## **REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023** **Registered Office:** Redditch Wheels Project 8 Church Green East Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 8BP. **Skatepark Site:** Redditch Skatepark, Arrow Valley Country Park South, Off Icknield Street Drive, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0DD. **Company limited by guarantee number:** 04064599 ## **Registered charity number:** 1087777 ## **DIRECTORS** The directors who are also trustees of the charity shown below have held office during the whole of the period from 1 October 2022 to the date of this report. S. D. Rooke: Chair, D. Cantelo: Treasurer, B Thombs: Secretary, K Fitzgerald & R Scriven ## **DIRECTORS' SALARIES** Director and Trustee, Stephen Donald Rooke was paid £10,572 during the year. This was separate paid employment as a Project Development Manager to his role as Director and Trustee which is unpaid. This is in accordance with the power given to do so under clause 4(t) and (u) of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. ## **GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The charity is controlled by its governing document and constitutes a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. ## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** New trustees are voted for and recommended by its members at the AGM. ## **BACKGROUND** The organisation was initially set up unincorporated to assist young people who were having difficulty engaging with the council and youth agencies in a bid to create a skatepark for Redditch in 1995. The organisation brought together hundreds of young people after it emonstrate demand for a purpose built Skatepark. In the year 2000 the Skatepark came into fruition after a relentless high-profile campaign which saw the organisation working in partnership with Redditch Borough Council. Redditch Skatepark is recognised as the largest outdoor supervised skatepark in the UK that makes a local impact on the lives of young people. Redditch Wheels Project became a company limited by guarantee and took on the skatepark with a land management agreement with Redditch Borough Council in 2000 and 2001 became a registered charity. ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** The charity is established to provide or assist in the provision of recreational facilities in or near Redditch, Worcestershire for young people with the object of improving their conditions of life and in particular to provide such persons skateboarding, BMX, Inline Skating, Roller Skating, Mountain Biking and other leisure time activities involving wheels. The charity manages Redditch Skatepark and utilises this to carry out the work of the charity. park lifestyle. Since Redditch Skateparks opening in 2000 was a considerable reduction in antisocial behaviour in the local area recognised by local councillors and the Office of National Statistics. At Redditch Skatepark young people focus their energies on overcoming their fear, gaining amazing riding skills, developing a high level of fitness, increasing their confidence and making new friends. All this can be carried with them throughout their lives helping them to lead a motivated, fulfilled and healthy lifestyle by being involved in something they enjoy. Young people involved in the Skatepark have gone on to become respected riders; sport related industry and media professionals as well as contributing to the charity by being involved in volunteering, events and ramp development projects, all contributing to a fuller social benefit. ## **Public benefit** The trustees confirm they 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 future activities. ## **Risk management** The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees have in place the necessary policies and procedures for the operation of the skatepark and meet at least four times a year to oversee policy and finance matters. The dependence of the Skatepark upon the weather and the continual maintenance of an outdoor wooden Skatepark to meet health and safety requirements has been identified as the major risk to its long-term sustainability. The trustees continue to work on ways to address this which has included a new proposed street course section and continuous development of the facility. ## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** ## **Opening** The Skatepark was open later than we anticipated due to snow in March which slowed down repairs and continuous rain over April. Extensive repairs took place before opening which included major repairs across the Skatepark due to vandalism in November 2022. The Skatepark reopened 5[th] May to 15th October 2023.The Skatepark was open up to 7 days a week weather permitting. Monday to Friday Term Time 5-6pm to dark. Monday to Friday School Holidays 12 noon to dark. Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 8pm or dark. Number of days open was 557 with hours open 123. ry weather at a moderate to warm temperature seems to see an increase in participation. ## **Staffing** Skatepark Supervisors staff the Skatepark and a Project Development Manager. There is currently one official volunteer staff support with First Aid. Park users will often lend a hand when it comes to generally helping out such as cleaning and maintenance. All staff and volunteers are DBS checked, completed a Safeguarding in Sport online course by the NSPCC and first aid trained. There was one first aid course held this year for new starters and for those who needed to renew their first aid. Further training and development courses are encouraged to all staff, volunteers and board members. ## **Publicity** Redditch Wheels Project has a website, a good social media presence with our Facebook page having over 5,500 likes. We also have Instagram growing with over 900 followings and a twitter page. This enabled us to give regular updates about opening, weather conditions, events and news updates. We made the front page of the Redditch Standard newspaper to showcase a grant from the Oakland Foundation on 2[nd] June 2023. ## **Participation and Activities** Redditch young people have been able to access BMX Bikes Stunt Scooters and safety gear which has been helpful for young people to overcome the financial and equipment barrier to participation. This has all been for free to all Redditch members under 19 years and up to 25 years if SEND. This year we linked in with local PCSO Neighbourhood Police Team who referred young people to the Skatepark for diversionary activities who were at risk of low-level crime and antisocial behaviour. A mural was pained on the back of the Wallride ramp facing outwards into Arrow Valley Park ## **Membership** This year we rolled out our online membership and sign in linked to our website which has been successful, convenient, paperless and more efficient in gathering data. Aged 3 to 25 = 430, Total Redditch Membership age 3 to 25 = 311, Total female 62, Total Male = 366, Preferred not to say = 2 Accessing the Skatepark from Redditch areas of health and deprivation hotspots = 227 **Age** Youngest 3, Oldest 24, Average age = 12, **Disability** Consider themselves to have a disability = 23 ## **Wheels Activity type** Stunt Scooter 203, BMX Freestyle 142, Skateboarding 26, Mountain biking 14, Inline Skating 2, Quad Skating 1, Spectate 13 and Other Wheels Activity 29 **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objectives of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for a particular restricted purpose. The Charity utilises a variety of funding which includes grants for revenue, projects & capital, contract funding and sales. We aim to keep entry prices low. Entry fees cannot be relied upon as a major source of income because of the weather and the expectation to keep entry fees low. ## **VAT Registration** Redditch Wheels Project is voluntary VAT registered. ## **Rateable Value and Business Rates** The rateable value of Redditch Skatepark is £2,000 per year. As a Charity we were immediately entitled to 80% mandatory relief and a further discretionary relief of 20% was applied for giving 100% relief from business rates. ## **In kind support Appreciation and thanks** The charity would also like to thank Crucial BMX, Skate Hut, Dormer Plant Hire, ISG, Arnold Laver, Speedy Hire, Bryson Products, HSS Hire for supporting us in kind with reduced rate materials, equipment, timber, tool donations, plant machinery, tool hire and PPE. We have maintained a fantastic relationship with Redditch Borough Council, council officers and members and value their support over the years since 1995. We would like to thank Pineapple for supporting us with our website development and branding. A thank you to Warwickshire and West Mercia Community Rehabilitation Company Community Payback for the excellent work cutting the grass on the peripheral of the Skatepark. ## **Health and Safety** Redditch Wheels Project is responsible for all safety inspections under the terms of the new lease. However, repairs are continuous because the age of the ramps, they are wood and outdoors. A daily pre-opening safety inspection is always carried out and our team of staff and volunteers carry out supervision and maintenance at the skatepark. The Skatepark was maintained to a high standard that included resurfacing, structure repairs and demolition and reconstruction of new ramps. Risk assessments are reviewed annually. In line with our insurers requirements the wearing of helmets is only compulsory for under 16s. The use of helmets is strongly recommended though for 16s and over. This is in line with insurance guidelines and most other supervised Skateparks. Areas of the Skatepark were cordoned off as they are due to be repaired and rebuilt. This has included the spine ramp as we are getting ready for a major rebuild. ## **Events** ## **Redditch School Games** Redditch hosted the school games of 2023 at Redditch Skatepark on Friday 30[th] June. Pupils from middle schools around the town participated. This was the second School Games to be held at a Skatepark. Pupils enjoyed the day by participating using both the hire equipment and their own. This encouraged young people to come back to the Skatepark at other times and become new participants. We are waiting until the new ramp developments are in place when there will be more competions and events. ## **FUTURE PLANS:** An upgrade of one third of the skatepark is planned which will see the aged mini street area replaced. A 12-year lease was signed on 5[th] March 2021. The lease also allows for more growth and development of the facility. The new build will also address current maintenance issues in other areas that will include other areas upgraded. The project offers to provide facilities that have a better balance of wheeled sports participants such as BMX Freestyle, Skateboarding, Inline Skating and Stunt Scootering. A design has been worked through with feedback and input from young people. Before the build commences the design will be finalised. We will then go on to rebuild and modernise the rest of the Skatepark. The builds will see the ramp courses raised off the floor as the tarmac hinders small wheels such as Skateboards which is the feedback we have listened to and are acting upon. n won g. These athletes made front page news and featured on television screens internationally inspiring young people to take up these sports. 2024 is the Paris Olympics which again will feature BMX Freestyle, BMX Racing and Skateboarding. British Cycling has . The organisation has said they will work with the existing BMX freestyle infrastructure in the country to create a national competition structure from and invest in facilities. Also introducing an inclusive talent pathway through talent development centres linked to BMX facilities. In the long term the charity has a vision to transform Redditch Skatepark into a sports hub of international standard right in the centre of the country with great transport links. We realise Skateparks are commonplace, and we want to bring more additional sports to the venue. We would like to enhance the customer experience by including a café, Bike and Skate shop, sports specific gym and play area to attract the community to the venue. We have met with consultants and have the support of Redditch Borough Council to take our vision forward. We have medium term plans to develop a set of freestyle dirt trail jumps within the facility, a new graffiti art mural work has started, and we have painted the ramps. We will be developing social areas for users of the Skatepark and a pop-up shop for refreshments and new signage. We are also exploring a community café facility. ## **Accountants** Charles Lovell & Co Chartered Certified Accountants and Statutory Auditors 8 Church Green East Redditch B98 8BP ## **Solicitors** HCB Solicitors Ltd, 679 Warwick Road, Solihull B91 3DA ## **Bankers** Barclays Bank Leicester LE87 2BB ## **Insurance** Partners& MRIB House Amersham Hill High Wycombe HP13 6NU Approved by the board of directors on 18[th] March 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: S. D. Rooke Director Date 18[th] March 2024 **REGISTERED NUMBER: 04064599 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY: 1087777 (England and Wales)** REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 Page Income Statement Balance Sheet Report of the Accountants Detailed Incorne and Expenditure Account REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 30.9.23 30.9.22 TURNOVER 4,225 8,681 Other income 31,609 33,743 Cost of raw materials and consumables (7,9471 11,3521 Staff costs 117,5271 127,1721 Depreciation and other amounts written off assets 17691 16671 Other charges 110,8721 19,1901 Taxation IDEFICITIISURPLUS 1,281 4,043 Page 1 REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT REGISTERED NUMBER.. 04064599 BALANCE SHEET 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 30.9.23 30.9.22 FIXED ASSETS 1,604 1,622 CURRENT ASSETS 31,387 33,704 CREDITORS Amounts falling due wthin one year 1,8031 2,8571 NET CURRENT ASSETS 29,584 30,847 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 32,469 RESERVES 31,188 32,469 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATUTORY INFORMATION Redditch Wheels Project is a private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The company's registered number and registered office address are as below.. Reglstered number.. 04064599 Registered offlce: 8 Church Green East Redditch Worcestershire B98 8BP AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES The average number of employees during the year was 612022- 51. RESERVES Included in the reserves of £31,188 is £21,631 Ih8t are restricted funds. The cornpany is entitled to exernption frorn audit under Section 477 of the Companies A¢1 2006 for the year ended 30 S8Pternb8r 2023. The members have not required the cotnpany to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 Septernber 2023 in accord8nce with Section 476 of the Cotnpanies Act 2006. The direetors aeknowledge their responsibilities for.. lal ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and Ibl preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view ol the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus ordeficitforeach financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which othe￿ise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial ststements, so lar as applicable to the company. Page 2 conts'nued... REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT REGISTERED NUMBER.. 04064599 BALANCE SHEET- continued 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the micro*ntity provisions. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 18 March 2024 and were signed on its behalf by.. S. D. Rooke - Director Page 3 REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTANTS TO THE DIRECTORS OF REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT Indapèndant •xamln•rfs mport to tha trust••s of R•ddltch Wha•ls Prolact I'thè Company'l I report to the charity trustees on my examinaiion ol the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2023. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charity's trustees ol the Cornpany land also ils directors for the purposes of cornpany lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act'l Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Acl and are eligible lor independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charits'es Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145151 Ibl of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no rnatters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. accountsng records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act.. or the accounts do not 8cwrd with those records.. or the accoLJnts do not cornply with the 8ccounting requirernents of Section 39fj of thg 2006 Act other th8n any r8quirem8nt that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a rnatter considered as part of independ8nt exarnination.. or the accounts have not been prepar8d in accordanc8 with the methods and principles of th8 Ststement of R8comm8nded Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their ac(x)unts in accordance with th8 Financial R8POrting Standard applicable in th8 UK and R8public of Ir818nd IFRS 1021. I have no conc8ms and have come across no other rnatters in conn8Ction with th8 exarnination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Chades Lovell & Co Limited Chartered Certified Accountants and Statutory Auditors 8 Church Green East Redditch Worcestershire 898 8BP Date.. .18 March 2024 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 4 REDDITCH WHEELS PROJECT DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 30.9.23 30.9.22 Sales 4,225 8,681 Cost of salès Purchases 7,947 1,352 GROSS IDEFICITIISURPLUS 3.7221 7,329 Othèr incom• Lottery fundraising Grants received Dep()sit account interest 52 31,470 87 39 33,703 31,609 33,743 27,887 41.072 Expenditure Insurance Directors, salaries Wages and NIC Pensions T818phone Printing and st8tionery Travelling expenses M8intenanc8 Sundry expen58S Accountancy Legal and professional Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Plant and machinery C()mputer equipment 1,935 10,572 6,955 1,093 10,470 16,686 16 249 120 94 2,491 988 1,470 2,345 415 82 124 505 1,038 1,480 4,962 511 258 511 156 36,689 19501 4.383 Finance costs Bank charges Interest payable 323 325 15 331 340 NET IDEFICITIISURPLUS 1,281 4,043 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 5