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← Earth Balance 2000

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1083225

Company registration number 04088392 (England and Wales)

EARTHBALANCE 2000

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

EARTHBALANCE 2000

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr T Fraser
Mr G Kemp
Mr D Ledger
Mrs J M Nixon
Mr R Ferguson
Secretary Mr K Nicholson
Charity number 1083225
Company number 04088392
Principal address West Sleekburn Farm
Bomarsund
Bedlington
Northumberland
NE22 7AD
Registered office West Sleekburn Farm
Bomarsund
Bedlington
Northumberland
NE22 7AD
Independent examiner A K Dunn BA (Hons) ACA
St Matthews House
Haugh Lane
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 3PU
Solicitors Burnetts Solicitors (Newcastle)
Milburn House
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 1LE

EARTHBALANCE 2000

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8 - 9
Notes to the financial statements 10 - 21

EARTHBALANCE 2000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report and the unaudited accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Objectives and activities

The charitable company provides public benefit through the promotion of urban and rural regeneration, support for enterprise, education and employment, and conservation of the environment. It also promotes physical and mental health, the relief of sickness, and sustainable development through the regeneration of the Earth Balance site.

The Trustees have sought to advance these aims primarily through the provision of premises and land to support enterprise and employment. This has proven successful, with the majority of properties occupied by tenants during the year and general upkeep of the site and buildings maintained. The site also remained open to the general public, who made regular use of its natural resources, including woodland walks, tenant businesses, and the fishing lake. Several prospective new tenants also visited during the year, expressing interest in joining the existing business community on site.

For the first time in several years, the Trustees were pleased to resume making charitable donations to local groups, in line with the governing document. Alongside this, the charity continued its engagement with Northumberland County Council, local businesses, residents, and other sections of the local community. A core part of the charity’s approach remained as open dialogue, ensuring that its activities reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. The Trustees have worked to maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders, providing a strong foundation for the site’s ongoing regeneration.

During the year, the Trustees successfully brought to a close a long-standing legal dispute with Orca DMCC, culminating in the resolution of a settlement agreement in December 2024. This litigation had significantly burdened the charity over a number of years, and its resolution was only achieved through the diligence of the Trustees and supporting stakeholders. Trustees also supported the transition of a site tenant who entered administration, working with the administrator to assist in finding a suitable new tenant and operator to move back to full occupancy on site.

Collaboration with Northumberland County Council continued, including engagement with the political and officer teams to set out the conservation and aspirations for the site. This work resulted in the surrender of the site to Northumberland County Council in December 2024, building upon the work of the charity in the community and in the completion of the Settlement Agreement. Legal support from Burnetts Solicitors ensured that the surrender met the requirements of the Charities Act. Trustees carefully considered and followed Charity Commission guidance in relation to this process, including matters relating to the Land Registry and completion of the Orca DMCC settlement.

In deciding which activities to pursue, the Trustees have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

The Earth Balance site spans 116.3 acres (47.09 hectares), straddling the South East Northumberland railway line—soon to be reopened as the Northumberland Line—within ten minutes of Bedlington Station. Bordered by the A189 and intersected by two power lines, the site is home to the Sleekburn watercourse, which flows through to a saltmarsh estuary designated as a Nature Reserve. The nearby Northumberland Shore Site of Special Scientific Interest lies 2km south-east. The site remains ecologically significant, and our engagement with the local authority during the pre-application planning process highlighted several unique and valuable environmental features.

The site has successfully retained its organic status via the Soil Association for both land and fishery. It supports diverse wildlife through targeted habitat creation, including wetland environments that attract a wide range of water birds. The aquaculture facility on site continues to operate one of the highest-rated Soil Associationcertified systems for breeding organic brown and rainbow trout, maintained to a high standard throughout the year.

The charity operates a wholly owned trading subsidiary, which enables trading activities to be carried out at arm’s length. This structure mitigates risk to the charity while enabling sustainable development activities aligned with its charitable purpose. Two Trustees serve on both boards to ensure strategic alignment. During the year, the trading subsidiary made significant progress in advancing the protection of the site. The subsidiary and the charity have worked closely with professional advisors to ensure full compliance with charity law.

Key achievements during the year include:

EARTHBALANCE 2000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The site’s infrastructure was actively maintained throughout the year, including landscaping, road and path repairs, and reinstatement of bridleways. These works supported site tenants and encouraged public visitation to enjoy open spaces and interact with the tenant community.

The Men’s Shed group continued to play an integral role on site. Although now an independent charity, it remains housed at Earth Balance and supported by the Trustees. Its members have contributed to the wider community and tenant support, and worked with the national Men’s Shed organisation to enhance their offering.

A major milestone was the successful resolution of a long-standing litigation. The Settlement Agreement with Orca DMCC, concluded in December 2024, released the site from encumbrance and enabled its surrender to Northumberland County Council. Trustees worked tirelessly under often stressful situations and over several years to deal with this distressing and challenging matter, supported by Burnetts Solicitors and in line with Charity Commission guidance and the requirements of the Charities Act.

Following the surrender of the charity’s sole asset—the site lease—Trustees concluded that the charity had fulfilled its charitable objects. Having achieved, insofar as possible, the sustainable development of the site and with no remaining assets, the Trustees unanimously agreed it was in the charity’s best interests to begin winding up operations following the financial year end.

Financial review

The Charity has continued to manage its finances prudently and sustainably. Trustees have worked diligently to maintain a sufficient cash reserve during the year to meet some significant unexpected legal costs and settlement claim costs associated with the litigation matter as well as some anticipated legal and professional costs associated with the site surrender and the planned wind-up of the charity.

Trustees are pleased to report that, in line with the governing documents and Charity Commission guidance, the Charity has been able to make donations to local charitable causes during the year. Further disbursements are planned as part of the final wind-up process.

The Trustees and General Manager have worked together to manage income and expenditure efficiently, with the General Manager providing both consultancy and voluntary support. This has enabled the delivery of core responsibilities at minimal cost to the Charity, helping to protect charitable funds.

For the year ended 31 March 2025, the Charity reported net expenditure over income of £533,987. This significant deficit is primarily due to legal costs incurred in resolving historic litigation and completing the Settlement Agreement with a third party. While these were largely unforeseen, the Trustees acted decisively, and supported by Burnetts legal experts to resolve the matter in the best interests of the Charity and those it serves.

At the year-end, the Charity held restricted funds of £Nil (2024: £170,734) and unrestricted funds of £17,836 (2024: £381,089). The cash position improved to £20,687 (2024: £5,355), reflecting the financial realignment following the surrender of the site lease. This cash balance enables the Charity to meet the administrative and legal costs of wind-up and to carry out some final charitable disbursements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland. The statements also comply with the Charity’s governing documents.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial review (Cont'd)

It remains the Charity’s policy to aim for unrestricted funds equivalent to at least six months of operational costs. This reserve policy ensures that the Charity can meet its obligations and administrative costs during its wind-up period. As of year-end, the Charity has met this target due to careful oversight by the Trustees. The Trustees have assessed the principal risks facing the Charity and its wholly owned trading subsidiary. Particular attention has been given to operational, reputational and financial risks related to the site surrender and closure process. A risk register is maintained and actively reviewed at each Trustee meeting, with mitigating actions identified and implemented as necessary.

Looking ahead, the Charity’s priority is to complete an orderly and compliant wind-up process that secures the legacy of the sustainable use of the site. The Trustees continue to work with Northumberland County Council to ensure continuity of purpose and effective stewardship of the land.

The completion of the Settlement Agreement and the successful surrender of the site lease were major achievements during the year. These outcomes required significant time, energy and resolve from Trustees, supported by Burnetts solicitors. Trustees and Directors of the trading company are commended for acting consistently in the best interests of the Charity during a complex and litigious period.

Throughout the winter, further works were undertaken to maintain and enhance the site, including improvements to the pond system and shared areas. The Charity also supported Northumberland County Council and its partners in facilitating access for investigation works on the proposed upgraded railway line and station.

As the Charity concludes its activities, Trustees and the trading company remain committed to recognising and protecting the legacy of Earth Balance, ensuring the site’s sustainable future in line with the Charity’s founding objectives.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity and its subsidiary trading company is exposed, in particular those relating to the operations and finances of the charitable company and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. A risk register maintains the risks and mitigations and is discussed by Trustees at each meeting.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Structure, governance and management

The charitable company is limited by guarantee and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, originally dated 6 October 2000 and most recently amended on 16 April 2008.

Earth Balance 2000 ("the Charity") is classified as a small charity under the Charities Act 2011 and remains below the audit threshold. The Charity operates from West Sleekburn Farm in South East Northumberland.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the charitable company. Trustees meet at least quarterly to oversee financial, operational, and strategic matters, ensuring alignment with the charity’s objectives and financial policies.

The trustees of the charity also serve as the directors for the purposes of company law. New trustees are elected by nominating bodies during General Meetings, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Articles of Association. During the reporting period and into wind up of the charity, Trustees will have due regard to Charity Commission guidance and access to legal support if required at any time. The Articles specify a minimum and maximum of five trustees, a requirement that was maintained throughout the reporting period.

The Board strives to maintain a diverse mix of professional skills and experiences relevant to the charity’s aims. When vacancies arise, the trustees seek suitable replacements to maintain this balance. New trustees are provided with an appropriate induction to familiarise them with the governance and operations of the charity.

Since its inception, the Board has prioritised the maintenance of a financially viable operation, maximising income while keeping operational costs to a minimum. This approach supports the delivery of the charity’s overarching aim: the sustainable development and regeneration of the Earth Balance site.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr T Fraser

Mr G Kemp Mr D Ledger Mrs J M Nixon Mr R Ferguson

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs J M Nixon

Trustee Dated: 14 June 2025

EARTHBALANCE 2000

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF EARTHBALANCE 2000

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Earthbalance 2000 (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

A K Dunn BA (Hons) ACA

St Matthews House Haugh Lane Hexham Northumberland NE46 3PU

Dated: 17 June 2025

EARTHBALANCE 2000

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
Income and endowments from:
Charitable activities
3
33,464
Other income
4
443,820
Total income and endowments
477,284
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
1,011,271
Net outgoing resources before transfers
(533,987)
Gross transfers between funds
170,734
Net expenditure for the year/
Net movement in funds
(363,253)
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
381,089
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
17,836		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
(170,734)
(170,734)
170,734
-		 Total
2025
£
33,464
443,820
477,284
1,011,271
(533,987)
-
(533,987)
551,823
17,836		 Total
2024
£
62,249
-
62,249
80,065
(17,816)
-
(17,816)
569,639
551,823

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
16
Net assets excluding pension liability
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
17
Unrestricted funds		 2025
£
-
20,687
20,687
(2,852)		 £
-
1
1
17,835
17,836
-
17,836
17,836
-
17,836
17,836		 2024
£
6,135
5,355
11,490
(6,351)		 £
551,180
1
551,181
5,139
556,320
(4,497)
551,823
551,823
170,734
381,089
551,823

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

EARTHBALANCE 2000

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 14 June 2025

Mrs J M Nixon

Trustee

Company registration number 04088392 (England and Wales)

EARTHBALANCE 2000

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 Accounting policies

Company information

Earthbalance 2000 is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is West Sleekburn Farm, Bomarsund, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7AD.

1.1 Accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

The Trustees have assessed the financial position of the charity in the context of its planned wind-up and are satisfied that the charity holds sufficient reserves to meet its remaining obligations and liabilities. Following the successful surrender of the site lease in December 2024, the charity no longer holds any substantial operational assets, and the Trustees have agreed that the charitable objectives have been delivered. As a result, the charity is in the process of winding up in a managed and responsible manner.

Accordingly, the accounts have not been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees have instead adopted a basis of preparation appropriate to the winding up of the charity. All known liabilities have been accounted for in the preparation of a final budget, and any remaining funds will be distributed to suitable local charities in accordance with the governing documents and Charity Commission guidance.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are held for use on specific purposes as determined by restrictions imposed by the funders.

Fixed assets - restricted funds

Earthbalance 2000, a company limited by guarantee, having its primary purpose to provide support and facilitate the creation of opportunities for enterprise and education that work in harmony with the environment through the demonstration of environmentally sustainable practices holds assets, partly financed by grants that can only be used for such expenditure.

1.4 Incoming resources

Voluntary income including donations, gifts and legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement, after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Such income is only deferred when:

1.5 Resources expended

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

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature to support them.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.g. management time.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value, over the economic life of that asset as follows:

Leasehold property Over remaining life of the 98 year lease Fixtures, fittings & equipment 20% Straight line

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in income/ (expenditure for the year, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried in at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation increase.

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and 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.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Sales within charitable activities 33,464 62,249
Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets 443,820 -

4 Other income

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5 Charitable activities

Running
costs of
Earthbalance
site
Charitable
expenditure
2
£
£
Depreciation
-
-
Running costs of Earthbalance site
64,039
-
101,159
-
Grant funding of activities (see note 6)
-
30,000
Support costs
4,180
-
Governance costs
977,091
-
981,271
30,000
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
981,271
30,000
981,271
30,000
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Unrestricted funds
78,168
-
Restricted funds
1,897
-
80,065
-		 Total
2025
£
-
36,482
42,606
30,000
4,180
2,250
1,011,271
1,011,271
1,011,271		 Total
2024
£
6,124
39,593
46,421
-
1,270
2,643
80,065
78,168
1,897
80,065

6 Donations payable

Donations to institutions (3 grants):
Choppington Parish Council
East Bedlington Parish Council
The Tute		 2025
£
12,500
12,500
5,000
30,000

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets - 6,124
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets (443,820) -

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year. In their role as consultants in respect of formal agreements entered into by the charity in developing the site over the last ten years and following the surrender of the lease the following payments were made - T Fraser - £45,000 and G Kemp - £45,000.

In the accounts of the subsidiary, Earth Balance 2000 Trading Company Limited, payments of £1,000 were made to directors of the subsidiary, who are also Trustees of the Charity, in respect of self employed consultancy services.

9 Employees

There were no employees during the year.

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold Fixtures, fittings Total
property & equipment
£ £ £
At 1 April 2024 670,629 3,521 674,150
Disposals (670,629) (3,521) (674,150)
At 31 March 2025 - - -
At 1 April 2024 119,450 3,520 122,970
Eliminated in respect of disposals (119,450) (3,520) (122,970)
At 31 March 2025 - - -
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025 - - -
At 31 March 2024 551,179 1 551,180

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023 & 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Other investments comprise:
Notes
Investments in subsidiaries
22
13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
14
Loans and overdrafts
Bank loans
Payable within one year
Payable after one year		 Other
investments
1
1
1
2025
2024
£
£
1
1
2025
2024
£
£
-
1,019
-
5,116
-
6,135
2025
2024
£
£
-
7,295
-
2,798
-
4,497		 Other
investments
1
1
1
2025
2024
£
£
1
1
2025
2024
£
£
-
1,019
-
5,116
-
6,135
2025
2024
£
£
-
7,295
-
2,798
-
4,497
1
1
2024
£
1
2024
£
1,019
5,116
6,135
2024
£
7,295
2,798
4,497

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2025 2024
Notes £ £
Bank loans 14 - 2,798
Other taxation and social security (148) 553
Accruals and deferred income 3,000 3,000
2,852 6,351
16 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Bank loans 14 - 4,497
17 Restricted funds
The funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following balances held on trust for specific
purposes:
At 1 April 2024 Resources Transfers At 31 March
expended 2025
£ £ £ £
Visitor centre 170,734 - (170,734) -
Previous year: At 1 April 2023 Resources Transfers At 31 March
expended 2024
£ £ £ £
Visitor centre 172,631 (1,897) - 170,734

EARTHBALANCE 2000

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2024
£
General funds
381,089
Previous year:
At 1 April 2023
£
General funds
397,008
Analysis of net assets between funds
At 31 March 2025:
Investments
Current assets/(liabilities)
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets
Investments
Current assets/(liabilities)
Long term liabilities		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
477,284
(1,011,271)
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
62,249
(78,168)
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
1
17,835
17,836
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
380,446
1
5,139
(4,497)
381,089		 Transfers
At 31 March
2025
£
£
170,734
17,836
Transfers
At 31 March
2024
£
£
-
381,089
Restricted
Total
funds
2025
2025
£
£
-
1
-
17,835
-
17,836
Restricted
Total
funds
2024
2024
£
£
170,734
551,180
-
1
-
5,139
-
(4,497)
170,734
551,823

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

EARTHBALANCE 2000

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20 Capital commitments

Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:

The charitable company had not contracted for any capital commitments as at 31 March 2025 (2024- None).

21 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

22 Subsidiaries

These financial statements are separate charity financial statements for Earthbalance 2000.

Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
Earth Balance 2000 Trading England & Wales Trading Arm of Charity Ordinary 100.00
Company Limited

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from these accounts was as follows:

Name of undertaking Profit/(Loss) Capital and
Reserves
£ £
Earth Balance 2000 Trading
Company Limited 5,429 1,324