COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 04435289 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1106812
The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements
5 April 2025
KLB Financial Management Ltd Kingsway House Caldwell Road Widnes WA8 7GD
The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Financial Statements
Year ended 5 April 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) | 1 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) | 6 |
| Statement of financial position | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 |
The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)
Year ended 5 April 2025
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name The Pontardawe Arena Charity registration number 1106812 Company registration number 04435289 Principal and registered 9 Heol Glanllechau office Pontardawe Swansea Wales SA8 3AP The trustees Mr J Jones Resigned 29 July 2025 Ms K Winter Mr B A Waite Mr S Todd Mr S J Ransley Mrs S H Jay Mrs R Killa Secretary Mrs A C Cooper Independent examiner Kerry Bibby KLB Financial Management Kingsway House Caldwell Road Widnes WA8 7GD
The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
Structure, governance and management
Organisational Structure
The Pontardawe Arena has six trustees who meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy setting of the charity. The trustees represent different sectors and bring to the charity a wealth of knowledge that support the charity to meet its objectives.
Risk Management
The trustees regularly review the principal risks facing the charity. Key risks include reliance on grant funding, ongoing site maintenance requirements, and the impact of adverse weather events (including flooding). Mitigation includes diversifying income through space hire, maintaining strong relationships with key funders and partners, and prioritising preventative and resilience works to reduce flood risk around the centre and access routes. Trustees also monitor volunteer capacity and safeguarding/health and safety procedures to ensure activities remain safe and deliverable.
Public Benefit
In delivering its charitable purposes, the organisation provides public benefit through:
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Education and skills development: providing supportive learning opportunities for young people and hosting outdoor learning activity through partner provision.
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Community participation and wellbeing: offering a community venue and a programme of volunteering and practical activity that supports social connection, confidence and meaningful engagement.
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Improvement of public amenities and the environment: enhancing the Riverside site through planting, biodiversity work and resilience improvements, including measures that reduce flooding and increase the accessibility and usability of the site.
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing these activities and planning for the year ahead.
Objectives and activities
Our objectives
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To promote, for the benefit of the public of urban or rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular in the Swansea Valley by all or any of the following means:
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a) the advancement of education, training or retraining, particularly among unemployed people, and providing unemployed people with work experience;
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b) the creation of training and employment opportunities by the provision of workspace, buildings and/or land for use on favourable terms;
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c) the maintenance, improvement or provision of public amenities;
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d) the provision of recreational facilities for the public at large or those who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities;
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e) by such other means as may from time to time be determined, subject to prior agreement of the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
Our activities
During 2024/25 The Pontardawe Arena continued to operate as a community-led hub, supporting local regeneration through education, community participation and the improvement of public amenities at Riverside. The Trustees are proud of how the community and volunteer team worked together throughout the year, particularly in the context of ongoing financial pressures and the practical challenges created by flooding around the centre.
A key focus during the year was supporting learning and development opportunities for young people. With continued support from Swansea Bay Education funding, the charity hosted local school students three days per week, providing an alternative learning environment and tailored support. This programme has helped learners who were at risk of leaving school without qualifications to work towards achieving at least one GCSE (or part qualification), supported by dedicated teaching and supervision.
The charity also strengthened its role as a venue and base for partner-led community activity. Forest School Swansea Neath Port Talbot funded and delivered Seedlings and a Home Education group at Riverside, generating regular footfall and rental income for the charity while providing popular nature-based learning opportunities with waiting lists.
Alongside delivery from within the building, the charity’s activities continued to centre on environmental improvement and practical community action. Volunteers supported biodiversity planting, the development of raised beds, and the creation of usable outdoor learning and meeting spaces that benefit a wide range of community users.
Achievements and performance
The Trustees consider 2024/25 to be a year of strong progress in both community impact and the improvement of facilities. The organisation secured and effectively delivered a range of funded projects, while continuing to build volunteer capacity and strengthen the offer available to residents and partner organisations.
Education and community participation remained a significant achievement. The continuation of the school placement programme enabled the charity to provide a supportive setting for learners facing barriers to attendance and attainment, improving their opportunity to gain accredited outcomes. In parallel, the Forest School and Home Education provision expanded regular use of the site and demonstrated strong demand for nature-based learning.
Facilities and site improvements delivered clear public benefit. During the year, new internal and external fire doors were installed with support from Neath Port Talbot Council’s facilities funding, improving safety and resilience of the building. The charity also progressed the development of an outdoor classroom space: an donated structure was rebuilt with volunteer support and Windfarm Grant assistance (Mynydd y Betws), repurposed into a practical community asset for teaching, shelter and group use. This work also reflected the charity’s environmental ethos through recycling initiatives and biodiversity-focused planting.
Environmental resilience and flood mitigation was a major operational focus. Following repeated flooding affecting the car park and footpaths, the charity secured funding for “rain gardens” and led a complex programme of works involving groundworks, materials, planting and volunteer input. The Trustees report that these interventions have significantly reduced flooding in previously affected areas, improving accessibility and the usability of the site.
The charity also advanced land management and invasive species control, tackling Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam using non-chemical approaches. A pilot initiative using goats for controlled grazing was trialled successfully, with discussions progressing to expand this approach in future periods.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
Volunteer development and wellbeing impact continued to be central to the charity’s performance. The volunteer group remained diverse and inclusive, providing meaningful activity, routine and social connection for individuals with a range of needs and life experiences. The Trustees also strengthened safeguarding and event-readiness through volunteer training, with trustees completing outdoor first aid to support safe delivery of community activity.
Grant Funding Support
The Trustees would like to recognise and thank a range of funding and support partners in 24/25 which allowed the Charity to grow and prosper and lay a platform for success, including:
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Port Talbot Civic Centre
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Swansea Bay University Health Board
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Mynydd y Betws Community Benefit Fund
-
Glantawe Riverside Park
-
Moondance Foundation
-
Neath Port Talbot Community Prosperity Fund
Governance:
The Pontardawe Arena Trustee board committed to regular quarterly meetings to ensure aims and objectives were met whilst recognising and addressing any challenges.
A number of Trustee appointments were made before the start of the fiscal year, increasing the breadth of knowledge, experience, skills to support the organisational growth. As part of that process it is anticipated further appointments will be made to reflect a varied and diverse board.
In addition, a strong working relationship is in place our key stakeholders with a clear vision of progression to take the objects further into the community.
Future Plans:
The Trustees’ priorities for the coming year are to consolidate progress, strengthen financial sustainability and continue improving facilities and the outdoor environment for community benefit. Building on stakeholder engagement, the Trustees plan to develop a clearer mediumterm direction for the charity.
A key facilities ambition is to progress plans to convert the office space into a kitchen. Although funding for this was withdrawn at a late stage, the Trustees remain committed to pursuing further support, recognising the potential for community cookery sessions, skills development, and practical learning linked to growing and using healthy food.
The Trustees will also continue to develop and maximise the use of the outdoor classroom and growing spaces, including through community events and environmental learning activity. The charity intends to build on the success of the flood mitigation programme by maintaining and enhancing the rain gardens and wider planting, alongside continuing work to manage invasive species using environmentally responsible methods.
Finally, the Trustees will prioritise outstanding site maintenance needs, including progressing options to assess and repair the small bridge connecting the main car park to the park. Alongside this, the charity will continue to grow earned income through venue hire and partnerships, supporting a more resilient operating model and reducing grant dependency over time.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
Financial review:
The charity’s financial performance for 2024/25 reflects an operating model that blends external funding with locally-generated income. Restricted grants supported delivery of specific projects and improvements at Riverside, including works that increased the safety, resilience and usability of the site. Alongside funded activity, Trustees continued to strengthen earned income through room and site hire to partner organisations, supporting a more sustainable financial base and regular footfall into the centre.
Total income for the year ended 5 April 2025 was £59,959 (2024 £73,325), of which just over 86% was generated from restricted funds.
Expenditure for the year was £56,241 (2024 £83,728). The net surplus in the year being £3,718 (2024 £10,403 deficit).
Reserves Policy
The Trustees aim to retain sufficient unrestricted reserves to cover around six months of core operating costs. This provides essential working capital and helps manage risk linked to unforeseen maintenance requirements and external disruption (including severe weather impacts). Unrestricted funds at year end were £42,763 (2024: £39,045) and Trustees will continue to review reserves in line with forward plans and forecast expenditure.
Investment Policy and Objectives
The charity remains committed to building funds to ensure a strong future in offering activities to support our community.
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.
The trustees' annual report was approved on 29th June 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
K Winter Chair The Pontardawe Arena
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Pontardawe Arena
Year ended 5 April 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Pontardawe Arena ('the charity') for the year ended 5 April 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the 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 ('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 the 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements 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
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the financial statements 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.
Kerry Bibby Independent Examiner
29/06/2025
KLB Financial Management Kingsway House Caldwell Road Widnes WA8 7GD
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)
Year ended 5 April 2025
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 5 Charitable activities 6 Other trading activities 7 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Fund balances brought forward 15 Fund balances carried forward 15 |
2025 Unrestricted funds £ 253 7,259 - 7,512 15,056 15,056 (7,544) 11,262 3,718 39,045 42,763 |
2025 Restricted funds £ 52,447 - - 52,447 41,185 41,185 11,262 (11,262) - - - |
2025 Total funds £ 52,700 7,259 - 59,959 56,241 56,241 3,718 - 3,718 39,045 42,763 |
2024 Total funds £ 63,575 9,740 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73,325 | ||||
| 83,728 | ||||
| 83,728 | ||||
| (10,403) | ||||
| - | ||||
| (10,403) | ||||
| 49,448 | ||||
| 39,045 |
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee Statement of Financial Position
5 April 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Total fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net assets less current/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Total net assets or (liabilities) Funds of the charity 15 Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds |
Total 2025 £ 24,875 24,875 19,388 19,388 1,500 17,888 42,763 - 42,763 - 42,763 42,763 |
Total 2024 £ 15,865 |
|---|---|---|
| 15,865 | ||
| 25,021 | ||
| 25,021 | ||
| 1,841 | ||
| 23,180 | ||
| 39,045 | ||
| - | ||
| 39,045 | ||
| - 39,045 |
||
| 39,045 |
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies’ regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.
Signed by a trustees/directors on behalf of all the trustees/directors
Trustee K Winter 29/06/2025
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 5 April 2025
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 9 Heol Glanllechau, Alltwen, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3AP.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared for the year ended 5 April 2025 and are presented in sterling (£), which is the functional currency of the charity.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102, the Charities SORP (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The charity is a public benefit entity.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Going concern
The Trustees have assessed whether the charity is able to continue as a going concern, taking into account its financial position, expected income and expenditure and the availability of cash resources. The Trustees believe the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and accordingly the accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure. Estimates and judgements are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The most significant estimates relate to the useful lives of tangible fixed assets for depreciation purposes.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the charity’s objects.
Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictions imposed by donors or grant makers. Restricted funds are only used for the purposes for which they were given. Unspent restricted balances are carried forward where they relate to ongoing obligations or future expenditure permitted under the terms of the funding.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Incoming resources
Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations and similar income are recognised when receivable.
Grant income is recognised when the charity has entitlement, receipt is probable and the amount can be measured reliably. Where grant income is received in advance of meeting entitlement conditions, or where there is an obligation to return funds if conditions are not met, the amount is recognised as a liability until the conditions are satisfied.
Income from the supply of services / hire and other activity income is recognised when the service is provided.
Donated goods, services and facilities are recognised where the benefit is material and can be reliably measured, at the fair value of the contribution. The contribution of general volunteers’ time is not recognised in the financial statements.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised when the charity has a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
Costs are allocated to expenditure categories in the SOFA on a basis that reflects the use of resources. Direct costs are allocated directly to the relevant activity. Support and governance costs are apportioned to activities on a reasonable and consistent basis.
Tangible assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or fair value at the date of donation, where applicable) less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes directly attributable costs of bringing the asset into working condition for its intended use.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost or valuation of tangible fixed assets, less estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic lives on a straight-line basis as follows:
Plant & machinery: 20% straight line
Fixtures, fittings & equipment: 20% straight line
The useful lives and residual values of assets are reviewed annually and adjusted if necessary.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting date the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. Impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment no longer apply.
Financial Instruments
The charity only holds basic financial instruments, such as cash at bank and trade and other debtors and creditors. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Short-term debtors and creditors are measured at the settlement amount.
Cash at bank and in hand represents cash held in bank accounts and petty cash.
Creditors are recognised when there is a present obligation to transfer economic benefits as a result of past transactions and are measured at the amount expected to be paid.
Taxation and VAT: The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities to the extent that income is applied for charitable purposes. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as expenditure or included in the cost of an asset, as appropriate.
Employee benefits: Employee benefits are recognised as an expense as the employee provides services. (Where the charity has no employees, no employee costs arise.)
3. Limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and as such has no share capital.
4. Donations and legacies
| Donations Grants |
Unrestricted Funds £ 253 - 253 |
Restricted Funds £ - 52,447 52,447 |
Year Ended 5 April 2025 £ 253 52,447 52,700 |
Period Ended 5 April 2024 £ - 63,575 63,575 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 5 April 2025
5. Charitable activities
| Unrestricted Funds £ Charitable activities 7,259 7,259 6. Income from other trading activities Unrestricted Funds £ Sales income - - |
Restricted Funds £ - - Restricted Funds £ - - |
Year Ended 5 April 2025 £ 7,259 7,259 Year Ended 5 April 2025 £ - - |
Period Ended 5 April 2024 £ 9,740 9,740 Period Ended 5 April 2024 £ 10 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7. Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted Funds £ Charitable activities 7,854 Support costs 7,202 15,056 |
Restricted Funds £ 41,185 - 41,185 |
Year Ended 5 April 2025 £ 49,039 7,202 56,241 |
Period Ended 5 April 2024 £ 67,695 16,033 83,728 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8. Governance costs Independent examination fee |
5 April 2025 £ 1,500 |
5 April 2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|
9. Staff costs
The average head count of employees during the year was nil (2024 nil).
10. Trustee remuneration and expenses
No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued}
Year ended 5 April 2025
11. Tangible fixed assets
| Costs At 6 April 2024 Additions At 5 April 2025 Depreciation At 6 April 2024 Charge for the year At 5 April 2025 Carrying amount At 5 April 2025 At 5 April 2024 |
Plant and machinery £ 18,793 4,755 23,548 13,283 951 14,234 9,314 5,510 |
Fixtures, fittings and equipment £ 17,990 6,507 24,497 7,635 1,301 8,936 15,561 10,355 |
Total £ 36,783 11,262 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48,045 | |||
| 20,918 2,252 |
|||
| 23,170 | |||
| 24,875 | |||
| 15,865 |
12. Creditors, amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Other creditors |
5 April 2025 £ - 1,500 1,500 |
5 April 2024 £ 1,001 840 1,841 |
|---|---|---|
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued}
Year ended 5 April 2025
13. Analysis of charitable funds
| General fund Port Talbot Civic Centre Swansea Bay University Mynydd y Betws CBF Glantawe Riverside Park Moondance Foundation NPT CPF Restricted funds |
At 6 April 2024 £ 39,045 At 6 April 2024 £ - - - - - - - |
Income £ 7,512 Income £ 10,192 15,501 2,415 6,199 17,500 640 52,447 |
Expenditure £ (15,056) Expenditure £ (5,437) (8,994) (2,415) (6,199) (17,500) (640) (41,185) |
Transfers £ 11,262 Transfers £ (4,755) (6,507) (11,262) |
At 5 April 2025 £ 42,763 At 5 April 2025 £ - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Port Talbot Civic Centre: funding to support delivery/activities at the centre (incl. associated equipment).
Swansea Bay University Health Board: funding supporting community/education or wellbeingrelated activity delivery.
Mynydd y Betws Community Benefit Fund: support for the outdoor classroom / outdoor learning improvements.
Glantawe Riverside Park: support for environmental/park improvements and community access.
Moondance Foundation: support for community programming or site-based activities.
Neath Port Talbot Community Prosperity Fund: supports healthy, safe and inclusive communitybased activities.
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The Pontardawe Arena
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued}
Year ended 5 April 2025
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year |
Unrestricted funds 5 April 2025 £ 24,875 19,388 (1,500) 42,763 |
Unrestricted funds 5 April 2024 £ 15,865 25,021 (1,841) 39,045 |
|---|---|---|
15. Financial instruments
The company currently holds no financial instruments.
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