2024-03-31-accounts

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Annual Report 2023-24

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name The Wheels Project Limited

Charity registration number 1081236

Driving Ambition Through Re-engagement Learning & Achievement

Company registration number 02745215

Principal office and registered office 31- 32 Bonville Road Brislington Bristol BS4 5QH

The trustees Mr N J Adams Mr D V Smithen Ms R Wheatley Ms S Crew

Bristol

Company secretary Mr D V Smithen

Auditor Elliott Bunker Limited Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 61 Macrae Road Ham Green Bristol BS20 0DD

HSBC Bank plc Cabot Circus 62 George White Street Bristol BS1 3BA

31-32 Bonville Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5QH Tel: 0117 977 1717 Email: david@wheelsproject.org.uk Website: www.wheelsproject.org.uk

Annual Report 2022-23

Contents
Executive Summary	3
Financial Summary 2023-24	11
Independent Auditor’s Report to
the Members of The Wheels Project Limited	14
Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)	18
Statement of Financial Position	19
Notes to the Financial Statements	20

Executive Summary

This year has seen ever increasing pressures related to the ‘Cost of Living’ issues and complex needs within our societies creating additional demands on public services, and there have been some significant and tragic incidents, predominantly in Bristol.

These have all been difficult challenges which we are trying to address through the vocational educational programmes offered by The Wheels Project.

We are a small team trying to match the needs of vulnerable, disengaged young people living in the former Avon area with activities that attract and engage their participation, and which prepare them for adulthood, work and recreation and enable them to integrate effectively with their communities.

This is our 45th year and we continue our commitment towards providing a high quality, sustainable service for our young people and the environment in which they live.

Highlights of last year

We have Approved Alternative Learning Provider Status until 31st August 2027 with Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Somerset Unitary Authorities. The significance of which provides quality assurance for referrers and Ofsted inspectors.
Referral rates have exceeded targets.
Average group sizes have reached capacity.
Good engagement with students.
Good retention from referrers.
Strong, continued support from Trusts and Foundations.
Two vehicles prepared to MOT standard and gifted to two community groups.
Continued strong outcome performances from our students – see ‘Page 5'.
Our services have significantly helped our students to engage with their communities much more positively.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our staff team and the continued generosity of our loyal supporters and donors. The Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt thanks to you all.

Ms Sarah Crew (Chair of Trustees)

Referral Base

We have a large referral base from which to draw and have collaborated with 117 referral organisations over the past 17 years including Mainstream senior schools, Alternative Learning and Post-16 Providers, SEND units, Criminal Justice and Youth Services. This year we worked with 22 referral agencies, an increase on our 17-year average of 16 with all but two repeat referrers.

Local Education Authorities directed mainstream schools in September 2022 to reduce their Permanent Exclusion rates. Since then, we have seen the numbers of mainstream schools using our services triple.

The introduction of Education Health Care Plans in 2014 has enabled schools of all types to access significant additional funding to support the more vulnerable and needy students to access provisions such as ours. 517,000 were issued in 2023 across the UK; 36% of which to 11–15 year-olds.

Our referrals come from across all local unitary authorities in Avon with Bristol providing 40% of our cohort; Banes 26% , North Somerset 21% and South Gloucestershire 13%.

Student Profile

The average age whilst attending the Wheels Project has remained static at 15 years.
64% of students attending the Wheels Project qualified for free school meals continuing the rise since Covid 2020 (36%).
Students’ Basic Skills levels remained static at entry level on arrival at The Wheels Project. This is defined by the Adult Learning and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) as having the numerical and reading age of below the average 11-year-old.
75% of our students recorded school attendance of less than 50% at the referral stage
with 20% not attending school at all.
98% of students were male, a small increase on last year and a 17-year average of 93%.
12% of students who attended the Wheels Project were from the BME community which has varied little over the last 17 years.

Outputs

The number of students enrolled increased to 93 from 76 last year and continued the rise from Covid in 2020 which hit a 17-year low of 27.

Profile of Programme Delivery

Group sizes continue to be kept to a maximum of four students due to the increased complex needs of the young people referred.
The average group size increasing from 2.3 to 3.7 students this year. Our 17-year average group size is 5.1 students.
15 of our students required 1:1 supervision.

Outcomes

Attendance rates recorded at 75% compared to 71% last year.
Completion rates remain static at 86% which are just below those attained pre pandemic.
We have enrolled 20 students on to the pre-qualifying stage of the British Indoor Karting Championships www.bikc.co.uk.

Observations recorded by our supervisors showed that:

99% of our students behaved safely in our workshops.
65% improved their workshop skills and knowledge.
67% improved their vocational numeracy skills levels.
68% improved their communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
75% showed increased self-confidence and esteem.
32% progressed onto our community vehicle programme to complete and gift two vehicles to two community groups.

Observations chronicled by Keyworks from referral agencies reported that:

  - 81% of their students showed marked improved attendance and behaviours at school during attendance on our programmes.

  - This fell to 58% after leaving The Wheels Project for those who did not complete at least three of our programmes.

  - 83% of our students left formal education after completing Wheels to enrol on an FE College course (most often a Foundation Course to address their vocational and basic skills further).

  - We have secured bookings of 52 programme units in the next financial year as on 2nd July 2024 towards our target of 80.

The number of programme units (equivalent to half day a week over six weeks) delivered this year increased from 69 to 79 . (17-year average is 58) from Covid in 2020 which hit a 17-year low of 35.
The average number of our programme units undertaken per student increased to three .
30% of our students undertook between four and seven programme units.
The Karts course continued to be our most popular course, although slightly down on last year with 27 units being delivered, closely followed by Introduction to Vehicle Servicing with 21 units. There was an increase in the number of Karting courses delivered (12) and this is set to be significantly more popular next year.
The Community Vehicle Programme remained static at 17 units. There has been no take up of our bicycle or Pre CBT programmes.

Aims and objectives

Our vision is to provide a creative and inspiring alternative education environment where disadvantaged young people who have disengaged from school can thrive, acquire new skills and re-engage with learning.

Our value to referrers is improved attendance, behaviour and attainment.

Our value to students is improved confidence, progression and achievement.

We aim to:

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Engage
and motivate young
people at risk and
inspire them to
achieve their potential.
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Educate
young people in
vehicle use, repair
and maintenance,
solve problems and
experience success as
they develop new skills
for their future.
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Structure

Governing document

The charity is constituted as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee and is managed by its board of trustees who are also directors for the purposes of company law.

Governance and management

The Trustees and Manager meet formerly at least four times a year to review and record performance, strategies, risk assessments, staff training and any safeguarding and safety issues that have arisen in the previous quarter based on quarterly reports prepared by the General Manager.

Day to day management of the Company lies with the General Manager, David Glossop.

Objectives of the charity

The Wheels Project’s mission is to recognise the potential of disadvantaged young people through engaging activities which educate, motivate and build self-confidence towards developing greater skills and opportunities for their future.

Public benefit

The charity trustees confirm that due regard has been paid to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission to ensure that the objectives and activities of the charity will conform to the requirements.

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Board
of Trustees
(Charity)
General
Manager
Office Workshop
Manager Manager
Workshop
Supervisor
tu tu
tu
tu
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Level of Need 2023-2024

The young people we support are mostly drawn from deprived areas with high levels of poverty. They have disengaged from school as the support they get isn’t addressing their needs, leaving them isolated, withdrawn and stressed leading to poor attendance, disruptive behaviour and exclusion.

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Encourage
positive
behaviour
by building upon their
sense of achievement
and self-esteem so
that they make better
choices and contribute
positively in
their communities.
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64% received free school meals, a slight increase on the previous year. The needs we address include low confidence and self-esteem; poor attitudes to learning; a reluctance to communicate; and underdeveloped skills required for further learning and training.47% of our students were subject to an Education Health Care Plan for children with special needs and disabilities, 2% down from last year. In addition, some young people will have been exhibiting anti-social behaviour including aggressive verbal and physical outbursts and many are vulnerable to being drawn into illegal and dangerous activities.

The evidence of these needs come from Keyworkers from referring organisations completing our pre-referral assessments on each student, our own observations and by independent review in June 2023 of Alternative Learning Provision.

These needs, combined with the increase in mental health issues we see following two years of Covid in 2020 and 2021, has led to us offering 1-1 supervision as well as group work for some time to come.

Testimonials Referral Organisation feedback

RW has been attending the Wheels Project for three terms now. Since starting, we have noticed a significant change in his confidence and his attitude towards being in a learning environment. RW’s passion and aptitude for mechanics and engineering has become evident since starting at Wheels.

Patchway Community School

He has a lot of potential in this area and is putting this into practice, he is beginning to realise this.

Our pupils love attending Wheels each week and are always up, ready and keen to get there. Wheels provides them with a sense of achievement and has helped develop their confidence. Through the practical and hands on nature of the experiences at Wheels pupils have been able to consider their future aspirations and make informed decisions around choices for both pre and post 16 courses to apply for within the field of engineering and mechanics. Wheels offers the closest thing to a safe real life work experience that we can find and allows pupils not just to experience the workshop environment but to see a project through to completion.

North Somerset SEND

Notton House Academy

The Wheels Project has significantly benefited my group of Year 9 students by providing them with invaluable experiences and social skills development. These students, who were struggling to engage with their mainstream educational setting, have found a renewed sense of purpose and direction through the project's hands-on approach. By participating in the Wheels Project, they have learned practical skills, which have boosted their confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, the project has encouraged them to make positive choices, reducing the risk of involvement in antisocial behaviours in and out of school. This tailored support has not only improved their academic engagement but also enhanced their overall well-being and future prospects.

Youth Justice Service

The Wheels Team have offered a positive, educational, safe, and supportive opportunity to a young person who was not in education, training, or employment. The Wheels Team have offered a flexible and relational approach which has promoted the young person accessing their service. The service has been integral to the safety plan for this young person and it has been wonderful to see him thrive with the support of The Wheels Project.

Students Feedback

I have been at the Wheels Project for around two years now and in this time I have learnt how to service cars and make them ready for road use. Most recently I have been servicing and painting a van to give to the Farms for City Children Charity which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have also enjoyed the end of term karting sessions and found them something to look forward to. The workshop sessions alone are perfect, but the karting makes it that bit sweeter.

Joel

I feel like the Wheels Project is a charity that I wish more people could experience as it has been truly beneficial to me and my education around motor vehicles. The staff at the Wheels Project have been more than accommodating and have adjusted my sessions to fit around my needs. Steve, my supervisor is straight to the point (which I prefer) and has been a perfect tutor for me.

Rowan

I liked building the kart and spending time with my tutors who I have got on well with. I progressed on to the service course and started working on wheels and tyres and feel confident that I know how to change wheels and tyres now. I have also enjoyed the end of term karting events where I compete against other students. My lap times are getting better as I develop my control more.

Mechanics is important to me and it’s something that I think I could be good at and would like to pursue. I want to be able to use the skills I’ve learnt at Wheels to be the first step towards opening my own garage.

All names changed and provided by referring organisation Key Workers

All names changed

Activities

We run highly supervised practical courses in small groups of up to four students working on a range of vehicles starting with karts, bicycles and progressing to cars, commercial vans, mopeds and this year participation in the British Indoor Karting Championship.

All courses are designed to improve engagement, behaviour and attendance at the introductory level and work on social and employment skills at subsequent levels. All serve as preparatory courses for our Community Vehicle Project where students renovate a vehicle to donate to a charity of their choice. The courses also have a strong focus on safe and legal driving.

Evaluation

Most needs are identified by referrers’ and student assessments, though others can emerge later. Outcomes are discussed with young people, their referrers and parents before enrolment and on leaving. We set outcome targets which we have measured that include change in behaviours, attendance, attitude, achievements and destinations after leaving their referral organisation.

We conduct formal reviews every term which we share with keyworkers from all referral agencies. In return we ask referrers to complete progress reports which reflect the performances of their students back at their referral base.

Financial Review 2023-24

Funding and Reserves

Funding for courses remains a challenge and the charity relies upon contributions from funders in order to maintain its activities. The charity has returned a surplus for the year with corresponding increase in its reserves.

The trustees are aware of the difficulties in maintaining a sufficient income stream and reserves are held mainly to fund any likely winding up of the charity should funding fail.

Financial Summary 2023-24

Our Financial Policy, last reviewed in January 2024, states that: The Wheels Project maintains levels of income equivalent to six months expenditure as shown and maintained in our Forecast Budget in the financial year ahead.

Our strategic plan made for this year outlined a set of key objectives to achieve our ambitions which included:

To sustain fee income from referrers at a minimum of 25% of total income.

Quality Assurance

All key policies and procedures are reviewed and updated annually; and all staff and Trustees undertake Safeguarding training annually. Our Health and Safety Standards are assessed and assured by independent specialists Citation Ltd. We have had no safeguarding incidents or reportable accidents again this year. All referring organisations review our Quality Assurance systems annually at the start of each academic year.

To increase in income by 15% over the next three years to invest in our development.
Introduce at least 2 new multi-year funders.

■ Funding from referrers as % of annual income

Plans for 2024-25

We aim to continue offering all of the programmes currently delivered in 2024-2025 although we are aware of the low take up for our bicycle and pre-CBT for new moped drivers. The introduction of the British Indoor Karting Championship in 2023-24 www.bikc.co.uk has provided an exciting addition for our students. They can access our training sessions at any time in the term unlike our workshop programmes which have fixed entry points at the beginning of each term.

Each student’s performance is closely monitored so that we can measure distance-travelled, achievements and outcomes.

In October 2025 our students are due to be using electric karts for the first time. .

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2008 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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Financial Performance - Year ending 31.3.24

(following independent audit May 2024)

Actual expenditure £308,218 an increase of £17,253 from the previous year, which was accountable by salary increases (£6,598) Building Insurances(£2300), Rent (£3000) and Activities (£5355) Our actual income for the year was £333,848 an increase of £61,870 (+23%) from the previous year.

This year we recorded a surplus of £25,630 against the deficit of £18,987 from the previous year and a deficit of £1,586 in 2021-22.
Our reserves now stand at £182,041 which remains in line with our Reserves policy of having six months funding in reserve.
Our income from Referrers increased by £23,755 to £103,867 due to our increased fees and the increased number of programme units delivered.
Income from Referrers represented 31% of our total income for the year; a small increase from 29% last year.
We have attracted support of £227,590 from 19 different Charitable Trusts and Foundations with grants ranging from £2,500 to £40,000 a year. 50% of these organisations have supported us for many years (ranging from 7 to 27 years) This year saw the return of a significant 3-year award from The Henry Smith Charity and two new supporters in The Swire Charitable Trust and The Hargreaves Foundation. Without this support The Wheels Project would become unsustainable. We manage this risk by encouraging a broad base of Funders.

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

The trustees, who are also directors 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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period.

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

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
Observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP.
Make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Auditor

Year ending 31.3.25 (forecast)

Our expenditure is forecast to increase by a further £15,000 this year to allow for the cost-of-living increase which was 3.2% on 31.3.24. Most of this projected increase is due to salary increases, growth of our Karting Project and general running costs.
As of today 2nd July 2024, we have secured £99,638 in booking fees; an increase of £2,072 at this time last year. To date we have 63 Programme Units booked (compared to 70 at this stage last year) towards our target of 80 for this year.
A further £103,867 has already been secured from Charitable Trusts and Foundations an increase of £40,867 on this time last year.
We need to secure a further £136,898 this year to avoid making a deficit on our Forecast expenditure for the year (about the same as last year at this stage).
We have a schedule of bids to new Charitable Trusts and Foundations as well as long term supporters totalling £232,000 from which we feel optimistic in raising £180,000. We are optimistic of raising a further £28,900 from Referrers through the delivery of an additional 17 Programme Units this year to meet our target of 80.
This being the case we will avoid making a deficit for the year.

Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

So far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditor is unaware; and
They have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information

The auditor is deemed to have been re-appointed in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 2nd July 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Ms S Crew Trustee

The Wheels Project Limited

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Wheels Project Limited. Year ended 31 March 2024

Auditor Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Wheels Project Limited (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), statement of financial position and the related notes, 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 FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable by law in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

■ give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; ■ have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; ■ 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.

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.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in 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:

adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the directors' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the directors 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.

Auditor’s 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 extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Key audit matters: our assessment of risks of material misstatement

Key audit matters are those matters that in our professional judgement were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by us, including those which had the greatest effect on: the allocation of resources in the audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team. There are no key areas identified as the audit is very low risk with normal audit procedures adequate in all audit areas.

We agreed to report to the board of trustees any corrected or uncorrected identified misstatements.

Fraud and breaches of laws and regulations - ability to detect

Identifying and reporting of risks of material misstatement due to fraud

To identify risks of material misstatement due to fraud we assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. Our risk assessment procedures included:

Enquiring of general manager and trustees and inspection of key papers provided to those charged with governance as to high level policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud

■ Reading board minutes

We communicated identified fraud risks throughout the audit team and remained alert to any indications of fraud throughout the audit.

As required by auditing standards, and taking into account possible pressures to meet targets and our overall knowledge of the control environment, we perform procedures to address the risks of management override of controls. To address the pervasive risk as it relates to management override, we identified journal entries to test to supporting documentation.

Identifying and responding to risks of material misstatement due to non-compliance with laws and regulations

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience and through discussion with the general manager and trustees. As the charity is regulated, our assessment of risks involved gaining an understanding of the control environment including the entity's procedures for complying with regulatory requirements.

We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit.

The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the charity is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting regulation (including related companies regulation), taxation legislation (payroll taxes) and pension legislation and we assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statements items.

Secondly, the charity is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequence of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines or litigation. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such as effect: Health and safety laws and laws relating to working with vulnerable young people. Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of management and trustees and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Therefore, if any breach of operational regulations is not disclosed to us or evident from relevant correspondence, an audit will not detect that breach.

Context of the ability of the audit to detect fraud or breaches of law or regulation

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control.
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern.
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

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 and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

2nd July 2024

Nicolas Michael FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Elliott Bunker Limited, Chartered accountants & statutory auditor 61 Macrae Road, Ham Green, Bristol, BS20 0DD

Owing to the inherent limitation of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.

In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of fraud, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. Our audit procedures are designed to detect material misstatement. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance or fraud and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Statement of Financial Activities. Year ended 31 March 2024 (including income and expenditure account )

Statement of Financial Position. Year ended 31 March 2024

Income and endowments Donations and legacies Income and endowments	Note 5	Unrestricted funds £ 197,590	Restricted funds £ 30,000		Total funds £ 227,590 2024	Total funds £ 191,560 2023 ~~a~~A	Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets	Note 14	2024 £ 6,083	2023 £ 10,439
Charitable activities	6	103,867	–		103,867	80,112	Current assets
Investment income	7	2,391	–		2,391	306	Debtors	15	27,358	30,253
Total income 303,848 30,000 333,848 271,978 ~~SS~~							Cash at bank and in hand		166,215	136,280
Expenditure									193,573	166,533
Expenditure on raising funds: Costs of raising donations	8	19,835	–		19,835	22,467	Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	16	17,615	20,561
and legacies							Net current assets		175,958	145,972
Expenditure on charitable activities 9 268,471 19,912 Total expenditure 288,306 19,912 ~~eS ET~~				~~ET~~	288,383 268,498 308,218 290,965 ~~ET ~~		Total assets less current liabilities 182,041 156,411 Net assets 182,041 156,411 Funds of the charity ~~eT~~
Net Income / expenditure and net movement in funds		15,542	10,088		25,630	(18,987)	Restricted funds Unrestricted funds		26,920 155,121	16,832 139,579
Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 139,579 16,832 Total funds carried forward 155,121 26,920 ~~eS~~					156,411 182,041	175,398 156,411	Total charity funds 18 182,041 156,411 ~~a~~

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 2 July 2024, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Ms S Crew Chair of Trustees

Notes to the Financial Statements. Year ended 31 March 2024

General The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, information registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 31- 32, Bonville Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5QH.
Statement These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The of compliance Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting policies


Basis of preparation		The fnancial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modifed by the revaluation of certain fnancial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The fnancial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue. Judgements The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, and key sources estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and of estimation judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, uncertainty including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. We can confirm that there are no such critical estimates and judgements.

Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
■ legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established.
income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.
income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.

Resources expended


Staf costs		Staf costs are allocated to activities on the basis of staf time spent on those activities.
Governance costs		Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Operating leases		Rental payments under operating leases are charged as expenditure as incurred over the term of the lease.
Tangible assets		All fxed assets are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation		Depreciation is calculated so as to write of the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Fixtures and fttings - 25% reducing balance Motor vehicles - 25% reducing balance Tools and equipment - 25% reducing balance

Impairment of fxed assets		A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date. For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash infows that are largely independent of the cash infows from other assets or groups of assets. For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to beneft from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

Financial A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to instruments the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Defined Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in contribution which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

Limited by There is no controlling party as the company is limited by guarantee. In the event of a guarantee winding up each trustee is limited to paying £1 each whilst a member or within one year of ceasing to be a member. At 31st March 2024 the number of trustees was 4 (2023: 4).

5. Donations and legacies

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Donations
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations 197,590 30,000 227,590
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Donations
Funds Funds 2023
Donations 120,650 120,650
Grants
–
Gosling Foundation 9,500 9,500
–
Quartet Community Foundation 4,410 4,410
–
The Newby Trust 10,000 10,000
The Medlock Charitable Trust – 10,000 10,000
Nisbet Trust – 10,000 10,000
The Stone Family Foundation 20,000 5,000 25,000
The Portishead Nautical Trust 2,000 – 2,000
142,650 48,910 191,560
----- End of picture text -----

Other grants and donations received include the following of £1,000 or over

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The Henry Smith Charity £40,000
Nisbet Trust £20,000
The Binks Trust £10,000
The Spielman Charitable Trust £15,000
The Burden Trust £12,000
Mary and John Prior (including Gift aid) £6,250
The John James Bristol Foundation £15,000
Society of Merchant Venturers £5,000
Denman Charitable Trust £5,000
The Leigh Trust £2,500
The Notgrove Trust £5,000
The Mary Homfray Charitable Trust £3,000
Avon & Somerset Police Community Trust £10,000
The Van Neste Foundation £6,750
CHK Foundation £10,000
The Swire Charitable Trust £27,000
Medlock Charitable Trust £5,000
----- End of picture text -----

6. Charitable activities

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Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Course fees 103,867 103,867 80,112 80,112
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Course fees represents amounts receivable from public organisations in recognition of courses provided.

Investment income


	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2024	Unrestricted Funds	Total Funds 2023
	£	£	£	£
Bank interest receivable	2,391	2,391	306	306

8.Costs of raising donations and legacies

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Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Grants receivable 19,835 – 19,835
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Grants receivable 17,467 5,000 22,467
----- End of picture text -----

9. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

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Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Course costs 263,560 19,912 283,472
–
Support costs 4,911 4,911
268,471 19,912 288,383
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Course costs 220,455 43,078 263,533
–
Support costs 4,965 4,965
225,420 43,078 268,498
----- End of picture text -----

The charity is grateful and appreciative of all donations.

10.Analysis of support costs

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Activities Total Total
undertaken directly 2024 2023
£ £ £
Governance costs 5,000 5,000 4,965
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Governance costs are made up of audit fees and legal & professional fees.

11. Net (expenditure) / income

Net (expenditure) / income is stated after charging / (crediting):

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2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 4,356 3,479
Fees payable for the audit of
3,936 4,063
the financial statements
----- End of picture text -----

Tangible fixed assets

----- Start of picture text -----
Fixtures
Motor vehicles Equipment Total
and fittings
£ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 Apr 2023
90,553 27,846 145,392 263,791
and 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 Apr 2023 83,763 27,467 142,122 253,352
Charge for the year 2,228 346 1,782 4,356
At 31 Mar 2024 85,991 27,813 143,904 257,708
Carrying amount
At 31 Mar 2024 4,562 33 1,488 6,083
At 31 Mar 2023 6,790 379 3,270 10,439
----- End of picture text -----

12. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

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2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 158,580 149,331
Social security costs 11,555 11,390
Employer contributions to pension plans 6,335 7,430
176,470 168,151
----- End of picture text -----

The average head count of employees during the year was 4 (2023 : 4).
The average number of full-time equivalent employees duringtheyear is analysed as follows:
2024 Numbers		2023 Numbers
Admin 2		2
Operational 2		2
4		4
~~The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the follow~~	~~i~~	~~ng bands were:~~

~~The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following bands, were:~~

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2024 Numbers 2023 Numbers
£60,000 to £69,999 1 1
Key Management Personnel Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the
charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for
services provided to the charity was £67,202 (2023: £60,616) inclusive of
social security costs and employer contributions to pension plans.
----- End of picture text -----

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees;

Trustee remuneration and expenses

15. Debtors

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 4,500 3,896
Prepayments and accrued income 22,858 26,357
27,358 30,253
16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
----- End of picture text -----


16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

	2024	2023
	£	£

Trade creditors	5,075	9,620

Accruals and deferred income	8,400	5,100

Social securityand other taxes	4,140	3,943
Other creditors	-	1,898

	17,615	20,561

Defined contribution plans

Pensions and other post retirement benefits

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £6,335 (2023: £7,430).

No trustees received any reimbursed expenses during this financial year.

18. Analysis of charitable funds

----- Start of picture text -----
At 1 April Income Expenditure At 31 March
Unrestricted funds
2023 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 139,579 303,848 (288,306) 155,121
At 1 April Income Expenditure At 31 March
2022 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 159,398 223,068 (242,887) 139,579
At 1 April Income Expenditure At 31 March
Restricted funds
2023 2024
£ £ £ £
– –
Stone Family Foundation 16,000 16,000
– – – –
Gosling Foundation
–
The Hargreaves Foundation 30,000 (19,080) 10,920
– – – –
Newby Trust
The Nisbet Trust – – – –
The Medlock Charitable Trust – – – –
Quartet Community Foundation 832 – (832) –
16,832 30,000 (19,912) 26,920
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
At 1 April Income Expenditure At 31 March
2022 2023
£ £ £ £
Stone Family Foundation 16,000 5,000 (5,000) 16,000
– –
Gosling Foundation 9,500 9,500
– – – –
The Hargreaves Foundation
– –
Newby Trust 10,000 (10,000)
The Nisbet Trust – 10,000 (10,000) –
The Medlock Charitable Trust – 10,000 (10,000) –
Quartet Community Foundation – 4,410 (3,578) 832
16,000 48,910 (48,078) 16,832
----- End of picture text -----

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
–
Tangible fixed assets 6,083 6,083
Current assets 166,653 26,920 193,573
–
Creditors less than 1 year (17,615) (17,615)
Net assets 155,121 26,920 182,041
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 9,607 832 10,439
Current assets 150,533 16,000 166,533
– – –
Creditors less than 1 year
Net assets 139,579 16,832 156,411
----- End of picture text -----

20. Operating lease commitments

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
£ £
Not later than 1 year 37,734 37,734
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 130,117 156,140
–
Later than 5 years 13,012
167,851 206,886
----- End of picture text -----

21. Related parties:

There were no related party transactions in the year.

The Medlock Charitable Trust

These funds were used to support our Community Vehicle Programme.

Stone Family Foundation

These funds were part used to support costs of fundraising for the charity, with £16,000 held over for recruiting costs and salary of the General manager's replacement when he leaves.

The Hargreaves Foundation

These funds were used to support 12 students in the British Indoor Karting Championship.