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← Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

2025-03-31-accounts

Company registration number 04961783 (England and Wales) Charity registration number 1102969 (England and Wales)

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited Annual report and unaudited financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Contents

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Statement of financial position 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 14

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

report (including directors' report)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

The Directors/Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Constitution

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated 12 November 2003 and has adopted the Charity Commission Model Memorandum and Articles of Association for a Charitable Company ( GD1). As a company limited by guarantee the Charity has no shareholders. Each member has undertaken, in the event of dissolution to contribute a sum not exceeding £10 towards any debts and liabilities of the Charity incurred before that member ceased to be a Member.

The Directors/Trustees have approved two classes of membership. Full voting membership which may be either individual or corporate (the latter by nomination of an individual by an organization), and Associate non-voting membership which may be either individual or corporate (the latter by nomination of an individual by an organization). At present there is no intention to appoint additional members other than the Directors.

The names of the Directors/Trustees, all of whom are full voting members, are shown on page 5. One third by number of Directors/Trustees retire at Annual General Meeting by rotation.

Objectives and activities

Management

The direction and control of the Charity is determined by the Board of Directors.

Board meetings were held at regular intervals during the year.

The Directors would be pleased to hear from any individuals or organizations who would like to take an active interest in the work of the Charity.

Objectives

These are to provide social and recreational facilities to the local community and to help and educate young people in Wirral through their leisure time activities so to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and as members of society and that their condition of life may be improved.

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

report (including directors' report) (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements

The Board of Trustees is delighted to report on a period of sustained success, affirming our unwavering commitment to the charity’s core objectives. We have continued to provide excellent facilities and opportunities for young people across Wirral, fostering their social, emotional, and physical development through strong, collaborative partnerships. Maintaining a positive and visible presence within the local community remains a key priority, ensuring the Centre acts as a trusted hub for development and engagement.

A major focus this year has been on ensuring our physical environment provides the highest possible standard of quality and utility. Our dedicated team successfully carried out general maintenance to uphold a clean and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality facilities.

The successful transformation of the main downstairs area. This space has been reconfigured to create two smaller, more versatile and usable rooms, equipped with essential TV and kitchen facilities. This increased flexibility directly supports diverse activities, from small group workshops to providing groups with cooking facilities, maximising effective use of space. Further upgrades include the installation of improved, energyefficient lighting throughout the premises, and the full refurbishment of an accessible toilet facility, ensuring it is clean and modern.

A significant achievement for the volunteer Board of Trustees has been the proactive maintenance of a stable and sustainable income stream. This has been crucial in ensuring the building remains fit for purpose and continues to be a reliable source of support for the local community. We are confident in our operational model and are excited to continue this vital work, looking forward to further enhancing our services and facilities for the benefit of Wirral’s young people in the upcoming year.

Activities

Community Groups

Core to the success of our charity is the maintenance and strengthening of strategic community partnerships, which enable us to maximise the resources available at The Vikes and extend our support across diverse groups within the Wirral community. We are proud to continue our valuable collaborations with key organisations such as Utopia Independent Special School, Royal Onyx Majorettes, and Hatch Merseyside. Through these ongoing relationships, we are able to provide a welcoming environment tailored for young people with special educational needs, promote physical development and teamwork, and offer essential resources and respite for young carers and those from low economic areas.

We have worked in close collaboration with these partners to ensure our facilities are continuously adapted to meet the specific requirements of the groups we are supporting. These partnerships are mutually beneficial; not only do they allow us to fulfil our charitable objectives, but they also provide the essential financial stability required to sustain the ongoing maintenance and operational costs of the building, securing our long-term sustainability moving forward.

Social Media

The Viking Centre and Youth Club maintains a core digital presence through its dedicated website, www.thevikes.co.uk. The website is designed to be simple, clear, and serves as the primary informational hub for the local community. It provides essential information regarding the history of The Vikes, details on current activities and opening times, and all necessary key contact information. This centralised approach ensures community members and partners can easily access reliable, up-to-date information about the charity's mission and services.

Crucially, the Board of Trustees has made a considered strategic decision to focus its resources on maintaining and enhancing the physical facilities and core services. Consequently, the charity does not currently utilise social media platforms. This avoids placing additional, unsustainable administrative and management demands on the volunteer time of the Trustees, ensuring their focus remains on governance, financial sustainability, and the continuous improvement of the Centre's core offerings.

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

report (including directors' report) (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Grant Aided Projects

As a volunteer-run organisation, the Viking Centre and Youth Club Board of Trustees employs a highly strategic approach to fundraising. Due to the significant time commitment required for grant management, we apply for a limited and carefully selected number of funds each year. This focused approach ensures we can meet our Charity Objectives effectively and deliver projects that directly address the needs of our community.

During the reporting period, we successfully completed the planned facility upgrades and maintenance initiatives (as detailed in the Achievements section). These vital projects were carried out efficiently and funded entirely through the stable and sustainable income stream secured by the Board, eliminating the need for additional external grant funding this year. This strategic deployment of existing financial resources is a testament to the Board's careful management and prudent financial planning, ensuring the longevity and fitness for purpose of the Centre for all beneficiaries.

Donations

The Trustees are most grateful for the continuing financial support provided by a small number of local donors who make regular donations and to those charitable trusts who have supported the Charity.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm compliance with their duty under the Charities Act 2011, having due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Board is proud that the year's activities successfully meet our charitable purpose and support the local community.

Our core objective is providing facilities for young people in Wirral to develop their social, emotional, and physical well-being. The facilities that The Vikes provide for local community and education services offer comprehensive benefits, promoting skill development and engagement for young people while also supporting the wider family. We prioritise targeted groups experiencing economic disadvantage, special educational needs, and mental health issues, ensuring those most in need are engaged in a safe and nurturing environment.

Our modern centre is equipped to enhance practical, physical, and digital skills. Facilities include a sports hall (with gym equipment), a modern group cooking kitchen, recreational facilities, and an IT suite with up-to-date technologies and Smart TVs for engaging learning. Our continuous positive presence and strategic partnerships ensure The Vikes acts as a valuable resource hub, tackling social isolation and supporting young people from diverse economic and social backgrounds. The Board’s focus on maintaining a stable income stream ensures the long-term viability of the building, guaranteeing this vital resource remains accessible and fit for use for future generations in Wirral.

Risk Assessment

In addition to their responsibilities for Health and Safety and other corporate governance issues, the Board review, on a regular basis, the major risks which the Charity faces and believe that they have established suitable systems to mitigate significant risks.

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

report (including directors' report) (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Financial review

At 31 March 2016, the Charity Trustees reviewed the carrying value of Fixed Assets in the light of the potential closure of the Youth Club and the Centre and decided to take an impairment charge into the 2016 Financial Statements to reduce the values of Freehold Land and Buildings to zero, as these are subject to a restrictive usage covenant from Wirral Council, and to reduce the value of restricted fixed assets to £2000, being an estimate of the distressed sale value of Equipment. These adjustments gave rise to an exceptional reduction in charity reserves as stated in the 2016 Financial Statements.

Restricted funds - In the year ended 31 March 2025 the Charity held no restricted funds, all grant funding received for the financial period had been spent. The volunteer trustees will continue to seek additional grant funding when appropriate.

Unrestricted funds – All of the current funds held are unrestricted due to the nature that these funds have been raised. All income this year has through community rental of The Vikes facilities and a small amount of unrestricted donations. The purpose of all funds at present is to sustain The Vikes building’s core costs to allow The Vikes to continue to work alongside partner community organisations to successfully engage the local community. The Trustees are happy with the financial position of the charity in the year ending 31 March 2025with the continued ability for the charity to retain a healthy level of reserves.

It is also worth noting that trustees are diligent in ensuring that costs are reviewed to maintain an

achievable yearly budget.

The Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited will continue to operate on a going concern basis and will continue its operations for the foreseeable future with no particular uncertainties outlined in the forecast.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the ’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Chairman - Daniel P Cooke Director of Finance and Company Secretary - Chris J. Black Patron - Rt. Hon. Frank Field MP, DL

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

04961783 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1102969

Registered office

The Vikes 40 Thorsway Rock Ferry Merseyside CH42 1NW

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

report (including directors' report) (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Trustees

C J Black Education ( Teacher ) D P Cooke Teacher Mrs R Mccoosh Company Director P J Murray Education A Byrne

Approved by order of the board of trustees .............. and signed on its behalf by:

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SIGN
..............................
D P Cooke
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30/01/2026 Date: .............................................

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Independent examiner's report

To the of Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the ’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

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 that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

28/01/2026 Date: ............................

Joseph Jones DJH Wirral & Chester Limited 1 Abbots Quay Monks Ferry Birkenhead Merseyside CH41 5LH

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Statement of financial activities Including income and expenditure account

For the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 2 1,450 1,151
Charitable activities 3 27,206 26,454
Total income 28,656 27,605
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 37,330 38,798
Total expenditure 37,330 38,798
Net expenditure (8,674) (11,193)
Transfers between funds - 5,380
Net movement in funds (8,674) (5,813)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024 11,507 17,320
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 2,833 11,507

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Statement of financial position

As at 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 8 15,833 22,601
Current assets
Debtors 9 1,625 1,026
Cash at bank and in hand 1,532 9,510
3,157 10,536
Creditors: amounts falling due 10
within one year (16,157) (21,630)
Net current liabilities (13,000) (11,094)
Total assets less current liabilities 2,833 11,507
The funds of the
Unrestricted funds 12 2,833 11,507
2,833 11,507

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

30/01/2026

The financial statements were approved by the on .........................

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SIGN
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.............................. D P Cooke

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Vikes, 40 Thorsway, Rock Ferry, Merseyside, CH42 1NW, England.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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 financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the . Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the have a reasonable expectation that the has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

All income is recognized in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 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.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Freehold land and buildings 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings 25% on reducing balance Computers 25% on reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours.

Creditors

Short term creditors are measured at transaction price. Other financial liabilities are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Financial instruments

The company enters into basic financial instruments that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors and loans to / from related parties all measured at cost.

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 1,450 1,151
3 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Grants 5,606 19,353
Room Hire & Rent 21,600 7,101
27,206 26,454
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 27,206 26,454

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

4 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable activities
Staff costs 2,460 2,295
Rates and water 14,378 8,968
Insurance 1,598 1,581
Telephone 682 618
Cleaning 6,763 6,249
Sundries - 29
Depreciation 6,768 6,861
Printing and stationery 15 -
32,664 26,601
Share of support and governance costs (see note 5)
Support 4,666 12,197
37,330 38,798
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 37,330 38,798
5 Support costs allocated to activities
2025 2024
£ £
Advertising 80 64
Repairs and renewals 2,979 9,896
Accountancy and legal fees 1,607 2,237
4,666 12,197
Analysed between:
Unrestricted funds 4,666 12,197
6 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
2025 2024
Number Number
5 5

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

6
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
2,460
2,295
2,460
2,295		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
2,460
2,295
2,460
2,295
2,295

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

8 Tangible fixed assets

8
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
Computers
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
32,413
1,975
2,292
At 31 March 2025
32,413
1,975
2,292
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
10,945
965
2,169
Depreciation charged in the year
6,480
252
36
At 31 March 2025
17,425
1,217
2,205
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
14,988
758
87
At 31 March 2024
21,468
1,010
123
9
Debtors
2025
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Trade debtors
1,260
Prepayments and accrued income
365
1,625		 Total
£
36,680
36,680
14,079
6,768
20,847
15,833
22,601
2024
£
60
966
1,026

Viking Centre & Youth Club Limited

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 March 2025

10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Government grants
11
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
14,016
2,141
16,157		 2024
£
19,622
2,008
21,630

11 Government grants

Deferred income relates to a grant received for the fitting of a new kitchen in the periods ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2024. This is being depreciated over 5 years, therefore the grants are being allocated over 5 years too.

Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2024
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 March 2025		 2025
£
14,016
19,622
(5,606)
-
14,016		 2024
£
19,622
11,213
(5,606)
14,015
19,622

12 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At
General funds
Previous year:
At
General funds		 1 April
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31 March
2025
£
£
£
£
£
11,507
28,656
(37,330)
-
2,833
1 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31 March
2024
£
£
£
£
£
17,320
27,605
(38,798)
5,380
11,507

13 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2025.