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2023-12-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 06484880 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1123149

The Veterans Charity Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements 31 December 2023

THOMPSON & CO

Chartered accountants Sterling Offices 30A Mill Street Bedford Beds MK40 3HD

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2023

Page
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) 1
Statement of financial activities (including income and
expenditure account) 4
Statement of financial position 5
Statement of cash flows 6
Notes to the financial statements 7

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

Year ended 31 December 2023

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name The Veterans Charity Charity registration number 1123149 Company registration number 06484880 Principal office and registered Unit 7 office Seven Brethren Bank Barnstaple Devon EX31 2AS The trustees General Sir R A Pascoe KCB MBE Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) V.R.Kent-Payne Mr. I. Henderson Major (Retired) Hume Jones Major-General (Retired) Rob Thomson CBE DSO Captain William Holland Company secretary Mr Daniel Greeno Accountants Thompson & Co Chartered accountants Sterling Offices 30A Mill Street Bedford Beds MK40 3HD

Structure, governance and management

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 28 January 2008 and registered as a charity on 11 March 2008. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association,(and recently amended) which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of Management Committee

The directors/trustees are known as members of the Management committee. The Trustees are responsible for the appointment of new/additional members of the Management Committee.

- 1 -

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

Objectives and activities

The main objective is to directly assist individuals who have served for more than one day in His Majesty's Armed Forces through provision of equipment, advice, and general support, which the trustees refer to as welfare. This objective is aimed at enhancing the quality of day-to-day life for veterans with the help of vital provisions such as food shopping, utilities support, clothing, communications devices, household items, travel support and temporary emergency accommodation.

The charity may also make grants from time to time to other organisations to further support veterans of His Majesty's Armed Forces, entirely at the Trustees discretion.

Another objective of the charity is to establish memorials as recognition of the sacrifice made by members of the armed forces and to help educate the public in the history of operations. Initially this was done to commemorate personnel who took part in operations to capture bridges in Normandy prior to D-Day. To date, the charity has created 3 memorials in Normandy which fulfil this objective.

How our activities deliver public benefit

The charity's main objectives are described above. To achieve these, the charity organises or attends enjoyable social and challenge events which the public and veterans alike can take part in, whilst raising funds and at the same time educating the public. These events are enjoyable and educational and give civilians a great opportunity to spend time with members of His Majesty's Armed Forces and Veterans of the UK military. Uniting these sections of society enhances learning and understanding the challenges faced by those we support. The events created by the charity are inclusive and open to people of many different backgrounds and also provide an opportunity for improving fitness, focus, wellbeing and camaraderie.

Strategic report

The following sections for achievements and performance and financial review form the strategic report of the charity.

Achievements and performance

The principal funding sources and their purposes are as follows:

Donations and Legacies

The charity derives the majority of its income from public donations. Donors consist primarily of individuals, who generously make donations during fundraising events, collections and also participants who undertake sponsored marches, walks, marathons, cycle rides and similar events organised by or in aid of the charity.

Grants

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the charity has been forced to explore grants support from other organisations and has been successful on a number of occasions in securing grants from organisations including The Veterans Foundation, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and National Lottery Community Fund.

Partnerships

Over the past 2 years, the charity has formed highly effective partnership with the Royal Logistic Corps Association, Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and Forces Support Ltd. These vital partnerships provide key funding which assists with covering the costs of welfare provision to Veterans and their dependants.

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

The cost of providing support and provisions to veterans during the period amounted to £272,668 (2022: £221,204).

This expenditure includes support costs, so that the charity can provide non-medical assistance, guidance and advice as well as carry out assessments of beneficiary needs. These costs do not provide equipment directly to individuals but are nevertheless an essential part of the support process and are considered by the trustees to be costs incurred to achieve the charitable objectives of the charity.

Financial review

Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year are £5,087, (2022: £8,202)). The Restricted fund shows reserves available of £134,000 (2022: £29,742) and Unrestricted Funds o£ -£48,400 (2022 - £80,513).

The trustees will continue to focus on regular fundraising events and keeping governance costs as low as possible.

The trustees' intention in the coming year is to continue to increase the percentage of incoming resources used for charitable activities. Please refer to appendix at the back of the Trustees' report for more detail.

Plans for future periods

The strategy moving forward is to continue to raise awareness of the charity and its planned events. This will partly be achievable by providing continued support of other events organised by other entities.

Fundraising will continue to be conducted through public collections and events created by the Charity as well as attending larger events and shows which are organised by other entities.

This strategy is aimed at keeping costs of generating vital income as low as possible whilst continuing to raise the profile of the charity.

The charity is also hoping to form additional partnerships similar to those already existing which will enable support to be delivered to an even greater number of Veterans and their dependents.

The charity is also recruiting a number of Volunteer Area Fundraising Coordinators who will support the charity by organising fundraising collections and attending events in specific locations around the UK. This will help to enhance awareness of the charity's work as well as generate further income.

The trustees' annual report and the strategic report were approved on ..13[th] September 2024.. and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

General Sir R A Pascoe KCB MBE Trustee

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) V.R.Kent-Payne Trustee

- 3 -

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)

Year ended 31 December 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 5 143,544 134,000 277,544 229,386
Investment income 6 231 231 20
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total income 143,775 134,000 277,775 229,406
================================ ================================ ================================ ================================
Expenditure
Test 7,8 174,533 98,155 272,688 221,204
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total expenditure 174,533 98,155 272,688 221,204
================================ ================================ ================================ ================================
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Net income and net movement in funds (30,758) 35,845 5,087 8,202
================================ ================================ ================================ ================================
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 80,513 80,513 72,311
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
Total funds carried forward 49,755 35,845 85,600 80,513
================================ ================================ ================================ ================================

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 7 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position (continued)

31 December 2023

2023 2022
Note £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 12 3,399 3,088
Current assets
Stocks 13 8,500 8,500
Cash at bank and in hand 76,301 71,615
---------------------------- ----------------------------
84,801 80,115
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 2,600 2,690
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Net current assets 82,201 77,425
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 85,600 80,513
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Net assets 85,600 80,513
============================ ============================
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 35,845 50,771
Unrestricted funds 49,755 29,742
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Total charity funds 15 85,600 80,513
============================ ============================

For the year ending 31 December 2023 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

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

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on ___2024, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

General Sir R A Pascoe KCB MBE Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) V.R.Kent-Payne Trustee Trustee

The notes on pages 7 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended 31 December 2023

2023 2022
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income 5,087 8,202
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 867 790
Other interest receivable and similar income (231) (20)
Accrued (income)/expenses (90) 20
----------------------- -----------------------
Cash generated from operations 5,633 8,992
Interest received 231 20
----------------------- -----------------------
Net cash from operating activities 5,864 9,012
======================= =======================
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets (1,178) (2,448)
----------------------- -----------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (1,178) (2,448)
======================= =======================
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 4,686 6,564
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 71,615 65,051
---------------------------- ----------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 76,301 71,615
============================ ============================

The notes on pages 7 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

- 6 -

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 December 2023

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Unit 7, Seven Brethren Bank, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 2AS.

2. Statement of compliance

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

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

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

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted but earmarked by the Management Committee for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor.

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Costs of generating funds comprise trading costs for fundraising purposes. Charitable expenditure comprise costs incurred in delivery of activities for its beneficiaries. It includes costs allocated directly to such activities and costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs include costs associated with meeting constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity, and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. All costs are allocated between expenditure categories of the SoFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Equipment - 20% reducing balance

- 8 -

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

4. Limited by guarantee

The company is limited by guarantee and is no under the control of any one person.

5. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations (including event and merchandising
income) 140,746 140,746
Grants
Restricted Grants 134,000 134,000
Unrestricted Grants 2,798 2,798
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
143,544 134,000 277,544
================================ ================================ ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Donations
Donations (including event and merchandising
income) 118,886 118,886

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Grants

Restricted Grants 110,500 110,500
Unrestricted Grants
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
118,886 110,500 229,386
================================ ================================ ================================

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted but earmarked by the Management Committee for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor. Grants totalling £134,000 (2022 -£110,500) were restricted for use solely the delivery of support services

6. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023 Funds 2022
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 231 231 20 20
============== ============== ============== ==============
Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Veterans Welfare 166,594 97,179 263,772
Support costs 7,939 976 8,916
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
174,533 98,155 272,688
================================ ============================ ================================
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022
£ £ £
Veterans Welfare 153,087 59,729 212,817
Support costs 8,388 8,387
-------------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
161,475 59,729 221,204
================================ ============================ ================================

7. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

8. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

Activities
undertaken Support Total funds Total fund
directly costs 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Veterans welfare 263,772 263,772 212,817
Governance costs 8,916 8,916 8,387
-------------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------
263,772 8,916 272,688 221,204
================================ ======================= ================================ ================================

Costs in respect of direct charitable activity unrestricted income can be allocated as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Merchandise 26,160 24,510
Vehicle hire & motor 12,536 11,550
Veterans provisions, welfare and equipment ** 29,907 27,693
Support costs 44,019 40,684
Rent & Office costs 17,547 10,999
Tools & Equipment 268 3,726
Travel/accommodation, subsistence 14,163 21,705
Depreciation 867 789
Postage Printing & Stationary 1,255
Advertising PR 7,628 5,207
Venue & entertainment hire 12,244 8,145
---------- --------
Total 166,594 153,087

** Costs in respect of Veterans Provision , Welfare and Equipment is now split £29,907(2022 ££27,693) paid out above from Unrestricted Income and £94606 (2022 - £59,729) is paid out separately from "Restricted income received in 2023”

Governance Costs

Governance Costs
2023 2022
£ £
Accountancy fees 3,690 3,956
Sundry 685 1,198
Insurance 2,183 1,985
Computer & stationery 854 1,022
Telephone 1,504 226
-------- --------
Total 8,916 8,387

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The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

9. Net income

Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):

Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 867 790
Operating lease rentals 268 3,726
============== =======================

10. Staff costs

The average head count of employees during the year was Nil (2022: Nil).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2022: Nil).

11. Trustee remuneration and expenses

No remuneration is paid to the Trustees during the period.

12. Tangible fixed assets

Equipment Total
£ £
Cost
At 1 January 2023 8,549 8,549
Additions 1,178 1,178
----------------------- -----------------------
At 31 December 2023 9,727 9,727
======================= =======================
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023 5,461 5,461
Charge for the year 867 867
----------------------- -----------------------
At 31 December 2023 6,328 6,328
======================= =======================
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023 3,399 3,399
======================= =======================
At 31 December 2022 3,088 3,088
======================= =======================
13. Stocks
2023 2022
£ £
Raw materials and consumables 8,500 8,500
======================= =======================

- 12 -

The Veterans Charity

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 December 2023

14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2023 2022
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 2,600 2,690
======================= =======================
15. Analysis of charitable funds
Unrestricted funds
At At
1 January 20 31 Decembe
23 Income Expenditure r 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 80,513 143,775 (174,533)
49,755
============================ ================================ ================================ ============================
At At
1 January 20 31 December
22 Income Expenditure 2022
£ £ £ £
General funds 72,311 118,906 (161,475)
29,742
============================ ================================ ================================ ============================
Restricted funds
At At
1 January 20 31 Decembe
23 Income Expenditure r 2023
£ £ £ £
Restricted Fund 1 - desc in a/cs 134,000 (98,155)
35,845
============== ================================ ============================ ============================
At At
1 January 20 31 December
22 Income Expenditure 2022
£ £ £ £
Restricted Fund 1 - desc in a/cs 110,500 (59,729)
50,771
============== ================================ ============================ ============================
16. Analysis of changes in net debt
At At
1 Jan 2023 Cash flows 31 Dec 2023
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 71,615 4,686 76,301
============================ ======================= ============================
17. Related parties

The company was under the control of the management committee throughout the entire period. The company is limited by guarantee and is not under the control of any one person. No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.

- 13 -

The Veterans Charlty- charlty number 1123149 Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of The Veterans Charlty. As the charity trustee5 of the Charity, you are responslble for the preparation of the account5 in accordance I report on the accounts ol the company lor the year ended 31" December 2023, which are set out on page$ 5 to 13. Respectlve responsibilities of trustees and examlner The trustees (who are also the direttors of the cornp3ny foT the purpose ol company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of rhe Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The £harity'5 8r055 incorne did exceed £250,000 but nevertheless I am qualified to undertake the examination by being 3 qualified member of ACA. Having sarisfied mysell that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examinatloTh, it is my responsibility to.. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act., To follow the procedure5 laid down in the general Directions 8Nen by the Charlty Commission under sertion 145lSllbl of the 2011 Act," and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examlnerfs report My &xamiriation was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charrty Commisslon. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presÈnted with those records. It also includes consideralion ol any unusual iterns or di5c105ures in the accounts, and seekin8 explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do llot provide a15 the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no oplnion 1$ 8iveri a5 to whether the accounts present a'true and lair view. and the report Is limited to those rnatters set out in the statement below. Independent Èxaminerfs Statement In connettion with rny examination, no material matters have come to my attention in ¢¢nnection with the exarnination Riven rne cause to believe that in any rnaterial re5pect= accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companie5 Acr 2006-or section 130 of the Charite5 Act 2011 or the accounts do not accord with those records., or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirement5 coverin8 the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reportsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true ènd fair view which is not a rnatter considered a5 part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connection with the e¥amination to which attention should be drawn in thi5 report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Name.. Russell Thompson Relevant profess￿onal qualilication or body.. Chartered Accountant Addre$5'. Sterling Offices, 30A Mi11 Street, 8edford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3HD Date.. 17 September 2024 RG Thompson 8A. ACA, CTA.