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2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1111840

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

FOR

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

M. D. Coxey and Co. Limited Chartered Accountants 25 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1BT

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 13
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 14

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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

Objectives and aims

The following is a summary of the purpose of the charity as set out in the governing document. The objectives of the Trust are:-

a) To advance the Christian Faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs appearing in the schedule, and in particular in the Greater Northwich area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.

b) To relieve persons who are in condition of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby in the said Greater Northwich area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.

c) The advance of Christian Education in the understanding of the Bible.

d) To promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community in the said Greater Northwich area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for specific use should be maintained at a minimum level equivalent to three months expenditure, although the trustees are hoping to build the charity funds to a substantial level.

The Charity's financial year runs concurrently with the financial year end as set by HMRC.

The Charity had a deficit of £141 as shown in the statement of Financial Activities on page 12 of the accounts.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

There have been no changes to the Structure, Governance and Management, since the last annual report. a) The nature of the governing document is a 'Trust Deed', in compliance with the Charities Act 1993. b) The Connection Church is a registered Charity. Charity Number 1111840.

c) The Connection Church has been resolved to constitute a Trust in accordance with the rule stipulated by the Charities Commission of England and Wales, for the furtherance of the religious and other charitable activities of the Church Fellowship in accordance with the charitable objectives stated in the Deed.

Appointment of Trustees: A New Trustee may be appointed by a resolution of the Trustees passed at a meeting of the Trustees at which there is a majority of the Trustees present and such resolution shall be recorded in the munities and signed by the new Trustee and by the Chairman of the meeting and such records shall be conclusive evidence of his appointment. (see copy of the Declaration of Trust)

d) Mr David Bouckley was nominated as a trustee on the 7th July 2024. He will be brought on in 2025.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

1111840

Principal address

33 Stones Manor Lane Hartford Northwich Cheshire CW8 1NU

Page 1

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Trustees

A Crawford M Moore S Ranftler D Bouckley (appointed 7.7.24)

Independent Examiner

M. D. Coxey and Co. Limited Chartered Accountants 25 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1BT

Page 2

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Achievement report for 2024-2025

The year 2024-2025 was a busy year of outreach and mission into the community. As a charity have been active in the community and seen growth in the number of people who attend the Church. We have seen a new wave of volunteers in different areas, which has seen a positive impact in the community through the lives of those that have been touched by the activities of the charity.

We also felt to get more involved in Global Missions this year and took an number of people to Europe and Africa on Mission trips.

A challenge continues to be the availability of a permanent venue to use as a base from which to run our meetings and operate our community work. Having said that we have been involved in the community in various ways. This is a brief overview of what we as The Connection Church have undertaken, and continue to be involved in.

Overview of accomplishments and current ongoing involvement:

As a Church we continue to place an emphasis on leadership development, personal growth and discipleship through the training, equipping and establishment of exciting new Connect Groups (small group meeting). This incorporates all areas of community, including both young and old as well as the vulnerable.

year. We used our local Church Ministry Funds to support them.

Page 3

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Our long-term goal and this is still in place, is to provide a facility for the greater community to meet in and interact. This would take the form of a meeting place that is friendly and inviting and would be open to the community at large, seven days a week. The Connection Venue would include a Coffee Shop, Reading Room, Conference facility, Youth Facility, as well as provision for mothers with infants to interact, socialize and receive guidance and support, a Home Schoolers venue to facilitate educational group activities. This facility will also be a Life Skills Training and Youth Centre. The facility should cater for all ages.

We are currently using the Barnton School Hall facility on weekends.

Our main goal is to be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and through this Gospel of Grace to allow love and forgiveness to impact and influence all areas of our community.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in March 2005).

The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 15th January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

A Crawford - Trustee

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CONNECTION CHURCH

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Connection Church

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Connection Church (the Trust) for the year ended 31st March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Joanne Evans FCCA ACA

M. D. Coxey and Co. Limited Chartered Accountants 25 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1BT

19th January 2026

Page 5

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

31.3.25 31.3.24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 2 69,529 - 69,529 57,076
Investment income 3 4 - 4 10
Other income - - - 450
Total 69,533 - 69,533 57,536
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Advancement of the Christian faith 13,292 - 13,292 16,657
Support costs 56,465 - 56,465 45,694
Total 69,757 - 69,757 62,351
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (224) - (224) (4,815)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 18,963 5,950 24,913 29,728
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 18,739 5,950 24,689 24,913

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET 31ST MARCH 2025

31.3.25 31.3.24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 8 1,599 - 1,599 2,947
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 9 4,072 - 4,072 3,045
Cash at bank 14,702 5,950 20,652 20,054
CREDITORS 18,774 5,950 24,724 23,099
Amounts falling due within one year 10 (1,634) - (1,634) (1,133)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 17,140 5,950 23,090 21,966
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES 18,739 5,950 24,689 24,913
NET ASSETS 18,739 5,950 24,689 24,913
FUNDS 11
Unrestricted funds 18,739 18,963
Restricted funds 5,950 5,950
TOTAL FUNDS 24,689 24,913

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 15th January 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Income

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

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

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

Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost Computer equipment - 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

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

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

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

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

continued...

Page 8

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

3.

4.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Donations 69,529 57,076
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest 31.3.25
£
4
31.3.24
£
10
SUPPORT COSTS
Support costs Management
£
57,134
Finance
£
15
Totals
£
57,149

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

During the year Mr A Crawford was paid a gross salary of £39,600 (2024 - £36,000) and employer pension of £1,170 (2024 - £1,080) was made on his behalf.

During the year the trustees were reimbursed for purchases made on behalf of the charity totalling £2,146 (2024 - £2,665). No other payments were made to the trustees.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.

6. STAFF COSTS

The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2024: 1).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: nil).

7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
56,576
500
Investment income
10
-
Other income
450
-
Total
57,036
500
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Advancement of the Christian faith
16,657
-
Support costs
45,694
-
Total
62,351
-
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(5,315)
500
Total
funds
£
57,076
10
450
57,536
16,657
45,694
62,351
(4,815)

continued...

Page 9

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 24,278 5,450 29,728
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 18,963 5,950 24,913
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST Fixtures
and
fittings
£
Computer
equipment
£
Totals
£
At 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 2,383 3,608 5,991
DEPRECIATION
At 1st April 2024 1,861 1,183 3,044
Charge for year 446 902 1,348
At 31st March 2025 2,307 2,085 4,392
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st March 2025 76 1,523 1,599
At 31st March 2024 522 2,425 2,947
9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other debtors 31.3.25
£
3,685
31.3.24
£
2,646
Prepayments 387 399
4,072 3,045

continued...

Page 10

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
Taxation and social security 652 -
Other creditors 982 1,133
1,634 1,133
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds At 1.4.24
£
Net
movement
in funds
£
At
31.3.25
£
General fund 6,166 (224) 5,942
Designated fund - Building 11,558 - 11,558
Designated fund - Ministry 1,239 - 1,239
Restricted funds 18,963 (224) 18,739
Restricted fund - Building 5,450 - 5,450
Restricted fund - Missionary 500 - 500
5,950 - 5,950
TOTAL FUNDS 24,913 (224) 24,689
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds Incoming
resources
£
Resources
expended
£
Movement
in funds
£
General fund 69,533 (69,757) (224)
TOTAL FUNDS 69,533 (69,757) (224)

continued...

Page 11

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net Transfers Transfers
movement between At
At 1.4.23 in funds funds 31.3.24
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 11,303 (5,315) 178 6,166
Designated fund - Building 11,558 - - 11,558
Designated fund - Ministry 1,417 - (178) 1,239
Restricted funds 24,278 (5,315) - 18,963
Restricted fund - Building 5,450 - - 5,450
Restricted fund - Missionary - 500 - 500
5,450 500 - 5,950
TOTAL FUNDS 29,728 (4,815) - 24,913

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds Incoming
Resources
Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
General fund 57,036
(62,351)
(5,315)
Restricted funds
Restricted fund - Missionary 500
-
500
TOTAL FUNDS 57,536
(62,351)
(4,815)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds Net
movement
At 1.4.23
in funds
£
£
Transfers
between
funds
£
At
31.3.25
£
General fund 11,303
(5,539)
178 5,942
Designated fund - Building 11,558
-
- 11,558
Designated fund - Ministry 1,417
-
(178) 1,239
Restricted funds 24,278
(5,539)
- 18,739
Restricted fund - Building 5,450
-
- 5,450
Restricted fund - Missionary -
500
- 500
5,450
500
- 5,950
TOTAL FUNDS 29,728
(5,039)
- 24,689

continued...

Page 12

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Movement Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 126,569 (132,108) (5,539)
Restricted funds
Restricted fund - Missionary 500 - 500
TOTAL FUNDS 127,069 (132,108) (5,039)

12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year the trustees donated a total amount of £16,825 (2024 - £9,688) to the charity.

Page 13

THE CONNECTION CHURCH

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

31.3.25 31.3.24
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations 69,529 57,076
Investment income
Deposit account interest 4 10
Other income
Gain on sale of tangible fixed assets - 450
Total incoming resources 69,533 57,536
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Rent 160 340
Mission fund donations 3,784 7,763
Elders expense 1,105 2,177
Telephone 1,245 791
Events 2,111 1,371
Advertising 239 544
Ministry 1,648 1,480
Consumables 2,316 1,778
Support costs 12,608 16,244
Management
Wages 44,069 35,999
Pensions 1,170 1,080
Training 860 779
Insurance 428 413
Repairs & maintenance 473 245
Travel 4,435 1,848
Motor 919 1,738
Legal and professional fees 1,144 1,335
Subscriptions 2,288 1,573
Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets 1,348 1,097
Finance 57,134 46,107
Bank charges 15 -
Total resources expended 69,757 62,351
Net expenditure (224) (4,815)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 14