book Day Limited

2025-06-30-accounts

S p o n s o re d by

The reading for fun charity

World Book Day Limited

Report and audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025

Company number: 03783095 Charity number: 1079257

World Book Day Limited

Contents

Reference and administrative information 3
Trustees’ annual report 4
Independent auditor’s report 24
Statement of fnancial activities
(incorporating an income and expenditure account) 28
Balance sheet 29
Statement of cash fows 30
Notes to the fnancial statements 31

2

World Book Day Limited

Reference and administrative information

Company number Country of incorporation Charity number Country of registration

03783095 United Kingdom 1079257 England and Wales

Registered office and operational address

6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

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:

Key Management Personnel

A Bond Chair N Bottomley Appointed 15 September 2025 H Broadfoot Resigned 6 June 2025 R Calderon D Conway K Davis Vice Chair Appointed 24 January 2025 J Douglas Resigned 11 November 2024 R Flint M Halls Resigned 15 September 2025 S Mahal W Obbard Treasurer E Scott Chair Resigned 19 November 2025 R Sinclair R Dampare Smartt Appointed 15 September 2025 N Vanderbilt Fiona Hickley Executive Director Amy Birch Head of Finance and Operations, and Company Secretary Emma Pritchard Head of World Book Day Campaign Maya Maraj Head of Commercial Partnerships

Bankers

HSBC Church Street Weybridge KT13 8DF

Solicitor Bristows 1st Floor 100 Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0DH

Auditor

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

3

World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Trustees’ annual report

The trustees present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 .

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, the requirements of a directors’ report as required under company law, and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objectives and activities

The objective of the charity is the promotion and encouragement of reading. Its beneficiaries are children and young people.

Through our annual event in March with its joy, celebration and fun, we encourage more children to read and raise awareness of the difference reading makes to their lives. Through our yearround activities, we support families, schools, libraries, booksellers and communities to help children love reading.

4

World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

World Book Day’s Vision and Mission

We champion reading for fun. That’s because it seriously improves lives. In fact, it’s the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future. Today, only one in three children likes reading. By changing this, we’ll transform lives.

Young people are more likely to read if they see it as a fun, entertaining and social thing to do. That’s what our work is all about; inspiring them to see reading differently. We’ll next be celebrating World Book Day on 5th March 2026. It’s going to be amazing! Join us, and let’s help every child enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun.

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

A note from World Book Day’s Chair and Executive Director

Encouraging engaged, happy readers takes collaboration, commitment and creativity. Thank you to everyone – from partners and educators to families and supporters who worked with World Book Day in 2025 to reach more children with the life-changing benefits of choosing reading .

With the help of libraries, publishers, booksellers, schools and our partners, we distributed 169,000 books into underserved communities, reaching children who might otherwise have missed out on using their token and getting a World Book Day £1/€1.50 book. This year, World Book Day’s funfilled reading events reached communities and children across the country, with an emphasis in rural areas.

In addition, our partnership with Rubies, Every Child Deserves to Dream and Parentkind, meant that 100,000 costumes were donated to 1,600 schools in disadvantaged areas so that even more children could take part in the World Book Day celebrations.

The ongoing decline in children and young people choosing to read is a serious societal issue.

When children don’t find reading fun they stop doing it and it is proven that they then risk missing out on a wide range of positive life outcomes. We are on a mission to reverse this trend.

We want World Book Day to resonate and connect with children, as well as their families and carers and the educators, librarians, booksellers and others who support them.

We are here as the reading for fun charity, to unlock the joy of reading for as many children as we can.

Thank you to all our partners for your ongoing commitment, support and belief in the positive impact of reading for fun.

Anna Bond Chair

Fiona Hickley Executive Director

6

World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report For the year ended 30 June 2025

Purposes and aims

The trustees review the aims, objectives and activities of the charity each year. This report looks at what the charity has achieved and the outcomes of its work in the reporting period. The trustees report the success of each key activity and the benefits the charity has brought to those groups of people that it is set up to help .

The review also helps the trustees ensure the charity’s aims, objectives and activities remained focused on its stated purposes.

The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that have been set.

The trustees have complied with the duty in section 4 of the 2006 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission. In particular, the trustees refer to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit both when reviewing how well past activities have satisfied the charity’s stated objective, and when planning how future activities may best continue to do so.

The main means through which the charity’s objective is met is the organisation and promotion each year of a series of events designed to encourage reading by the public surrounding a designated day (in 2025, it was 6 March) known as World Book Day.

Our Activities

World Book Day’s activities and who it tries to help are described below. All its charitable activities focus on the promotion of reading, especially to children and young people and their families, and are undertaken to further World Book Day Limited’s charitable purposes . for the public benefit

1. Offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.

2. Promote and encourage reading for pleasure

3. Produce resources that support the development of reading for pleasure

World Book Day produces resources to encourage and support reading for pleasure. This includes resource packs for schools and school children throughout the UK and Ireland and a wide range of activities to support reading available through the World Book Day website.

7

World Book Day World Book Day Our Impact 2025Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Read Your Way: The 2025 campaign

Reading for Pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than family circumstances, parental education, or income (OECD). Its benefits are wide-ranging: from improved wellbeing and brain development to better learning outcomes, empathy, and creativity.

“I think World Book Day is doing a great job - my daughter has an intellectual disability and struggles to read as she thinks she can’t do it but with the token she picked a free book and allowed me to read other books to her”

Parent

But, we face a crisis with serious implications. The number of children who enjoy reading is at its lowest since 2005, with only 1 in 3 saying they read for pleasure (National Literacy Trust, 2025).

And, it’s becoming a generational problem. Many Gen Z parents view reading as a subject to learn, rather than an enjoyable activity to choose. Around 1 million children don’t own a book – rising to 1 in 8 for those on free school meals (National Literacy Trust). Less than half of parents frequently read to their young children, and just 40% say they enjoy doing so (NielsenIQ BookData’s 2024 Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey).

Children tell us at World Book Day that they feel pressured about reading. They see it as something they have to do, rather than choose to do.

World Book Day’s response is a behaviourally informed campaign tackling the motivation gap. We’re reframing reading as something fun, personal, and full of possibility.

At World Book Day we celebrate all kinds of reading – from comics to audiobooks – and we focus on choice, relevance, and enjoyment. We encourage reading that reflects children’s interests and passions, showing that every way of reading counts.

And it’s making a difference. 1 in 4 children receiving free school meals said their £1 World Book Day book was their first. 43% say they now make more time to read, and 48% find reading more fun (NLT ALS 2025).

These results show what is possible when children find reading that feels fun, relevant and truly their own.

“Loved the theme of Read your way.” Librarian 2025

“World Book Day and its mantra ‘Read Your Way’ is helping children all over the UK to have the empowerment to pick up some reading material and read.” Emma Boone, Children and Families Development Officer, Halton Libraries

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

23% of pupils receiving Free School Meals said the £1 book they ‘bought’ with their £1 token was the first book of their own.

91% of 5–8-year-olds and 75% of 8–16-year-olds took part in a World Book Day event.

42% of children make more time to read as a result of World Book Day.

47% of children find reading more fun as a result of World Book Day.

95% of children have heard of World Book Day.

Source: National Literacy Trust, Annual Literacy Survey 2025

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Photo: Suzi Corker
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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Achievements and performance

The charity’s campaign set out to encourage all families and children to see reading as part of their lives, using its ‘6 principles’ as a framework for campaign messaging and activity. The charity’s work to reach children and families in areas of high deprivation and low-literacy continued, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and distributing copies of the £1 books – made possible by donations from publishers.

Highlights of 2025

c.2 million £1/€1.50 books gifted by booksellers and publishers gave children 15 exciting books to choose from and own.

360 children involved in choosing the £1 books

Over 227m 23.5m Ys Ay reach on social . book tokens distributed eli | media from through schools, posts mentioning magazines and World Book Day partnerships, including (w/c 03.03.2025) on Happy Meal® boxes

Our £1/€1.50 book authors and illustrators joined in the celebrations with the World Book Day Bookshop Tour

Over 4,000 booksellers played a vital role in championing reading for fun in their communities, hosting events, visiting schools, and creating brilliant displays to inspire a love of books and reading

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Photo: Nick Andrews
6
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80 World Book Day celebrations at National Trust properties

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147k = os
resource pack
downloads
including our
low-cost dressing
up pack
eei)
YOUR
WORLD BOOK DAY 2024
ContenTS
worldbookday.com/resources-to-celebrate-world-book-day
Secondary Pack
Badges Bookmarks Window posters competition Design a National Book Token 10 Share your celebrations Activity Pack information Make your World Book Day happen Prepare and plan your World Book Day Reading for Pleasure Introduction: World Book Day and 2 181411987 3
Changing lives through a love of books and reading
Find more at
Sponsored by
Registered charity number 1079257 (England and Wales) | Registered company number 03783095 (UK).World Book Day® is a registered charity sponsored by National Book Tokens
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6.9m

motorists reached through digital display advertising at motorway stations thanks to free digital advertising space from i-media

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

~~rs~~ 23k listens

on our World of Stories free audiobooks hub thanks to publishers and our official audio partner Yoto. Plus a competition on the £1 book token to win Yoto Players and audio cards.

1,400

libraries joined in with events, displays and activities, sharing the joy of reading, choosing and book discovery in their communities.

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Photo: Every Child Deserves to Dream
Collective, supported by Rubies
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49k

£1 books gifted to 40 libraries to act as community exchange hubs, thanks to support from Arts Council England, the Catherine Cookson Trust, the Foyle Foundation and the Julia Rausing Trust

Reception at 10 Downing Street and cross-party support from over

100[MPs]

169k

£1/€1.50 books distributed to community projects including to every UK prison, National Literacy Trust programmes, libraries, the Scottish Book Trust, Magic Breakfast schools and the Black British Book Festival

Rubies and Every Child Deserves to Dream in partnership with Parentkind donated 100k costumes to 1600 schools in disadvantaged areas ensuring children could dress-up and feel part of the celebrations.

1.3k

accessible copies of the £1/€1.50 books given to children through our partners

72.5k

mentions of World Book Day across online and print media with positive sentiment rising to 60.1%

Over a million children and — young people Changeyour story took part in our online events with £1/€1.50 book author Benjamin Dean, and The Great World Book Day Footy and Booky Quiz, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Schools across the country tuned in to the World Book Day BBC Live Lesson and Pobble’s live writing session.

46.5k

£1/€1.50 token packs sent to schools and nurseries

342k books gifted and 10.2 million World Book Day tokens on Happy Meal boxes via our partnership with McDonalds

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Strategy and impact

1. Increase the reach and impact of the World Book Day annual campaign: giving every child the opportunity to be a reader by increasing reach and addressing behavioural and economic barriers.

World Book Day 2025 was our most ambitious campaign yet. We reached more children, families and communities, and deepened understanding of why reading for fun matters .

We placed children at the heart of our campaign, increasing our impact by letting their voices tell the story. A broadcast-first media strategy delivered widespread and resonant coverage, with World Book Day omnipresent across TV, radio, print, and online. From a BBC Breakfast feature and BBC News coverage to a Radio 2 takeover, children’s media were central to the strategy, including a BBC Live Lesson and Sky Kids segment, helping make reading feel joyful, sociable and relevant.

We secured 2,540 pieces of on-message coverage, including over 35 broadcast features and 25 children’s media partnerships. Partnerships with publications like The Week Junior and Beano , and influencers with a combined organic reach of 6 million, helped reach new audiences, especially digitally.

“I used to dislike reading but when World Book Day happened, I LOVED IT.”

Young participant

Our message – that every child should be encouraged to read their way – was amplified through high-profile partnerships and events. From the National Trust’s family events to costume donations via Rubies and Parentkind, and a special initiative with Magic Breakfast in Salford, we brought books and reading joy to underserved communities.

Our social media strategy evolved too, with over 300 influencers engaged and 277 million combined reach across platforms. Toolkits helped partners, authors and illustrators create on-message content,

while social listening confirmed increasing positive sentiment and growing understanding of our mission.

We also delivered resonant real-life experiences – with author tours, school visits, and our Downing Street reception all helping spark connection and conversation. A Harry Potter and the Cursed Child school event, and our partnership with BBC Tiny Happy People in Liverpool, brought the fun of reading into special and everyday spaces.

Together, this integrated approach helped us increase reach, shift attitudes, and strengthen World Book Day’s position as a powerful force for change – making reading for fun a reality for more children than ever before.

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

2. Improve life chances for children through reading: activities meet the charity’s purpose and the needs of beneficiaries – particularly those from lower socioeconomic groups.

World Book Day’s mission to change children’s lives through reading continues to grow through deepening our engagement with libraries and communities.

In 2025, we supported 40 libraries to deliver World Book Day community reading festivals in areas where access to books is limited and book ownership is low. These libraries became vibrant hubs for celebrating books and reading, using our tried-and-tested model. We provided each library with £1 books, resources and training, enabling them to run inclusive events with author visits, family activities and book token exchanges.

The programme reached thousands of children who might otherwise have missed out on the World Book Day offer — helping many receive their first ever owned book, boosting library membership, and creating lasting connections between libraries, schools and families.

“We have given lots of children their very first book that is theirs… it’s their very own to keep, forever.”

showed that the experience sparked greater enthusiasm for reading — building momentum that continues well beyond World Book Day itself.

We also partnered with all UK prisons, distributing 24,000 books for parents to gift to their children during family visits. The books created important shared reading moments.

“The men are always very grateful to receive their books on visits – it encourages dads to sit and read with their children.”

Prison Liaison Lead

“…my daughter stopped going to school because of bullying so she didn’t get one of them things from the school like everyone else... so when you gives me one I was proper chuffed because it’s made me the coolest dad ever. I didn’t get nothing like this when I was at school... but then again, I did leave at fourteen like, so thank you.” Prison Inmate, HMP Maidstone

Redcar & Cleveland Library Service

Libraries reported strong impact: 93% of staff said the £1 books and tokens were extremely or very effective at engaging children and families. Nearly half welcomed new families into the library, many for the first time.

They also saw increased footfall, new junior members, and stronger relationships with local schools. Feedback from children and teachers

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

We continued to extend into harder-to-reach communities, working with the National Literacy Trust and Premier League players who supported World Book Day by sharing their love of reading via social media, helping raise the profile of reading for pleasure with under-served audiences. Working with Book Trust Scotland, we reached children in some of the UK’s most remote communities. And in Ireland, An Post supported the distribution of 42,000 World Book Day books directly to families, helping more children experience the joy of owning a book.

World Book Day acts as a catalyst – setting a tone of fun and excitement that encourages children to choose books that reflect their interests, and choose to keep reading .

We know that for 77% of schools, World Book Day is effective as one of several moments in the year where reading for pleasure is highlighted.

Together with our partners, we’re creating joyful reading experiences that inspire children to be readers , and improve life chances .

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Map showing the
distribution of 169,000
World Book Day
books through
our community
partners
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“World Book Day fun sets the tone – then finding the right book for the child sustains it all year round.” Teacher | Prisons NLT/PL Libraries NLT/HUBS

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

3. Nurture and strengthen the World Book Day brand for the long-term benefit of our beneficiaries, stakeholders and partners.

Late in 2025, ready for World Book Day 2026, we refreshed World Book Day’s brand positioning and identity as the reading for fun charity, to resonate and connect with children and families, as well as the educators, librarians, booksellers and others who support them to enjoy reading. This work has clarified World Book Day’s vision and mission and proudly identifies our charitable status and place in the UK literacy ecosystem.

Our new look reflects our core values, of driving behaviour change, motivating children and inviting everyone to be part of the reading for fun movement.

met, We’re fundraising = ™ for World Book Day & you’re invited!

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When: Where:
How we’re raising money: Contact:
._..
The reading for fun charity
World Book Day® is a registered charity (no. 1079257) and registered company (no. 03783095) in the UK. World Book Day and the associated logo are the registered trademarks of World Book Day Limited.
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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Build operational capacity and revenue to support the development of the charity 4.

We continue to grow World Book Day’s income to support our mission. Since 2021, revenue has increased by 71%, with a greater diversity of income sources contributing to long-term sustainability.

This year we launched new partnerships with the National Trust and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, helping us reach new audiences through shared activity and storytelling. We also introduced a sustainable merchandise shop on Teemill, with proceeds supporting our work to improve children’s access to books and reading for pleasure.

We are investing in systems, data, and team capacity to deliver greater reach and impact year-round.

“I just wanted to thank you all for the amazing work you do to motivate and excite our children to read...your work gives me faith... Big huge thank you.” School Librarian

How World Book Day was funded in 2024/25

How funds were spent

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Publishers: £484,056
National Book Tokens: £165,891
Licences: £290,124
Royalties: £32,658
Donations: £51,640
Trusts and Foundations: £230,440
Other: £6,608
TOTAL: £1,261,417
|
Publishers (38%) Donations (4%)
National Book Tokens (13%) Trusts and Foundations (18%)
Licences (23%) a Other (1%)
Royalties (3%)
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Raising Funds: £159,360 Encouraging access: £568,057 Promotion of reading: £392,556 Developing resources: £109,259 TOTAL: £1,229,232 ( Raising Funds (13%) Encouraging access (48%) |_| Promotion of reading (31%) Developing resources (8%)

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Governance

World Book Day is a registered charity (no. 1079257) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 03783095). It has two Founder Members (Booksellers Association and Publishers Association) who are each entitled to nominate one individual or organisation as an additional member and have duly exercised this right. There are currently four members. There are currently eleven Trustees, made up of three people appointed by the BA as a Founder Member, three people appointed by the PA as a Founder Member and five others appointed by the Board. In November 2025 Emma Scott stood down as Chair, and existing Trustee Anna Bond, took up this position.

The role of World Book Day’s Trustees is to govern the organisation and provide overall direction to achieve the charity’s aims. Trustees have legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration.

In 2024/2025 we:

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report For the year ended 30 June 2025

Financial review

The charity continued to attract sponsorship, licence fee income and other income associated with its charitable activities from companies within the publishing and bookselling industry as well as developing new commercial partnerships throughout the year ended 30 June 2025.

Additional grant funding was awarded by Arts Council England and the J H Rausing Foundation to continue developing the libraries programme, enabling the charity to increase the number of libraries it worked with from 24 to 40 during the year. The programme uses the World Book Day brand to encourage greater levels of reading for pleasure for children, in particular those in underserved communities where there are fewer bookshops.

During the year the Charity was also awarded grant funding from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Programme. The Digital Accelerator Programme helps cultural organizations strengthen technology and management practices to improve operations, drive revenue, increase fundraising, engage broader audiences, and deliver dynamic programming. Since 2021, Bloomberg Philanthropies has invested $128 million in the Digital Accelerator Program to support nearly 350 cultural institutions in the U.S. and U.K. Impacts for the 40 institutions in the initial cohort of the program include more than $20 million in new revenue, over 1 million new audience members reached, and 4,000 new artists and partners engaged. The funding is being used to advance the charity’s digital strategy and capacity through the creation of a new website showcasing its refreshed brand positioning and identity as the reading for fun charity.

The net movement of funds for the year was a net increase of £32,185 (2024: £17,768) The increase in funds comprised of a reduction of £11,779 in unrestricted funds and an increase of £43,964 in restricted funds. Overall, the Charity’s funds increased to £319,198 from £287,013 in 2024, of which £252,734 (2024: £264,513) was unrestricted.

Unrestricted income increased to £1,023,753 from £943,958 in 2024, unrestricted expenditure increased to £1,035,532 from £928,690 in 2024. The charity continued to focus expenditure on encouraging access and the promotion of reading. Areas of increased expenditure included governance costs relating to brand repositioning, website and media, printing and distribution.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The charity reviews its strategic and operational risks regularly. The financial and operational effect of loss of income from sponsors and funders has been considered by trustees. It is believed that all major sources of income will remain stable.

World Book Day’s strategy for 2023-27 addresses the broad socio-economic context and the impact of the rising cost of living on children’s engagement with reading.

Risk management

The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to minimise these risks. The trustees have taken steps to ensure that all child protection issues are properly addressed. A key element in the management of financial risk is the setting of a reserves policy and its regular review by trustees.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the company and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Investment powers and policy

Under the Memorandum of Association, the trustees have the power to deposit or invest funds in any manner they think fit, providing that they first obtain independent expert financial advice. In practice, any surplus funds are held on ordinary bank deposit and are likely to be so in the foreseeable future.

Reserves policy and going concern

It is the policy of the charity to aim to establish and maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately 25% of the following year’s estimated operational budget (for example, including staff costs and committed campaign expenditure, but not restricted income). In addition to this the charity aims to maintain a positive cash balance of not less that £100,000 throughout the year. This provides sufficient funds to maintain, at least in the short term, the quality and effectiveness, of the annual World Book Day campaign in the event of there being a reduction in incoming resources whilst also ensuring the strategic objectives for 2023-2027 can be met.

The charity’s free reserves at 30 June 2025 were £252,734 (2024: 264,513) which equates to 22% (2024: 26%) of the total estimated unrestricted resources for the following year. The Trustees acknowledge that whilst this is below the desired policy level, the Charity will continue to invest its resources to grow the Charity and increase its income and expenditure to further meet beneficiary need.

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Fundraising

World Book Day’s approach to fundraising is intended to protect its reputation and encourage public trust and confidence in the charity.

World Book Day adheres to recognised standards, including the Charity Commission’s six principles for trustees to take responsibility for fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. World Book Day is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.

World Book Day did not work with professional fundraisers or third parties during the year. During the year World Book Day received no complaints.

World Book Day contacts the majority of current and potential donors directly by email and in-person. These donors are commercial organisations or schools.

In 2025 World Book Day encouraged donations by individuals via Just Giving, Supported Giving, and through a fundraising pack available to interested organisations or individuals.

World Book Day ensures that its staff always treat people fairly and with respect, including as part of fundraising activities. Our fundraising materials are reviewed annually to ensure they explain our cause clearly and are sensitive to people who may be in vulnerable circumstances.

Plans for the future

In 2022/23 World Book Day’s trustees reviewed the charity’s strategy and business plan and approved their intention to deliver greater reach and impact to promote and encourage children’s reading for pleasure, building on the reputation and recognition of the World Book Day annual campaign and brand.

World Book Day’s strategy for 2023-27 sets out how the charity will:

  1. Increase the reach and impact of the World Book Day charitable campaign: giving every child the opportunity to be a reader by increasing reach and addressing behavioural and economic barriers.

  2. Improve life chances for children through reading: ensuring our activities meet the charity’s purpose and the needs of beneficiaries – particularly those from lower socio-economic groups.

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

  1. Nurture and strengthen the World Book Day brand for the long-term benefit of our beneficiaries, stakeholders and partners.

  2. Build operational capacity and revenue generating capability to support the secure and effective development of the charity and its strategy.

As part of the delivery of the strategy World Book Day will review its content and mechanisms to ensure they are linked to its outcomes and impacts and meet the charity’s purpose and needs of beneficiaries.

World Book Day is operationally lean and agile, with low fixed costs. It has been able to adapt to the rises in operational costs and inflation with no significant financial impact. There have been no changes to the value of the charities’ assets and liabilities and investments during the year.

World Book Day’s business plan for 2023-27 sets out how the charity aims to improve its income levels and diversify income sources. Additional income will support World Book Day’s engagement activities and content, its work to support life-changing reading habits with children and families experiencing disadvantage and inequality, and organisational development to ensure World Book Day can meet current needs and realise opportunities to make a greater impact.

The charity is seeking to secure long-term funding agreements, maintaining a transparent funding structure from a broad range of income sources. These measures will allow it to adapt successfully to any changes in future context.

The charity’s reserves policy aims to ensure it provides sufficient funds to maintain, at least in the short term, the quality and effectiveness, of the annual World Book Day campaign in the event of there being a reduction in incoming resources whilst also ensuring the strategic objectives for 2023-2027 can be met.

World Book Day believes that in the context of widening educational and economic disparity its work to encourage all children to develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure, leading to improved life chances, will remain relevant.

Structure, governance and management

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 7 June 1999 and registered as a charity on 4 February 2000.

The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its articles of association.

All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 8 to the accounts.

Appointment of members

Under the terms of the charity’s Articles of Association (approved September 2020) there shall be four members, of whom two shall be the Founder Members the Booksellers’ Association (BA) and the Publishers’ Association (PA). Each Founder Member may also nominate one individual or organisation to be admitted as an additional Member.

Method of nominating: members

Membership of the Charity is open to any individual or organisation interested in promoting the Objects who is nominated by either the BA or the PA and signs the register of members or consents in writing to become a member either personally or (in the case of a member organisation) through an authorised representative.

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World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Appointment of trustees

Under the terms of the charity’s Articles of Association there shall be no more than 12 trustees at any one time.

The trustees shall comprise of up to three eligible persons appointed by each of the BA and PA and up to an additional six eligible persons.

The Chair will be appointed by the Trustees from among those of their number for a term of office of three years and may be reappointed for two consecutive terms.

Method of nominating: trustees

The method of recruiting BA and PA appointed trustees is set out in the Articles, supported by a process run by the BA and PA respectively; each seek names of potential appointees from colleagues and others involved in the book trade and the world of reading. The charity utilises an open recruitment process, using its recruitment policy, to appoint its non-industry trustees.

Trustee induction and training

New trustees are provided with a Trustee Handbook outlining their legal obligations under charity and company law and are made aware of the content of the Articles of Association, the decision making process and the financial performance and plans of the charity.

Organisation

The trustees are responsible for the overall administration of the charity and for making strategic decisions. Under the terms of the Articles of Association, the trustees must meet at least four times a year.

The implementation of strategic plans is carried out by the Executive, which includes the Executive Director, Head of World Book Day Campaign, Head of Finance and Operations, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Project and Operations Officer and Education and Evaluation Specialist.

World Book Day also contracts with freelance contractors and service providers to assist in the delivery of its programme. A leading public relations company is employed on a contract basis to promote the charity’s activities. Staff employed by the BA and the PA provide additional support and administration, free of charge to the charity.

Related parties and relationships with other organisations

The charity has a close relationship with both the BA and PA.

The BA and PA are Founder Members of World Book Day and appoint under the terms of the company’s current articles of association two members to represent the BA and the PA.

The charity received administrative assistance free of charge from both the BA and the PA. The charity has estimated this at £9,050 (2024: £8,000) and it is included within the donated services in the year.

Throughout the year the charity’s Board included trustees holding senior positions at companies or organisations within the publishing and bookselling industries that provided financial donations.

The charity is sponsored by National Book Tokens, a subsidiary of the BA.

The charity’s Board also included a trustee holding a senior position at a literacy charity, The National Literacy Trust, with whom World Book Day works on research and evaluation, and as a partner on the achievement of its charitable objectives.

Amounts received and paid during the year are detailed in the financial statements.

21

World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Remuneration policy for key management personnel

The executive Director’s salary is set by the trustees and reviewed annually, referring to benchmarking information to confirm that the salary is reasonable and in line with the market. A performance and salary review is normally carried out at least once in each year for all key management personnel.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of World Book Day Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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

In so far as the trustees are aware:

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 promise to pay up to £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 30 June 2025 was 4 (2024: 4).

Two of the trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

22

World Book Day Limited Trustees’ annual report

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Auditor

Godfrey Wilson Limited was re-appointed as the charitable company’s auditor during the year and has expressed its willingness to continue in that capacity.

The trustees’ annual report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The trustees’ annual report has been approved by the trustees on 28 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Anna Bond

Anna Bond Chair and Trustee

23

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Independent auditor’s report

To the members of World Book Day Limited

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of World Book Day Limited (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 30 June 2025 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.

24

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

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.

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.

25

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

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. 9[identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations, and whether they were aware of ] any instances of non-compliance;

  4. 9[detecting and responding to the risk of fraud, and whether they were aware of any actual, ] suspected or alleged fraud; and

  5. 9[designing and implementing internal controls to mitigate the risk of non-compliance with laws ] and regulations, including fraud.

  6. We inspected the minutes of trustee meetings.

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

  8. We reviewed the financial statement disclosures and assessed their compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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

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

  11. 9[testing the appropriateness of journal entries; ]

  12. 9[assessing judgements and accounting estimates for potential bias; ]

  13. 9[reviewing related party transactions; and ]

  14. 9[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.

26

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

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.

William Guy Blake

Date: 28 January 2026

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

27

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

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

Statement of fnancial activities(inc orporating an income and expenditure account)
2025 2024
Restricted Unrestricted Total Total
Income from: Note £ £ £ £
Donations and legacies 3 237,664 44,416 282,080 183,845
Charitable activities
Encouraging access 4 - 145,062 145,062 111,449
Promotion of reading 4 - 795,009 795,009 742,345
Other trading activities 5 - 32,658 32,658 19,949
Other - 6,608 6,608 5,911
Total income 237,664 1,023,753 1,261,417 1,063,499
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 12,804 146,556 159,360 163,994
Charitable activities
Encouraging access 20,656 547,401 568,057 503,390
Promotion of reading 108,644 283,912 392,556 295,948
Developing resources 51,596 57,663 109,259 82,399
Total expenditure 7 193,700 1,035,532 1,229,232 1,045,731
Net income and net movement in funds 8 43,964 (11,779) 32,185 17,768
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 22,500 264,513 287,013 269,245
Total funds carried forward 66,464 252,734 319,198 287,013

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 16 to the accounts.

28

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Balance sheet (Company no. 03783095)

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
13
Net current assets
Net assets
15
Funds
16
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
Total charity funds		 £
65,218
355,572
420,790
(102,936)		 2025
£
1,344
317,854		 2025
£
1,344		 2024
£
1,550
84,469
318,758
403,227
(117,764)
285,463
319,198 287,013
66,464
-
252,734		 22,500
17,500
247,013
319,198 287,013

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 28 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Anna Bond

Anna Bond Chair

29

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Statement of cash flows

Cash used in operating activities:
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Disposal of fxed assets
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease) / increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash fows from investing activities:
Purchase of tangible fxed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2025
2024
£
£
32,185
17,768
901
1,506
210
-
19,251
23,168
(14,828)
71,434
37,719
113,876
(905)
(523)
(905)
(523)
36,814
113,353
318,758
205,405
355,572
318,758

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

30

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

Notes to the financial statements

1 Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

World Book Day Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is 6 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR.

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.

World Book Day Limited 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.

Income received in advance of provision of a specified service is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

d) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

World Book Day continues to receive support in our distribution of book tokens. See note 3 for additional information on the policy used in accounting for this support.

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) Fund accounting

Unrestricted 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.

31

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

h) Allocation of support and governance 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 based on the proportion of the cost of each activity as follows:

2025 2024
Raising funds 13% 16%
Charitable activities:
Encouraging access 48% 51%
Promotion of reading 31% 29%
Developing resources 8% 4%

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:

Computer equipment 2 years

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

j) 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.

k) 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.

l) 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.

m) Financial instruments

The charitable company 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.

n) Pension costs

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.

o) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Balances denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the year end.

p) 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 that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Any significant estimates and judgements affecting these financial statements are detailed within the relevant accounting policy above.

32

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

2 Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities

2024
Restricted Unrestricted Total
£ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 119,541 64,304 183,845
Charitable activities
Encouraging access - 111,449 111,449
Promotion of reading - 742,345 742,345
Other trading activities - 19,949 19,949
Other - 5,911 5,911
Total income 119,541 943,958 1,063,499
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6,097 157,897 163,994
Charitable activities
Encouraging access 12,889 490,501 503,390
Promotion of reading 26,187 269,761 295,948
Developing resources 71,868 10,531 82,399
Total expenditure 117,041 928,690 1,045,731
Net income and net movement in funds 2,500 15,268 17,768

33

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

2025
Restricted Unrestricted Total
£ £ £
Grants 227,940 2,500 230,440
Donated services and facilities - 15,250 15,250
Other donations 9,724 26,666 36,390
Total income from donations and legacies 237,664 44,416 282,080
Prior period comparative
2024
Restricted Unrestricted Total
£ £ £
Grants 119,541 2,500 122,041
Donated services and facilities - 15,250 15,250
Other donations - 46,554 46,554
Total income from donations and legacies 119,541 64,304 183,845

As detailed in the trustees’ annual report, the charity distributes over 23.5 million World Book Day £1 Tokens each year.

World Book Day pays to produce and distribute the physical token each year, but the tokens have no onward redeemable value to the booksellers, once they have been redeemed by the children and young people.

The publishers produce the £1 titles (WBD books) at no cost to World Book Day. The booksellers purchase the books from the publishers at a cost of 10p per book.

The above are not recognised as a donated service on the grounds that the benefit provided to the charity cannot be measured accurately.

Income from donated services and facilities relate to support received from the Booksellers’ Association and Publishers’ Association in the form of office space, equipment and administrative support to World Book Day.

34

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

4
Income from charitable activities
Encouraging access:
Licence fees
Promotion of reading:
Publisher sponsorship
Licence fees
Income from promotional activities
Total income from charitable activities		 2025
2024
£
£
145,062
111,449
555,570
537,680
145,062
111,449
94,377
93,216
795,009
742,345
940,071
853,794

All income from charitable activities in the current and prior year was unrestricted.

5 Income from other trading activities

Royalties 2025
2024
£
£
32,658
19,949

All income from other trading activities in the current and prior year was unrestricted.

6 Government grants

The charitable company received a government grant, defined as funding from Arts Council England to fund charitable activities. The total value of such grant in the period ending 30 June 2025 was £29,440 (2024: £20,561). There were no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to this grant in 2024/25.

35

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

7 Total expenditure

----- Start of picture text -----
Charitable activities
Raising funds Encouraging Promotion of Developing Governance Support 2025
access reading resources costs costs Total
----- End of picture text -----

access reading resources costs costs Total
Staff costs (note 9) 102,132 - - 42,859 - 214,838 359,829
Event costs - - 55,636 - - - 55,636
Printing costs - 63,834 - - - - 63,834
Distribution costs - 204,005 - - - - 204,005
Public relations - - 91,460 - - - 91,460
Delivering WBD in communities - 16,775 - - - - 16,775
Donated services - - - - - 15,250 15,250
Website, apps and - - 60,421 - - - 60,421
social media costs
Project co-ordination - - - - - 145,264 145,264
Artwork and design - - 52,029 2,120 - - 54,149
Research and data - - - 29,465 - - 29,465
Point-of-sale materials - 76,867 - - - - 76,867
Audit and accountancy - - - - 7,200 3,231 10,431
Bank charges - - - - - 2,162 2,162
Legal and professional - - - - 23,232 4,568 27,800
Irrecoverable VAT - - - - - 5,118 5,118
Sundry expenses - - - - - 10,766 10,766
Sub-total 102,132 361,481 259,546 74,444 30,432 401,197 1,229,232
Allocation of support 57,228 206,576 133,010 34,815 (30,432) (401,197) -
and governance costs
Total expenditure 159,360 568,057 392,556 109,259 - - 1,229,232

36

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

7 Total expenditure (continued) Prior period comparative

----- Start of picture text -----
Charitable activities
Raising funds Encouraging Promotion of Developing Governance Support 2024
access reading resources costs costs Total
----- End of picture text -----

access reading resources costs costs Total
Staff costs (note 9) 99,132 - - 44,885 - 187,137 331,154
Event costs - - 32,512 - - - 32,512
Printing costs - 66,396 - - - - 66,396
Distribution costs - 162,155 - - - - 162,155
Public relations - - 93,234 - - - 93,234
Delivering WBD in communities - 19,997 - - - - 19,997
Donated services - - - - - 15,250 15,250
Website, apps and - - 33,375 - - - 33,375
social media costs
Project co-ordination - - - - - 76,236 76,236
Artwork and design - - 39,471 4,516 - - 43,987
Research and data - - - 18,505 - - 18,505
Evaluation - - - (500) - - (500)
Point-of-sale materials - 83,308 - - - - 83,308
Audit and accountancy - - - - 7,200 10,800 18,000
Bank charges - - - - - 1,539 1,539
Legal and professional 9,336 - - - 8,723 8,156 26,215
Irrecoverable VAT - - - - - 8,624 8,624
Sundry expenses - - - - - 15,744 15,744
Sub-total 108,468 331,856 198,592 67,406 15,923 323,486 1,045,731
Allocation of support 55,526 171,534 97,356 14,993 (15,923) (323,486) -
and governance costs
Total expenditure 163,994 503,390 295,948 82,399 - - 1,045,731

37

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

8 Net movement in funds

Depreciation
Trustees’ remuneration (excluding VAT):
Trustees’ reimbursed expenses
Auditors’ remuneration: Statutory audit (excluding VAT)
This is stated after charging:		 2025
2024
£
£
901
1,506
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
7,600
7,200

This is stated after charging:

9 Staff costs and numbers

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs
Staff costs were as follows:		 2025
2024
£
£
317,558
292,164
26,769
25,315
15,502
13,675
359,829
331,154

A termination payment of £250 is included in staff costs in the current year.

The number of employees who earned more than £60,000 during the year were as follows:
£80,001 - £90,000
£90,001 - £100,000		 2025
2024
No.
No.
-
1
1
-

The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the Trustees and Senior Leadership Team. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £318,696 (2024: £291,403)

Average head count 2025
2024
No.
No.
6
6

10 Taxation

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

38

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

11 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 July 2024
Additions in year
Disposals
At 30 June 2025
Depreciation
At 1 July 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 June 2025
Net book value
At 30 June 2025
At 30 June 2024
g
12 Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Other debtors		 £
5,514
905
(1,907)
Computer
equipment
4,512
3,964
901
(1,697)
3,168
1,344
1,550
2024
£
82,032
1,975
462
84,469
2025
£
58,413
877
5,928
65,218

13 Creditors : amounts due within 1 year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Accruals
Deferred income (note 14)
Other creditors		 2025
2024
£
£
12,421
7,992
5,815
7,819
56,581
26,011
-
67,300
28,119
8,642
102,936
117,764

39

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

14 Deferred income

4 Deferred income
At 1 July 2024
Deferred during the year
Released during the year
At 30 June 2025		 2025
2024
£
£
67,300
-
-
67,300
(67,300)
-
-
67,300

In the prior year, deferred income relates to sponsorship paid in advance for World Book Day 2025.

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

5 Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible fxed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 30 June 2025
Prior period comparative
Tangible fxed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 30 June 2024		 Restricted
funds
Designated
funds
General funds
Total funds
£
£
£
£
-
-
1,344
1,344
88,257
-
332,533
420,790
(21,793)
-
(81,143)
(102,936)
66,464
-
252,734
319,198
Restricted
funds
Designated
funds
General funds
Total funds
£
£
£
£
-
-
1,550
1,550
27,559
17,500
358,168
403,227
(5,059)
-
(112,705)
(117,764)
22,500
17,500
247,013
287,013

40

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

16 Movements in funds

Restricted funds
The Foyle Foundation
Arts Council England
Charity of Sir Richard Whittington
J H Rausing
Bloomberg
Other donations
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Brand and values project
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1 July
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfers between
funds
At 30 June 2025
£
£
£
£
£
-
32,500
(32,500)
-
-
-
29,440
(29,440)
-
-
22,500
-
(22,500)
-
-
-
40,000
(40,000)
-
-
-
125,000
(68,260)
-
56,740
-
10,724
(1,000)
-
9,724
22,500
237,664
(193,700)
-
66,464
17,500
-
(17,500)
-
-
17,500
-
(17,500)
-
-
247,013
1,023,753
(1,018,032)
-
252,734
264,513
1,023,753
(1,035,532)
-
252,734
287,013
1,261,417
(1,229,232)
-
319,198

Purposes of restricted funds

The Foyle Foundation - funding was used to support the transition of World Book Day from a day’s celebration into a year round charitable cause – a reading movement, changing attitudes and behaviours to encourage reading for pleasure.

Arts Council England - funding was used to explore and improve the role that reading plays in the lives of children, to reach less engaged readers and disadvantaged communities through 4 events held in libraries across the country to encourage reading and access to books.

Charity of Sir Richard Whittington - funding was used to employ a full time education manager to develop and provide evidence-based reading for pleasure teaching resources.

J H Rausing - funding was used to explore and improve the role that reading plays in the lives of children, reaching less engaged readers and disadvantaged communities by partnering libraries with schools and creating events across the country to encourage reading and access to books with the World Book Day in a Box offering.

Bloomberg Philanthropies - funding has been awarded as part of the Digital Accelerator programme. The funding will be used to advance the organisation’s digital strategy and capacity through the creation of a new website and rebrand.

41

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

16 Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds (continued)

Other donations is made up of:

Catherine Cookson - £1,000 funding was used to support World Book Day library events in the North East. Donations of £9,724 were raised through Big Give Arts for Impact 2025 campaign which will be used for the 2026 campaign.

Purposes of designated funds

The designated fund was used to enable a brand and values project developing brand positioning, language and tone of voice for the charity.

Restricted funds
Charity of Sir Richard Whittington
Arts Council England
The Foyle Foundation
J H Rausing
Other donations
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Brand and values project
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 1 July
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers between
funds
At 30 June
2024
£
£
£
£
£
-
45,000
(22,500)
-
22,500
-
20,561
(20,561)
-
-
20,000
-
(20,000)
-
-
-
45,027
(45,027)
-
-
-
8,953
(8,953)
-
-
20,000
119,541
(117,041)
-
22,500
-
-
-
17,500
17,500
-
-
-
17,500
17,500
249,245
943,958
(928,690)
(17,500)
247,013
249,245
943,958
(928,690)
-
264,513
269,245
1,063,499
(1,045,731)
-
287,013

42

World Book Day Limited

For the year ended 30 June 2025

17 Related party transactions

The charity is supported by The Booksellers Association (BA) and The Publishers Association (PA). Both the BA & PA have three members each appointed as trustees of the charity during the year.

The charity received administrative assistance free of charge from both the BA and the PA. The charity has estimated this at £15,250 (2024: £15,250), and is included within the donated services in the year.

During the year, the charity received sponsorship income of £165,891 (2024: £165,891) from Book Tokens Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BA. As at 30 June 2025, no amounts (2024: £Nil) were outstanding between the charity and Book Tokens Limited.

During the year, the charity received sponsorship income of £18,280 (2024: £86,912) from Hachette UK, a company of which the Chair A Bond is a director. As at 30 June 2025, £864 (2024: £Nil) were outstanding between the charity and Hachette UK.

During the year, the charity received sponsorship income of £94,535 (2024: £94,316) from Penguin Random House, a company of which the trustee R Sinclair is a director. As at 30 June 2025, £864 (2024: £1,468) was outstanding between the charity and Penguin Random House.

During the year, the charity received sponsorship income of £Nil (2024: £8,798) from Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd, a company of which the trustee W Obbard was a director. As at 30 June 2025, £Nil (2024: £10,588) was outstanding between the charity and Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd.

43

The reading for fun charity

World Book Day is a charity sponsored by National Book Tokens. Registered charity number 1079257. Company number 03783095.