Bridge Centre Trust (A company limited by guarantee) Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Charity Number: 1111256 Company Number: 5337394
Bridge Centre Trust Contents Page Legal and Administrative Information Trustees Annual Report Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activrties Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements
Bridge Centre Trust Legal and Administrative Information Status The organisatiC*n is a charitable company limiied by guarantee, incorporated on 19 January 2005 and registered as a charity on 12 September 2005. The company is established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is govemed by Èts Articles of Association. The artICS were amended by special resolution dated 23 September 2005. The members of the company agree to a maximum liability of £1 each in the event of the company being wound up wrth insufficient funds. Should there be any surplus funds on the winding up of the company then this shall not be distributed to the members but to another charity with similar objectives. Under those Articles, the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a pertod of three years, one third retiring each year but eligible for re-election. Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable company (the charty) are it's trustees for the purpose of charity law and through out this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. The trustees serving during the year and since the year end were as follows = Mr A R Leake- Chairman Mr J Machin Mr R Phillips Mrs E Owen Mr D Phillips Registered office The Bridge Centre Birches Head Road Birches Head Sloke on Trent ST2 8DD Independent Examiners BK Plus Limited Adventure Place, Hanley stoke on Trent ST13AF Bankers Soltcitors The Royal Bank of Scotland Trinity Parade Trinity Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST15SL Arthur Boulton & Son 24 Market Pla Burslem stoke on Trent ST6 4AX
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 lo the accounts and comply with the charitys Memorandum and Articles of Association. the Charities Act 2011,the Companies Act 2006 and the Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 Juty 2014. Management and governance arrangements The Bridge Centre Trust is a company limiled by guarantee govemed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is registered as a charity with the charity commission. The Trust has a board which comprises currently of 5 Directors. The board is free to invite other directors to join if it so desires. It also has the ability to Co-opt any other members with special skills. The board is responsible for overseeing the financial situation. propriety. and direction and policy of the Trust. The board meets at leasl 6 time5 per year. Organisation The board was involved in all day to day operations during the year. The Trust employs a Centre Manager to manage the day to day operations. The Centre Manager is responsible to the board. The Centre manager has certain delegated powers and authority which are regularly reviewed. The Trust board has given delegated authorrty to the chairman to incur costs up to a specified level under certain situations. All other expenditure decisions are referred to the board. Risk management The committee actively review the major risks which the charty faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining reserves at the current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial syslems, will provide SLrfficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The committee have also examined other operational and business risks faced by the charity and confimi that they have eslablished systems lo mitigate the significant risks. Objectives The objectives are as follows.. a) to promote the benefit of the inhabttants of the area by associating together the local inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a Common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the condilions of life of the said inhabitants. b) to relieve persons who are in condition of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby within the area of benefit. c) to promote the physical. intellectual and social development of children and young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged. d) to establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to manage and maintain the same and to do all such things as are usually carried out in such a centre in furtherance of these aims. These are fulfilled by the following broad strategies. a) The creation and management of a community resource enabling a wide range of groups to have access to sporting, social, and cultural facilities b) The encouragement of enterprise through the creation of 8,500 sq ft of Offi and work space. and the linking of such enterprises with other support service providers. c) By making a range of faciif(ies especialty available to young people and the elderly.
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Public benefit In shaping our objectives and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Achievements The need for community space is increasing year on year wrf(h various community groups wanting to help and support those in our communrty who are struggling with a whole host of issues affecting their day-to- day lives. The Bridge Centre has been able to help a number of these groups by providing accommodation for them to meet. A wam room with refreshments is very often all that is needed for a group to thrive. Without these basic facilrties many of these groups would be unable to operate. All our community rooms have good disability access, which is also a major factor for some of those attending, particularly the MS Society which is a support group for those with MS. We have a substantial number of groups that use our facilities year on year offering a whole host of support to mothers, babies, families, the elderly, those with physical and learning disabilities, cancer support. loneliness. the list goes on. Just Family, Family Focus, Mothers Mind, Pink Sislers, St Johns Drop In, Tesco Retirement Group, Sporty Seniors to name but a few. Birches Head Get Growing has had a positive impact on our community since they started using our facilities in 2021. They purely rely on volunteers to run the various groups they offer. The aim of the group was to teach people how to grow their own food so that they could be self-SLrfficient. The area of land at The Bridge Centre that was set aside for them to grow their project has now been developed and houses a Polycrub as well as raised beds which not only give people the opportunity to learn how to grow food but the food produced is given away to those in need at their Fare Share breakfast which they run twice a week from the Bridge Centre as well as a monthly Fare Share event where people can bring items to swap, give their time as a volunteer orjust come along and take what they need. In the Autumn of 2023, an Autumn Festival was held for people in our community to come along and get involved in various activrties. In the lead up to the event it was advertised for people to build a scarecrow to display in their gardens with a scarecrow trail and prizes on the day, this was an enormous success in getting people to engage from the local housing estate. Christmas came along shortly after with an even bigger Christmas film event closely followed by a Santa Visit to the surrounding area giving away selection boxes to the local children. The Bridge Centre was able to support these events by offering accommodation, refreshments, a number of selection boxes and our staff s support. Towards the end of the year a Creche was started for preschool chiklren & their parents, Kiddies Club later renamed as Little Growers. The group enables children & parents to come together for support and activities all free of charge, which is a major factor in our community where families are struggling with the ever-increasing costs. Two students were offered a placement with Birches Head Get Growing. to enable them to do this the Bridge Centre provided them with office space during the duration of the placement. Both girls completed the placement with flying colours and were able to go on and continue their studies to be soctal workers. Another charity who has benefited hugely from our facilities is Deaflinks Staffordshire. They came to the centre in 2022 to rent office space whilst they were waiting for the sale of their new premises to go through, however the sale never materialised. They have continued to rent office space as well as continuing their work with the deaf community by using our facilities to put on BSL classes, social groups, an information acces5 event, energy workshops all for those who are deaf or hard of hearing and struggle to access the day to day facilities of a hearing person.
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Achievements- Continued One of the biggest achievements this year is that using our facilities these groups have been able to network and are now working together and helping each other. As well as the groups that have continued to use our faciltties. we have been able to offer facilities to many other groups all which support those in our community in one way or another. These include the Foster Carers Association, Read Easy. Udallsfield Allotmenl Association, Raising Voices, Talk & Change, North Staffs Wellbeing College. Total Stoked is operated by VAST and helps to develop the local Voluntary. Communty & Social Enterprise sector. They encourage people and organisations to share their time. skills, equipment. and resources to support Voluntary, community & Social Enterprises in our city. This year the Bridge Centre won an award "Biggest Giverf in recognition for OLFr work wth various community groups we have supported. Financial review. The Trust continues to operate a tight control over current expenditure and closely monitors Ihe volatility of utility prices which have an important effect on the overall costs of the centre. This prudenl approach has enabled the Trust to continue our Work of improvements in the fabric of the building and enabled an expansion in the support we have been able to offer to the community senrices provided by our partner organisations. At the year end the charity had reserves of £869.812 {2023 £866,877) the amount relating to the restricted funds being £208,102 (2023 £214,605). The amount of the reserves is effectively represented in the value of the centre without which the charty would be unable to meet its objectives. The Centre has a high level of occupancy of our business units, and the evidence gives every expectation that this will continue for the forthcoming year. Our conferencing business has continued to develop and continues to make a solid and significant contribution to the Centre income in line with our historical results, though the structure and make up of that business has changed post covid. The TrLtst works actively to ensure that our offer to our clients is in line wtth current trends and expectations to maintain this element of our operations. Reseprfes Policy Reserve policy is to hold enough reserves to meet the current budget in order lo ensure the ongoing operation of the charrties activities. This is reviewed regularty at the committee meetings. Acknowledgements These financial statements set out the results of the year but do not reflect the considerable and vital support given to the Trust by all connected with the charity. such support is vital for the charity to function successfully. Investment Policy The Trust invests any surplus funds in interest bearing deposit accounts.
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Future Plans The volatility of energy prices had depressed the results for the last few years, but an improvement in the stability of these prices is encouraging for the future. The trust is continuing to plan for the creation of extra facilities that we can offer to our partners and is also undergoing an in-depth review of renewals and upgrades which will enhance the sustainability. er)hanced securiiy, and enjoyment of the project for our customers and partners. Upgrades to the internal Wi-Fi access have been completed, and the Centre web srte is undergoing a revamp. 11 is anticipated that this wide-ranging project will be completed within budget years 2024- 2025 and 2025- 2026. The intention is to fund this from income and reserves, and to ensure that the centre maintains the hard-won reputation for quality, value. and community benefit, that the Trust and our staff have worked so hard over the years. Statement of trustees responsibilities Company law requires that the directors prepare financial statements for each financial year to give a true and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date. of its incoming resources and appli¢ation of those resources, including income and expenditure, for the year. In preparing those statements, the board has selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently, made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent and prepared the financial statements on a going con¢em basis, reflecting the charitable companWs increasing success. The trustees acknowledge responsibilty for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that financial stalements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have also safeguarded the assets of the charitable company and taken reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud or other irregularities. Members of the board Members of the board, director5 for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law. who seNed during the year are set out on page 1, Members of the charttable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the company in the event of windin9 up. The number of such guarantees at 31 March 2024 was 5. Thls report was approved by the management committee and signed on its behalf by: Mr A R Leake Date..
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Bridge Centre Trust I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 14. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company land also its directors for the purposes of company law} you are responsible for Ihe preparation of the accounts in accordance the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having salisfied 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 examinalion of your Gharity's accounts as carried oul 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 examinerfs statement Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confimi that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matter5 have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act., or 2. the accounts do not ac¢ord those records. or 3. Ihe accounts do not comply wth the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any reqL*irement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination- or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wth the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities lapplicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance wth Ihe 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 rea¢hed. Signed.. VMI,IV Dated.. Mr K Salt FCCA BK Plus Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Adventure Place Hanley ST1 3AF
Bridge Centre Trust Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets for use by the charity Tangible assets 11 537,921 566,423 Current assets Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 50 28,131 341,805 369,986 50 23,781 317,385 341,216 13 Creditors". amounts falling due within one year Net Current {liabilitie$) l assets 14 38,095 40,762 331,891 300,454 Total assets less Current liabilities 869,812 866,877 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets 16 869,812 866,877 The funds of the charity . Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total Charity funds 208.102 661,710 869,812 214.605 652,272 866,877 17 For the year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. No member of the company has deposited a notice. pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for= (i) ensuring the company keeps accounting records which compty with Section 386., and (li) preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year, and of its proftt or loss for the financial year. in accordance with the requirements of Section 394 and 395. and which otherwise Comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts. so far as applicable to the company. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS 102 Section 1A - small entities. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the directors and signed on their behalf by: MrA R Leake Date.. Company Number: 5337394
Bridge Centre Trust Statement of Financial Activities ( including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Unrestricted Notes Funds Restricted Funds Income Donations 33,483 33.483 29,503 Grants receivable Income fmm Ghan"table activities." Rental income and recharges Cafe and catering income 253,793 64,973 253.793 64.973 240,688 47,707 Investment income Other incoming resources 1,852 137 1,852 137 598 Total income 354,238 354,238 318,496 Expenditure Expendilure on charilable activities.. Premises running costs Cafe and catering costs Donations made 7 297,801 46.549 450 6.503 304,304 46,549 450 285,805 33,202 Total expenditure 344.800 6.503 351.303 319,007 Net income 9,438 (6.503) 2.935 1511) Gross transfers between funds 17 Net movement in funds 9,438 {6,503) 2,935 {5111 Reconciliation of funds Tolal funds at 1 April 2023 Total funds at 31 March 2024 652,272 661,71 214,605 208,102 866,877 869,812 867,388 866,877 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The incoming resources and resources expended derive from conts'nuing operations. None of the charitable company's activities were acquired or discontinued during the above two financial years. The notes on pages 9 to 14 fomi part of these accounts.
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies Accounting convention The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notels) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wth the Statement of Recommended Practice-. Ac¢ounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reportin9 Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of SreSand (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. Incoming resources Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Ststement of Financial Activities when receivable. The value of services prowded by volunteers has not been included. Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable. Incoming resources from investments are included when receivable. Resources expended and basis of allocation of costs All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been dassified under headings that aggregate all costs that relate to the category. Allocation of overhead and support costs. Allocation and support costs have been allocated on an allocation basis which is considered appropriate to the nature of the cost as shown in note 6. Cost of generating funds Fundraising expenditure comprises costs incurred in inducing people and organisations to contribule Fixed assets and depreciation All purchases of a capital nature are r2Pitalised at cost. Depreciation is provided at rates calGulated to write off the cost of each tangible fixed asset over its expected useful life as follows Land and buildings Property fixtures and ftttings Furniture Equipment straight line over 50 years straight line over 50 years 25Oh reducing balance 25 % reducing balance and 25% straight line Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources receivable or generated for the objects of the charity wthout further specified purpose and are available as general nds. Designated funds Designated funds are unrestricted funds eamiarked by the management committee for particular purposes. Restricted funds Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these Griteria is ¢harged to the fund.
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 2 Donations Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 Sundry Donations 33,483 33,483 29,503 33.483 33,483 29,503 3 Grants receivable Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 No grants received this year 4 Investment income Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 UK interest received 1,852 1,852 598 1,852 1,852 598 S Taxation The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax on its Gharitable actiwties. 6 Allocation of support costs and overheads All costs during the year are directly attr1bUtae to activities and therefore no allocation has been required. 10
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 7 Analysis of charitable expenditure The charity has only one charltable activrty being the provision of on srie facilities for the local community. The expense analysis is shown below '. Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 Wages and Salaries staff training Rates Insurance Repairs and maintenance Heat and light Cleaning and waste disposal Stationery and postage Computer running expenses Telephone Legal and professional fees Bank charges Sundries Accountancy fees Depreciation Bad debt 98.418 60 10.512 12,650 40.830 84,568 11.988 869 868 3.584 924 950 161 2,200 29,219 98,418 60 10.512 12.650 40.830 84,568 11,988 869 868 3,584 924 950 161 2,200 35,722 93,055 190 19,477 12,995 56,189 49,131 4,033 2,193 889 4,037 924 921 758 2,000 38,741 292 6,503 297,801 6.503 304,304 285,805 8 Cafe and catering costs Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023 Catering and café supplies Wages and salaries 46,549 46.549 33,202 46,549 46,549 33,202 9 Donations made Unrestricted Rostricted 2024 2023 Local charity donations 450 450 450 450 11
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 10 Staff costs 2024 2Q23 Gross wages and salaries Employers national insurance Pension costs- defined contribution scheme 93,477 2,856 2.085 88,567 2,580 1,908 98,418 93,055 Average number of employees 11 Tangible fixed assets Property fixtures and Land and fittings Equipment buildings Furniture Total Cost At l April 2023 Additions Disposals 112,264 260,209 122,862 7,220 776,189 1,271,524 7,220 At 31 March 2024 112,264 260,209 130,082 776,189 1,278,744 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the Year Disposals 102,332 2,483 229.876 14.592 114,804 3,123 258.089 15.524 705,101 35,722 At 31 March 2024 104,815 244,468 117,927 273.613 740,823 Net book value At 31 March 2024 7.449 15,741 12,155 502,576 537,921 At 1 April 2023 9.932 30.333 8.058 518,100 566,423 The charity's property was purchased from Stoke on Trent City Council. The property was sold for the purposes which were covered in the planning pemission. that of being used for recreational facilities. a worship centre, community facilities. enterprise units and offices. Within the purchase document were conditions relating to buyback clauses if the Trust failed to achieve certain goals related to these planning conditions. The Trust has agreed to a number of covenants which last for 21 years from the completion of the development. The main covenants granted are as follows.. the propety musl only be used to provide a worship centre, community facilities, an enterprise centre or Offi$. - that the spjrts o)urts are to be used for recreational facilities. Should the sports court covenant be breached then the council have the right to repurchase them for £1. 12
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 12 Capital commitments At the year end the charity had no capital commitments. 13 Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments Gift aid monies due Other debtors 13,668 9,137 630 4,696 28,131 14,749 8,040 630 362 23,781 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Rental deposit bonds Taxation and social security Other creditors and accrua15 21,288 9,356 2,677 4,774 38,095 10,784 8,162 12,452 9,364 40,762 15 Contingent liabilities The charity received a grant of £245,000 from the North Staffs Regeneration Zone. This grant is subject to certain conditions relating to the ongoing provision of enterprise and office space. Should the Trust breach these conditions in the future the North Staffs Regeneration Zone or its successors may request the repayment of all or part of this grant. The charge expires on the 30 January 2031. The Trustees regularly review the current status of the charity to ensure that grant conditions are complied with. General Restricted funds funds Total funds 16 Analysis of net assets between funds Fund balances as at 31 March 2024 are represented by= Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Long term liabilities 329,819 369,986 (38,095) 208.102 537,921 369,986 (38,095) Total net assets 661,710 208,102 869,812 13
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Asat 1 April 2023 Asat 31 March 2024 Incoming resources Outgoing resources 17 Movements in funds Transfers Unrestricted funds: General fund 652.272 354,238 344,800 661,710 Total Unrestricted funds 652.272 354,238 344,800 661,710 Restricted funds Premises facility improvement fund Premises purchase and refurbishment Birches Head site 214,605 6,503 208,102 Total restricted funds 214,605 208,102 Total funds 866,877 354,238 351,303 869,812 Fund details Birches Head Site. The fund represents gifts which were received specifically to be used lo purchase the property and to fund the refurbishment of its commurlity centre. This is currently the only site owned and operated by the charity. Premises Facility In7provemenf Fund The fund represents gifts which were received specifically to be used for facility improvement as specified by the particular donor. Fund transfers No transfers were made between funds in the year. 18 Related Party Transactions During the year. The charity bought goods to the value of £2,410 from LIDR a company in which Mr A R Leake (trustee) and Mrs E Owen (trustee} hold a significant interest. The goods were bought on an arms length basis. 14