The Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) Report and Accounts 31 December 2024 Registered Off ice 1-6 Essex Street The Strand LONDON WC2R 3HY Registered in England as a company limited by Guarantee No: 4962252 Registered Charity No: 1101039
THE INQUIRER PUBLISHING COMPANY (2004) Charity registration number 1101039 The Seventeenth Report of the Trustees. The Trustees are pleased to present their Report and Accounts for the year ended, 31 December 2024 to the Annual Meeting of the Company held on Wednesday March 12, 2025. Reference and Administrative information: Charity name: The Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) Charity Registration number 1101039 Company Registration number 4962252 Registered Office.. Essex Hall, 1-6 Essex Street, London WC2R 3HY Bankers: CAF Bank, West Malling, Kent ME19 4TA Independent Examiner: Adrian P Brooks FCCA, Scott Roberts Taylor & Co, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 1AG Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its Trustees for the purpose of company law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees. Chair Company Secretary: Jo O'sullivan, (also Trustee) Kieren Mardle-moss, (also Trustee) Trustees: Rev. Stephanie Bisby Angela Maher Rev. Feargus Maccabe O'connor Victor Anderson Ann Howell Editor of The Inquirer. Laura Autumn Cox Administrator - Steve Bisby
THE INQUIRER PUBLISHING COMPANY (2004) Charity Registration Number: 1101039 Structure, Governance and Management Constitution The Company was incorporated under the Companies Act as a private company limited by guarantee on 13 November 2003 and a registered charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustees (Directors) The Trustees retiring by rotation is John Midgley, Rev. Risk Management The Trustees have examined the major strategic and operational risks which the charity faces and confirms that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks. Public Benefit Statement The Trustees take into account the Charity Commission guidan on public benefit and believe that the Company activities are in line with that guidance. Objectives Activities, Achievements and Performance Objectives The objective is to publicise the activities and values of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches by means of a fortnightly newspaper. Activity, Achievements and Performance The Board of Trustees has met, (via zoom and in-person) five times during 2024, in what has been a time of change for the Inquirer. In spring 2024, The Inquirer moved to a monthly publication, as part of the Board's long- term strategy for the continued success of The Inquirer, and is making progress towards its goal that 60 % of income is received from subscriptions. In addition to the change in frequency we have also seen a change in Editorship. After more than 20 years as our Editor, Colleen Burns left us in spring 2024 to take up an exciting opportunity in a charity working globally for indigenous rights. We are very sorry to lose Colleen's skills and experience but wish her every success in her new role. For the remainder of 2024, we have benefited from the contributions of Laura Autumn Cox as interim Editor. Laura has helped us navigate the transition to a monthly publication smoothly, for which the whole Board is grateful. We appointed Laura as permanent editor in early 2025 and are delighted to see the publication continue to flourish under her care, including increasing our range of diverse writers. Throughout 2024, the Board has successfully strengthened its skills and capabilities through recruiting Kieren Mardle-moss as its Finance Director in January 2024, and Victor Anderson and Jo O'sullivan as Directors in November 2024. It is anticipated that in January 2025 the Board will further be strengthened with Ann Howell joining in January. The Board continues to be extremely grateful to those Trusts, District Associations, Churches and many individuals who have continued, and in some cases increased, their support. Some have not contributed previously which has been an encouragement.
THE INQUIRER PUBLISHING COMPANY (2004) Charity Registration Number: 1101039 The Friends of The Inquirer scheme continues, and we are hoping that our increased promoting of this initiative will gather further support. The support of David Edwards Insurance Ltd is very welcome as is the continued support of the General Assembly. The paper was published fortnightly between January and April 2024, and monthly from April 2024. Financial Review Results: As at the 2024 year-end, The Inquirer has approximately £13,000 in net current assets which we have stated are monies to cover our reserves policy, (see below). Income from Subscriptions was at £28,227. The cost of editing, printing and distributing the Inquirer was £38,499. The breakdown of these figures is: Printing and Paper £9,067 Postages £6,627 Editor and Editorial Assistance £22,290 Proof Reading £515 The decreases in income were down to the reduction in subscribers. Due to the move to a monthly publishing run, there were associated decreases in both the cost of paper & printing and editorial costs. We value our readers and look forward to meeting with them at the next General Assembly meetings when we can thank them for their support and encouragement in person. The Friends of The Inquirer initiative continues, and we are aiming to increase the numbers. Reserves Policy: The Board considers that it is necessary to hold in reserve in the unrestricted fund a sum equal to three months expenditure. This would amount to £15,000. Trustees responsibilities for preparing the accounts. The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and the application of resources, including income and expenditure of the charitable company for the year. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 120) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether UK Accounting Standards have been followed subject to any material departures disclosed in the financial statements. Prepare financial statements on the going-concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
THE INQUIRER PUBLISHING COMPANY (2004) Charity Registration Number: 1101039 The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees 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. In so far as the Trustees are aware: 1. There is no relevant information of which the Charitable Company's examiner is unaware.. and 2. The Trustees have taken all the steps that ought to have been taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the accounts examiner is aware of that information. Accounts Examiner Scott Roberts Taylor & Co. will be appointed at the Annual General Meeting as examiners for 2025. On behalf of the Board Rev. Stephanie Bisby Trustee 12 March 2025
THE INQUIRER PUBLISHING COMPANY (2004) Charity Registration Number: 1101039 Independent Examiners. Report to the Trustees of the Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) We have prepared the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 on pages 7 to 10, which have been prepared on an accruals basis. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011) and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to.. examine the accounts (under section 145 of the 2011 Act) to follow the procedure laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commissions (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act),. and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT Our examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention (1) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Charities Act" and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act 2011. have not been met or (2) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Adrian Paul Brooks FCCA Scott Roberts Taylor & Co Accountants & Registered Auditors Central Buildings 517 Corporation Street Hyde Cheshire SK14 1AG LC
The Inquirer Publishing Company {20041 Donations received during the year to 31 December 2024 2024 2023 loo 15 18 10 iooo Aberdeen Unitarians Adelaide Unitarians Boston Unitarians Bury Unitarians Harris College Kengsington London LDPA Mary Street Unitarian Chapel Midland Unitarian Assn NELUM Northern Unitarian Assn Rochdale Unitarians Scarborough Unitarians Scottish Unitarian Assn Shrewsbury Unitarian Church Southern Unitarians Warmsley Unitarian Chapel Warwick Unitarians Sundry donations 15 50 250 500 12 iooo iooo 200 75 400 250 250 iooo 200 50 250 500 16 12 3,196 7,113 5,635 8,891
The Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Note 2024 2023 Incoming resources Generated from Charitable activilies Donations Interest and Dividends on Investments General Assembly Grant Realised gain on Investment Unrealised gain on Investment Total incoming resources 31,002 8,891 48 5.500 29,394 7.113 340 5,500 443 51 42,841 48 45.489 Resources expended Direct Charitable expenditure Management and Administration 38,499 8.498 46,996 1,507 52,530 7,890 60,419 17,578 2b Net Incoming resources for year Unrestricted Fund at 1 January 2024 14.774 32,352 Unrestricted Fund at 31 December 2024 13.267 14.774 The notes on pages 9 and 10 form part ofthese accounts
The Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note Current Assets Investsment Debtors Cash at Bank 898 8.744 16,673 26,315 11.192 12.554 24,692 Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 11.425 11,541 Net Current Assets 13.267 14,774 Unrestricted Fund Fund Balance 13,267 14,774 For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts foi the yeaT in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Ad with respect to accounting records and for the pieparalion of the accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, Tegirne. The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 12 March 2025 and signed on Iheir behalf by.. Stephanie Bisby (Trusteel The notes on pages 9 and 10 form part of these a¢¢ounts.
The Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) Notes to the Accounts 31 December 2024 Accounting Policies The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting standard for Smaller Entities {effeclive January 20151 the Companies Act 2006 and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities, preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard, published 16 July 2014. Income is shown on a receivable basis and represents subscriptions and advertisment sales. Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activiities when receivable. Grants are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activiities when receivable. 2024 2023 1. Incoming Resources Subscriptions Advertisements Friends Sundries 28,227 1.513 1,258 34,321 6.156 1,205 24 29,394 31,002 2. Resources expended a Direct Charitable expenditure Printing and Paper Poslages Editor and Editorial Assistance Proof Reading 9.067 6,627 22.290 515 38,499 13,675 9.860 27,919 1.076 52,530 b.Management and Administration Administration costs Insurance Computer Costs Travel and Sundry Expenses Venue hire Advertising Bank charges PayPal fees Stripe fees Bad debt provision ExaminerlAuditors Remuneration 4.208 1.435 455 731 64 3,212 1.394 524 760 60 200 107 123 66 115 28 46 1.350 8,498 1.510 7,890 c Trustees Remuneration No Trustee received any remuneration d. Trustees Expenses The Trustees were reimbursed expenses of£NIL (2023 £NIL) during the year. 3. Debtors Debtors and prepayments VAT Debtor 9,617 1,575 11,192 7,617 1.127 8,744 4. Creditors Subscriptions received in advance Other creditors 7,621 3,804 11.425 8,778 2.763 11.541
The Inquirer Publishing Company (2004) Notes to the Accounts- 31 December 2024 (contd) 5. Capital Commitments There were no capital commitments either contracted or authorised at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 6. Investment 474.383 shares Newton SRI Fund for Charities (GBP Inc.) valued at 199.37p per share (2023.. 189.33pl Valuation at 1 January 2024 {20231 898 14,404 13,506 14,000 494 898 48 Disposal proceeds 48 Unrealised (Loss)IGain on valuation 2024 (20231 Realised Gain on valualion 2024120231 48 51 443 494 48 7. Liability of members In the event of the Company being wound up during the period of membership or within one year afterwards, every member undertakes to contribute to the assets ofthe Company an amount not exceeding £10 (ten pounds) for the payments of debts and liabilities contracted up to the date of cessation of membership. The number of members at 31 December 2024.'9 (2023'.7) 10