OpenCharities

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2023-08-31-accounts

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Company registration number: 04159512 Charity number: 1097832

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 AUGUST 2023

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

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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 - 29

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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 2023

Trustees M Marangu (resigned 14 December 2023) M Osheowitz (resigned 27 March 2024) Z Ashcroft A Abbas M Agarwal N Grose D Shah A Fairbairn N Wadhera (appointed 30 January 2024) P Hutchinson (appointed 30 January 2024) K A Bloua (appointed 14 December 2023) K Ejikere (appointed 27 March 2024) Company registered number 04159512 Charity registered number 1097832 Registered office 41 Great Guildford Street London SE1 0ES Company secretary Z Ashcroft Chief executive officer N Richards Independent auditor Menzies LLP Chartered Accountants Magna House 18-32 London Road Staines-Upon-Thames TW18 4BP Bankers HSBC Bank Plc 20 Eastcheap London EC3M 1ED

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

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

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 2023.

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 Osheowitz (resigned 27 March 2024) Z Ashcroft A Abbas M Agarwal N Grose D Shah A Fairbairn M Marangu (resigned 14 December 2023)

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, as adopted by Special Resolutions of the Company passed on 21 March 2003.

b. TRUSTEE BOARD

The charity is administered by a board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed after being considered and assessed by the Cochairs and other Trustees to determine their suitability, after which the full board votes to consider and, if appropriate, 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 Co-chairs 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 Chief Executive Officer Nathalie Richards. The CEO provides regular updates to the Co-chairs throughout the year and reverts to them for approval on any materially significant business decisions.

The board of Trustees meets in person and/or virtually (i.e., via Zoom) 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. The board of directors has formed two sub-committees, who report in, to the board and raise matters arising for discussion and resolution of the board, as appropriate.

SEO London Finance and Audit Committee (FAC) meets every month to monitor financial performance and scrutinise and support the Charity’s financial administration.

SEO London Governance, Culture and Risk (GCR) Committee meets quarterly to monitor and support SEO London’s governance, identification of and mitigations against risk, development of SEO London’s board, staff team and culture, and provide advice and recommendations as needed.

Both sub-committees consist of a sub-set of trustees.

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

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

d. HISTORY AND WIDER SUPPORT NETWORK

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Inc. (“SEO US”) is a United States not-for -profit organisation which 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 US started its Career Programme in New York to provide training, coaching mentoring and 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, the SEO US network has expanded, both within the United States and internationally. There are now several SEO US inspired programmes in cities across the United States and, internationally, in Beijing (SEO China), Ho Chi Minh City (SEO Vietnam), Accra (SEO Africa), Lagos (SEO Africa), Paris (SEO Europe) and London (SEO London).

Following a successful pilot programme in 2000, SEO London was formally launched in February 2001 following the incorporation of SEO London, 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 3,900 diverse students and professionals across the UK primarily, engaging over 150 elite firms across industries ranging from financial services to corporate law, corporates, consulting, technology and insurance. 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 underrepresented ethnic minority groups and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. SEO London also actively seeks equal participation of male and female candidates and regularly partners with other organisations supportive of advancing workplace diversity and inclusion.

SEO London’s support materially assists students’ progression through secondary school and university and 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 participating in the various SEO London training programmes.

e. RELATED PARTIES

The charity has a subsidiary undertaking, SEO Connect Limited, which is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“SEO Connect”). SEO Connect provides financial institutions and corporate firms with an avenue 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.

f. RISK MANAGEMENT

Through regular Finance and Audit and GCR Committees 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, impact and ambition of the charity’s programming in the context of the charity’s overall mission and on compliance and adherence to best practices.

Strategic risks that are regularly reviewed include 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. New programmes that the charity wants to undertake are reviewed by the FAC and GCR, who make recommendations to the board based on financial, compliance and peoplebased considerations and implications.

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

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

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 formed with the objective of improving the academic and career potential of students from under- represented communities. SEO London operates in the UK and in France. In the UK, as SEO London, the organisation primarily supports those from either or

  1. under-represented black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds; and;

  2. those from low socio-economic families from all communities.

SEO London is also committed to gender equality and seeks wherever possible to ensure an equal number of men and women on 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 that greater numbers of students successfully achieve their academic potential;

  3. create a vibrant and self-sustaining alumni community which provides lifelong benefits to SEO London programme participants and 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 full-time positions with the most sought-after professional services firms in the UK and France. In doing so the programmes aim to increase the representation of people from these communities in some of the most prestigious, remunerative and competitive industries.

The strategy to achieve these objectives has been to:

  1. work with an increasing number of universities and tertiary education institutions 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 education, 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;

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

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

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

  2. engage professionals from sponsor firms and SEO London alumni as volunteers in support of the communities that SEO London serves. This support frequently involves participating 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 2022/23, 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.

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 long-term career 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 - which supported over 230 secondary school students, primarily across London;

  2. SEO Careers - with SEO Careers support, over 800 students secured summer internships, vacation schemes and graduate roles.

In academic year 2022-23, we had 20,621 applications to SEO Schools and SEO Careers; 4,272 of these applicants (Leads) were converted to Registrants, gaining access to our Portal and the ability to apply to programmes, events and opportunities. More than 3,900 school students, undergraduates and recent graduates participated directly in a variety of SEO London in-person and virtual programming. Participants were spread across 103 UK Universities.

  1. SEO Alumni - over 1,500 alumni of SEO London’s programmes are supported through a mix of job search support, networking, continuing professional education, 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 extensive 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 (£4,278,477), tightly controlled costs (£4,068,354) and consolidated cash balance at an all-time high (£3,325,066).

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

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

b. INCOME

The charity has seen another increase in revenue for the financial period ended 31 August 2023 as SEO’s flagship programme (Alternative Investment Programme) which kicked off in September 2021, continues to evolve and attract new sponsorship. However, the revenue growth is also reflected in a large general increase of sponsor interest in the SEO London mission.

c. RESERVES POLICY

We run high impact, long-term programmes and interventions for school students from year 11 to year 13 and for university students from their transition into university in their first year to post their graduation after three or four years of university study. We have calculated our reserves based on the funds needed to be able to successfully deliver training and support for all the candidates whom we are currently serving. We have over 4000 students receiving our support most of whom come from low-income backgrounds. Our students are offered in-person sessions where they receive in-depth coaching and guidance.

We have therefore concluded that the appropriate level of reserves for our charity is around nine months of total expenses. We will review our reserves policy as needed and at least once per year.

Total funds held at the end of the reporting period were £3,253,178, of which none of these were restricted and thus available for general purposes. The total amount of free reserves, after allowing for funds tied up in tangible and intangible fixed assets, stands at £2,987,512

The amount of retained funds exceeds the reserve threshold of £2.65m with any excess funds allocated to future general operating purposes, principally programme delivery. The trustees will continue to review the reserves level periodically to reflect evolving average monthly operating costs.

All funds are held in cash in immediately available banking facilities. Part of the cash reserves at the end of the financial year was invested in a short-term money market fund to enhance returns. This stood at £2.8m.

d. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

SEO London's plans for 2023/24 include deepening the quality and ambition of the work undertaken across all primary programmes (SEO Schools, SEO Careers, SEO Alumni). 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 will explore or further develop partnerships in other industries that have traditionally struggled to attract the types of under-represented communities that 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 Trustees’ 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 2023

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

Under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006, Menzies LLP will be deemed to have been reappointed as auditors 28 days after these financial statements were sent to members or 28 days after the latest date prescribed for filing the accounts with the registrar, whichever is earlier.

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

................................................ D Shah Co-Chairman Date: 08-May-2024

................................................ A Fairbairn Co-Chairman Date: 08-May-2024

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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

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 2023 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 (CONTINUED)

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

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

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:

The Group and parent Charity is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant including the Charities Act 2011, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and employment law. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

We understood how the Group and the parent Charity is complying with those legal and regulatory frameworks by making inquiries to management and those responsible for legal and compliance procedures. We corroborated our inquiries through our review of board minutes.

The engagement partner assessed whether the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations. The assessment did not identify any issues in this area.

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 (CONTINUED)

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 Magna House 18-32 London Road Staines-Upon-Thames TW18 4BP

Date: 09-May-2024

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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 2023

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
2023
£
4,196,755
58,800
22,922
4,278,477
151,548
3,916,806
4,068,354
210,123
3,043,055
210,123
3,253,178
Total
funds
2023
£
4,196,755
58,800
22,922
4,278,477
151,548
3,916,806
4,068,354
210,123
3,043,055
210,123
3,253,178
Total
funds
2022
£
3,323,567
100,300
124
3,423,991
21,992
2,369,126
2,391,118
1,032,873
2,010,182
1,032,873
3,043,055

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

The notes on pages 16 to 29 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 2023

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
Provisions for liabilities
14
Total net assets
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds
15
Total funds
763,300
3,325,066
4,088,366
(1,100,854)
2023
£
2,800
262,866
265,666
2,987,512
3,253,178
-
3,253,178
3,253,178
3,253,178
814,503
3,023,938
3,838,441
(837,898)
2022
£
7,056
44,706
51,762
3,000,543
3,052,305
(9,250)
3,043,055
3,043,055
3,043,055

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:

................................................ ................................................ D Shah A Fairbairn Co-Chairman Co-Chairman Date: 08-May-2024 Date: 08-May-2024

The notes on pages 16 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023

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
Provisions for liabilities
14
Total net assets
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds
15
Total funds
850,158
3,231,415
4,081,573
(1,095,428)
2023
£
2,800
262,866
100
265,766
2,986,145
3,251,911
-
3,251,911
3,251,911
3,251,911
991,177
2,825,053
3,816,230
(827,488)
2022
£
7,056
44,706
100
51,862
2,988,742
3,040,604
(9,250)
3,031,354
3,031,354
3,031,354

The Company's net movement in funds for the year was £ 220,557 (2022 - £1,067,910) .

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:

................................................ ................................................ D Shah A Fairbairn Co-Chairman Co-Chairman Date: 08-May-2024 Date: 08-May-2024

The notes on pages 16 to 29 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash generated from operating activities
17
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
10
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash 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
18
2023
£
591,860
(290,732)
(290,732)
-
301,128
3,023,938
3,325,066
2022
£
753,200
(39,601)
(39,601)
-
713,599
2,310,339
3,023,938

The notes on pages 16 to 29 form part of these financial statements

Page 15

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

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.

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.

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.

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

Page 16

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

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.

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:

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

1.8 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.

1.9 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.

1.10 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.

1.11 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.

Page 17

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1. Accounting policies (continued)

1.12 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.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Other Income
Total 2022
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
4,129,687
67,068
4,196,755
3,323,567
Total
funds
2023
£
4,129,687
67,068
4,196,755
3,323,567
Total
funds
2022
£
3,323,567
-
3,323,567

4. Income from other trading activities

Income from non charitable trading activities

SEO Connect income
Total 2022
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
58,800
100,300
Total
funds
2023
£
58,800
100,300
Total
funds
2022
£
100,300

Page 18

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Programmes
Total 2022
Analysis of expenditure by activities
Programmes
Total 2022
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
3,878,148
2,354,210
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
3,916,806
2,369,126
Support
costs
2023
£
38,658
14,916
Total
2023
£
3,916,806
2,369,126
Total
funds
2023
£
3,916,806
2,369,126
Total
2022
£
2,369,126
Total
funds
2022
£
2,369,126

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Charitable activities
Total 2022
Programmes
2023
£
2,672,459
70,681
1,135,008
3,878,148
2,354,210
Total
funds
2023
£
2,672,459
70,681
1,135,008
3,878,148
2,354,210
Total
funds
2022
£
1,743,564
25,703
584,943
2,354,210

Total 2022

Page 19

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Programmes
2023
£
Professional fees
38,658
Total 2022
14,916
Auditor's remuneration
Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates for the audit of
the company's annual accounts
Fees payable to the company's auditor and its associates in respect of:
The auditing of accounts of the subsidiary of the company
Accounting services
Taxation compliance services
Total
funds
2023
£
38,658
14,916
2023
£
15,675
3,270
4,960
935
Total
funds
2022
£
14,916
2022
£
12,430
2,970
4,510
850

7. Auditor's remuneration

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension
schemes
Group
2023
£
2,369,393
249,835
53,231
2,672,459
Group
2022
£
1,550,900
165,411
27,253
1,743,564
Company
2023
£
2,369,393
249,835
53,231
2,672,459
Company
2022
£
1,550,900
165,411
27,253
1,743,564

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

Group Group
2023 2022
No. No.
Support Staff 58 42

Page 20

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

8. Staff costs (continued)

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

Group
2023
No.
In the band £60,001 - £70,000
3
In the band £70,001 - £80,000
-
In the band £80,001 - £90,000
1
In the band £120,001 - £130,000
1
The total employee benefits for Key Management Personnel was £322,996 (2022: £117,794).
9.
Intangible assets
Group and Company
Cost
At 1 September 2022
At 31 August 2023
Amortisation
At 1 September 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
Group
2022
No.
-
2
1
-
Website &
Software
£
82,793
82,793
75,737
4,256
79,993
2,800
7,056

Page 21

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

10. Tangible fixed assets

Group

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
Additions
At 31 August 2023
Depreciation
At 1 September 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
Fixtures and
fittings
£
233
225,842
226,075
184
47,992
48,176
177,899
49
Office
equipment
£
73,263
64,890
138,153
28,606
24,580
53,186
84,967
44,657
Total
£
73,496
290,732
364,228
28,790
72,572
101,362
262,866
44,706

Page 22

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

10. Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Company

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
Additions
At 31 August 2023
Depreciation
At 1 September 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
11.
Fixed asset investments
Company
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022
Fixtures and
fittings
£
233
225,842
226,075
184
47,992
48,176
177,899
49
Office
equipment
£
70,649
64,890
135,539
25,992
24,580
50,572
84,967
44,657
Total
£
70,882
290,732
361,614
26,176
72,572
98,748
262,866
44,706
Investment in
subsidiary
company
£
100
100
100
100

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

12. Debtors

Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Group
2023
£
574,067
-
45,615
143,618
763,300
Group
2022
£
540,963
-
32,576
240,964
814,503
Company
2023
£
556,067
113,574
36,899
143,618
850,158
Company
2022
£
498,963
222,750
28,500
240,964
991,177

13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Bank overdrafts
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to group undertakings
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income at 1 September 2022
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods
Group
2023
£
1,489
72,367
-
80,677
49,412
896,909
1,100,854
Group
2023
£
650,000
619,094
(450,000)
819,094
Group
2022
£
-
104,862
-
52,522
6,586
673,928
837,898
Group
2022
£
479,774
350,000
(179,774)
650,000
Company
2023
£
1,489
72,351
-
80,677
49,412
891,499
1,095,428
Company
2023
£
650,000
619,094
(450,000)
819,094
Company
2022
£
-
99,372
-
52,522
6,586
669,008
827,488
Company
2022
£
479,774
350,000
(179,774)
650,000

Deferred income relates to donations received in relation to the continous funding of the Alternatives Investment Programme which was launched in the year.

Page 24

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

14. Provisions

Group and Company

At 1 September 2022
Amounts released
Dilapidations
£
9,250
(9,250)
-

15. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Statement of funds - prior year
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
Balance at 1
September
2022
£
3,043,055
Balance at
1 September
2021
£
2,010,182
Income
£
4,278,477
Income
£
3,423,991
Expenditure
£
(4,068,354)
Expenditure
£
(2,391,118)
Balance at 31
August 2023
£
3,253,178
Balance at
31 August
2022
£
3,043,055

Page 25

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

16. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
262,866
2,800
4,088,366
(1,100,854)
3,253,178
Total
funds
2023
£
262,866
2,800
4,088,366
(1,100,854)
3,253,178

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Intangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
44,706
7,056
3,838,441
(837,898)
(9,250)
3,043,055
Total
funds
2022
£
44,706
7,056
3,838,441
(837,898)
(9,250)
3,043,055

Page 26

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

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

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Amortisation charges
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Provisions released
Net cash provided by operating activities
18.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
19.
Analysis of changes in net debt
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank overdrafts repayable on demand
At 1
September
2022
£
3,023,938
-
3,023,938
Group
2023
£
210,123
72,572
4,256
51,203
262,956
(9,250)
591,860
Group
2023
£
3,325,066
3,325,066
Cash flows
£
301,128
(1,489)
299,639
Group
2022
£
1,032,873
17,720
8,741
(564,092)
257,958
-
753,200
Group
2022
£
3,023,938
3,023,938
At 31 August
2023
£
3,325,066
(1,489)
3,323,577

Page 27

DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

20. Operating lease commitments

At 31 August 2023 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
Later than 5 years
Company
2023
£
97,200
288,396
-
385,596
Company
2022
£
82,732
451,883
38,000
572,615

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

Group Group Company Company
2023 2022 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Operating lease rentals 97,090 63,330 97,090 63,330

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 47D26D71-6C59-44B8-81F7-C78D482ED18FDocuSign Envelope ID: 06911B86-CFA9-48E6-BDE9-D419E679329D

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

21. Related party transactions

There were £Nil (2022: £Nil) of trustees' expenses paid during the period.

Donations made by trustees during the period totalled £Nil (2022: £Nil).

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits paid or incurred for the year ended 31 August 2023 nor for the year ended 31 August 2022.

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

22. Principal subsidiaries

The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Company:

Name Company Registered office or principal Class of Holding
number place of business shares
SEO Connect Limited 07359677 41 Great Guildford Street, London, Ordinary 100%
SE1 0ES

The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:

Name Income Expenditure Profit/(Loss) Net assets
£ £ for the year £
£
SEO Connect Limited 58,800 (69,324) (10,434) 1,367

Page 29