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← The Bridge Church Bolton

2024-12-31-accounts

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

Company Registration No 06238403 (England and Wales)

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) F INANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Contents Pages
Directors’ report 1 – 6
Auditors’ report 7 – 10
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Statement of cash flow 13
Notes to the financial statements 14 – 22

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The directors present their annual report along with audited financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Reference & Administrative Details

The Charity: The Bridge Church Bolton Charity Number: 1121268 Company registration Number: 06238403 Address: The Bridge Church Bolton, 109 Bradford Street, Bolton, BL2 1JX Tel: (01204) 361704, Fax: (01204) 522732

DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES

Mr R Cooke Mr C Taylor Mr P Roberts Mr A Williamson Mr M McPhail Mr A Stokes Mr R Hogg Mr D Andrews Mr A J Foster

Senior Leader Counsellor Volunteer Solicitor Group CEO Finance Manager Teacher Retired Operations Minister

SECRETARY

Mr R Cooke

AUDITORS

Sumer Auditco Limited Fourth Floor, Unit 5b, The Parklands, Bolton, BL6 4SD

SOLICITORS

Aughton Ainsworth 2 Merchants Quay Salford Quays Manchester M50 3XR Tel: 0161 877 8555

PRINCIPAL BANKERS

Virgin Money UK PLC Jubilee House Gosforth Newcastle Upon Tyne England NE3 4PL Tel: 0800 456 1247

Page 1

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Our Aims and Objectives

Purposes and aims

Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association are:

Objectives and Activities

The policies adopted in furthering the above stated objective of the charity, are encompassed in the many activities programmed throughout the calendar year by the charity’s operating departments.

The charity’s activities in fulfilling its objectives:

Sunday services – 9.30am and 11.30am Bridge Kids Children’s Programme – Sunday 9.30am and 11.30am Bridge Youth – Friday 7.30 pm

The church offices are open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Activities during the week:

Prayer Bridge Counselling Youth Meetings
Mid-week Meeting Alpha Courses
 Bridge Tots Group
Life Groups CAP
 Training
Missions Projects Women’s Ministry Oasis
Community Projects Freedom in Christ Course Worship Team
BB Football Club Money Management Course Marriage Courses
Community Thursday Job Club Rise Dance Group
Prison Ministry Baby Basics English Classes
Men’s Ministry Interns Program After School Club
Monthly Staff Breakfast Veterans Drop-In

Other activities:

Various regional events (AOG Region) Counselling Accreditation Courses Appropriate Seminars Board of Directors Meetings Ministry Team Meetings Missions Team Meetings Leadership Training Elders Meetings

Additional events approved by the Board of Directors, which do not conflict with the charity’s objects.

There have been no changes in the charity’s policies during the past year.

The Trustees would confirm there are no assets held by the charity on behalf of another charity .

The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Page 2

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements & Performance

Following the challenges of 2023, 2024 demonstrated the church's continued resilience and commitment to its mission. Church attendance remained strong with both Sunday services continuing to operate at capacity, reflecting the growing confidence and connection within our congregation. Our streaming services, which began during the Covid lockdown period, still helps those who can’t attend in person and keeps people connected beyond Bolton regardless of where they are located, maintaining a sense of belonging despite the distances.

The church’s ministry teams showed outstanding dedication throughout the year. Staff transitions were handled smoothly, including the successful recruitment of a Head of Finance in May. Maternity leave was well supported, and additional help, especially in children’s ministry with the hiring of a children’s worker, ensured uninterrupted programme delivery.

Community outreach programmes flourished throughout 2024, demonstrating the church's continued commitment to serving the local community. “Community Thursdays” continued providing crucial support to families facing cost-of-living challenges, whilst our debt counselling service maintained high demand. We transitioned from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to Money Skills, a Bolton Council initiative, allowing us to offer more direct support whilst maintaining the people-focused approach to assisting individuals who require this service. This transition reflects our commitment to adapting our services to better meet community needs. Baby Basics continued its vital work supporting new mothers and babies providing essential items to families in need.

Significant progress was made on the Bridge Life Centre in 2024, including structural repairs to address external damage and water ingress. Plans are underway to replace the exterior with brick for long-term stability. New offices were built, allowing the finance team to relocate from 107D Bradford Street, followed by the completion of pastoral offices in December 2024 and executive offices in early 2025. A buyer was secured for the house, and proceeds will help fund the Life Centre’s completion and essential church repairs, marking a major step towards a fully functional community hub.

Grant funding initiatives showed substantial success during the latter part of 2024 following a review of how we apply for grants. This saw an additional £24K in additional grant support, including the Energy Efficiency Grant for solar panel installation. Dedicated grant application work contributed significantly to this success. An Additional £60K in grants is due to be received in the first quarter of 2025.

The trading subsidiary performed effectively throughout 2024, with both coffee shop and conferencing facilities contributing to the overall financial sustainability of the church. The. Conferencing activities expanded to include diverse community events, brass band concerts, and fundraising activities, maximising building utilisation whilst serving community needs. Other means to earn extra revenues are underway such as leasing the car park space for EV charging bays.

Financial Review

Review of the transactions and financial position

The Bridge Church Bolton’s income during the period was £668.7K. Most of the church’s income comes from donations, gift aid and grants. Restricted income of £86.5k was received during the year. This is primarily related to the Vision fund, but included some Missions work, the Building Fund, Baby Basics, and our Debt Counselling outreach with CAP. Total expenditure for the period was £664.8k, with much of this relating to the provision of church operations.

At 31st December 2024 all assets shown in the accounts were used exclusively for the benefit of the public to advance the Christian faith and provide spiritual and practical support.

Page 3

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds at an appropriate level to cover management and administration and support costs. Unrestricted funds are maintained at least at this level throughout the year.

Principle risks

Due to the manner in which the Bridge Church operates, exposure to liquidity risk is low. The Bridge continues to display steadiness and growth in terms of income based upon the generous donations and gifts of those who attend the church with equal watchfulness in budgeting wisely and appropriately. The trustees monitor on a monthly basis the sums generated by the primary income stream of donations given which would enable a quick and specific response with any element of risk arising.

To help the Bridge Church for the future, the charity is implementing a Risk Register that will help evaluate more clearly any risk factors and subsequent actions that should be taken. Work on this register commenced during 2019 but, due to COVID severely limiting several pieces of work during the year, it remains a work in progress.

Future Plans

Building in the Life Centre progresses as and when funds are available being acutely aware that our congregation’s finances have been stretched this year with the cost-of-living skyrocketing. However, despite this we have seen finances received for our Vision and we look forward to further progress with the creation of offices soon to be completed. Eventually, this will leave the current open plan office space free and available to rent out for small events and meetings. Furthermore, with the sale of the House at 107D Bradford St and additional grant funding we are on schedule to complete the exterior of the Life Centre in 2026.

We continue to support our partner Church in Horwich by providing spiritual oversight and guidance as well as offering the practical support that many small churches often struggle to secure. Through our partnership, we have seen the Church flourish and now has a well-established congregation meeting each Sunday. We are currently working towards transferring their charity to The Bridge Bolton as we continue to implement similar community programmes (Mums and Tots group, coffee morning, a CAP drop in, Prayer).

Going Concern

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

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 4 May 2007. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. Each member of the company has guaranteed to contribute to the company’s assets, if required, an amount not exceeding £1.

Recruitment and Appointment of Directors

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the company. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the directors shall not be required to retire by rotation and shall comprise the Senior Minister and other ministers of the Church together with such persons as the Senior Minister shall nominate or the directors may appoint.

Page 4

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The management of the charity is vested in the Board of Directors who are responsible for the appointment and induction of Trustees.

The charity is controlled financially by its Board of Directors and spiritually by its Eldership team.

The management structure consists currently of nine members: Chairperson and Treasurer, plus seven other members. The directors are jointly responsible for the charity’s financial control.

Investment Powers

The company shall employ a professional investment manager to make and hold investments using the general funds of the charity, but no such investments are presently held. The delegated powers shall be exercisable only within clear policy guidelines and shall be reported to the Company within 14 days.

Responsibilities of Board of Directors

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The 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 state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of Board of Directors

Members of Board of Directors, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the period and up to date of this report are set out on page 1.

Page 5

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

In accordance with company law, as the company’s directors, we certify that:

Auditors

Sumer Auditco Limited were re-appointed as the charitable company’s auditors during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approval

31/10/2025 | 3:24 AM PDT

This report was approved by the directors on ……………… and signed on their behalf.

[rianDocuSigned15B38F656385485... (roleby:

Mr R Cooke Director

Page 6

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Bridge Church Bolton for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, including Income and Expenditure Accounts, the Balance Sheet, statement of cash flow, a summary of significant accounting policies and related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs(UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRS's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 7

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Other Information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit. We have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Annual Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 5, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable to preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

The trustees have elected for the financial statements to be audited in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 rather than the Companies Act 2006. Accordingly we have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that act. The trustees were not required by section 399 of the Companies Act to prepare group accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Page 8

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

We identified areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements from our general commercial and sector experience, and through discussions with the directors (as required by auditing standards) and discussed with the directors the policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. The potential effect of these laws and regulations on the financial statements varies considerably.

Firstly, the company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation and taxation legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.

Secondly, the company is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of noncompliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines. We identified the following areas as those most likely to have such an effect: Health and Safety at Work Act, Company Law and Employment Law.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Through these procedures we did not become aware of any actual or suspected non-compliance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: [www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities]. This description forms part of the auditor's report.

Page 9

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Sections 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and the regulations made under Section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept any responsibility to anyone other than the charity or the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

[ SumSign2FBFA363E241411... e d by:r luditeo limited Sumer Auditco Limited Statutory Auditor

31/10/2025 | 10:27 AM GMT Date: ……………….

Fourth Floor Unit 5B The Parklands Bolton BL6 4SD

Sumer Auditco Limited is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 10

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Restricted
Unrestricted
Notes
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
£
£
Income and endowments:
Incoming resources from generated funds
Income from donations and legacies
2
77,258
505,712
Income from other trading activities
3
9,233
65,135
Other income
4
-
10,800
Total income and endowments
86,491
581,647
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
5
98,286
557,804
Governance costs
5
-
8,735
Total expenditure on:
98,286
566,539
Net movement of funds in year
(11,795)
15,108
Funds balances at 1 January
522,945
703,073
Fund balances at 31 December
13
511,150
718,181		 TOTAL
Funds
2024
£
582,970
74,368
10,800
668,138
656,090
8,735
664,825
3,313
1,226,018
1,229,331		 TOTAL
Funds
2023
£
611,319
58,678
10,800
680,797
676,160
10,853
687,013
(6,216)
1,232,234
1,226,018

There are no recognised gains or losses in the period other than those included in the statement of financial activities.

The statement of financial activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing.

The statement of financial activities has been prepared on the historical cost basis.

Page 11

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 8 1,963,283 1,980,970
Investment in subsidiary 9 1 1
1,963,284 1,980,971
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 10 10,095 29,052
Cash at bank and in hand 3,412 3,321
13,507 32,373
CREDITORS:amounts falling due
within one year 11 (468,391) (139,759)
NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES) (454,884) (107,386)
1,508,400 1,873,585
CREDITORS:amounts falling due
after more than one year 12 (279,069) (647,567)
NET ASSETS 1,229,331 1,226,018
THE FUNDS
Unrestricted funds 13 718,181 703,073
Restricted funds 13 511,150 522,945
TOTAL FUNDS 1,229,331 1,226,018

For the year ended 31 December 2024, the charitable company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 447 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with section 476 of the Act.

The trustees/directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts.

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions appliable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The notes at pages 14 to 22 form part of these accounts

31/10/2025 | 3:24 AM PDT Approved by the board of directors on …………. and signed on their behalf by:

[Cooke] |[Richard] DocuSigned by:

R Cooke Director

Page 12

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Cash in hand
Overdraft
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Note
Cash used in operating activities
17
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
Cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
New borrowings drawn down
Repayment of borrowing
Cash generated in financing activities
Increase/(Decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year
Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 3,412
(69,074)

(65,662)
2024
£
95,998
(55,570)
-
(55,570)
-
(38,318)
(38,318)
2,110
(67,772)
(65,662)		 2023
£
94,672
(94,350)
-		 2023
£
94,672
(94,350)
-
(94,350)
380,625
(408,613)
(27,988)
(27,666)
(40,106)
(67,772)
3,321
(71,093)
(67,772)

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Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with the items which are considered material to the Charity's affairs.

General information

The entity is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given on the directors’ report.

Basis of preparation of the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Bridge Church Bolton meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectivities of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

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 cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Income

Grants received and invoiced income is accounted for on the accruals basis.

Voluntary income and donations are accounted for as received by the company.

Income from fundraising ventures is shown gross with the associated costs included in the respective cost categories.

Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the accounts on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT.

Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes including the charity coffee shop.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and events 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 include those costs allocated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity including the audit fee and costs linked to the management of the charity.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on the basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to particular activity are allocated already, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.g. floor areas per capital or estimated usage as set in note 5.

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Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

Value Added Tax

Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the company and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Leasing

Rentals payable under operating leases, where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership remain with the lessor, are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line basis over the lease duration.

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets

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

Leasehold property 2% Straight line basis
Leasehold improvements 2% Straight line basis
Office equipment, fixtures and fittings 20% Straight line basis
Computer equipment 20% Straight line basis

Assets under construction are accounted for at cost and are not depreciated until the accounting period in which they are brought into use.

Pension costs

The charity makes payments on a money purchase (defined contribution) basis to the individual personal pension schemes of the employees. Contributions payable to this scheme are charged to the profit and loss account in the period to which they relate. These contributions are invested separately from the company’s assets in the individuals own personal pension schemes. The individual employees bear all the risk of future returns on the investment performance of the funds invested in their own individual pension fund.

Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Significant judgements and estimates

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the director is 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.

Page 15

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial instruments

The company 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 company’s balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Page 16

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, including debtors, 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 bank loans and overdrafts, trade and other creditors, 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 assets classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

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

2.
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Restricted Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
£
£
Gifts, offerings, donations
26,085
428,762
Gift aid
1,698
68,809
Grants
49,476
8,140
77,258
505,712
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Restricted Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
£
£
Catering income
-
432
Other income
9,233
64,703
9,233
65,135
4.
OTHER INCOME
Restricted Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
2024
2024
£
£
Licence income
-
10,800		 TOTAL
Funds
2024
£
454,847
70,507
57,616
582,970
TOTAL
Funds
2024
£
432
73,936
74,368
TOTAL
Funds
2024
£
10,800		 TOTAL
Funds
2023
£
417,797
66,926
126,596
611,319
TOTAL
Funds
2023
£
1,538
57,140
58,678
TOTAL
Funds
2023
£
10,800

Page 17

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5. EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable
Governance
Activities
Costs
£
£
General church
530,979
8,735
Bridge Youth
11,534
-
Bridge Worship
925
-
Pastoral & Caring
420
-
Counselling
783
-
Bridge Ladies
36
-
Events
130
-
Alpha
688
-
Community
1,498
-
CAP
16,958
-
Mission
8,275
-
Activate
8,072
-
Oasis
2,535
-
Depreciation
73,257
-
656,090
8,735		 TOTAL
Funds
2024
£
539,714
11,534
925
420
783
36
130
688
1,498
16,958
8,275
8,072
2,535
73,257
664,825		 TOTAL
Funds
2023
£
552,478
13,949
995
516
649
-
-
1,170
3,898
22,178
5,843
9,304
1,866
74,167
687,013

Page 18

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6. NET INCOMING RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR 2024 2023
£ £
The surplus of income over expenditure is stated after charging:
Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts 42,269 94,672
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 73,257 74,167
Auditors remuneration in respect of audit 7,800 7,000
Auditors remuneration in respect of accountancy services 1,655 2,900
7.
INFORMATION ON EMPLOYEES
Wages and Salaries
Social Security costs
Pension costs		 2024
£
313,813
19,927
9,552
343,292		 2023
£
314,394
18,605
9,209

342,208

The average monthly number of employees was 19 (2023: 19)

8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Assets
Fixtures,
Under
Land &
Fittings &
Construction
Buildings
Equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
172,950
2,326,461
409,571
Additions
54,350
-
1,220
Disposals
-
-
-
Transfers
-
-
-
At 31 December 2024
227,300
2,326,461
410,791
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
-
566,685
361,327
Charge for period
-
46,529
26,728
Disposals
-
-
-
At 31 December 2024
-
613,214
388,055
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
227,300
1,713,247
22,736
At 31 December 2023
172,950
1,759,776
48,244		 TOTAL
£
2,908,982
55,570
-
-
2,964,552
928,012
73,257
-
1,001,269
1,963,283
1,980,971

Page 19

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
CAPITAL SPEND - RESTRICTED FUNDING
Original Cost
Cumulative
Depreciation to
31/12/2024
Net Book Value		 Depreciation
Term
Property
£197,167
£14,494
£182,673
AV Equipment
£109,840
£91,972
£17,867
Fixtures and
Fittings
£2,106
£1,720
£386		 50 Yrs
5 Yrs
5 Yrs
TOTAL
£309,113
£108,186
£200,926

9. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARY

Cost of unlisted investment

2024
£
1		 2023
£
1

Details of the company’s subsidiaries at 31 December 2024 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered office Nature of business Class & shareholding The Bridge Trading Company England and Wales Catering & Conference 100% ordinary (Bolton) Limited Venues

Capital & Reserves Turnover Expenditure Loss for the year £ £ £ £ 7,041 202,595 (205,989) 3,394

Bridge Church and the group headed by Bridge Church qualify as small as set out in section 383 of the Companies Act 2006 and are therefore considered eligible for the exemption from preparing consolidated accounts as determined by reference to sections 384 and 399(2A) of the Act.’

10. DEBTORS

DEBTORS
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Amounts due from group undertakings
Other Debtors		 2024
£
2,363
1,893
1,896
3,943
10,095		 2023
£
896
1,732
21,778
4,646
29,052

Page 20

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11.
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loans and overdraft
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors		 2024
£
437,571
4,687
13,398
12,735
468,391		 2023
£
109,410
2,256
17,245
10,848
139,759

The bank loans and overdraft are secured by a charge over all land and buildings owned by the Church, and by a debenture creating a fixed and floating charge over all assets of the Church.

12.
CREDITORS: amounts due after more than one year
Bank loans		 2024
£
279,069		 2023
£
647,567

The bank loans are secured by a charge over all land and buildings owned by the Church, and by a debenture creating a fixed and floating charge over all assets of the Church.

13. RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total Funds		 At 1 Jan
2024
£
703,073
522,945
1,226,018		 Income
Expenditure
£
£
581,647
(566,539)
86,491
(98,286)
668,138
(664,825)		 At 31 Dec
2024
£
718,181
511,150
1,229,331

The restricted fund mostly relate to the charity’s fixed assets being the donations collected in the year for funding of the church building. Other restricted funds relate to Missions International project work and all grant income and related expenditure.

14. PENSION COMMITMENTS

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund during the period and amounted to £9,552.

The charity’s contributions are invested separately from the charity’s assets in the individuals own personal pension schemes. The individual employees bear all the risk of future returns on the investment performance of the funds invested in their individual pension fund.

15. DIRECTORS REMUNERATION

The following directors received remuneration during the year:

Richard Cooke – Gross Salary: £62,463 (2023: £59,573), Pension Contributions: £3,089 (2023: £2,963) Andrew Stokes – Gross Salary: £10,288 (2023: £19,806), Pension Contributions £202 (2023: £402) Arron Fosters – Gross Salary: £33,558 (2023 £28,657), Pension Contributions £801 (2023: £632)

Page 21

Docusign Envelope ID: 188C7B2F-368B-46F4-92F7-F6CB8C314A5E

THE BRIDGE CHURCH BOLTON (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Remuneration was paid according to provision in the Memorandum and Articles of the charity for providing their services to the charity.

The number of directors to whom retirement benefits are accruing under money purchase schemes was 3 (2023: 3).

16. RELATED PARTIES

In 2018 a trading subsidiary company was created to take on the trading activities of the charity, named The Bridge Trading Company (Bolton) Limited. All profits from the subsidiary are to be donated to The Bridge Church Bolton.

During the year the charity charged licence fees for the use of premises to The Bridge Trading Company (Bolton) Limited of £10,800 (2023: £10,800). During the year the charity received a donation from The Bridge Trading Company (Bolton) Limited totalling £9,808 (2023: £44,752). £1,896 (2023: £21,778) was owed from The Bridge Trading Company (Bolton) Limited at the year end. This amount is repayable on demand.

17. RECONCILIATION OF NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net movement in funds
Add back depreciation charge
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors
Increase/(Decrease) in creditors
Net cash used in operating activities		 2024
£
3,313
73,257
18,957
471
95,998		 2023
£
(6,216)
74,167
26,124
597
94,672

18. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

In January 2025 The Bridge Church Bolton acquired the assets and liabilities of The Bridge Church Horwich. Included within the assets of The Bridge Church was a property that was transferred on the 28[th] May 2025.

19. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

During the year the Charity paid a deposit and committed to purchase solar panels post year end. Payments made post year end amounted to £16,080.

Page 22