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2024-07-31-accounts

Commercial in Confidence Charity Number: 1098579

Harper Adams University Development Trust Report & Financial Statements For the year ended 31 July 2024

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Commercial in Confidence

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Contents

Legal and Administrative Information ...................................................................................................... 1 ..................................................................... 2 ............. 5 Statement of Financial Activities ............................................................................................................. 9 Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2024 ......................................................................................................... 10 Cashflow Statement as at 31 July 2024 ................................................................................................ 11 Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2024 .................................................... 12

Commercial in Confidence

Legal and Administrative Information

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

TRUSTEES: Mr R Hambleton
Chairman
Professor Ken Sloan
Mr P Ward
Mr M Blaken
Mrs J Cole
Mrs C Tevera
Mr I Ferguson
Mrs M Thorn
Miss N Molloy
Mr D Farley (appointed 7thNovember 2023)
SECRETARY: Mrs D Taylor
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: Harper Adams University
Edgmond
Newport
Shropshire
TF10 8NB
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR: Grant Thornton
17thFloor
103 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 3AG
BANKER: Lloyds Banking Group PLC
113, The Border
Telford Town Centre
Telford
Shropshire
TF3 4AE
SOLICITORS: MFG Solicitors LLP
First Floor
Padmore House
Hall Court
Hall Park Way
Telford
Shropshire
TF3 4LX

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Trustees Annual Report for the Year Ended 31 July 2024

The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 July 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 10 deed and applicable law.

Constitution and Objects

The Harper Adams University Development Trust is constituted by Deed of Trust dated 11 June 2003 and is registered with the Charity Commissioners (No 1098579).

The objects of the charity are the provision, in such a manner as shall be charitable at law of education (and in particular higher education) for persons seeking to be or presently engaged in the management and use of rural land or in industries, professions and communities related to rural land whether in the United Kingdom or any other part of the world and in particular to foster the interests of Harper Adams University of Newport in Shropshire.

Through its activities the Trust supports students by enabling connections within appropriate industries or societies for scholarship opportunities to support with costs associated with their studying, placement opportunities or further enrichment activities to complement their progression both during their time with the University and beyond.

The Charity intends to also continue to fulfil its objects in the future by continuing to seek opportunities to secure new donations from charitable sources as well as from industry and individual donors. The Trust consider reports at every meeting on progress made to secure new donations from individual and company donors and approves the allocation of funds as part of its formal business. Where the Trustees agree that specific actions to secure new funds should be undertaken, this is recorded in the Minutes and a follow up report is provided at the next meeting.

The Trustees monitor the performance of the Trust by assessing a number of factors including the value of scholarships awarded each year, the successful number of returning or repeating scholarship awards available and the number students supported over the period.

By undertaking these activities, the Trust looks to further advance not only the University from a capital funding perspective but also the individual scholars by providing opportunities that may not have been available initially to further compliment their course, associated with the management and use of rural land or in industries, professions and communities related to rural land.

Public Benefit

The Trustees have ensured that the funds have been used in line with the objects of the charity. In reaching this opinion, they have had proper regard to the Public Benefit Guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

Organisation

The Trustees who have served during the year and since the year end are set out on page 1. Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Trustees normally meet three or four times during the year, but may hold meetings more frequently if required. The Trustees are supported with administrative assistance provided, at nil cost to the charity, by Harper Adams University. Day to day management of the Charity has been delegated by the Trustees to the Secretary to the Trust.

New trustees are provided a presentation and briefing of the Trust s work, alongside relevant information being provided for their role, and the requirements as detailed by the Charity Commission, in their document

Related Parties

Harper Adams University Development Trust cooperates with the University in the pursuit of its charitable objectives.

Grant Making Policy

The charity has been established to provide support for Harper Adams University by way of raising providing funds for capital developments.

The scholarship grant making policy of the charity is to provide scholarships to individual students via the University against criteria established by the University. Most students are funded for one year in the first instance, although they may apply for further support in later years of their programme of education. Most scholarships are currently on average around £2,500 per annum. The charity requires a report from the University on the allocation of funds and the requirements for the students.

The Trustees confirm that during 2023/24, scholarships have been awarded to students in accordance with the grant making policy.

The capital project grant making policy of the charity is set against specific projects identified by the university that require funding support from the charity. Regular progress reports on fundraising for these projects are received by the Trustees.

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Financial Review and Investment Policy

The charity has received a number of restricted and unrestricted donations during the course of the last

Fund, which will enable a future expansion on the provision of scholarships to students from Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Reserves Policy

The end position was a surplus for the year ended 31[st] July of £11k (2023: £96k).

The restricted donations received during the year scholarship programme and the capital development for the Institute of Animal Health & Well-being for the Harper & Keele Vet School.

The charity has no restrictions on its powers to invest. A formal investment strategy has not been developed account with the Charities Official Investment Fund preferential rates of interest.

The Trustees will continue to take a prudent view of term, in accordance with the risk profile adopted by the Trustees. As such, the COIF investment balance is currently held at £155k and not actively managed.

Fundraising Activity

The Harper Adams Development Trust continues to undertake activity to assist with obtaining donations to support the University and its students by utilising its links with various trusts and industries within a variety of sectors.

This also includes support and assistance with any capital projects being undertaken by the University. Most recently this has included funding campaigns to support the furnishing of the Institute for Animal Health and Well-being in association with Pathology specialisms associated with the work of the Veterinary Education Centre as part of the Harper & Keele Vet School.

Presentation, 178 scholarships have been awarded to 148 individual students, worth a record total of just over £600,000; 24 students secured multiple awards. The different scholarships are open to a wide range of course areas and offer different criteria, and recipients provide letters of thanks to their donors to let them know how they have benefited from their award and what difference it has made to them.

The Development Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity and access to higher education. The Trust continues to be successful in supporting a wide range of students and strongly encourages applications from students of all backgrounds. Where there are two applicants of equal merit, preference will be given to applicants who are from backgrounds that are underrepresented in UK higher education.

The Trust is immensely grateful for the generous donation of £750,000 from the Kildare Charitable Trust to form the Kildare Charitable Trust Scholarship

The Harper Adams Development Trust reserves stand at £592,178 (2023: £581,036). These are split between restricted reserves of £377k (2023: £343k) and unrestricted reserves of £215k (2023: £238k). Reserves are kept to manage shortfalls of income and cover expenditure such as governance costs.

The reserves held at the year-end are considered to be appropriate for the planned and continuing activity of the Trust.

Risk Management

The Trustees have examined the major risks which the charity faces and receive regular reports so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.

The principal risks and uncertainties faced are around the ability to continue to award scholarships to students, should there be a decline in company and individual donors. Through ongoing discussions and maintaining strong relationships with these entities and individuals the trust is confident in the ability to continue with its objectives.

The trust will only distribute via scholarships and awards what it can afford to do so, thus ensuring any risks are appropriately considered.

Under charity law, the trustees are responsible for financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The Charities Act 2011 requires the trustees to prepare the financial statements for each financial year. The trustees have to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), including FRS 102 The Finance Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period.

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

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The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved and signed by the Trustees at their meeting on 27[th] November 2024; and signed on their behalf by:

Mr R Hambleton Chairman

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Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Harper Adams University Development Trust for the year ended 31 July 2024, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cashflow Statement and notes to the financial statements, 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 have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law.

Our responsibilities under those standards are responsibilities for the audit of the financial independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, 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

We are responsible for concluding on the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify the on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern.

we considered the inherent risks associated effects arising from macro-economic uncertainties such as the cost of living crisis, we assessed and challenged the reasonableness of estimates made by the trustees and the related disclosures and analysed how those resources or ability to continue operations over the going concern period.

In auditing the financial statements, we have 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 for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Report, other than the financial statements and trustees are responsible for the other information contained 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements 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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which 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 disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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, 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. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:

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These audit procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error and detecting irregularities that result from fraud is inherently more difficult than detecting those that result from error, as fraud may involve collusion, deliberate concealment, forgery or intentional misrepresentations. Also, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it;

appropriate training and participation

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This

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Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Eraut Thornton Uk [LP

Jim McLarnon ACA Grant Thornton UK LLP Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants Birmingham

Date: 6 December 2024

Grant Thornton UK LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

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Statement of Financial Activities

For The Year Ended 31 July 2024

Notes
Income and endowments
Incoming resources from
generated funds
Donations and legacies
2
Income from investment
3
Total income and endowments
Expenditure on charitable
activities
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
9
Year Ended July 2024
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
3,800
501,143
504,943
7,878
-
7,878
11,678
501,143
512,821
34,142
467,537
501,679
34,142
467,537
501,679
(22,464)
33,606
11,142
(22,464)
33,606
11,142
238,001
343,035
581,036
215,537
376,641
592,178
Year Ended July 2023
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
1,539
563,537
565,076
4,516
25,000
29,516
6,055
588,537
594,592
13,595
485,225
498,820
13,595
485,225
498,820
(7,540)
103,312
95,772
(7,540)
103,312
95,772
245,541
239,723
485,264
238,001
343,035
581,036

All income and expenditure relates to continuing operations

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Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2024

Year Ended Year Ended
July 2024 July 2023
Notes Total Total
£ £
Current assets
Debtors 5 4,000 4,500
Short term investments 6 155,000 155,000
Cash at bank and in hand 510,679 428,236
Total current assets 669,679 587,736
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 7 (77,501) (6,700)
Net assets 592,178 581,036
Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds 9 215,537 238,001
Restricted income funds 9 376,641 343,035
Total funds 592,178 581,036

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 27 November 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Mr R Hambleton Chairman

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Cashflow Statement as at 31[st] July 2024

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment Income
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the
reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
reporting period
Reconciliation of Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net movement in funds
Investment Income
(Increase) / decrease in debtors
Increase / (decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by Operating Activities
Period to 31
July 2024
Period to 31
July 2023
74,565
60,784
7,878
29,516
7,878
29,516
82,443
90,300
428,236
337,936
510,679
428,236
Period ended
31 July 2024
Period ended
31 July 2023
11,142
95,772
(7,878)
(29,516)
500
(2,500)
70,801
(2,972)
74,565
60,784

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Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2024

1. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

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

Harper Adams Development Trust 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 notes.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which the Trustees consider to be appropriate based on the following reasons:

The activity of the entity is predominantly associated with the distribution of scholarships to students at Harper Adams University based on income generated in a particular financial year or held within reserves from the prior years. Due to the philanthropic nature of income generation and distribution, the Harper Adams Development Trust will only distribute what is available or has been generated, and as such ensure it can meet its liabilities as they fall due for that period, justifying that it will continue to remain as a going concern.

The Trustees are aware of the current economic climate and the impact increasing costs to businesses and sponsors the resultant impact on the Trust, and whilst it is not possible to predict all future events or conditions, activities remains secure as the Trust adapts its operating model in response to the position, to mitigate against any adverse impact.

income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for the Harper Adams University scholarship programme. For specific purchases of purchases of equipment for Harper Adams University and contributions to capital projects run by Harper Adams University.

Investments

Fixed and current asset investments are included in the balance sheet at their market value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Consequently, the Trustees are confident that the Trust will have sufficient funds to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements and therefore have prepared financial statements on a going concern basis.

Cash includes cash held with the trust banking provider. Cash equivalents are short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

The Trustees consider that there are no material going concern.

Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the

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Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Staff costs are not remunerated through the Trust as these and other operational costs are met by Harper Adams University.

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2. Voluntary Income

2.
Voluntary Income
Grants from Foundations and Trusts
Legacies
Gifts and donations
3.
Investment Income
Bank Interest
CCLA investment income
4.
Charitable Activities
Grants to Harper Adams University
Scholarships (including vouchers)
Professional Fees
Year Ended July 2024
Year Ended July 2023
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
400,143
400,143
-
392,537
392,537
-
-
-
-
30,000
30,000
3,800
101,000
104,800
1,539
141,000
142,539
3,800
501,143
504,943
1,539
563,537
565,076
Year Ended
July 2024
Year Ended
July 2023
£
£
7,878
4,516
-
25,000
7,878
29,516
Year Ended
July 2024
Year Ended
July 2023
£
£
-
-
495,679
502,292
6,000
(3,472)
501,679
498,820

No trustees received remuneration or expenses from the Development Trust during the year ended 31[st] July 2024 (2023: £nil). Expenses are met by Harper Adams University.

Professional Fees include:

Audit of these financial statements
5.
Debtors
Other Debtors and accrued Income
6.
Investments
CCLA fund deposit investment
6,000
(3,472)
Year Ended
July 2024
Year Ended
July 2023
£
£
4,000
4,500
4,000
4,500
Year Ended
July 2024
Year Ended
July 2023
£
£
155,000
155,000
155,000
155,000

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7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other Creditors and accrued expenses Year Ended
July 2024
Year Ended
July 2023
£
£
77,501
6,700
77,501
6,700

8. Capital commitments and contingent liabilities

Harper Adams Development Trust had no capital commitments or contingent liabilities at 31 July 2024 or 31 July 2023.

Scholarship awards were committed based on match funding agreements for future years in association with our restricted endowment funds totalling £30,000 (2023: £168,000).

9. Reserves

Reserves
Total funds brought forward
Transfer to restricted funds
Net movement in funds
Year Ended July 2024
Year Ended July 2023
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Restricted
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Restricted
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
238,001
343,035
581,036
245,541
239,723
485,264
-
-
-
-
-
-
(22,464)
33,606
11,142
(7,540)
103,312
95,772
215,537
376,641
592,178
238,001
343,035
581,036

The purpose of the restricted funds held is to fulfil the objectives of the Development Trust within the parameters disclosed by the numerous individuals, charities, legacy funds, organisations and trust funds who have contributed and continue to contribute to the Development Trust.

10.

The Harper Adams Development Trust is treated as a quasi-subsidiary of Harper Adams University on the grounds that the University has the potential to exercise power or dominant influence over the funds. The Development Trust is a separately registered charity in the UK. The results of the Development Trust are included in the consolidated accounts of the University which are publicly available. All of the charitable activities during 2023/2024 were for the benefit of Harper Adams University.

During the year payments were made to Harper Adams University totalling £434,034 (2023: £583,875), and the Development Trust received funds of £48,000 (2023: £39,083). At the year end the Development Trust was owed £nil (2023: £nil) by Harper Adams University and subsequently owed Harper Adams University £71,502 (2023: £1,300).

The Trustees all give freely their time and expertise without any form of remuneration or other benefit in cash of kind (2023: £nil). Trustee expenses are met by Harper Adams University.

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