Company registration number: 04980480 Charity registration number: 11025550
BRIERLEY HILL COMMUNITY FORUM TRUSTEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
JMC Accountants & Tax Advisers Ltd 76 High Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3AW
Brierley Hill Community Forum Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1—4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) | 6 |
| Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9—12 |
Brierley Hill Community Forum Company No. 04980480 Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectives and Activities
Public Benefit
To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities of Brierley Hill and neighbouring areas, in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs, and to participate more fully into society. To promote for the benefot of the public, the urban regeneration being undertaken in areas of social and economic deprivation in Brierley Hill and the neighbouring areas.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance
Main Achievements
During 2024, Brierley Hill Community Forum delivered an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of projects, events and partnerships that reflected our continued commitment to heritage, inclusion, creativity, and community wellbeing. This work was made possible thanks to support from a number of generous funders, including Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, HM Government, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the West Midlands Combined Authority, Arts Council England through the National Lottery Fund, and the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, along with the contributions of numerous community partners.
Together, this support enabled the Forum to engage more than 3,500 people directly, with thousands more reached through digital channels, social media, newsletters, public displays, and word-of-mouth. The year’s activity spanned local history, cultural celebration, creative arts, environmental action, and health promotion—helping to build a stronger, more connected Brierley Hill.
Celebrating Heritage and Local Identity
One of the major highlights of the year was Celebrating Brierley Hill's History, a comprehensive programme of activity built around Heritage Open Days, the now well-established Graves at Night walks in St Michael’s churchyard, school-based history tours, and a significant programme of Remembrance events. A total of 1,240 people took part across all events, and new printed resources were produced on war memorials and Commonwealth War Graves, now in use in schools, libraries, and churches across the area. Equipment purchased through the project—such as portable tour headsets, badge-making kits and leaflet displays—has already begun supporting other events and will continue to provide value for years to come.
The George Cosens Project also helped shine a light on overlooked aspects of Brierley Hill’s history, sharing the story of Britain’s first Black Baptist minister through research, exhibitions, a printed timeline, and a commemorative plaque at South Street Baptist Church. Over 280 people, including schoolchildren and adult audiences, engaged with the project, which has since become a useful resource for Black History Month education.
Cultural Celebration and Creative Engagement
The Forum placed a strong emphasis on cultural celebration and creativity throughout the year. At Harry’s Community Coffee Shop, a total of seven themed community events were held—from National Taco Day and Black History Month, to Halloween and the Tea with Santa celebration. These family-friendly events attracted over 300 participants and provided a safe, welcoming space where people from all backgrounds could come together over food, conversation and crafts. Many attendees were referred on to regular support groups, parenting circles, or women’s programmes hosted at the same venue.
THIA CIC’s Christmas Gift Workshops brought together creativity and public health by integrating festive craft activities with breast cancer screening awareness. Delivered in partnership with the Health Equity Alliance and NHS Cancer Champions, these workshops attracted 75 participants and led directly to the creation of a new monthly health drop-in service at Brierley Hill Library.
We Are Makers, in collaboration with FUSED, delivered the I Love Brierley Hill crafting project across local venues including the library, cafés and High Street market spaces. Residents were invited to weave, stitch, share their stories, and help shape ideas for future events. Over 190 individuals engaged directly, with strong feedback on the benefits to mental health, social connection and civic pride.
The Phoenix project, delivered in partnership with Wildworks, offered an innovative and inclusive approach to storytelling and community cocreation. With additional access support, the project enabled residents—including those with visual impairments—to engage in shaping the creative direction. Though the final performance evolved from the original plan, the experience provided valuable insights into inclusive practice, access budgeting, and creative responsiveness.
Creative expression was also championed at Pumpkin Boxing Gym, where young boxers collaborated with a local artist to design and paint a large-scale mural celebrating the gym’s values of confidence, discipline, teamwork and mental health. The project included a visit to Digbeth street art and was a joyful and empowering experience for all involved. The finished mural, mounted on mobile panels, is now a lasting source of pride for the gym and wider community.
Meanwhile, the Winter Song for Brierley Hill project brought together local residents and professional musicians Dan and Katie Whitehouse to co-write, perform, and record original music inspired by the town’s character and spirit. The project culminated in a public concert at St Michael’s Church and a digital release of the track Put Your Welly Boots On, now available online.
Environmental Action and Placemaking
...CONTINUED
Page 1
Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
Main Achievements - continued
The Forum’s commitment to enhancing public spaces continued through the Brierley Hill in Bloom initiative. Sponsored by Dudley College, students worked throughout the year to plant and maintain beautiful floral displays along the High Street and Mill Street. In November, 29 local residents joined a winter planting day—further demonstrating how small-scale local interventions can generate pride and participation. The project helped not only to brighten the streetscape, but also to support intergenerational volunteering and seasonal community activity.
The Green Festival, delivered in partnership with the Wild Earth Movement, brought more than 500 people together through creative environmental workshops and an outdoor celebration in the heart of the High Street. Activities ranged from recycled bunting-making to handson nature crafts, promoting sustainability and strengthening local networks.
The Canal & River Trust’s Winter by the Water programme added further depth to Brierley Hill’s cultural offer, with events such as wellbeing walks, canoe sessions, and festive Carols on the Cut attracting a total audience of around 450. These events encouraged residents to rediscover local waterways, improve physical wellbeing, and take part in seasonal creative activities.
Communication, Volunteering and Legacy
A major step forward in community communications was the introduction of the Brierley Hill Community Forum Newsletter, now distributed monthly to 1,500 homes and businesses along and around the High Street. The newsletter has proven highly effective at sharing upcoming events, celebrating local achievements, and recruiting volunteers. It has also provided an important communication channel for those who may not engage with social media or online platforms.
Volunteers remained at the heart of everything we achieved in 2024. From researching local history and guiding tours, to planting flowers, painting murals, setting up gazebos, and cooking meals—residents gave generously of their time, energy and, in many cases, their own pockets. The voluntary contribution this year has been immense and deeply appreciated. Without it, these projects simply would not have been possible.
The work of all the organisations involved in was recognised when Brierley Hill was one of just two towns chosen as examples of excellent practice in an evaluation report commissioned by WMCA.
Closing Reflections
Looking back on 2024, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude. The people of Brierley Hill—its residents, students, traders, volunteers, and community leaders—have once again demonstrated just how much can be achieved through collaboration, creativity and care. From joyful children’s crafts to solemn acts of remembrance, from mural painting to historical research, from cancer awareness workshops to shared meals at Harry’s Café—this year’s work has captured the essence of what community really means.
It is a huge privilege to be working with such a fantastic community in Brierley Hill. The generosity, resilience and spirit of our volunteers, partners and residents is what gives our work meaning and makes each project not just possible, but extraordinary. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2025. Projects already in development—including the Marsh Park WW2 archaeology project —promise to deepen engagement even further. With continued support, Brierley Hill Community Forum will remain a strong and creative force at the heart of the town.
Financial Review
Financial Position
The Directors continue to work to secure the long term financial future of the company. The Directors are working both with partners and through external funding bids to secure funding for future ongoing operations.
The company will contimue to work with its members and partners to ensure that its primary aims and objectives are met. This involves the development of a wide range of projects and activities which will build the capacity of local residents to improve the quality of life in their communities. In the delivery of these, the company will continue to build its partnerships with statutory agences and the private sector. These projects and activities will continue to be aligned to local, regional and national strategies which will ensure that funding is available to undertake them. In addition, the company is exploring the use of instruments such as community development trusts and social enterprises to ensure the long term sustainability of projects and activities.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertanties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expendituure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Structure, Governance and Management
Page 2
Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
Governing Document
The company which was incorporated on 1 December 2003 is a private company registered under the Companies Act 1985 (registration number 04980480), limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. The company is goverened by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The liability of the members of the company on winding up is limited to a maximum of £10 each. The company is also a registred charity (registration number 1102550)
Trustee Selection Methods
Recruitment and Appointment of Directors
Directors are nominated by members and elected by a Directors' meeting subject to the usual checks that there are no reasons that would disqualify that individual from so serving.
Director Induction and Training
Directors are nominated by members from within their own membership because of their experience and skills. Generally they will have engaged previously in the work of the Forum at some level but any gaps in their knowledge are filled through a session with the Chairman.
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Mr Timothy Sunter Mr Shane Birch-Bastock Mr Steven Bridgwater Mr Frank Chamberlain Mrs Justine Chamberlain-Page (appointed 06/11/2024) Mr Adam Davies Mrs Carol Davies (appointed 06/11/2024) Mr Kevin Gripton Dr Clive Skidmore Ms Zoe Skidmore
Company Secretary
Mr Kevin Gripton
Charity Number
11025550
Company Number
04980480
Principal Address
11 Crescent Avenue Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3QL
Independent Examiner
JMC Accountants & Tax Advisers Ltd 76 High Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3AW
Page 3
Brierley Hill Community Forum Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of Brierley Hill Community Forum 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 statement unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Small Company Rules
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Timothy Sunter Trustee 22nd October 2025
Page 4
Brierley Hill Community Forum Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Brierley Hill Community Forum For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
23rd October 2025 76 High Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3AW
Page 5
Brierley Hill Community Forum Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities: 5 Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Phoenix Project Heritage Action Zone NET INCOME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 12 |
Unrestricted funds £ - |
Restricted funds £ 61,487 |
2024 Total funds £ 61,487 |
2023 Total funds £ 1,445 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (885) - - - |
- (7,569) (36,094) (11,027) |
(885) (7,569) (36,094) (11,027) |
(736) - - - |
|
| (885) | (54,690) | (55,575) | (736) | |
| (885) | 6,797 | 5,912 | 709 | |
| (885) 6,448 |
6,797 1,445 |
5,912 7,893 |
709 7,184 |
|
| 5,563 | 8,242 | 13,805 | 7,893 |
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
Brierley Hill Community Forum Comparative Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities: 5 NET INCOME NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 12 |
Unrestricted funds £ - |
Restricted funds £ 1,445 |
2023 Total funds £ 1,445 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (736) | - | (736) | |
| (736) | 1,445 | 709 | |
| (736) 7,184 |
1,445 - |
709 7,184 |
|
| 6,448 | 1,445 | 7,893 |
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Brierley Hill Community Forum Balance Sheet As At 31 December 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 9 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 11 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 12 |
Unrestricted funds £ - |
Restricted funds £ 2,855 |
2024 Total funds £ 2,855 |
2023 Total funds £ - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - 17 5,896 |
2,855 - 5,387 |
2,855 17 11,283 |
- 17 8,201 |
|
| 5,913 (350) |
5,387 - |
11,300 (350) |
8,218 (325) |
|
| 5,563 | 5,387 | 10,950 | 7,893 | |
| 5,563 | 8,242 | 13,805 | 7,893 | |
| 5,563 | 8,242 | 13,805 | 7,893 | |
| 8,242 5,563 |
1,445 6,448 |
|||
| 13,805 | 7,893 |
For the year ending 31 December 2024 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
On behalf of the board
Mr Timothy Sunter
Trustee 21st October 2025
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. General Information
Brierley Hill Community Forum is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 04980480 and registered charity number 11025550. The registered office is .
The nature of the charities operations and principal activities are to develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities of Brierley Hill and neighbouring areas in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society. To promote for the benefit of the public, the urban regeneration being undertaken in areas of social and economic deprivation in Brierley Hill and the neighbouring areas.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. 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)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006.
The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
2.2. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2.3. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or it legally being received.
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entited to the grant.
Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer's time in line with SORP (FRS102).
Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
2.4. Resources Expended
Expendiiture is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability has been incurred and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
2.5. Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Plant & Machinery
15% Reducing Balance Method
2.6. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
Page 9
Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
2.7. Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax as all its income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes.
3. Income from Donations and Legacies
| . Income from Donations and Legacies |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations and gifts . Net Income/(Expenditure) he net income is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned . Analysis of Expenditure Raising funds Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund Phoenix Project Heritage Action Zone Raising funds . Support Costs General administration Depreciation |
Activities undertaken directly £ - 7,066 36,094 11,027 |
2024 Restricted funds £ 61,487 |
2023 Restricted funds £ 1,445 |
| 2024 £ 503 |
2023 £ - |
||
| Support costs (see note 6) £ 885 503 - - |
2024 Total £ 885 7,569 36,094 11,027 |
||
| 54,187 | 1,388 | 55,575 | |
| Activities undertaken directly £ 411 |
Support costs (see note 6) £ 325 |
2023 Total £ 736 |
|
| Raising funds £ 885 - 885 |
Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund £ - 503 |
2024 Total £ 885 503 |
|
| 503 | 1,388 |
4. Net Income/(Expenditure)
The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
5. Analysis of Expenditure
6. Support Costs
Page 10
Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
| General administration 7. Independent Examiner's Remuneration Independent examination of the financial statements Other assurance services Tax advisory services Other financial services 8. Average Number of Employees Average number of employees during the year was: NIL (2023: NIL) 9. Tangible Assets Cost As at 1 January 2024 Additions As at 31 December 2024 Depreciation As at 1 January 2024 Provided during the period As at 31 December 2024 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2024 As at 1 January 2024 10. Debtors Due within one year Other debtors 11. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 350 - - - 350 2024 £ 17 2024 £ - 350 350 |
2023 Raising funds £ 325 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 312 - - - |
||
| 312 | ||
| Plant & Machinery £ - 3,358 |
||
| 3,358 | ||
| - 503 |
||
| 503 | ||
| 2,855 | ||
| - | ||
| 2023 £ 17 |
||
| 2023 £ 325 - |
||
| 325 |
Page 11
Brierley Hill Community Forum Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
12. Movement in Funds
| Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Restricted Funds Total funds Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Restricted Funds Total funds |
As at 1 January 2024 £ 6,448 1,445 |
Income £ - 61,487 |
Expenditure £ (885) (54,690) |
As at 31 December 2024 £ 5,563 8,242 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,893 | 61,487 | (55,575) | 13,805 | |
| As at 1 January 2023 £ 7,184 - |
Income £ - 1,445 |
Expenditure £ (736) - |
As at 31 December 2023 £ 6,448 1,445 |
|
| 7,184 | 1,445 | (736) | 7,893 |
13. Transactions with Trustees
None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.
No trustee expenses have been incurred.
14. Related Party Disclosures
There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.
15. Company limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital.
Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £10.
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