OpenCharities

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2021-08-31-accounts

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

Company registration number: 04159512 Charity number: 1097832

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 AUGUST 2021

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 7
Independent auditor's report on the financial statements 8 - 11
Consolidated statement of financial activities 12
Consolidated balance sheet 13
Company balance sheet 14
Consolidated statement of cash flows 15
Notes to the financial statements 16 - 31

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Trustees M Marangu M Osheowitz R Sesson Z Ashcroft A Abbas M Agarwal N Grose Company registered number 04159512 Charity registered number 1097832 Registered office The Circle - Unit 19 Queen Elizabeth Street London SE1 2JE Company secretary Z Ashcroft Chief executive officer A Fairbairn Independent auditor Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Centrum House 36 Station Road Egham Surrey TW20 9LF Bankers HSBC Bank Plc 20 Eastcheap London EC3M 1ED Solicitors Winston & Strawn London CityPoint One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9HU

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year to 31 August 2021.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Reference and administrative details are shown on page 1 of the financial statements.

THE TRUSTEES

The trustees who served the company during the period were as follows:

M Marangu M Osheowitz R Sesson Z Ashcroft A Abbas M Agarwal N Grose

The charitable company also uses the name SEO London.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

a. GOVERNING DOCUMENT

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Limited (“SEO London”, or the “charity”) was established as a company limited by guarantee on 13 February 2001. On 5 June 2003, the company was registered as a charity in England and Wales by the Charity Commission. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 13 February 2001.

b. TRUSTEE BOARD

The charity is administered by a board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed after being considered and assessed by the Chairman and other Trustees to determine their suitability, after which the full board will vote to approve their appointment. All current Trustees are experienced professionals within either the financial services, legal and/or charity profession with no less than ten years’ experience in their sector.

The Chairman will take responsibility, with SEO London’s staff, to ensure Trustees are provided with adequate training on the nature of their duties as a trustee before appointments are confirmed.

c. MANAGEMENT

Day to day management of the charity is undertaken by the staff of SEO London, headed by the Managing Director Andrew Fairbairn with operating title of Chief Executive Officer. The Managing Director will provide regular updates to the Chairman throughout the year and revert to him for approval on any materially significant business decisions. The board of Trustees will speak in person and telephonically at least four times a year and at other designated times to review the charity’s operational and financial performance and to discuss the strategic direction of SEO London.

SEO London Finance Committee meets every month to focus on financial aspects of the Charity.

d. WIDER SUPPORT NETWORK

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), was originally founded in 1963 as one of New York's first mentoring programmes for high school students. Its aim was to provide personal and educational development for students from minority racial groups by means of sustained support and coaching.

In 1980, SEO started its Career Programme in New York to provide summer internship opportunities to university students in investment banking. Subsequent internship programmes were developed in management consulting, corporate law, accounting, and technology, amongst others.

Since 2000, SEO has expanded internationally. There are now several SEO programmes in cities across the United States

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

(SEO USA), Beijing (SEO China), Ho Chi Minh City (SEO Vietnam), Accra (SEO Africa), Lagos (SEO Africa) and London (SEO London).

Following a successful pilot programme in 2000, SEO London was formally launched in February 2001, bringing to the UK an organisation with an exceptional track record of success in the US. Thousands of SEO London alumni can now be found across the UK and globally, many with senior leadership positions within their industries. The organisation currently works with over 15,000 diverse students and professionals across the UK and around the world, engaging over 120 elite firms across industries ranging from financial services to corporate law, corporates, consulting and technology. Through its unique attraction, mentoring and training programmes, SEO London seeks to improve the academic and career potential of students from under served communities, specifically under represented ethnic minority groups or those from deprived socio economic backgrounds. SEO London also actively supports the gender balance goals of its sponsor firms and regularly partners with other organisations supportive of advancing workplace diversity and inclusion.

SEO London’s support is focused to materially assist with students’ progression through secondary school and university and ultimately into some of the most competitive university graduate career paths and beyond.

SEO London is in turn supported financially by the donations of its sponsor firms. Several hundred employees of these firms, including investment bankers, lawyers, management consultants, media and technology professionals and accountants, volunteer their time to help train, mentor and coach students coming through the various SEO London training programmes.

e. RELATED PARTIES

The charity has a subsidiary undertaking, SEO Connect Limited. SEO Connect provides career support to alumni of the SEO London programme once they have begun full time work, including access to mentors, networking and educational events and additional career opportunities. These career opportunities are largely provided by a wide range of financial institutions and corporate firms to support their experienced hiring needs. The company started trading in August 2014 (dormant in the prior period). All profits made in SEO Connect are gifted back to SEO London, principally to support the activities carried out with secondary school students.

SEO Connect is currently a profitable entity, after a small loss in the year ended 31 August 2020, the loss of which was due to the coronavirus pandemic.

f. RISK MANAGEMENT

Through regular finance committee and full board meetings, the Trustees meet to identify, prioritise and address risks to the charity and its ability to achieve its mission:

Financial risks that are regularly reviewed include potential decreases in revenue, increases in costs, and shortages of cash flow. The timeliness and accuracy of financial data is also regularly reviewed.

Operational risks that are regularly reviewed centre on the quality and ambition of the charity’s programming in the context of the charity’s overall mission.

Strategic risks that are regularly reviewed focus on how the organisation responds to evolving systemic shifts across the various constituencies invested in the charity’s mission, i.e. students and alumni, secondary and tertiary academic institutions, charity employees and staff, and sponsor firms.

The Trustees believe that all reviewed risks are managed and mitigated within acceptable operational bounds, and that none represents a threat to the ability of the charity to sustainably deliver against its mission.

Objectives and activities

a. OBJECTIVES AND AIMS

SEO London is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to improve the academic and career potential of students from underrepresented communities. SEO London seeks to support two groups: those from either or both

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Objectives and activities (continued)

  1. under-represented black, Asian and minority ethnic ('BAME') backgrounds, and;

  2. those from low-income families from all (BAME and non-BAME) communities (the “programmes”).

SEO London is also committed to gender equality and seeks wherever possible to address gender imbalances through its programmes.

b. SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

The aims of the charity are to:

  1. encourage more undergraduate students from the above referenced under represented communities to consider a career in supported industries and to make applications for internships and graduate positions in these industries;

  2. increase the support of secondary school students from these communities earlier in the academic cycle (specifically in the latter years of secondary school) to ensure more successfully achieve their academic potential;

  3. create a vibrant and self sustaining alumni community which provides lifelong benefits to SEO London programme beneficiaries and provides a vehicle for alumni to give back to the next generation of young people;

  4. provide the highest levels of training, mentoring and support to those selected for the various programmes; and

  5. work with sponsor firms to increase the number of such students successful in securing places on their talent programmes.

The biggest principal difference that the charity seeks to effect is an increase in the number of students from the above referenced under represented communities securing work experience and ultimately full-time positions with the UK's most sought-after employers. In doing so the programme aims to increase the representation of people from these communities in some of the most prestigious, remunerative and competitive industries across the UK.

The strategy to achieve these objectives has been to:

  1. work with an increasing number of universities to educate eligible students about the opportunities available to them;

  2. identify those with the greatest interest and potential for internship and full time opportunities with partner firms;

  3. provide these students with a comprehensive range of training and mentoring to ensure they are able to excel in both interviews and internships with these firms;

  4. widen the reach of the scheme to an increasing number of employers that are faced with the type of under representation in their workforce that SEO London seeks to address;

  5. work with talented and eligible students at secondary schools across London to provide them with greater education, mentoring and work insight: and

  6. engage professionals from sponsor firms and SEO London alumni as volunteers in support of the communities that SEO London serves. This support frequently takes the form of taking part in SEO London educational events and in training, coaching, and mentoring students from under represented communities that have been selected to complete internships at partner firms.

In determining the charity's objectives in 2021, the Trustees have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Achievements and performance

a. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

SEO London provides a platform of superior educational, training and mentoring programmes to provide career access to young people from under represented and under served backgrounds to help maximise their opportunities for career long success.

SEO London’s mission is to deliver a world where no individual feels that their demographic background holds them back from achieving their professional aspirations.

SEO London delivers its mission through three principal programmes:

  1. SEO Schools supported over 300 secondary school students, primarily across London;

  2. SEO Careers registrations surged above 25,000, of which more than 5,000 university students participated directly in a variety of SEO London in person and virtual programming; with SEO Careers support over 800 students gained access to work experiences, spring and summer internships, industrial placements and full-time jobs; and

  3. SEO Connect supported over 1,600 alumni of SEO London’s other programmes, though a mix of job search support, networking, continuing professional education, and leadership development.

All programmes are underpinned by a focus on ensuring participating students pass along the life changing benefits of the programme to others coming after them in the programme and in their communities.

The charity’s theory of change, as proven by its long experience, is that its alumni driven approach of passing along benefits within disadvantaged communities at scale over time is a highly effective and visible method of achieving the organisation’s mission.

Financial review

a. FINANCIAL POSITION

The charity has performed strongly in the past year, serving more students and alumni than ever before, with a corresponding increase in the number of sponsor firms investing in the charity’s mission. In combination with a continued focus on cost controls and tight cash flow management, these operational factors have yielded a financial position showcasing strong consolidated revenues (£2,866,987), tightly controlled costs (£1,493,195) and consolidated cash balance at an all time high (£2,310,339).

b. INCOME

The charity has seen a significant increase in revenue for the financial period ended 31 August 2021. This is particularly due to SEO London starting a new programme, the Alternative Investment Programme, which kicked off in September 2021. However, the revenue growth is also reflected in a large general increase of sponsor interest in the SEO London mission.

During the year, the organisation paid back the £200,000 loan which was taken in previous financial year through the UK government’s Covid-19 -linked emergency business loan scheme.

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

c. RESERVES POLICY

In FY2017, given then prevailing operating conditions, it was decided that the targeted minimum reserve threshold for SEO London would be an amount equivalent to approximately ten weeks operating costs. It was agreed that the amount in question would be determined on an annual basis by the average monthly operating costs in the previous financial year. In fiscal year 2021 this amount would be in the region of £200,000.

Total funds held at the end of the reporting period were £1,943,385, of which none of these funds were restricted and thus unavailable for general purposes. The total amount of free reserves, after allowing for funds tied up in tangible fixed assets, stands at £1,904,763.

The amount of retained funds exceeds the reserve threshold of £200,000 with any excess funds allocated to future general operating purposes, principally programme delivery. In the coming year the trustees will review the reserves level to reflect evolving average monthly operating costs.

All funds are held in cash in immediately available banking facilities.

The trustees propose to increase the underlying reserve threshold in an orderly manner over time, at their discretion, to ensure the financial flexibility and sustainability of the charity.

d. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

SEO London's plans for 2021/22 include deepening the quality and ambition of the work undertaken across all primary programmes (SEO Schools, SEO Careers, SEO Connect). The range of support provided will remain within the areas of SEO London’s expertise namely education, training and mentoring to facilitate workplace access and professional growth of the populations we serve.

It is also intended that SEO London explores or further develops partnerships in other industries that have traditionally struggled to attract the types of under represented communities SEO London supports.

e. GOING CONCERN

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

f. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

There have been no significant events affecting the financial performance of and financial position of the charity during the reporting period.

Small companies exemption

The financial statements and Trustee's report have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company 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 Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and of their incoming resources and application of resources, including their income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditor

The auditor, Menzies LLP, has indicated his willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditor at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................ R Sesson Trustee Date: 25-May-2022

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Limited (the 'parent charitable company') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 August 2021 which comprise the Consolidated statement of financial activities, the Consolidated balance sheet, the Company balance sheet, the Consolidated statement of cash flows 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 Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 Group's or the parent charitable company'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.

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED

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 contained within the Annual report. 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. 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 course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company 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 Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

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

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent charitable company'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 Group or the parent charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED

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:

We assessed the susceptibility of the Charity's financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur. We considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following areas; posting of fraudulent journal entries, authorisation, processing, and payment of fraudulent expenses and timing of revenue recognition.

Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company'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 charitable company and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Janice Matthews FCA (Senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Centrum House 36 Station Road Egham Surrey TW20 9LF

Date: 25-May-2022

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,703,033
213,900
54
2,916,987
26,875
1,449,523
1,476,398
1,440,589
569,593
1,440,589
2,010,182
Total
funds
2021
£
2,703,033
213,900
54
2,916,987
26,875
1,449,523
1,476,398
1,440,589
569,593
1,440,589
2,010,182
Total
funds
2020
£
998,955
44,800
65
1,043,820
19,140
1,058,183
1,077,323
(33,503)
603,096
(33,503)
569,593

The Consolidated statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 16 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 04159512

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

Note
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
9
Tangible assets
10
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds
250,411
2,310,339
2,560,750
(589,190)
2021
£
15,797
22,825
38,622
1,971,560
2,010,182
2,010,182
2,010,182
2,010,182
114,013
760,573
874,586
(334,216)
2020
£
17,076
12,147
29,223
540,370
569,593
569,593
569,593
569,593

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

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................

R Sesson

Trustee

Date: 25-May-2022

The notes on pages 16 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 04159512

COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

Note
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
9
Tangible assets
10
Investments
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds
14
Total funds
361,242
2,147,325
2,508,567
(583,845)
2021
£
15,797
22,825
100
38,722
1,924,722
1,963,444
1,963,444
1,963,444
1,963,444
318,890
629,741
948,631
(330,066)
2020
£
17,076
12,147
100
29,323
618,565
647,888
647,888
647,888
647,888

The Company's net movement in funds for the year was £ 1,315,556 (2020 - £24,572) .

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

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

................................................

R Sesson Trustee

Date: 25-May-2022

The notes on pages 16 to 31 form part of these financial statements.

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SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash inflows from new borrowing
Repayments of borrowing
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
2021
£
1,781,304
(10,800)
(20,738)
(31,538)
-
(200,000)
(200,000)
1,549,766
760,573
2,310,339
2020
£
(13,435)
-
(9,649)
(9,649)
200,000
-
200,000
176,916
583,657
760,573

The notes on pages 16 to 31 form part of these financial statements

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The Consolidated statement of financial activities (SOFA) and Consolidated balance sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line by line basis.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of financial activities in these financial statements.

1.2 Company status

The company is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales under the Companies Act. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company. The address of the registered office is disclosed on the reference and administrative details page.

1.3 Basis of consolidation

The financial statements consolidate the accounts of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Limited and its subsidiary undertaking.

The company has taken advantage of the exemption contained within section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its own Income and expenditure account.

The income and expenditure account for the year dealt within the accounts of the company was £1,248,759 (2020: £24,572).

1.4 Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.5 Income

All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.

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

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

1.6 Expenditure

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.

Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the company's charitable operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the company apportioned to charitable activities.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1.7 Tangible & Intangible fixed assets and depreciation

A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of financial activities.

Fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Equipment - 25% straight line
Fixtures and fittings - 25% straight line
Website & Software - 35% straight line

1.8 Investments

Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.9 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Consolidated statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

1.10 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

1.11 Financial instruments

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

1.12 Pensions

The company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payment obligations.

1.13 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.

2. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment

Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

There are no estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Grants
Total 2020
4.
Income from other trading activities
Income from non charitable trading activities
SEO Connect income
Total 2020
5.
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
Programmes
Total 2020
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,703,033
-
2,703,033
998,955
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
213,900
44,800
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
1,449,523
1,058,183
Total
funds
2021
£
2,703,033
-
2,703,033
998,955
Total
funds
2021
£
213,900
44,800
Total
funds
2021
£
1,449,523
1,058,183
Total
funds
2020
£
963,842
35,113
998,955
Total
funds
2020
£
44,800
Total
funds
2020
£
1,058,183

Page 19

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Programmes
Total 2020
Activities
undertaken
directly
2021
£
1,438,223
1,046,753
Support
costs
2021
£
11,300
11,430
Total
funds
2021
£
1,449,523
1,058,183
Total
funds
2020
£
1,058,183

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Charitable activities
Total 2020
Analysis of support costs
Professional fees
Total 2020
Programmes
2021
£
1,081,669
18,927
337,627
1,438,223
1,046,753
Programmes
2021
£
11,300
11,430
Total
funds
2021
£
1,081,669
18,927
337,627
1,438,223
1,046,753
Total
funds
2021
£
11,300
11,430
Total
funds
2020
£
827,845
21,261
197,647
1,046,753
Total
funds
2020
£
11,430

Page 20

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

7. Auditor's remuneration

2021 2020
£ £
Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates for the audit of
the company's annual accounts 11,300 10,750
Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates in respect of:
The auditing of accounts of the subsidiary of the company 2,700 2,550
Accounting services 4,100 3,950
Taxation compliance services 775 725

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension
schemes
Group
2021
£
966,350
98,370
16,949
1,081,669
Group
2020
£
740,233
73,321
14,291
827,845
Company
2021
£
966,350
98,370
16,949
1,081,669
Company
2020
£
740,233
73,321
14,291
827,845

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:

Group Group
2021 2020
No. No.
Support Staff 24 19

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

Group Group
2021 2020
No. No.
In the band £60,001 - £70,000 2 1
In the band £110,001 - £120,000 - 1
In the band £170,001 - £180,000 1 -

The total employee benefits for Key Management Personnel was £200,210 (2020: £155,844).

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

9.
Intangible assets
Group and Company
Cost
At 1 September 2020
Additions
At 31 August 2021
Amortisation
At 1 September 2020
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2021
Net book value
At 31 August 2021
At 31 August 2020
Website &
Software
£
71,993
10,800
82,793
54,917
12,079
66,996
15,797
17,076

Page 22

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

10. Tangible fixed assets

Group

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2020
Additions
Disposals
At 31 August 2021
Depreciation
At 1 September 2020
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 August 2021
Net book value
At 31 August 2021
At 31 August 2020
Plant and
machinery
£
63,756
20,738
(50,832)
33,662
53,962
7,814
(50,832)
10,944
22,718
9,794
Fixtures and
fittings
£
8,982
-
(8,749)
233
6,629
2,246
(8,749)
126
107
2,353
Total
£
72,738
20,738
(59,581)
33,895
60,591
10,060
(59,581)
11,070
22,825
12,147

Page 23

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

10. Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Company

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2020
Additions
Disposals
At 31 August 2021
Depreciation
At 1 September 2020
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 August 2021
Net book value
At 31 August 2021
At 31 August 2020
Plant and
machinery
£
61,142
20,738
(50,832)
31,048
51,348
7,814
(50,832)
8,330
22,718
9,794
Fixtures and
fittings
£
8,982
-
(8,749)
233
6,629
2,246
(8,749)
126
107
2,353
Total
£
70,124
20,738
(59,581)
31,281
57,977
10,060
(59,581)
8,456
22,825
12,147

Page 24

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

11. Fixed asset investments

Company
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2020
At 31 August 2021
Net book value
At 31 August 2021
At 31 August 2020
Investments
in subsidiary
companies
£
100
100
100
100

12. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Other debtors
Group
2021
£
213,500
-
36,911
250,411
Group
2020
£
80,500
-
33,513
114,013
Company
2021
£
192,500
132,437
36,305
361,242
Company
2020
£
77,500
212,038
29,352
318,890

Page 25

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank loans
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 September 2020
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods
Group
2021
£
-
44,439
36,417
4,119
504,215
589,190
Group
2021
£
50,000
479,774
(50,000)
479,774
Group
2020
£
200,000
4,615
20,902
2,747
105,952
334,216
Group
2020
£
-
50,000
-
50,000
Company
2021
£
-
43,569
36,417
4,119
499,740
583,845
Company
2021
£
50,000
479,744
(50,000)
479,744
Company
2020
£
200,000
4,615
20,902
2,747
101,802
330,066
Company
2020
£
-
50,000
-
50,000

Deferred income relates to donations received in relation to the 2021/22 Alternatives Investment Programme which was launched post year end.

The bank loan included in creditors note 13 was secured by a charge over the assets of the charity.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

14. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1
September
2020
£
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
569,593
Statement of funds - prior year
Balance at
1 September
2019
£
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
603,096
15.
Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
Income
£
2,916,987
Income
£
1,043,820
Expenditure
£
(1,476,398)
Expenditure
£
(1,077,323)
Balance at 31
August 2021
£
2,010,182
Balance at
31 August
2020
£
569,593
Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
22,825
15,797
2,560,750
(589,190)
2,010,182
Total
funds
2021
£
22,825
15,797
2,560,750
(589,190)
2,010,182

Page 27

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

15. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
12,147
17,076
874,586
(334,216)
569,593
Total
funds
2020
£
12,147
17,076
874,586
(334,216)
569,593

16. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Amortisation charges
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
Increase in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
17.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
Group
2021
£
1,440,589
10,012
12,079
48
(136,398)
454,974
1,781,304
Group
2021
£
2,310,339
2,310,339
Group
2020
£
(33,503)
8,495
15,230
-
(4,162)
505
(13,435)
Group
2020
£
760,573
760,573

Page 28

DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

18. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within 1 year
At 1
September
2020
£
760,573
(200,000)
560,573
Cash flows
£
1,549,766
200,000
1,749,766
At 31 August
2021
£
2,310,339
-
2,310,339

19. Operating lease commitments

At 31 August 2021 the Group and the Company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
Company
2021
£
66,191
6,650
72,841
Company
2020
£
66,191
69,650
135,841

The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the Statement of financial activities:

Group Group Company Company
2021 2020 2021 2020
£ £ £ £
Operating lease rentals 55,650 55,650 55,650 55,650

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

20. Related party transactions

There were £Nil (2020: £Nil) of trustees' expenses paid during the period.

Donations made by trustees during the period totalled £Nil (2020: £Nil).

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits paid or incurred for the year ended 31 August 2021 nor for the year ended 31 August 2020.

The company is exempt under FRS 102 paragraph 33.1A from disclosing related party transactions with entities that are wholly owned within the group.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 0587D2D3-DB08-4C69-A374-E19A18788100

SPONSORS FOR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIMITED (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

21. Principal subsidiaries

The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Company:

Name Company Registered office or principal Registered office or principal Registered office or principal Class of Holding
number place of business shares
SEO Connect Limited 07359677 The Circle - Unit 19, Queen Elizabeth Ordinary 100%
Street, London, England, SE1 2JE
The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:
Name Income Expenditure Profit/(Loss)/ Net Assets
£ £ Surplus/ £
(Deficit) for
the year
£
SEO Connect Limited 213,900 (88,867) 125,033 46,838

The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:

Page 31