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← Raise Limited

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1112830 (England and Wales) Company registration number 03854479

RAISE LIMITED

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr C Hudson (Chair) Mr A Wilson (Vice Chair) Mrs J Guinan (Treasurer) Ms R Stott Mr B Akinola (Appointed 19 November 2025) Ms W Roznowska (Appointed 19 November 2025) Mr S Thornton (Appointed 19 November 2025) Secretary Ms L Daley Charity number 1112830 Company number 03854479 Registered office 107 Great Mersey Street Liverpool L5 2PL Independent examiner Tony Stanley ACA Mitchell Charlesworth Suites C,D,E, & F 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ Bankers The Co-operative Bank plc P O Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 7
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 8
Independent examiner's report 9
Statement of financial activities 10 - 11
Balance sheet 12
Statement of cash flows 13
Notes to the accounts 14 - 29

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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).

About Raise

Raise is an independent anti-poverty charity operating in one of the five most deprived areas in the country. We have delivered specialist Welfare Rights and Debt (Money Advice) support for over 25 years across the Liverpool City Region. We work with local agencies, social landlords, and community hubs to reach the most difficult-toengage clients and provide a responsive, person-centred casework service, delivered flexibly to meet the needs of vulnerable clients. We are FCA Registered and hold Advice Quality Standards and Cyber Essentials Accreditations.

Raise offers free, confidential, and impartial information, advice, and advocacy to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals have equal access to support and justice. A large proportion of our clients face engagement barriers due to various reasons, including low self-confidence, digital exclusion, poor literacy skills, mental ill-health, physical disabilities, learning differences, alcohol and/or substance dependency, and/or chaotic lifestyles. Our personable approach by our Caseworkers/Advisors helps to tease out information from clients, assisting and supporting them at all stages.

Our flexible delivery approach allows our workers to engage with clients in the most inclusive and effective ways, including face-to-face appointments at our offices or local community hubs and drop-ins, by telephone, email, text, or live video support. Uniquely, we also deliver our services in the client’s home if this is appropriate and the best option to support the client.

By working in partnership with other organisations, including directly in community hubs and with entities such as food banks and home furnishings charities, we build and develop on established community trust, enabling us to reach clients who would otherwise struggle to access our services.

Working with Housing Associations

Raise has forged strong, long-term partnerships with Housing Associations. They continue to manage huge challenges due to the consequences of the cost-of-living crisis, the impact of the pandemic, and the continued impact of Welfare Reform, among other aspects. The Social Housing Sector houses more vulnerable groups than other sectors, and Raise works proactively with the Housing Associations to support their tenants through a range of services tailored to each individual. This complements the support the Housing Associations provide for their tenants, helps to minimise financially related tenancy issues, and promotes successful tenancies.

The impact of our work

The impact on our clients is measured quantitatively through financial gains and the number of successful appeals. However, the impact is also life-changing for clients, positively affecting their standard of living, health (physical and mental), life choices, and life chances. We monitor and learn through tracking cases and keeping detailed statistics. Clients are encouraged to provide feedback in various formats, and responses are used to review and implement improvements.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Our Vision : To champion the fight against poverty and inequality, empowering people to take control of their lives.

Our Mission : Providing outstanding specialist services for individuals, incorporating benefit advice, representation, debt, and money management that are accessible at the point of need and empower people to achieve a better standard of living.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Our Values Statement :

Strategic Aims

Under these Strategic Aims sits an Operational Plan which details the short, medium, and long-term milestones. Each year, the Board of Trustees meets to agree on the milestones that will take priority for that year, and they become the organisation's annual objectives. The Operations Manager reports quarterly on the progress made towards these objectives. To support the organisation's annual objectives, we have several working groups that meet throughout the year.

Raise Services

Welfare Benefits Rights/Advice : We provide general and specialist advice/rights services that respond to the problems our clients face. Our work includes benefits checks, support with form filling (e.g., Personal Independence Payment – PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Universal Credit (UC). Our work runs right through to specialist level, including benefit appeals for tax credits or housing benefit, and appealing decisions in the Upper Tribunal. We help individuals navigate the benefits system, which is now more complex than ever before.

When required, we challenge the welfare system to ensure access is achieved fairly and equitably. Our team of specialist workers managed over 1,000 Welfare Rights referrals last year. Over a third of these cases involved some level of decision challenging. Our success in having decisions overturned before an appeal hearing increases as we continuously improve the quality feedback of our early interventions. We also discuss our anonymised data sets and case studies with senior staff within the welfare system (notably the DWP) to highlight system injustices and encourage changes.

Money Advice : We provide a comprehensive Money Advice Service. Our expert Advisors explore clients’ financial positions – income, spending, and debt. Advisors then guide clients through options, advising on aspects including payment plans, voluntary agreements, debt relief orders, and bankruptcy. We provide a Caseworker service so that clients feel supported in making the changes they need to ensure ongoing financial sustainability, with plans for immediate issues and moving forward.

Financial Capability : We work with clients to build their confidence and skills, encouraging them to feel engaged with and in better control of their finances. We support clients with basic budgeting, saving, and making the most of their money through informed choice. With so much confusing (and in some cases incorrect) information on various platforms, people can become overwhelmed. By supporting people to strengthen their financial capability, we help build confidence to navigate the world of money and finance.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Added Value : The teams have extensive knowledge of national schemes and community links to provide additional support for clients, such as grant applications or gaining household or children’s items, data connectivity, etc. Raise also works proactively with community partners and refers clients to a variety of support services.

Our teams also pick up on issues including safeguarding, domestic violence, gambling harms, and/or mental health concerns. We liaise with external partners and arrange joint visits as appropriate.

We have a team of Welfare Benefits specialists who are qualified to deliver welfare benefits rights training, and we work with Housing Association staff teams to ensure they are trained in welfare rights issues, notably those they have identified as a need or requirement. We meet regularly with Housing Association partners to ensure that our services, information, training, and support are responsive to current and emerging issues.

Effective use of technology to improve service delivery

Our cloud-based systems ensure that services can be effectively and securely delivered in a range of formats. This hybrid delivery model is proven to be responsive for the clients and allows our advisors to deliver services with full flexibility. From in-person appointments in our offices, and the use of email, text, phone calls, and video calls, to in-person in-community settings and even in the client’s home, we can provide services in a format that works for the client.

The AdvicePro case management system for data management has proved a positive change. With over four years’ data now held, we are better able to draw out trends and specific data to analyse and inform our service. With recent developments to AdvicePro, we can continue to review our needs and improve our case management and recording to improve quality and efficiency.

Working with partners

The Raise service delivery teams work effectively with community partners, achieving tailored interventions for clients at the grassroots level. Our organisation also works with City, City Region, regional, and national partners to influence change. Through our work in formal and informal groups, we aim to address the challenges and issues faced by individuals in the Liverpool communities.

Our Management Team members attend a variety of meetings and events. We work closely with LATAN (Liverpool Access to Advice Network). This membership network has influenced local decision-makers, including on the City Council budget decisions that directly affect the support available for city residents.

We work closely with our Local Authority Neighbourhood Manager, Councillors, and local MPs. These discussions ensure the collective knowledge in the sector is current and responsive. It also drives improvements in service delivery, systems, and processes and influences positive changes in welfare rights policy and legislation. We work proactively to encourage and drive collaborative working where we can to be a positive driving force in continuously improving existing services and developing new responsive services.

Moving forward into 2025/20256

We plan to enhance our delivery model further to ensure that our services are fully responsive to client needs. Requests for face-to-face service delivery in client homes are increasing, and we are also working closely with our community partners to deliver our services in additional community venues.

With existing face-to-face, telephone and digital services delivery, we can offer a fully flexible and responsive holistic service. Our “wrap-around” service, which offers financial and digital capability, is now established, and alongside welfare rights and debt advice, we aim to help our clients understand and engage with their finances, upskilling them to take control of their money. We will also continue to work proactively with Housing Associations and community partners to co-develop and co-deliver services and projects. Raise is also committed to ensuring that clients are encouraged to assist us in co-developing the services we deliver for them.

We will focus on engagement with community groups to reach the most vulnerable and maximise our reach across the city, helping clients maximise their income, make the most of their money, help them budget, and take better control of their finances.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

In 2024-2025, we opened 2,312 cases and saw an increase in the average gain per case from £2,645 to £2,687, as we continue to seek opportunities to enhance the financial resilience of our clients. Our Advice and Casework yielded just over £6.2 million in total gains, including £4.1 million in welfare benefits.

The highest categories for extra benefits were:

Our clients came to us with £6.2 million of debt, and we helped clear £2 million. The amount of debt was distributed as follows:

As we continue to source additional income for our clients, we again recorded a significant increase in charitable grants obtained, with clients receiving £113,000 in total (up from £74,000 in 2023/2024 and £38,000 in 2022/2023). We successfully applied for grants on behalf of clients and distributed 153 food bank vouchers and around 80 SIM cards with six months of free data.

Referrals and Visits

Between April 2024 and March 2025, we received 2,030 referrals and opened 2,312 new welfare or debt cases. We carried out 226 home visits and saw 376 clients at outreach venues.

Client Profile

For the year, our client demographic for ethnicity was made up of 85% White British, 3% Black or Black British, 2% Asian/Asian British, with other groups making up the remaining 10%. 62% of clients were female (no change from 2022-2023). 47% of clients were aged between 46 and 65, and 12% were aged 65 and over. 85% disclosed a disability or long-term health condition, 60% of clients were unemployed, and 46% of these were unfit for work. 5% were the main carer for a family member.

Funders

Our long-standing contracting arrangements with Housing Associations continued, and during this year, Raise held contracts with Plus Dane, Prima Group, One Vision Housing, Northwest Housing, and Family Housing Association. Additional contracts and funding came from:

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Raise would like to thank all new and existing funders for their support during the year. All our funders enable Raise to reach the most vulnerable, relieve the hardship of our clients, and help to make positive changes in people’s lives.

Financial review

2024-25 has been a year of resilience and recovery with a £101k surplus for Raise revitalising a previous threeyear net loss of -£52k, and a three-year net cash movement of -£112k, stabilising cashflow (cash movement 2024/25 +£163.6k, 2023/24 -£47.5k, 2022/23 -£29.2k, 2021-22 -£35.4k). A change of Raise’s CEO in year made savings contributing £29.3k to the surplus and cash position, currently we have an acting Chief Officer to take Raise forward and we have designated funds to strengthen our organisational structure in 2025/26 to sustain and grow our organisation.

Income from benefit contracts decreased by –32%, -£66.6k (2023/24 -47%, -£182k) owing to the end of the Torus contract in December 2023 giving a significant decrease for a second year. Contracts with Plus Dane, Prima, and One Vision Housing have continued with agreed inflationary increases as have PAYG contracts with Family Housing Association and Liverpool Merchants Guild. Extra referrals from Prima, +49% generated an extra £11k with Raise’s capacity being flexible to funder needs.

Grant income increased by 44%, +£151k (2023/24 +22%, +£61.9k) expanding the shift of core funding from contracts to grants; grants 77%, contracts 23%. The increase in grant income is with thanks to new funding from Independent Age, Beacon Counselling Trust, Steve Morgan Foundation, Energy Projects Plus, Social Brokers, Sefton Multiply, Aintree Village Council, Allen and Overy, Skelton Charity, LCVS UKSPF Resilience, and Local Neighbourhood Funding.

There was a welcomed increase to Student Placement Income of +60%, +£2k (2023-24 £3.3k, 2024/25 £5.3k) thanks to continued work with Edge Hill University and the University of Chester.

Expenditure saw savings of -£17.4k on the previous year, as we sought to make further efficiencies, with some large variances. Payroll expenditure decreased by –8%, -£36.6k (2024-25 £428.7k, 2023/24 £465.4k) due to two redundancies in year necessary to restructure and maintain the financial health of the charity. Non-salary expenditure increased by 22%, +£18.8k in 2024/25. Most notably Accountancy Fee’s, £17.6k +100%, make up 17% of non-salary expenditure covering staff Maternity leave. IT costs, £18.3k, make up 18% of non-salary expenditure. Professional Fee’s reduced by –53%, -£9.5k, and Redundancy costs for the year were £11.8k (2023/24 £0).

Looking forward Raise has plans to update IT infrastructure, and enhance its delivery model to adapt to client needs while diversifying income streams and routes to client engagement making Raise more relevant and financially resilient for the benefit of our clients for the years to come. Raise would like to thank existing funders as well as Good Things Foundation, IMA, LCVS CIF, and Liverpool City Council, for their support during the year. All our funders enable Raise to reach the most vulnerable and relieve the hardship of our clients.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Reserves policy

At 31 March 2025 the unrestricted designated reserves were £215,892 (2024; £144,430), restricted reserves were £18,949 (2024; £2,781) and unrestricted general reserves were £79,999 (2024; £67,525). This gives a reserve value of £314,840.

Unrestricted reserve

The Trustees believe that Raise should hold financial reserves equivalent to a minimum of 3 months operating costs plus statutory redundancy and notice for all employees with at least 2 years service, in order to ensure that the charity can continue to operate and meet the needs of clients in the event of unforeseen and potentially financially damaging circumstances arising.

Designated reserves

The trustees consider that it would be prudent to set aside an amount for ‘flexible reserves’. This could be used for:

The Trustees regularly review the current activity to ensure sufficient reserves are held for delivery, and business plans incorporate a review to ensure adequacy and modest growth.

Restricted reserves

The following funds; ASA; LCC CRG; GMMAP; Northwest Housing; LCVS CIF; Good Things Foundation Digital Inclusion, Access to Justice IOTLS, IMA DRO Fund, LCC Local Neighbourhood Fund, National Lottery Awards 4 All are restricted by the donor or funder and cannot be used for the general purposes of the bureau. Their existence, and the sums of money therein, do not imply that there has been an underspend but may result from a variety of circumstances including timing differences between Raise's financial year and the funding year of the project concerned.

Review

This reserves policy is monitored and reviewed by the trustees annually.

Risk policy

In accordance with the guidelines set down by the Charity Commission, the Board of Trustees have considered and identified the governance, operational, financial, external and compliance risks to which the charity is exposed and have taken measures to mitigate any risks identified. The Board will look to strengthen the organisations business continuity and disaster recovery policies but are pleased with how the organisation was able to adapt the service during the pandemic. The trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

The trustees have adopted the Charity Commission’s heat map method of risk analysis, with scores 1-7 being green, 8-14 being amber and 15-30 being red, the policy states that amber risks will be regularly reviewed and that red risks will be dealt with immediately.

The biggest risk to Raise is the loss of Housing Association funding due to either financial pressures on the Housing Associations or a loss of contracts due to Housing Associations being privatised as a result Government policy. Existing management of this risk includes promoting the value of the welfare rights and debt services to reduce rent arrears and increase levels of rent collection, participation in Housing Associations’ Welfare Reform Group, diversifying funding streams by applying for appropriate funding opportunities and having a flexible approach to pricing our services.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees have implemented existing risk management with three monthly reviews to mitigate this risk. Raise will also continue to seek extra funding from Housing Associations, local and national government, and grant-giving bodies for its core work and complementary projects.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee incorporated on 7 October 1999 and registered as a charity on 25 January 2006. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charity and is governed under its Articles of Association.

According to the constitution overall control of the company resides with the Board of Directors. Every issue may be determined by the Board by a simple majority of the votes cast at a meeting but a written resolution signed by all the Trustees is as valid a resolution passed at a meeting.

All staff and volunteers are accountable to the Board of Directors. Within the policies determined by the Board the Chief Officer has the authority and responsibility to ensure the smooth and effective running of the Service.

Appointment of Trustees is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board of Trustees is authorised to appoint new Trustees to fill vacancies including through the death or resignation of an existing Trustee.

The Board maintains a list of the necessary range of skills and experience for Board members. The Chair conducts an annual audit of existing Trustees to identify any gaps in skills or experience and to decide on any necessary training or recruitment to fill those gaps. Trustees operate to a role description with newly recruited Trustees receiving induction and support from more experienced Trustees.

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

Mr C Hudson (Chair) Mr A Wilson (Vice Chair) Mrs J Guinan (Treasurer) Ms D McAndrew (Resigned 7 May 2024) Ms R Stott Mr B Akinola (Appointed 19 November 2025) Ms W Roznowska (Appointed 19 November 2025) Mr S Thornton (Appointed 19 November 2025)

Senior staff members 2025/26: Penny Brown, Chief Officer (resigned June 2024) Linda Daley, Operations Manager & acting Chief Officer

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

Mr C Hudson (Chair)

Trustee Dated: 19 November 2025

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors of Raise Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF RAISE LIMITED

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of RAISE Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

Tony Stanley ACA

Mitchell Charlesworth Suites C,D,E, & F 14th Floor The Plaza 100 Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9QJ

Dated: 18 December 2025

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Current financial year

Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 (348) - (348) 628
Charitable activities 4 144,740 490,420 635,160 551,491
Total income 144,392 490,420 634,812 552,119
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 5 47,950 486,758 534,708 545,471
Net income/ (expenditure) for the year 96,442 3,662 100,104 6,648
Transfers between funds 15 (12,506) 12,506 - -
Net movement in funds 83,936 16,168 100,104 6,648
Fund balances at 1 April 2024 211,955 2,781 214,736 208,088
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 295,891 18,949 314,840 214,736

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

The movement in funds detailed above compiles with the requirements for a statement of changes in equity under FRS102.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Prior financial year

Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
Notes £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 628 - 628
Charitable activities 4 209,415 342,076 551,491
Total income 210,043 342,076 552,119
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 5 200,120 345,351 545,471
Net income/ (expenditure) for the year 9,923 (3,275) 6,648
Transfers between funds 15 (6,056) 6,056 -
Net movement in funds 3,867 2,781 6,648
Fund balances at 1 April 2023 208,088 - 208,088
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 211,955 2,781 214,736

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

The movement in funds detailed above compiles with the requirements for a statement of changes in equity under FRS102.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 9 799 -
Current assets
Debtors 11 53,612 72,310
Cash at bank and in hand 309,133 193,058
362,745 265,368
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one 12
year (48,704) (50,632)
Net current assets 314,041 214,736
Total assets less current liabilities 314,840 214,736
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds 15 18,949 2,781
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds 16 215,892 144,430
General unrestricted funds 79,999 67,525
Total unrestricted funds 295,891 211,955
Total charity funds 314,840 214,736

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 19 November 2025

Mr C Hudson (Chair) Mrs J Guinan (Treasurer) Trustee Trustee

Company Registration No. 03854479

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) 21
operations 117,273 (47,569)
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,198) -
Net cash used in investing activities (1,198) -
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 116,075 (47,569)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 193,058 240,627
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 309,133 193,058

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

RAISE Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 107 Great Mersey Street, Liverpool, L5 2PL.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association , the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity, and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a particular purpose. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Income from donations and grants, including capital grants, and contract income is included when these are receivable, except as follows:

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Voluntary income includes discretionary grants for projects, goods and services where no service agreement or contract exists.

Income from donated services and facilities is included at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor where such a cost is quantifiable and measurable. No income is recognised when there is no financial cost borne by a third party.

Interest is included when receivable by the charity.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure reflects all amounts paid and accrued during the year. All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis. Staff costs are apportioned between activities on the basis of an assessment of the time spent by individual employees on those activities.

Charitable expenditure

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Governance costs

These represent costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

All assets costing more than £200 are capitalised at cost.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Office and computer equipment 33% per annum on a straight line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts in the year in which they are paid.

1.12 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.13 Taxation

The charity benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions. Recovery is made of tax deducted from income and from receipts under Gift Aid.

The charity is also able to partially recover Value Added Tax. Expenditure that is not recoverable by the charity is recorded in the accounts inclusive of VAT.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. There are no critical accounting estimates or judgements in these accounts.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts (348) 628

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RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6 Support costs

Support costs
Support
Governance		 2025Support costs Governance 2024
costs costs costs
£ £ £ £ £ £
Staff costs 44,154 - 44,154 127,347 - 127,347
Depreciation 399 - 399 685 - 685
Premises costs 21,751 - 21,751 23,800 - 23,800
Office costs 22,193 - 22,193 28,264 - 28,264
Staff and volunteer costs 5,051 - 5,051 (1,863) - (1,863)
Other costs 1,974 - 1,974 1,245 - 1,245
Indepentent examination - 850 850 - 800 800
Accountancy - 20,587 20,587 - 12,089 12,089
Legal and professional - 4,759 4,759 - 5,273 5,273
95,522 26,196 121,718 179,478 18,162 197,640
Analysed between
Charitable activities 95,522 26,196 121,718 179,478 18,162 197,640

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year (2024: £nil). No trustees were reimbursed for expenses during the year (2024: £nil).

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Debt and welfare rights advisors 13 14
Administration 3 4
Total 16 18
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 391,770 416,350
Social security costs 27,086 27,138
Other pension costs 19,739 22,065
438,595 465,553

Included in wages is redundancy payments of £11,886 (2024: £Nil).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 (2024: none).

9 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Office and computer equipment
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024 34,256
Additions 1,198
Disposals (11,557)
At 31 March 2025 23,897
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024 34,256
Depreciation charged in the year 399
Eliminated in respect of disposals (11,557)
At 31 March 2025 23,098
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025 799
At 31 March 2024 -

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10 Financial instruments 2025 2024
£ £
Carrying amount of financial assets
Debt instruments measured at amortised cost 353,712 255,633
Carrying amount of financial liabilities
Measured at amortised cost 35,368 31,502
11 Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade debtors 9,602 50,215
Other debtors 34,977 12,360
Prepayments 9,033 9,735
53,612 72,310
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Other taxation and social security 13,336 17,625
Deferred income 13 - 1,505
Trade creditors 2,648 19,373
Other creditors 6,227 2,061
Accruals 26,493 10,068
48,704 50,632
13 Deferred income
2025 2024
£ £
Other deferred income - 1,505
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Total deferred income at 1 April 2024 1,505 20,399
Amounts received in the year - 1,505
Amounts credited to statement of financial activities (1,505) (20,399)
Total deferred income at 31 March 2025 - 1,505

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 19,739 22,065

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

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RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Income Expenditure Expenditure Transfers Transfers At 31 March At 31 March
2024 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Reserve funds 144,430 - - 71,462 215,892
General funds 67,525 144,392 (47,950) (83,968) 79,999
211,955 144,392 (47,950) (12,506) 295,891
Previous year: At 1 April Income Expenditure Transfers At 31 March
2023 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Reserve fund 144,430 - - - 144,430
General funds 63,658 210,043 (200,120) (6,056) 67,525
208,088 210,043 (200,120) (6,056) 211,955

The reserve fund is designated to provide for general contingencies, restructuring the services as well as possible employment termination costs, which includes redundancy liability, likely to be incurred should the charity cease to operate or have to reduce its activities. This is reviewed annually at the start of the year to ensure the charities liabilities are as informed as possible.

17 Capital commitments

Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial statements:

2025 2024
£ £
Acquisition of tangible fixed assets 12,000 -

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fund balances at
31 March 2025
are represented
by:
Tangible assets 799 - 799 - - -
Current assets/(liabilities) 295,092 18,949 314,041 211,955 2,781 214,736
295,891 18,949 314,840 211,955 2,781 214,736

19 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Within one year 4,800 18,600
Between two and five years - 600
4,800 19,200

20 Related party transactions

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

2025 2024
£ £
Aggregate remuneration 68,915 76,038

The stepdaughter of Mr A Wilson, a Trustee, is employed by the charity, her annual remuneration is £13,161 (2024: £24,661), which is considered to be at a market rate.

There were no other related party transactions during the year (2024: none).

RAISE LIMITED COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

21 Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 2025 2024
£ £
Surplus for the year 100,104 6,648
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 399 685
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 18,698 (41,919)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (423) 5,911
(Decrease) in deferred income (1,505) (18,894)
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 117,273 (47,569)

22 Company limited by guarantee

RAISE is incorporated under the Companies Act as a company limited by guarantee. The liability of the members is limited to £1.