Draft Financial Statements at 25 February 2025 at 08:05:13 

THE BREN PROJECT 

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 

- 2 - 

The trustees', who are also the directors for the purposes of company law present the annual report and financial 

statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the 

financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 

2006 and "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). 

Objectives and activities 

1. Background of the Charity 

The Bren Project is a Chester-based charity offering one-to-one supported work placements for people with learning 

disabilities and autism in Cheshire. We are a registered charity (1111644) and a company limited by guarantee 

(5551999). We were founded by Peter Sackett and Grant Wells in 2005, and project work began in 2007. Our 

Mission Statement is: "to develop the social, emotional and economic wellbeing of learning disabled and autistic 

people through personalised supported workplace opportunities in partnership with our local community." 



## 2. Who We Are 

We have a staff team of 6, comprised of a full-time Charity Manager, two part-time Bike Project Supervisors, two 

part-time Project Co-Ordinators and a part-time Administration Assistant. We also have a trained and dedicated 

team of sessional Job Coaches who support beneficiaries while on placement and 10 support volunteers who work 

with our beneficiaries in our social enterprise cycle workshop. We are based in the Live! New Scene Youth & 

Community Hub in Newton, Chester, where we have our office and Bren Bikes workshop. We are governed by a 

dedicated Trustee group comprised of 7 individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, with skills and experience in 

charity management, project management, disability services, marketing, graphic design, information technology, 

quality management, fundraising and education. Our Trustees have experience of managing organisations in the 

private and voluntary sectors and have the commercial awareness to oversee the charity’s activities and future 

development. 

## 3. Who We Support 

We work with people who have learning disabilities or autism from the age of 14 upwards, with no upper age limit. 

Our work includes young people who are experiencing the transition from education to employment, and those 

disabled adults seen as ‘hard-to-reach’, i.e. those excluded from mainstream provision and not accessing vocational 

support elsewhere. 

## 4. Our Bespoke Approach and Ethos 

We believe that everyone has the human right to work and engage in productive employment. In 2024, we continue 

to be the only organisation in Chester and the surrounding area that provides the person-centred, fully supported 



service that people need to adequately prepare for employment. We are very proud of our approach and confident 

that this is what makes the difference to the people that we support. We do not offer generic experiences. Instead, 

we work with individuals to research, identify and adapt their own placement, based on their own needs, skills and 

aspirations. Our philosophy is to view the supported employment process as a partnership between beneficiaries, 

parents/carers, schools, businesses, voluntary and community organisations, the public sector and other agencies, 

all of whom play their part in making the process a success. 

Draft Financial Statements at 25 February 2025 at 08:05:13 

THE BREN PROJECT 

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 

- 3 - 

## 5. Project Work 

Since our project delivery began in September 2007 we have: 

- worked with over 350 beneficiaries; 

- managed turnover totalling over £1,000,000; 

- received funding from more than 70 funding partners; 

- engaged with more than 160 employer partners in all three sectors; 

- fostered a wide range of project partners in a wide range of industries; 

- received 100% positive post-placement feedback from beneficiaries and their parents/carers. 

In setting its objectives, the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's guidance on 



public benefit. 

Achievements and performance 

Significant activities and achievements against objectives 

Key Areas of Work in 2024 

1. Internal placements. Bren bikes. 

Bren Bikes was developed in response to a recognised need on the part of our beneficiaries for pre-placement 

vocational training. 

The workshop has established itself as a trusted place for people to bring their bikes for servicing or to buy good 

value, expertly reconditioned second hand bikes. Not only does this contribute significantly to raising the charity’s 

profile in the local area but it also helps normalise neurodiversity in the workplace when the public sees 

beneficiaries at work in the workshop, performing important and meaningful roles. 

It continues to thrive and the enthusiasm of both employed staff and volunteers is a credit to them all. It remains 

key to the opportunities we can offer our beneficiaries. 

The charity continues to benefit from significant numbers of bikes donated by the public. These are reconditioned 

by staff, volunteers and beneficiaries and sold, to enjoy a new life. This is an important part of our income stream. 

In 2023, we offered 48 beneficiary placements at Bren Bikes, with 100% of our beneficiaries reporting and 

demonstrating an improvement in both their practical and soft skills. 

2. Delivery of External Placements 

Throughout 2023, we continued to offer our program of bespoke, supported work placements. We arranged 17 

external work placements in 2023, with 10 different placement providers across the private, public and voluntary 

sectors. 97% of our beneficiaries reported and demonstrated an improvement in their practical and soft skills at the 



end of their placement. 

## 3. Work with Schools 

In 2023, we continued to work in partnership with a number of schools in Chester and the surrounding area, to 

provide a program of supported work opportunities for selected students who would find it difficult to engage with 

the conventional opportunities the schools themselves are able to offer. Our education partners in 2023 included 

Archers Brook, Christleton High School, Chester Catholic High School, Upton High School and Maple Grove 

School. 

## 4. Fundraising 

The charity continued to use the services of a specialist charitable sector fundraising consultancy, on an intermittent 

basis. This approach freed up the Charity Manager’s time to concentrate on developing our plans for the launch of 

a second social enterprise. 

Draft Financial Statements at 25 February 2025 at 08:05:13 

THE BREN PROJECT 

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 

- 4 - 

## 5. Bren Bikes – Ellesmere Port 

We received 6 months grant funding from Healthbox CIC to provide refurbished bikes to residents of Ellesmere 

Port, which has proven to be extremely popular. The grant also included the provision of a weekly pop up hub, 



offering basic serving and maintenance of bikes. Overall, this partnership has worked well and there is potential of 

future joint working in the year ahead. 

## 6. Wellbeing Hub 

We launched our Wellbeing hub in the summer and this has proven to be extremely successful with our 

beneficiaries. Led by our Project Co-ordinator, we have seen consistently high numbers in attendance and some 

encouraging signs of soft skills development and friendships formed. This has been a great additional to offer to our 

beneficiaries, providing a more holistic service to our core offer. 

Small company provisions 

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small 

companies exemption. 

Financial review 

Income: 

We generated a total of £260,260 income in 2024. 

Expenditure: 

We have delivered our services as anticipated, to budget, taking into account the inyear changes to income which 

allowed us to increase our budget and expenditure accordingly. 

Our operating expenditure for 2024 stands at £222,826. 

Our balance of funds carried forward as at 31 December 2024 stands at £342,099. 

Reserves policy 

A balance of £342,099 is held as our reserve funds,all of which is unrestricted. This is in line with our policy of 

maintaining at least 6 months running costs at all times in case of issue or withdrawal from a major funder. We have 

also designated much of the reserves to a new project. 



Draft Financial Statements at 25 February 2025 at 08:05:13 

THE BREN PROJECT 

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 

- 5 - 

Plans for future periods 

Development plans in 2024. 

Looking forward to 2024 the Charity will: 

Continue to approach trusts and foundations to support our work; 

Continue to grow and develop Bren Bikes to provide opportunities for beneficiaries and, simultaneously, as 

a commercial business to increase income for the charity; 

Develop our relationships with schools in the area to provide specialist placements; 

Endeavour to conclude current, ongoing negotiations and launch our second social enterprise (Kingswood 

Café), in order to widen our offer to beneficiaries; 

Investigate the best model for the operational management of 2 social enterprises within the charity; 

Seek to establish and/or expand opportunities for pre-and post-placement support of beneficiaries; 



Develop our relationship with other funders to explore mutually beneficial partnerships and projects. 

Structure, governance and management 

The charity is a company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 1985 and controlled by its 

Memorandum and Articles of Association, . 

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to 

the date of signature of the financial statements were: 

Mr M I Shotton 

Mr B Harrington 

Mr D Atkinson 

Mr R Mayne 

Mr P Sackett 

Mr R Smith 

Mrs L Dooley 

Mrs D Piper 

Ms I Jones 

Recruitment and appointment of trustees 

Membership is open to individuals or organisations which apply to the charity in the form required by the trustees as 

set out in the governing document. All new staff shall follow the guidelines laid out in the recruitment and selection 

policy. 

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees. 

.............................. 

Mr B Harrington 



## Trustee 

Date: ............................................. 



Charlty reglstratlon number 1111644
Company reglstratlon number 05551999 IEngland and Wales)
THE BREfrI PROJECT
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

THE BREN PROJECT
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Truslee8
Mr M I Shotton
Mr B Harrtngion
Mr D Atkinson
Mr R Mayne
Mf R Smith
Mrs L Doolay
Mrs D PiFer
Charlty number
1111844
Company number
05551999
Prlnclpal addre66
New Scene Centre
Llmewood Clos8
Off Newton Lane
Chester
CH2 2HH
Reg18tered offl¢e
Cholmondeley House
Dee Hills Park
Chester
Cheshire
CH3 SAR
In(J8pendont oxamlner
James Harg￿aVe$ FCA
Cholmondeley House
Deè Hills Park
Chester
Cheshlre
CH3 SAR

THE BREN PROJECT
CONTENTS
Pag
Trustees, report
Independent examine¢s report
Slalement of financlal aclivilies
B8lance sheet
Notes to the financlal statements
9-16

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees,, who are also the diredors for the purposes of company law present the annu81 report and financial
statements for the year ended 31 Decèmber 2024.
Th6 financlal slalements have been prepared in accordanee with the accounts'ng policies Set out in note 1 to th8
rinandal statements and comply wth tha charity's Memorandum and Articles ol Association, the Companies Acl
2006 and A¢¢ounting and Reportlng by Charilies.. Slalement of Recommended Pra¢ti¢e applicable to chaiilies
preparlng Ihelr acLounts in accordance with thè Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland IFRS 1021" (effediv8 1 January 2019).
ObJectlv08 and aetlvltles
Background of the Charity
The Bren Projecl Is a Chester-based charity offering one-l&one supported work placemenls for people wllh learnlng
diBabllllies and autism In Cheshire. We are a registered charity 11111644) and a ￿rnPany limlled by guarantee
{55519991. We were founded by Peter Sackelt and Grant Wells in 2005. and project work began in 2007. Our
Ml851on St81ement is. lo develop the social. emotion81 and economic wellbeing of learnlng dlsabled and aullslic
people through personalSsed supported workplace opwtunilies In partnership wilh Our local community,
Who We Are
We have a 81aff team of 6. comprised of 8 fulklime Ch8rity Manager, fyvo part-time Blke Project Supervi8or8, two
part-lime Project Co-ordinators and a part-time Admlnistration Assistant. We also have a trained and dedi¢ated
team of sessional Job Coaches who 6UPPOrt bènèficiaries whlle on placement and 10 support volunteers who work
wlth our beneficiafies In our sod81 enterprise cycle WOTk$hop. We ar6 based Sn the Livel New Scene Youth &
Community Hub in Newton. Chester, where w6 have our office and Bren Blkes workshop. We are governed by a
dedicated Trustee group ¢ompfised of 7 individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, wlth skllls and experience in
charity management, project managemènt. disabilily seNlces. markeling. graphic design, Information le¢hnology,
qU81ily management, fundraising and education. Oui Trustees have experience of managing organisatlons in the
private and v(4untsry $e¢tor8 and have the commer¢ial awareness to oversee the charity'6 aclivilies and lulure
development.
Who We Support
We work wlth people who have learning disabilities or aulism from the age of 14 upwards, with no upper age limit.
Our work Includes young people who are experiencing the Iransilion from education lo employment, and Ihose
dlsabled adults seen as 'hard-to-reach'. i,e. those exduded from mainstream provision and not a¢cèsslng vocational
support elsewhere.
Our Bespoke Approach and Ethos
Wa believe that everyone has the human right lo work and engage in productive employment. In 2024, w8 conllnue
to be the only org8nisatiDn in Chester and the surTovnding are8 that provides the persorFc£ntred, fully 8UPPOrted
seNlce that people need lo adequately prepare for employment. We are very proud of our approach and confid6nt
thal this is what makes Iho dlfference to thè people thal we support. We do not offer generic experlences. Inslead,
we work with individuals lo research, identify and adapt their own placement, based on their own needs. skills and
aspirations. Our philosophy is to view the supported employment process as a partnership between beneficiari88.
par8nlslcafers, schools, businesses, voluntary and commMity organisalions, Ihe public sector an¢J olher agencies.
all of whom play their part In making thè proc6ss a success.

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Project Work
Slnce our project dellvery b&gan in Septemb8r 2007 we have..
. worked wilh over 400 beneficiaries.
• managed turnover lotslling over £1,￿O,000..
. recelved fundlng from more than 80 fundlng partners.
' engaged wth more than 180 employer partners in all three Sect(￿8.
fostered a wide range of proled partners in a wide range of Industries-
recelved 100Vo poBItIV6 Post-placemenl feedback from beneficlaries and thelr parentslcarers.
In settlng Its objectives, the Trustees havè given careful ¢onslderation to the Chariiy Commlssion's guldance on
publlc benefit.
Achlevements and performance
Signlficanl activities 8nd achievemen1& 8gainst objèclives
Key Areas of Work In 2024
1. Internal placement$. Bren blke8.
Bren Blkes was developed in response to a rewgnised need on the part of our beneficiarles for pr&pla￿ment
V0¢81ional tralnlng. The workshop has established itself a8 a trusted klar% for people to bring their blkes for
servlcSng or lo buy good value, experlty recondilioned second hand bikes. Not only does Ihis Contrt￿le signlficantly
to ral$lng the charlty's profile in the local aréa but It also help8 norm81ise neurodiversity in the workplace when the
public sees beneflciafles at work in the workshop, ￿rfOrMIng Important and meanlngful roles. It continues to thrlve
and Ihe enlhuslasm of both employed stsff and volunteers is a uedit to t1￿M all. It iemalns key to th8 OPPOrtunltie$
we can offer our beneflciaries.
The charity continues to ben8fl1 from slgnificanl numbers of blkes donated by Ihe public. These are recondltioned by
staff, volunteers and beneficiaries and sold, to enjoy a new life. This is an important P8rt of our income stream. In
2024, we offered 44 beneficiary placements al Bren Bikes, with 100% of our ben8lici8ries reportlng and
demonslraling an improvement in both their practical and soft skills.
2. Dgllv¢ry of External Plgcements
Throughout 2024, we contlnued lo offer our progr8m of bespoke, supported work placements. We arranged 14
exlernal work placements In 2024. with 9 different placement providers across Ihe prlvale, public and voluntary
sectors. 93°/o of our beneficlaries reported and demonslraled an improvemenl in thelr practical and soft skills at Ihe
end of their plac8ment.
3. Work wlth S¢hool8
In 2024. we continued to w(xk In partnershlp with a number of S(J￿oIS in Chester and the Surroundlng area, lo
provlde a program of supported work opportunities for selected sludenls who would find it dlffi¢ult lo engage with
the conventional opportunities the schools themselves afe able to offer. Our education partners In 2023 included
Archers Brook, Christleton High School. Chester Catholic High Schod. Upton Hlgh School and Maple Grove School
and IMAP School.
4. Fundralsln9
The charity continued to use the services of a specialist charitable secloT fundraising consultancy, on an intermittent
basis. Thls approach increased the Charity Managerfs time to cnncentrate on operallonal performance and the
dev61opment of our services.

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Developmen* of a Second Soclal Enterprl8è
We have been in ongoing discussions Ihfoughoul 2024 with a local social housing provider. explorin9 the posslblllly
of deliverlng an in hou6e café provlsion at a residential home. This process reached an advanced stage before
being pul on hold by the houslng provider. as éssential repairs were needed in response to a fire safely report. We
remain in actlve discussions over thi$, bLrt due to the lenglhy nature of the repairs needed, we afe also exploring
other Interlm café options.
6. Wollbelng Hub
Our Wellbeing Hub continues to bè an èxtremely valued and popular service with our beneliclaries. Led by our
Project Covordlnalor, we have Beèn consistenuy hlgh numbers in attendance and some encouraging signs of soft
skills development and friendshlps foimed. This has been a great additional to offer to our beneficAafies, provlding
more holistlc service lo our core offer.
Small company provl8lonB
Th16 report has been prepared In accordance wilh Ihe provislons applicable to companies enlilled to the small
companles exemption.
Flnanclal r8vlew
Income:
We gener8t8d a total of £260,260 income In 2024.
Exp8ndllur•:
We have dellvered our 3ervl¢e3 a8 anticipated, to budget, Igklng into aG¢ount the iTryear changes to Income which
allowed us to Increasè our bu(kJet 8nd expendituie accordingty.
Our operallng exp8ndilur8 for 2024 stands at £222.826.
Our balance of funds Carrled foThvard as al 310ecember 2024 stands at £342,099.
Rese￿8$ poIi¢y
A balants of £342,099 is held as our reserve funds,all ol which is unrestrided. This Is in line wllh our pollcy of
m8lntainlng al least 6 months running costs 8t all limes in case of issue or wlthdrawal from a major funder. We have
also designated much of the reserves to a new project.
Plan8 lor future perlod$
Developm8nt plans In 2025.
Looklng fonvard 10 2025 the Charlty wlll:
Continue to approach trusts and foundations to support our work.,
Continue lo grow and develop B Ten Bikes lo provide opportunities for beneficiaries and, 8imull8neously. as
a cominercial business to increase income for the charity.,
Develop our relationships with schools In the area lo provide speGi81isl p18ttmenls,'
Endeavour lo condude current, ongoing negoti81ions and launth our second social enlerprise in order lo
widen our offer to beneficiaries.,
Invesligale the best model for the operatlonal management of 2 soclal enterprlses wtthin the charity;
Seek to eslabllsh andlor expand opportunilies for pre-and posl-placement support of beneficiaries:
Develop our relatlonshlp with other funders lo explore mutually beneficial partnerships and projects.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee a8 defined by Ihe Companies Acl 1985 and controlled by Its
Memorandum and ￿tideS of Association, .

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Iruslees, who are also the directors for Ihe purpose of company law, and who setved during the year and up to
the dste ol signature ol the financial statements were..
Mr M I Sholton
Mr B Harrington
Mr D Atkln$on
MrR Mayne
MT R Smlth
Mrs L Dooley
Mrs D Plper
Recruiti￿ent 8nd 8pp￿nIM8nI of Iruste88
Membérship is open lo indlviduals or organisalions which apply to the charily In the form requlr8d by the Iruslees as
set out In the governing document. All new 8laff shall follow the guidelines laid out In the ￿clU11m8n1 and selecllon
policy.
The trustees, report was a
roved by the Board of Trustee8.
Mr B H8rringion
TIu8tee
23 Aprll 2025

THE BREN PROJECT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BREN PROJECT
I report lo the trustees on my examination of the financial Statements of The Bren Project (the charlty) for the year
ended 31 December 2024.
Re8pon81bllltles and bas1$ of report
As the Iruslees of the charity land also ils directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statemenls in accordanc8 with the requiremenls of the Companies Act 20C6 (the 2006
Act).
Having sallsfied myself that the financial statements of the tharity are nol requlred to be audlted under Part 16 01
the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in rèspect of my examination of the charity's
financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act}. In carrying out my
examination I have followed all the applicable Dire¢tions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ibl
of the 2011 Act.
Independ8nt examln&r'8 Statement
Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 y¢Jur examlner must be a member of a body Ilsled In 8ecllon
145 of th6 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of ICAEW,
whlch is one of the Ilsted bodies.
I have completed my examlnation. I ¢￿fflrm thal no matters have come to my attention In connecllon wlth th&
examinallon glvlng me cause to believe Ihal In any material respe¢X'.
accountlng records were not kepl In respect of the charily as requlred by Secllon 386 of the 2006 Act., or
the financial statements do not accord with those records,. or
th& finandal statements do not comply with the accounting requlrements of 8ection 396 of the 2006 Act other
than any requirement that the accounts give a true and falr view whlch Is not a maller cnn8idered as part of an
Independent ex8minalion; or
the financlal statements have not been prepared in acC￿arth wlh th8 methods and princlples of the
Slatemenl of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable lo chariti@s
preparlng their accounts in ac￿rdanCe with th8 Finan¢ial Reporling Standard applicable in the UK arml
Republic of Ireland {FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in Connection wlh the examination lo which attenlSon
should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Jame8 Hargreave8 FCA
Cholmond818y Hou88
Dee Hills Park
Chester
Cheshire
CH3 SAR
Dated.. 24 April 2025

THE BREN PROJECT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Unre8trlcted Unre6trlcted
funds
fund
2024
2023
Nole$
Income from:
Donations and legaci88
Charitable aclivilles
Investmenls
126,968
130.950
2,342
91,753
122,835
1,424
Total Incomg
2e(1,260
216,012
Expondlture on:
Chari18ble adlvllies
222,828
192,960
Total expondlluro
222,826
192,960
Net Incorn8 and movemenl In fund8
37.434
23,052
Rocon¢lllatlon of fund8:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
304,665
281,613
Fund b8lance8 at 31 December 2024
342,099
304,665
The Statement of flnancial aclivllies Sndudes all gains and losses recognlsed In the year. All Incorne and expenditu
derive from conlinulng 8¢tivities.
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

THE BREN PROJECT
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Flxed assels
Tangible assets
11
417
Current assets
Debtors
Cash al bank and In hand
12
82
345,380
62
306,800
345,462
306,862
Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln
onè yèar
13
(3.780}
(2,197)
Net current a880ts
341,682
304,665
Total asset81ess current Ilabllltle$
342,099
304.665
Net a88et8 èxcludlng penslon Ilablllty
342,099
304,865
The funds of the charlty
Unrestricted funds
342,099
304.685
342,099
304,685
The notes on pag88 910 16 form part of these financlal statem8nts.
The comp8ny Is enlltled to the exemplion from lh8 audit requirement contalned in secllon 477 of the Companles Act
2006, lor the year ended 31 Decemb8r 2024.
The directors a¢know16dge their responsibilities for complying wllh the requirements of the Companles Acl 2006
with respect to a¢counling fecords and the preparalion of financial statements.
The members have not required the company lo obtain an audlt of its finandal 8latemen16 for the year In questlon In
accordancè with section 476.
These financial slalements have been prepared In accordance wilh the provisions applicabl8 to companles Subject
to the sm811 companies regime.
The finandal slalemenls were approved by the trustees on 23 Aprll 2025
Mf B Harrington
Trusteo
Company registration number 05551999 (England and Wales)

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accountlng pollcles
Charlty Inlormatlon
The Bren Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales, The
registered office Is Cholmondeley House. Dee Hills Park, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 SAR.
1.1 Accountlng conventlon
The financial statements have been prepared in acc￿dance with the chBrity'S Memorandum and Artldes of
Associalion. th8 Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting St8ndard appll¢able In the UK and
Republic of Ireland. ('FRS 102°> and Ihe Charities SORP 'Ac£ounting and Reporting by Charities,. Statement
of Recommended Practice applicable lo charilies preparing Iheir accounts in accordancè with Ihe Flnanclal
Reporling Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019>. The
charily is a Public Benefit Enlily as defined by FRS 102.
The charlly has lak8n advanlage of Ihe provisions in the SORP for tharltles not to prep8re 8 Statanent of
Cash Flows.
The finandal $18tements are prepared In sterling, which is the functional currency of th8 charlty. Mon8tary
amounts in these financial slalements aE rounded to the nearest £.
The flnancial slalemenls have been prepared under the hist(thal cost convention. The princlpal accountlng
policl8s adopted 8re set out below.
1.2 Golng eoncorn
Al the tlme of approving the fln8nc4al statements, the Irustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity
has adequat8 resources lo contlnue in operational existence for the forese8able lulure. Thus the trustees
continu6 to adopt the golng concern basls of a¢￿untIng In preparing the fingnclal stalements.
1.3 Charltable funds
Unre8tr¢cled funds are avallable for use at Ihe dis¢retlon of Ihe truslees in furtherance of Iheir chariteble
objectives.
Reslrlcted fvnds are subject to specific condilions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The
purpose$ and usès of the restricted funds are set oul in the notes to the financlal slalements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific condlllons by donors that the capilal must be malntalned by the
charity.
1.4 Incomo
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performanc6 condltions h8ve been Inet.
the amoun15 ¢an be measured feliabty, and il is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Olher donalions 8re recognised once the ch8rily has been notified
ol the donation, unless perfomiance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income lax recoverable in
relation lo donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised al the lime of the donation.
Lega¢ies are Tè¢ognlsed on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an Impending dlsl¥lbulion,
the amount Is known. and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a
contlngént asset.

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accountlng pollcle8
{Contlnuèd)
1.5 Expendlture
Expenditure Is recognlsed onc8 there 18 a legal or construclive obligatlon to transfer economlc benefit to a
third party, it is probable Ihat a Iiansfer of economic beneffits will be required in settlomenl, and the amount of
thè obligation can be measured Teliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The cosls of each activity are made up of the total of dir¢t costs and
shared costs. including support costs invo5ved in underlaking each activity. Direct costs attrlbutable to a single
actlvity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared wsts which contribule lo more than one aclivlty and
support costs which are not attributable to a sing18 adivity are apportloned between those adivllies on a basis
conslst8nt with the use of resources. Central staff Costs are allocated on the basls of lime spent, and
depfeclation charges are allocated on the portion of Ihe asset's use.
1.6 Tanglble Ilxed assets
Tangible fixed a55ets are initlally measured at cost and subsequentty measured al cost C￿ valuation, nèl of
depreciatlon and any Impairment losses.
Depreclatlon Is recognlsed so as lo write off the c08t or valualion of asse18 le8S their resldual values over their
useful lives on th6 following ba6e8'.
Computers
33% stralght Ilne
The g8in or Ioss 8rising on Ihe th'sposal of an asset is determlned as the difference bet￿een the salè proceeds
and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the stslement of financial aclivilles.
1.7 Impalrment ol Ilxed asgels
Al each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carying amounts ol its tsnglble assets to delermlne
whglh6r Ih8re is any Indication Ihal those assets have suffered an impairment loss. 11 any 6uch indkation
exists, the recoverable amounl ol the asset Is estimated in order to determine the extent ol th8 Impalrment
1055111 any),
1.8 Cash and cash equlvalents
Cash and cash equivalents indude cash in hand, deposlts held at call wlth banks. other shoTt-lerm Ilquld
inveslmenls wllh original m8turities ol three months or less, 8nd bank overdr8fts. Bank overdrafts are shown
thin borrowing5 In current liabllitie&
1.9 Flnan¢lal In8trumenl$
The charily has elected to apply the provisions of Sedion 11 'Basic Finanual In$trumenl$' and Section 12
'Olher Financlal Instrumgnls Issue8. of FRS 102 to all of its fina￿la1 inslrum8nls.
Financial instruments ore recognised in the charity's balance sheel when the charity be¢ome$ party to the
contractual piovisions of the instrum￿1.
Flnanci81 assets and liabllilies are offset. with the nel amounts presented in the financial slalements, when
there is a leg811y enforceable righl to sat off the recognised amounts and there is an inténtion to settle on a net
basis or lo reallse the asset and setlle the liability simultaneously.
Bas1¢ flnanclal assets
Basic finan¢ial assets, whlch Indude debtors and cash and bank balances, are inilially measured at
Iransa¢llon price Including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effectivo
interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financAng Ir8nsaclion, where the transaction is
measured at Ihe present value of Ihe future receipls discounted al 8 market rale of interest. Financial assets
d8ssified as r8ceivable within one year are not amortised.
10-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accountlng poll¢le8
(Contlnued)
Baslc flnanclal Ilabllltles
Basic financlal liabililies. including creditors and bank108ns ale initially recognised at transaction pric6 unless
the aifangement conslilutes a financing Iransacli<)n. where the debt instrument is measured at Ihe present
value ol the futur8 payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable
within one year are not amortised.
Debl Instruments are subsequently carrled at amortised eJJ6t, uslng the effectlve Interest rale method.
Trade creditors ale obligelions to pay for goods or services that have been acqulred in Ihe Ordin￿ course of
operallons from suppliers. Amounts payable are cla66ified as current liabililles if payment is due within one
year or less. 11 not, they are presenled as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initl8lly at
transaction priGe and subsequently measured at amortl8ed cost using the effective Interest method.
Derecognlllon of fflnanclal Ilabllltles
Financlal Ilablllties are derewgnls8d when the chaiily's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or
can¢8118d.
1.10 Employeè bènèflts
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement Is recognlsed in the perlod in which the employee's 8&rvices are
recelved.
1.11 Retlrement banèflts
Payments lo defined contribulion retiremenl b6n8fit schemes are tharged a8 8n expense as they fall du8,
Crltl¢al accountlng e8tlma1•8 and Judgement8
In the applleation of the charily's accounting polides. the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates
and assumptions about the carying amount of 8ssels 8nd liabilities thal are not readlly apparent from olher
sour￿$. The eslimstes and associated ossumptions are based on hislofical experlence and other factors that
are ￿nSidered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from Ihese estimates.
The eslimales and underlying assumMion$ a￿ ￿vieWed on an ongolng basis. Revlslons lo accounting
eslim8les are recognised in the period in which Ihe estimate is revised where Ihe revislon affects ￿[Y that
period, or in the period of Ihe revlsion and future periods where the revlsion affects both cuirenl and future
periods.
Income from donatlons and1ogacle8
Unrestrlcted UnrestrlGted
fund6
funds
2024
2023
Donatlons and gifts
Grants recaivable
15,075
111,893
5,670
86,083
126.968
91,753
11

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Income fiom donatlons and legacles
{Contlnued)
Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted
fund8
funds
2024
2023
Grants recelvable for ¢orè acllvltl8S
Other
111.893
86,083
111,893
86,063
Income from ¢harltable a¢llvltles
Unre8trlcted Unre8trl¢ted
funds
fund8
2024
2023
8ren Blkes
Bren Bike6
130,950
122,835
Income from Inve8lment8
Unrestrlcted Unro8lrlcted
fund8
fund$
2024
2023
Interest receivable
2,342
1,424
12-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Expondlture on charltable a¢tlvltles
General Bren Blke8
Funds
2024
Tolal
Goneral Bren Blke8
Fund6
2023
Total
2024
2024
2023
2023
Dlre¢t CQ8t8
Staff wsls
Depreciallon and
Impairment
Charilablg gxpendlture
Rent
81.544
58.185
139,729
65,354
61,610
126,964
1.487
12,(M)O
13,487
5,535
7,200
12,735
Charitable exp&ndlture
Rep8irs a Malntenence
Charitable expènditure
Insurance
533
533
2.744
2,744
1,272
1,272
Char5tabl8 8xp&ndilure
Motor & Travel Cost$
1,311
1,311
913
913
Charitable expenditure
Legal & professional fee8
1,IA9
2,880
2,880
Charitable expendlture
Telephone
Charitable expenditLKe
Other Office Gosts
Charitable expendltwe
Staff Training
Charllable expenditwe
Compuler Costs
816
818
829
829
757
757
3,330
3.330
751
7S1
543
543
179
179
Chorilable eXpendIt￿e
Subscriptions
Charltable expenditure
Beneficiary trainlng &
support
345
345
581
561
8,012
8,012
6,489
6,469
Charltable exp@ndilure
materials & equipmenl
534
37,950
38.484
491
32,719
33,210
Charltab18 expenditure-
Fundralsing consultancy
Charltable expendrture-
donations
Charltable expèndllure-
advertising
7.721
7.721
216
216
4.229
4,229
111.8C6
108,135
219,941
89,102
101,529
1W,631
Share of 8UPPOrt and governance cos16 (see note 7>
Govern8nce
2,885
2.885
2,329
2,329
114,691
108.135
222.826
91.431
101.529
192,980
13-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Expendlture on ¢hafltable acllvltles
(Conllnued)
Analy8ls by fund
Unrestricted funds -
general
114,691
108.135
222,826
91,431
101.529
192.960
Support costs allocated to actlvltl88
Ggnoral
Funds
2024
Total
2023
Governance
2,885
2,329
2024
2023
Governance c08ts comprlse:
Indpendenl examlner fee
Other flnancial services
2.049
836
1,822
707
2,885
2,329
Tru8te98
None of the trustees (or any per80ns conneded with them) received 8ny remuneration or bene1415 from the
charity during the year.
Employee8
The average monthly number of employee8 during the year was..
2024
Number
2023
Number
Employment co8t8
2024
2023
Vvages and sa18ries
Social security costs
other pension costs
128,250
6,190
5,289
118,856
5,036
3,072
139,729
126,964
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.1)00.
14-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10 Taxatlon
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charllabla purposes.
11 Tanglble flxed a88et8
computers
C06t
At 1 January 2024
Additions
5,576
626
At 31 D8C8mber 2024
6,202
Dopreclallon and Impalrmenl
Al 1 January 2024
D8preci8tion Charged In the year
5,576
209
At 31 December 2024
5,785
Carrylng amount
At 31 Decembef 2024
417
12 Dobtors
2024
2023
Amounts falllng due wlthln one year.
Other debtors
82
62
13 Credltors.. amount8 falllng duè wlthln one year
2024
2023
other tsxatlon arKJ social security
Accruals and deferred income
220
3,560
2,197
3.780
2,197
14 Retlremenl benellt 8cheme8
2024
2023
Dellned contrlbutlon schemes
Charge lo profil or loss in respect of defined contribution schem8S
5.289
3,072
Th6 charity operates a defined cKJntribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the
scheme 8re held separately fri)m those of th& charily in an independently administered fund.
15-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16 Unreylrlcted fundg
The unrèstricted funds of the charity comprise the ￿eXpended balances of donations 8nd grants which are
not subject to Specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be usèd. These include
designated funds which have been set aside out of unfestrided lunds by the trustees for Éwclfic purposes.
At 1 January
2024
In¢omlng Rogource8
re8our¢e$
oxpended
At31
December
2024
New Project Designated Fund8
General Funds
150.987
153.678
150,987
191,112
280.260
{222.826>
304.685
260,280
{222,8261
342,099
Prevlou8 year:
At 1 January
2023
Incomlng ReBource8
regour¢e$
expended
At31
December
2023
New Project DesSgnaled Funds
General Funds
149.563
132,050
1.424
214.588
150,987
153,678
1192,980)
281,613
216.012
{192,980)
31)4,665
16 Related party Iran8actlon8
There were no dlsclosable relaled p8ty Iransactlons during the year12023- none).
16-

Charlty reglstratlon number 1111644
Company reglstratlon number 05551999 IEngland and Wales)
THE BREfrI PROJECT
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

THE BREN PROJECT
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Truslee8
Mr M I Shotton
Mr B Harrtngion
Mr D Atkinson
Mr R Mayne
Mf R Smith
Mrs L Doolay
Mrs D PiFer
Charlty number
1111844
Company number
05551999
Prlnclpal addre66
New Scene Centre
Llmewood Clos8
Off Newton Lane
Chester
CH2 2HH
Reg18tered offl¢e
Cholmondeley House
Dee Hills Park
Chester
Cheshire
CH3 SAR
In(J8pendont oxamlner
James Harg￿aVe$ FCA
Cholmondeley House
Deè Hills Park
Chester
Cheshlre
CH3 SAR

THE BREN PROJECT
CONTENTS
Pag
Trustees, report
Independent examine¢s report
Slalement of financlal aclivilies
B8lance sheet
Notes to the financlal statements
9-16

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees,, who are also the diredors for the purposes of company law present the annu81 report and financial
statements for the year ended 31 Decèmber 2024.
Th6 financlal slalements have been prepared in accordanee with the accounts'ng policies Set out in note 1 to th8
rinandal statements and comply wth tha charity's Memorandum and Articles ol Association, the Companies Acl
2006 and A¢¢ounting and Reportlng by Charilies.. Slalement of Recommended Pra¢ti¢e applicable to chaiilies
preparlng Ihelr acLounts in accordance with thè Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland IFRS 1021" (effediv8 1 January 2019).
ObJectlv08 and aetlvltles
Background of the Charity
The Bren Projecl Is a Chester-based charity offering one-l&one supported work placemenls for people wllh learnlng
diBabllllies and autism In Cheshire. We are a registered charity 11111644) and a ￿rnPany limlled by guarantee
{55519991. We were founded by Peter Sackelt and Grant Wells in 2005. and project work began in 2007. Our
Ml851on St81ement is. lo develop the social. emotion81 and economic wellbeing of learnlng dlsabled and aullslic
people through personalSsed supported workplace opwtunilies In partnership wilh Our local community,
Who We Are
We have a 81aff team of 6. comprised of 8 fulklime Ch8rity Manager, fyvo part-time Blke Project Supervi8or8, two
part-lime Project Co-ordinators and a part-time Admlnistration Assistant. We also have a trained and dedi¢ated
team of sessional Job Coaches who 6UPPOrt bènèficiaries whlle on placement and 10 support volunteers who work
wlth our beneficiafies In our sod81 enterprise cycle WOTk$hop. We ar6 based Sn the Livel New Scene Youth &
Community Hub in Newton. Chester, where w6 have our office and Bren Blkes workshop. We are governed by a
dedicated Trustee group ¢ompfised of 7 individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, wlth skllls and experience in
charity management, project managemènt. disabilily seNlces. markeling. graphic design, Information le¢hnology,
qU81ily management, fundraising and education. Oui Trustees have experience of managing organisatlons in the
private and v(4untsry $e¢tor8 and have the commer¢ial awareness to oversee the charity'6 aclivilies and lulure
development.
Who We Support
We work wlth people who have learning disabilities or aulism from the age of 14 upwards, with no upper age limit.
Our work Includes young people who are experiencing the Iransilion from education lo employment, and Ihose
dlsabled adults seen as 'hard-to-reach'. i,e. those exduded from mainstream provision and not a¢cèsslng vocational
support elsewhere.
Our Bespoke Approach and Ethos
Wa believe that everyone has the human right lo work and engage in productive employment. In 2024, w8 conllnue
to be the only org8nisatiDn in Chester and the surTovnding are8 that provides the persorFc£ntred, fully 8UPPOrted
seNlce that people need lo adequately prepare for employment. We are very proud of our approach and confid6nt
thal this is what makes Iho dlfference to thè people thal we support. We do not offer generic experlences. Inslead,
we work with individuals lo research, identify and adapt their own placement, based on their own needs. skills and
aspirations. Our philosophy is to view the supported employment process as a partnership between beneficiari88.
par8nlslcafers, schools, businesses, voluntary and commMity organisalions, Ihe public sector an¢J olher agencies.
all of whom play their part In making thè proc6ss a success.

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Project Work
Slnce our project dellvery b&gan in Septemb8r 2007 we have..
. worked wilh over 400 beneficiaries.
• managed turnover lotslling over £1,￿O,000..
. recelved fundlng from more than 80 fundlng partners.
' engaged wth more than 180 employer partners in all three Sect(￿8.
fostered a wide range of proled partners in a wide range of Industries-
recelved 100Vo poBItIV6 Post-placemenl feedback from beneficlaries and thelr parentslcarers.
In settlng Its objectives, the Trustees havè given careful ¢onslderation to the Chariiy Commlssion's guldance on
publlc benefit.
Achlevements and performance
Signlficanl activities 8nd achievemen1& 8gainst objèclives
Key Areas of Work In 2024
1. Internal placement$. Bren blke8.
Bren Blkes was developed in response to a rewgnised need on the part of our beneficiarles for pr&pla￿ment
V0¢81ional tralnlng. The workshop has established itself a8 a trusted klar% for people to bring their blkes for
servlcSng or lo buy good value, experlty recondilioned second hand bikes. Not only does Ihis Contrt￿le signlficantly
to ral$lng the charlty's profile in the local aréa but It also help8 norm81ise neurodiversity in the workplace when the
public sees beneflciafles at work in the workshop, ￿rfOrMIng Important and meanlngful roles. It continues to thrlve
and Ihe enlhuslasm of both employed stsff and volunteers is a uedit to t1￿M all. It iemalns key to th8 OPPOrtunltie$
we can offer our beneflciaries.
The charity continues to ben8fl1 from slgnificanl numbers of blkes donated by Ihe public. These are recondltioned by
staff, volunteers and beneficiaries and sold, to enjoy a new life. This is an important P8rt of our income stream. In
2024, we offered 44 beneficiary placements al Bren Bikes, with 100% of our ben8lici8ries reportlng and
demonslraling an improvement in both their practical and soft skills.
2. Dgllv¢ry of External Plgcements
Throughout 2024, we contlnued lo offer our progr8m of bespoke, supported work placements. We arranged 14
exlernal work placements In 2024. with 9 different placement providers across Ihe prlvale, public and voluntary
sectors. 93°/o of our beneficlaries reported and demonslraled an improvemenl in thelr practical and soft skills at Ihe
end of their plac8ment.
3. Work wlth S¢hool8
In 2024. we continued to w(xk In partnershlp with a number of S(J￿oIS in Chester and the Surroundlng area, lo
provlde a program of supported work opportunities for selected sludenls who would find it dlffi¢ult lo engage with
the conventional opportunities the schools themselves afe able to offer. Our education partners In 2023 included
Archers Brook, Christleton High School. Chester Catholic High Schod. Upton Hlgh School and Maple Grove School
and IMAP School.
4. Fundralsln9
The charity continued to use the services of a specialist charitable secloT fundraising consultancy, on an intermittent
basis. Thls approach increased the Charity Managerfs time to cnncentrate on operallonal performance and the
dev61opment of our services.

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Developmen* of a Second Soclal Enterprl8è
We have been in ongoing discussions Ihfoughoul 2024 with a local social housing provider. explorin9 the posslblllly
of deliverlng an in hou6e café provlsion at a residential home. This process reached an advanced stage before
being pul on hold by the houslng provider. as éssential repairs were needed in response to a fire safely report. We
remain in actlve discussions over thi$, bLrt due to the lenglhy nature of the repairs needed, we afe also exploring
other Interlm café options.
6. Wollbelng Hub
Our Wellbeing Hub continues to bè an èxtremely valued and popular service with our beneliclaries. Led by our
Project Covordlnalor, we have Beèn consistenuy hlgh numbers in attendance and some encouraging signs of soft
skills development and friendshlps foimed. This has been a great additional to offer to our beneficAafies, provlding
more holistlc service lo our core offer.
Small company provl8lonB
Th16 report has been prepared In accordance wilh Ihe provislons applicable to companies enlilled to the small
companles exemption.
Flnanclal r8vlew
Income:
We gener8t8d a total of £260,260 income In 2024.
Exp8ndllur•:
We have dellvered our 3ervl¢e3 a8 anticipated, to budget, Igklng into aG¢ount the iTryear changes to Income which
allowed us to Increasè our bu(kJet 8nd expendituie accordingty.
Our operallng exp8ndilur8 for 2024 stands at £222.826.
Our balance of funds Carrled foThvard as al 310ecember 2024 stands at £342,099.
Rese￿8$ poIi¢y
A balants of £342,099 is held as our reserve funds,all ol which is unrestrided. This Is in line wllh our pollcy of
m8lntainlng al least 6 months running costs 8t all limes in case of issue or wlthdrawal from a major funder. We have
also designated much of the reserves to a new project.
Plan8 lor future perlod$
Developm8nt plans In 2025.
Looklng fonvard 10 2025 the Charlty wlll:
Continue to approach trusts and foundations to support our work.,
Continue lo grow and develop B Ten Bikes lo provide opportunities for beneficiaries and, 8imull8neously. as
a cominercial business to increase income for the charity.,
Develop our relationships with schools In the area lo provide speGi81isl p18ttmenls,'
Endeavour lo condude current, ongoing negoti81ions and launth our second social enlerprise in order lo
widen our offer to beneficiaries.,
Invesligale the best model for the operatlonal management of 2 soclal enterprlses wtthin the charity;
Seek to eslabllsh andlor expand opportunilies for pre-and posl-placement support of beneficiaries:
Develop our relatlonshlp with other funders lo explore mutually beneficial partnerships and projects.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a company limited by guarantee a8 defined by Ihe Companies Acl 1985 and controlled by Its
Memorandum and ￿tideS of Association, .

THE BREN PROJECT
TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Iruslees, who are also the directors for Ihe purpose of company law, and who setved during the year and up to
the dste ol signature ol the financial statements were..
Mr M I Sholton
Mr B Harrington
Mr D Atkln$on
MrR Mayne
MT R Smlth
Mrs L Dooley
Mrs D Plper
Recruiti￿ent 8nd 8pp￿nIM8nI of Iruste88
Membérship is open lo indlviduals or organisalions which apply to the charily In the form requlr8d by the Iruslees as
set out In the governing document. All new 8laff shall follow the guidelines laid out In the ￿clU11m8n1 and selecllon
policy.
The trustees, report was a
roved by the Board of Trustee8.
Mr B H8rringion
TIu8tee
23 Aprll 2025

THE BREN PROJECT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BREN PROJECT
I report lo the trustees on my examination of the financial Statements of The Bren Project (the charlty) for the year
ended 31 December 2024.
Re8pon81bllltles and bas1$ of report
As the Iruslees of the charity land also ils directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statemenls in accordanc8 with the requiremenls of the Companies Act 20C6 (the 2006
Act).
Having sallsfied myself that the financial statements of the tharity are nol requlred to be audlted under Part 16 01
the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in rèspect of my examination of the charity's
financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act}. In carrying out my
examination I have followed all the applicable Dire¢tions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ibl
of the 2011 Act.
Independ8nt examln&r'8 Statement
Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250.000 y¢Jur examlner must be a member of a body Ilsled In 8ecllon
145 of th6 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of ICAEW,
whlch is one of the Ilsted bodies.
I have completed my examlnation. I ¢￿fflrm thal no matters have come to my attention In connecllon wlth th&
examinallon glvlng me cause to believe Ihal In any material respe¢X'.
accountlng records were not kepl In respect of the charily as requlred by Secllon 386 of the 2006 Act., or
the financial statements do not accord with those records,. or
th& finandal statements do not comply with the accounting requlrements of 8ection 396 of the 2006 Act other
than any requirement that the accounts give a true and falr view whlch Is not a maller cnn8idered as part of an
Independent ex8minalion; or
the financlal statements have not been prepared in acC￿arth wlh th8 methods and princlples of the
Slatemenl of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable lo chariti@s
preparlng their accounts in ac￿rdanCe with th8 Finan¢ial Reporling Standard applicable in the UK arml
Republic of Ireland {FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in Connection wlh the examination lo which attenlSon
should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Jame8 Hargreave8 FCA
Cholmond818y Hou88
Dee Hills Park
Chester
Cheshire
CH3 SAR
Dated.. 24 April 2025

THE BREN PROJECT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Unre8trlcted Unre6trlcted
funds
fund
2024
2023
Nole$
Income from:
Donations and legaci88
Charitable aclivilles
Investmenls
126,968
130.950
2,342
91,753
122,835
1,424
Total Incomg
2e(1,260
216,012
Expondlture on:
Chari18ble adlvllies
222,828
192,960
Total expondlluro
222,826
192,960
Net Incorn8 and movemenl In fund8
37.434
23,052
Rocon¢lllatlon of fund8:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
304,665
281,613
Fund b8lance8 at 31 December 2024
342,099
304,665
The Statement of flnancial aclivllies Sndudes all gains and losses recognlsed In the year. All Incorne and expenditu
derive from conlinulng 8¢tivities.
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

THE BREN PROJECT
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Flxed assels
Tangible assets
11
417
Current assets
Debtors
Cash al bank and In hand
12
82
345,380
62
306,800
345,462
306,862
Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln
onè yèar
13
(3.780}
(2,197)
Net current a880ts
341,682
304,665
Total asset81ess current Ilabllltle$
342,099
304.665
Net a88et8 èxcludlng penslon Ilablllty
342,099
304,865
The funds of the charlty
Unrestricted funds
342,099
304.685
342,099
304,685
The notes on pag88 910 16 form part of these financlal statem8nts.
The comp8ny Is enlltled to the exemplion from lh8 audit requirement contalned in secllon 477 of the Companles Act
2006, lor the year ended 31 Decemb8r 2024.
The directors a¢know16dge their responsibilities for complying wllh the requirements of the Companles Acl 2006
with respect to a¢counling fecords and the preparalion of financial statements.
The members have not required the company lo obtain an audlt of its finandal 8latemen16 for the year In questlon In
accordancè with section 476.
These financial slalements have been prepared In accordance wilh the provisions applicabl8 to companles Subject
to the sm811 companies regime.
The finandal slalemenls were approved by the trustees on 23 Aprll 2025
Mf B Harrington
Trusteo
Company registration number 05551999 (England and Wales)

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accountlng pollcles
Charlty Inlormatlon
The Bren Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales, The
registered office Is Cholmondeley House. Dee Hills Park, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 SAR.
1.1 Accountlng conventlon
The financial statements have been prepared in acc￿dance with the chBrity'S Memorandum and Artldes of
Associalion. th8 Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting St8ndard appll¢able In the UK and
Republic of Ireland. ('FRS 102°> and Ihe Charities SORP 'Ac£ounting and Reporting by Charities,. Statement
of Recommended Practice applicable lo charilies preparing Iheir accounts in accordancè with Ihe Flnanclal
Reporling Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019>. The
charily is a Public Benefit Enlily as defined by FRS 102.
The charlly has lak8n advanlage of Ihe provisions in the SORP for tharltles not to prep8re 8 Statanent of
Cash Flows.
The finandal $18tements are prepared In sterling, which is the functional currency of th8 charlty. Mon8tary
amounts in these financial slalements aE rounded to the nearest £.
The flnancial slalemenls have been prepared under the hist(thal cost convention. The princlpal accountlng
policl8s adopted 8re set out below.
1.2 Golng eoncorn
Al the tlme of approving the fln8nc4al statements, the Irustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity
has adequat8 resources lo contlnue in operational existence for the forese8able lulure. Thus the trustees
continu6 to adopt the golng concern basls of a¢￿untIng In preparing the fingnclal stalements.
1.3 Charltable funds
Unre8tr¢cled funds are avallable for use at Ihe dis¢retlon of Ihe truslees in furtherance of Iheir chariteble
objectives.
Reslrlcted fvnds are subject to specific condilions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The
purpose$ and usès of the restricted funds are set oul in the notes to the financlal slalements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific condlllons by donors that the capilal must be malntalned by the
charity.
1.4 Incomo
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performanc6 condltions h8ve been Inet.
the amoun15 ¢an be measured feliabty, and il is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Olher donalions 8re recognised once the ch8rily has been notified
ol the donation, unless perfomiance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income lax recoverable in
relation lo donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised al the lime of the donation.
Lega¢ies are Tè¢ognlsed on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an Impending dlsl¥lbulion,
the amount Is known. and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a
contlngént asset.

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accountlng pollcle8
{Contlnuèd)
1.5 Expendlture
Expenditure Is recognlsed onc8 there 18 a legal or construclive obligatlon to transfer economlc benefit to a
third party, it is probable Ihat a Iiansfer of economic beneffits will be required in settlomenl, and the amount of
thè obligation can be measured Teliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The cosls of each activity are made up of the total of dir¢t costs and
shared costs. including support costs invo5ved in underlaking each activity. Direct costs attrlbutable to a single
actlvity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared wsts which contribule lo more than one aclivlty and
support costs which are not attributable to a sing18 adivity are apportloned between those adivllies on a basis
conslst8nt with the use of resources. Central staff Costs are allocated on the basls of lime spent, and
depfeclation charges are allocated on the portion of Ihe asset's use.
1.6 Tanglble Ilxed assets
Tangible fixed a55ets are initlally measured at cost and subsequentty measured al cost C￿ valuation, nèl of
depreciatlon and any Impairment losses.
Depreclatlon Is recognlsed so as lo write off the c08t or valualion of asse18 le8S their resldual values over their
useful lives on th6 following ba6e8'.
Computers
33% stralght Ilne
The g8in or Ioss 8rising on Ihe th'sposal of an asset is determlned as the difference bet￿een the salè proceeds
and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the stslement of financial aclivilles.
1.7 Impalrment ol Ilxed asgels
Al each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carying amounts ol its tsnglble assets to delermlne
whglh6r Ih8re is any Indication Ihal those assets have suffered an impairment loss. 11 any 6uch indkation
exists, the recoverable amounl ol the asset Is estimated in order to determine the extent ol th8 Impalrment
1055111 any),
1.8 Cash and cash equlvalents
Cash and cash equivalents indude cash in hand, deposlts held at call wlth banks. other shoTt-lerm Ilquld
inveslmenls wllh original m8turities ol three months or less, 8nd bank overdr8fts. Bank overdrafts are shown
thin borrowing5 In current liabllitie&
1.9 Flnan¢lal In8trumenl$
The charily has elected to apply the provisions of Sedion 11 'Basic Finanual In$trumenl$' and Section 12
'Olher Financlal Instrumgnls Issue8. of FRS 102 to all of its fina￿la1 inslrum8nls.
Financial instruments ore recognised in the charity's balance sheel when the charity be¢ome$ party to the
contractual piovisions of the instrum￿1.
Flnanci81 assets and liabllilies are offset. with the nel amounts presented in the financial slalements, when
there is a leg811y enforceable righl to sat off the recognised amounts and there is an inténtion to settle on a net
basis or lo reallse the asset and setlle the liability simultaneously.
Bas1¢ flnanclal assets
Basic finan¢ial assets, whlch Indude debtors and cash and bank balances, are inilially measured at
Iransa¢llon price Including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effectivo
interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financAng Ir8nsaclion, where the transaction is
measured at Ihe present value of Ihe future receipls discounted al 8 market rale of interest. Financial assets
d8ssified as r8ceivable within one year are not amortised.
10-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Accountlng poll¢le8
(Contlnued)
Baslc flnanclal Ilabllltles
Basic financlal liabililies. including creditors and bank108ns ale initially recognised at transaction pric6 unless
the aifangement conslilutes a financing Iransacli<)n. where the debt instrument is measured at Ihe present
value ol the futur8 payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable
within one year are not amortised.
Debl Instruments are subsequently carrled at amortised eJJ6t, uslng the effectlve Interest rale method.
Trade creditors ale obligelions to pay for goods or services that have been acqulred in Ihe Ordin￿ course of
operallons from suppliers. Amounts payable are cla66ified as current liabililles if payment is due within one
year or less. 11 not, they are presenled as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initl8lly at
transaction priGe and subsequently measured at amortl8ed cost using the effective Interest method.
Derecognlllon of fflnanclal Ilabllltles
Financlal Ilablllties are derewgnls8d when the chaiily's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or
can¢8118d.
1.10 Employeè bènèflts
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement Is recognlsed in the perlod in which the employee's 8&rvices are
recelved.
1.11 Retlrement banèflts
Payments lo defined contribulion retiremenl b6n8fit schemes are tharged a8 8n expense as they fall du8,
Crltl¢al accountlng e8tlma1•8 and Judgement8
In the applleation of the charily's accounting polides. the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates
and assumptions about the carying amount of 8ssels 8nd liabilities thal are not readlly apparent from olher
sour￿$. The eslimstes and associated ossumptions are based on hislofical experlence and other factors that
are ￿nSidered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from Ihese estimates.
The eslimales and underlying assumMion$ a￿ ￿vieWed on an ongolng basis. Revlslons lo accounting
eslim8les are recognised in the period in which Ihe estimate is revised where Ihe revislon affects ￿[Y that
period, or in the period of Ihe revlsion and future periods where the revlsion affects both cuirenl and future
periods.
Income from donatlons and1ogacle8
Unrestrlcted UnrestrlGted
fund6
funds
2024
2023
Donatlons and gifts
Grants recaivable
15,075
111,893
5,670
86,083
126.968
91,753
11

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Income fiom donatlons and legacles
{Contlnued)
Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted
fund8
funds
2024
2023
Grants recelvable for ¢orè acllvltl8S
Other
111.893
86,083
111,893
86,063
Income from ¢harltable a¢llvltles
Unre8trlcted Unre8trl¢ted
funds
fund8
2024
2023
8ren Blkes
Bren Bike6
130,950
122,835
Income from Inve8lment8
Unrestrlcted Unro8lrlcted
fund8
fund$
2024
2023
Interest receivable
2,342
1,424
12-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Expondlture on charltable a¢tlvltles
General Bren Blke8
Funds
2024
Tolal
Goneral Bren Blke8
Fund6
2023
Total
2024
2024
2023
2023
Dlre¢t CQ8t8
Staff wsls
Depreciallon and
Impairment
Charilablg gxpendlture
Rent
81.544
58.185
139,729
65,354
61,610
126,964
1.487
12,(M)O
13,487
5,535
7,200
12,735
Charitable exp&ndlture
Rep8irs a Malntenence
Charitable expènditure
Insurance
533
533
2.744
2,744
1,272
1,272
Char5tabl8 8xp&ndilure
Motor & Travel Cost$
1,311
1,311
913
913
Charitable expenditure
Legal & professional fee8
1,IA9
2,880
2,880
Charitable expendlture
Telephone
Charitable expenditLKe
Other Office Gosts
Charitable expendltwe
Staff Training
Charllable expenditwe
Compuler Costs
816
818
829
829
757
757
3,330
3.330
751
7S1
543
543
179
179
Chorilable eXpendIt￿e
Subscriptions
Charltable expenditure
Beneficiary trainlng &
support
345
345
581
561
8,012
8,012
6,489
6,469
Charltable exp@ndilure
materials & equipmenl
534
37,950
38.484
491
32,719
33,210
Charltab18 expenditure-
Fundralsing consultancy
Charltable expendrture-
donations
Charltable expèndllure-
advertising
7.721
7.721
216
216
4.229
4,229
111.8C6
108,135
219,941
89,102
101,529
1W,631
Share of 8UPPOrt and governance cos16 (see note 7>
Govern8nce
2,885
2.885
2,329
2,329
114,691
108.135
222.826
91.431
101.529
192,980
13-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Expendlture on ¢hafltable acllvltles
(Conllnued)
Analy8ls by fund
Unrestricted funds -
general
114,691
108.135
222,826
91,431
101.529
192.960
Support costs allocated to actlvltl88
Ggnoral
Funds
2024
Total
2023
Governance
2,885
2,329
2024
2023
Governance c08ts comprlse:
Indpendenl examlner fee
Other flnancial services
2.049
836
1,822
707
2,885
2,329
Tru8te98
None of the trustees (or any per80ns conneded with them) received 8ny remuneration or bene1415 from the
charity during the year.
Employee8
The average monthly number of employee8 during the year was..
2024
Number
2023
Number
Employment co8t8
2024
2023
Vvages and sa18ries
Social security costs
other pension costs
128,250
6,190
5,289
118,856
5,036
3,072
139,729
126,964
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.1)00.
14-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10 Taxatlon
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charllabla purposes.
11 Tanglble flxed a88et8
computers
C06t
At 1 January 2024
Additions
5,576
626
At 31 D8C8mber 2024
6,202
Dopreclallon and Impalrmenl
Al 1 January 2024
D8preci8tion Charged In the year
5,576
209
At 31 December 2024
5,785
Carrylng amount
At 31 Decembef 2024
417
12 Dobtors
2024
2023
Amounts falllng due wlthln one year.
Other debtors
82
62
13 Credltors.. amount8 falllng duè wlthln one year
2024
2023
other tsxatlon arKJ social security
Accruals and deferred income
220
3,560
2,197
3.780
2,197
14 Retlremenl benellt 8cheme8
2024
2023
Dellned contrlbutlon schemes
Charge lo profil or loss in respect of defined contribution schem8S
5.289
3,072
Th6 charity operates a defined cKJntribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the
scheme 8re held separately fri)m those of th& charily in an independently administered fund.
15-

THE BREN PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16 Unreylrlcted fundg
The unrèstricted funds of the charity comprise the ￿eXpended balances of donations 8nd grants which are
not subject to Specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be usèd. These include
designated funds which have been set aside out of unfestrided lunds by the trustees for Éwclfic purposes.
At 1 January
2024
In¢omlng Rogource8
re8our¢e$
oxpended
At31
December
2024
New Project Designated Fund8
General Funds
150.987
153.678
150,987
191,112
280.260
{222.826>
304.685
260,280
{222,8261
342,099
Prevlou8 year:
At 1 January
2023
Incomlng ReBource8
regour¢e$
expended
At31
December
2023
New Project DesSgnaled Funds
General Funds
149.563
132,050
1.424
214.588
150,987
153,678
1192,980)
281,613
216.012
{192,980)
31)4,665
16 Related party Iran8actlon8
There were no dlsclosable relaled p8ty Iransactlons during the year12023- none).
16-