Bridge Centre Trust (A company limited by guarantee) Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Charity Number. 1111256 Company Number.. 5337394
Bridge Centre Trust Contents Page Legal and Administrative Information Trustees Annual Report Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements
Bridge Centre Trust Legal and Administrative Information status The organisalion is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 19 January 2005 and regisleied as a charity on 12 Septernber 2005. The company is established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charilable company and is govemed by its Articles of Association. The articles were amended by special resolution dated 23 September 2005. The members of the Gompany agree to a maximum liability of £1 each in the event of the company being wound up with insufficient funds. Should there be any surplus funds on the winding up of the company then this shall not be distributed to the mernbers but lo another charity with similar objectives. Under those Articles, the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of three years. one third retiring each year bul eligible for re-election. Directors and Trustees The directors of the charitable cornpany (the charty) are il's truslees for the purpose of charity law and through out this report are collectively referred to as the trustees. The Iruslees serving during the year and sin 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 Stoke on Trent ST2 8DD Independent Examiners BK Plus Limited Adventure Place, Hanley Stoke on Trent ST13AF Bankers Solicltors The Royal Bank of Scotland Trinity Parade Trinily Street Hanley Stoke on Trent ST15SL Arthur Boulton & Son 24 Market Place Burslem Stoke orb Trent ST6 4AX
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees present their report along with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial st31ernents have been prepared in accordance wlh the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's fvlemorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011.the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on lo July 2014. Management and governance arrangements The Bridge Centre Trusl is a company limited b'/ guarantee govemed by its memorandu 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 lo invite other directors to join if it so desires. 11 also has the ability to Co-opt any other merr,ber5 With special skills. The board is responsible for overseeing the financia,, situation, propriety, and direction and policy of the Trust. The board meets al least 6 tsmes per year. Organisation The board was involved in all day to day operats'ons during the year. The Trust employs a Centre Manager lo manage the day to day apera.:ions. The Centre Manager is responsible lo the board The Centre manager has certain desegatod po¥Ners and authority which are regularly revieiNed. The Trust board has given delegated authority lo tle chairman to incur costs up lo a ipecifiJd level under certain situations All other expenditure decision) are referred lo the board Risk management The committee acliiJely review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe th31 maintaining reSrVeS al the current levels. combi57ed WTtr, ap, annual rtsiiiew of the controls over key financial iyslems. will providts sufticienl resources in t.2 erfent of advers conditions Tne committee haile also examined other operational and business risks faced by Ihe charity and confirm that they haiie established system5 to mitigate the significant riiks. Objectives The objectives a as follows". a) lo promote tho benalit of the inhabitants of the area by associating logekner the local inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and olhar organisalions in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreatKin and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the condition5 of life of the said inhabitantJ. bl to relieve persons who are in conditioY of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and lo relieve the distress caused thereby within the area of benefit. cl to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of children and young people, particularly those bvho are disadvantaged. dl to establish or secure the establishment of a communibi centre and to manage and maintain the same and lo do 311 SUGh things as are usually carried out in such a centre in knrlherance of thèse aims. These are fulfilled by Ih) following broad strategies. al The creation and management of a community resource enabling a wide range of groups lo have access lo sporting, social, and cullural facilities bl The encouragement of enterprise through the creatson of 8,500 sq ft of office and work space, and the linking of such enterprises with other support Service providers cl By making a range of f3cilities especially aiiailable to young people and the elderly.
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 Public benefit In shaping our objectives and plannin9 our activities. the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit Achievements This year has been as popular as everwith a whole host of community groups offering advice. support and aclivilies to the local and wider community. The Bridge Centre assists these groups by providing a free, warm and inviting space where people feel welcome and safe. Without the use of our facilits'es the majority of these groups would find it difficult to operate The groups operating from the centre are fully inclusive, there 15 something for everyone and every age group ranging from babies to the elderly. There are mother and baby groups, some offering particular areas of support, craft and art groups. exercise and wellbeing groups. groups for peaple with specific illnesses or conditions, social groups. groups such as Mothers Mind. Stoke & Staffs Down Syndrome Social Group, Phab Free Wheelers. Rising Stars, the list goes on. Birches Head Gel Growing have continued with their activities at the Bridge Centre as well as introducing more groups and seasonal events which are open to the whole community. Christmas in particular was a spectacular time with Santa's Sleigh doing a tour of the local neighbourhood, giving away presents as wel5 as a Christmas film and carol event. These events bring together families, many of which have never visited the centre before. Through BHGG working wlh the Hubb Foundation we have been able to provide the space and facilihes for them to put on children's play sessions during the school holidays. these events provide free play and craft sessions along with a ftee lunch. This has proved very popular and has helped those families who find il difficult to entertain and feed their children during the holidays due to the pressures of unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis. Ditch the Tech is a new group. The group encourages families to come together and play game5 providing them with an alternative to the TV and gaming which can leave children quite isolated and vulnerable to bullying and other risks associated with social media. They continue lo operate fare share groups per week. Local supermarkets provide food close to sell by date for them to give away to those in need. The polycrub and growing area set up on our premises last year is now thriving, producing many varieties of ftesh produce which increases the volume of food they are abSe to give away. As well as being able to provide additional food, this area provides a place for people to be educated to grow their own food whilst volunteering for the organisation. The oncè-a-monlh events where food, clothing, toys and household items are given away. emergency food packs are provided, air fryers and food vouchers are made available lo those in desperate need. BHGG is run by volunteers, their motto is 'kindness is our currencf. Everything is free and in return they ask that people donate their lime lo volunteer where possible. Through the various groups they have been able to offer support to many people. Where they cannot offer resolutions themselves through Iheir networking with other groups. they can sign post people to those organisations that can.
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 Achievements - continued Some of the new groups that have joined us this yoar are the Patient Participation Group, a group where people have been able lo air their views and concerns regarding a local doctorfs practice_ The findings have been cammuii ical#d back lo the practice which enables them lo improve their patient outcomes. Music. Move, Balance & Strength, an exercise class for tnose that would be unable to lake part in a regular exercise class, people with a disability thoie recoveiing from surgery or illness or the elderly. Phab Freewheelers is a social group for wheelchair users. Rising Stars is a youth group for young people with special needs. The office sp8ce we offer on a monthly licence basii is al ftjll capacity with Best Wishes by K and Accountancy Teaching Academy IATA) Ltd joining us this year. This year is one in bvhich we have seen a further conJolidation in Ouf community involvement with even more events and support ta'King place here at tne Centre. Financlal review. The Trust continues to operate a tight control over current exoe,Iditure and closely monitors the volatilily of utility prices which have an important effact on the over all costs of the cenlre. This prudent approach has enabled the Trust lo continue our wor'K of ITI Iprovemeqts in the fabric ol the building and enabSed an expaniion in the support vie have been aol2 to ofper to the cemrriunily saryices pro%iided by our partner organiaalior,s Al the year ep,d the charity had raseNes of £857,57812Q24 £869,812) the amount relaling lo Ihe reslricled fundi being £201,599 12024 £208.1021 The 3Touor of the reserves is effectivel represented in the value of the centre without which the charibi would be ur.able to meet its objectives. The Cenlfe has a high level of occupancy or our business units, and the evidence give5 every expectation that this will continue for the forthcoming Jear. Our confwk encing business has conlinued to davelop and continues lo make a solid and significant conlllbulior.. to the Centre income and fcalurned to a level in line with our historical results. The Trust works acts"v>ly to ensiJra tb,at our offer to our clients is in line with current trends and expectations lo maintain this elAment Oi our operations. Th- year coverod bj these accounts ha> bean one wth a high level of expenditure on fepairs, renewals, and capital insiestment to m3in.tain the Centre in first class condition. This wa5 anticipated as the Trust moves towa',ds 20 lears of operation and has been budgeted for. Reserves Policy Reserve poliof Is to hold enough reserves to meet the current budget in order lo ensure the ongoing operation of the ch3rities activities. This is reviewed regularly al the cornmitlee meetings. Acknowledgements These financial statements set out the resulis of the year but do not reflect the considerable and vital support given to the Trust bil all connected wth the charity, such support is vital for the charity lo function successfully. Investment Policy The Trust invests any surplus fttnds in interest bearing deposit accounts
Bridge Centre Trust Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 Future Plans The volatilily of energy prices had depressed the results for the last few years and 15 a significant cost for the Trust. There has been an impfovemenl in the stability of these prices which is encouraging for the future. The Irusl is continuing to plan for the creation of extra facilities that we can offer lo our partners and is also undergoing an in-depth review of renewals and Ltpgrades which wll enhance the sustainability. enhanced security. and enjoyment of the project for our customers and partners. Following the upgrades to the internal Wi-Fi system and the Centre web sile, the Trust is undertaking a major improvement to the centre by bringing the old redundant Boiler house area into useful Community use. This will include new meeting and graup rooms, together wth new toilet facilities. This is expected to be operational in February 2026. This project will be funded 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 directars prepare financial statements for each financial year to gThie a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date, of its incoming resourcés and application of those resources, including income and expenditure, for the year. In preparing those stalemenls, the board has selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consislenlly, made judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent and prepared the financial slatements on a going concern basis, reflecting the charitable companvs increasing success. The Iruslees acknowledge responsibility for mainlaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them lo ensure that finarncial statements comply with the Cornpanies 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, directors for the purpose of cornpany law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year are set out on page 1, Members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the company in the event of winding up. The number of such guarantees al 31 March 2025 was 5. This report was approved by the management committee and signed on its behalf by: Mr A R Leake Date.. J7-AJd 20-Lg
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Bridge Centre Trust I report on the accoun18 of the Charity for tne yeai ended 31 March 2025 which are sel out on pages 7 10 14. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charilii'> Irustecjs of Ine Company (and also ils directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act'}. Having s3tisfied m Jself that the accounli of the C(Hnpany are not required to be audited under Part 18 01 the 2006 Act and are eligible for independc*nl examination. I report. in respect of my examination of your charily's accounts as carried out up,der section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act'}. In -arrying OUF my examinalion I haile follo¥4iiJd th- Direciions given by the Charity Commission under seclion 145f51 Ibl of the 2011 Act. Independ&nt èxaminer's statement Since the Comp2ny's gro4S income exCeded £2DO,OOa yoJi r examiner must be a member of a bodii listed in seciiorn 145 of the 2Q11 Act. I confirn tlal l am qualified lo undertake the ex8minalion becaiJse l am a membar of The Associa:iari of Chartered Certified Accountants. i•Jhich is one of the listed bodies. I have CoMpltad my examillaiion. I conftm that no mall£xf> haiie come lo my attention in connection wilry Ihe &xa.niqaiiOn giving nè caiJse lo b-liave.. ac¢ounling racords yitsre not kepi in respect of the Company as fequirrd by section 386 of tb.e 2008 Act. or 2. the accounts do nct accord with those records.. or 3. Ihe accounts do not comply viith the accounling rtsquifemenls of section 396 of the 2006 Act other Ihan any requirement th3t the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not 8 matter coniidered a5 parl of an independent examination., or 4. the accounts haiJe not been prepared in aCordanCe with the methods and principles of Ihe Stalemenl of Recommended Practice for accoun:ing and reporting by c'narilies lapplicable lo charitie preparing their acoUnt$ in accordan vrith the Financial R-porting S+aidaid applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come acro)8 no other mallers in cop,nection iijiih the examination lo vhich allenlion shodld be drawn in this report in order lo enab5e a Dropr understanding oi the accoullls lo be reached. Signed: Dated. Mr K Sall FCCA BK Plus Limited Chartered Certified Accounlanls Adventure Place Hanley ST1 3AF
Bridge Centre Trust statement of Financial Activities { including Income & Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2025 2025 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds Unrestricted Notes Funds Restricted Funds Income Donations 31,228 31,228 33,483 Grants receivable InGome from chantable aGtivities_' Rental income and recharges Cafe and catering income 265,838 53,185 265,838 53,185 253,793 64,973 Inveslment income other incoming reSoUS 1.949 1.949 1,852 137 Total Income 352,200 352,200 354,238 Expenditure Expenditure on Ghan-table activities.. Premises running costs Cafe and Gatering costs Donations made 7 323,373 34,558 6,503 329,876 34.558 304,304 46,549 450 Total expenditure 357.931 6.503 364,434 351,303 Net income (5,731) 16,5031 {12,2341 2,935 Gross transfers between funds 17 Net movement in funds {5,7311 {6.5031 (12,2341 2,935 ReconGiliation of funds Total funds at 1 Apri5 2024 Total funds 8131 March 2025 661.710 655,979 208.102 201.599 869.812 857,578 806,877 869,812 The statement of financial activities includes all gain5 and losses recognisèd in the year. The incoming resources and resources expended derive from conlinuing operations. None of the charitable company's activities were acquired or discontinued during the above Iwo financial years. The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these accounts.
Bridge Centre Trust Balance Sheet as at 31 Ivlarch 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets for use by the charity Tangible assets 11 522.501 537,922 Current assets Slock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 50 38,064 327,280 365.400 50 28,131 341,804 369.985 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current {liabilitiesl l assets 14 30.323 38,095 335,077 331,890 Total assets less current liabilities 857.578 869,812 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets 857,578 869,812 The funds of the charity Restricted funds Unreslricled funds Total charity funds For the year ended 31 March 2025 the company waJ entitled to exempkn-on from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. No member of the company has deposited a notice. pursuant to section 470, requiriag an audit of these financial statements under the requirernents of the Companies Act 2006. 201,599 6i5,979 8i7,578 208,102 681.710 889,812 17 The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for. lil ensuring the company keeps accounting records which cornplij Yiith Section 386. and lill preparing accounts which give a true and Tair vievi of the slate of affairs of the company as al the end ol the financial year, and of its profit or loss lor the financial year, in accordance with the requirements ol Section 394 and 39i, and which otherwise comply with the requiremellts of the Comp3nies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable lo the company These financial 51atemenls have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject lo the small companie5 regime and in accordance with FRS 102 Section 1 A - small entities. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the directors and signed on thelr behalf by: Mr A R Learfe Company Number: 5337394
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting polT¢ies Accountlng convention The accounts Ifinancial $12temenlsl have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised al cosl or transaGlion value unless otherwise stated in the relevant nolels} to these accounts. The financial 51atemenls have been prepared in accordance wth the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {FRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. The INst conslitules a public benefil entity as defined by FRS 102. Incoming re50urces Voluntary income is received by way of donations and glls and is included in full in the Slalement of Financial Activities when receivable. The value of setvices provided 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. I ncoming resources from investments are included when receivable. Resources expended and basis of allocation of G05ts All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs that relate to the calegory. 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 contribute Fixed assets and depreciation All purchases of a capital nature are capitali5ed at cost. Depreciation 15 provided at lates calculated to write off the cost of each tangible fixed asset over its expected useful life as follows Land and buildings Property fixtures and fittings Furniture Equipment straight line over 50 years slraighl line over 50 years 25% reducing balance 25% reducing balance and 25 /0 straight line Unrestricted funds Unff slricted funds are donalions and other incoming resources receivable or generated for Ihe objects of the charily without further specified purpose and are available as general funds. Designated funds Designated funds are unrestricted funds eam)arked by the management comrnitlee for particular purwses. Restricted funds Reslricled funds are lo be used for specified purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged lo the fund.
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 2 Donations Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 Sundry Donations 31,228 31,228 33,483 31,228 31.228 33,483 3 Grants receivable Unrestri¢ted Restricted 2025 2024 No grants received this year 4 Investment income Unrestricted Restricled 2025 2024 UK interest received 1,949 1,949 1,852 1,949 1.949 1,859 5 Taxation The charitable CGmpaniJ is exempt from corporal"'on tax on its ch.aritabla actiVTlies. 6 Allocation of support costs and overheads All costs during the year are directly altribulable to activities and therefore no allocation has been ¥equirtsd. 10
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 7 Analysis of charitable expenditure The charity has only one charitable acltvity being the provision of on site facilitie5 for the local community. The expense analysis is shown below '. Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 Wages and Salaries Staff training Rates Insurance Repairs 2nd maintenance Heal and light Cleaning and waste disposal Stationery and postage Computer running expenses Telephone Legal and professional fees Bank charges Sundries Accountancy fees Advertising Depreciation Bad debt 107,406 334 13.257 13,727 66.059 55.644 23,228 1.140 410 4,160 1,774 1.183 179 3.000 3.359 28.513 107,406 334 13,257 13,727 66.059 55,644 23,228 1,140 410 4,160 1,774 1,183 179 3,000 3,359 35,016 98,418 60 10.512 12,650 40,830 84.568 11,988 869 868 3,584 924 950 161 2.200 6,503 35,722 323,373 6,503 329.876 304,304 Cafe and catering costs Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 Catering and café supplies Wages and salaries 34.558 34,558 46,549 34,558 34,558 46,549 9 Donatlons made Unrestricted Restri¢ted 2025 2024 Local charity donations 450 450
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 10 Staff costs 2025 2024 Gross wages and salaries Employers national insurance Pension costs - defined contribution scheme 100,180 2,200 5,026 93,477 2,085 107,406 98,418 Average number of employees 11 Tangible fixed assets Property fixiures and Land and fittings EquipFnent buildings Furniture Total Cost At 1 April 2024 Addition¥ Disposals 112,264 260.209 19,595 130,081 776,189 1,278,743 19,595 Al 31 M3"Ich 2025 112.?64 279.804 130,081 776,189 1,298,338 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the Year Disposals 104,815 1,862 244,467 13.902 117,927 3,728 273,612 15,524 705.101 35,016 Al 31 March 2025 106,677 258.369 121,655 289,136 775,837 Net book value Al 31 Merch 2025 5.587 21,435 8.426 487,053 522,501 Al 1 April 2024 7,449 The charity's property was purchased from Stoke on Trent City Council. The property was sold Tor the purposes which were covered in the plannin9 pennission, that of being used for r>crealional facilities, a worship cenlre, community facilities, enterprise units and offices. Within the pur-hase document were conditions relats'ng lo buyback clauses if the Trust Failed lo ach.ieve certain goals related lo these planning conditions. The Trust ha5 agreed to a number of covenanLS which last for 21 years from the completion of the development. The rnain covenants granted are as follows". the property musk only be used lo provide a worship cenlre, community facilities. an enterprise centre or offices. that the sports courts are to be used for pcreatianal facilitses. Should the sports court covenant be breached then the council have the fight lo repurthase them for £1. 15,742 12,1?4 502,577 537,922 12
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 12 Capital commitments At the year end the charity had no capital commitments. 13 Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayments Gift aid monies due Other debtors 27.248 9.883 630 303 13,668 9.137 630 4,696 28,131 38,064 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Rental deposit bonds Taxation and social security other creditors and accruals 13,869 9,742 2,722 3.990 21,288 9.356 2.677 4,774 38,095 30.323 15 Contingent liabilitles The charity r1Ved a grant of £245,000 from the North Staffs Regeneratk)n Zone. This grant is subject to certain conditions relating lo the ongoing provision of enteriSe 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 regulady 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 balance8 as at 31 March 2025 are represented by= Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Long term liabilities 320.902 365.400 (30.323} 201.599 522,501 365,400 130,3231 Total net assets 655,979 201,599 857,578 13
Bridge Centre Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Asat 1 April 2024 Asat 31 March 2025 Incoming resources Outgoing resources Transfers 17 Movements In funds Unrestricted funds: General fund 661,710 352.200 357.931 655,979 Total UnrestrTCted funds 661,710 352.200 357.931 655.979 Restricted funds Premises faciliti/ improvement fund Premises purchase and refurb';shmenl Birches Head site 208.102 6,503 201,599 Total restricted funds 208,102 6.503 201.599 364,434 857,578 Total funds 869.812 352,200 Fund details Birches H8ad Site. The fund r"pre5enls gifts whi¢h were received Specifically to be used to purchase the propety and lo fund Ihe relurbishimani of ita communitii cenfrie This is currently the only sita owned and oper31ed by the charity. Premises Facility Improvement F14nd The fund represents gi"iÈS vihich were received specifically to be used for facility improvement as specified bij the particular donor. Fund transfers No transfers were made beiween funds in the year. 14