## **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** ## **Achievements and performance** ## a) Advancing the Christian Faith This year we have ran Love Coffee with a team of volunteers from the church and community and we have seen so many people blest and find faith in and through their time in the coffee shop. Advancing the Christian faith into our community has been done by the opening of the Christian coffee shop called “Love Coffee” at the community centre. As a charity we are still are looking to build the canopy outside to give dog walkers shelter and also for extra space in the summer as the coffee shop fills to capacity on some days. Love Coffee and the canopy will be safe places to dwell and talk about spiritual health and wellbeing. The church has been working on a grant for the refurbishment of the toilets and this has taken over two years of work. We finally got the award for the grant in March 2025. for £98,000 to re do the entrance to the hall and refurbishment of the toilets within the community hall. This will happen in the first quarter of 2025 (May to July) and we will report in next years trustees report. The church runs many programs throughout the year which include a Sunday Morning meeting in the hall. We engage with other churches and often have guest speakers in from the churches of Stoke On Trent. ## b) Furthering Christian Education We work with leadership groups we identify within the charity and they are being taught how to run church services on a monthly rota. This has lead on from the Legacy Leadership that many went through. We look forward to doing am Alpha coarse in late 2025 ## c) Relieving Need As a church we are committed to helping those in need and are doing this through our members engaging in Love Coffee and meeting our community to help with loneliness, help with antisocial behaviour by having a safe place for the youth. We have provided food to family who needed help, and have a pay forward scheme in place where people can purchase a heart and this then can be traded in for a free drink – this has proven very successful. ## d) Managing Facilities In September we completed the 12th year of operating Meir Park Community Centre under a 15 year lease signed in 2013, again exceeding the performance measure contained within the lease. This continues to be a strong arm for our work in the community. We also signed another lease agreement for an additional 9 years in 2021 that will run after the 15year lease finishes, this was needed as we required 10yrs on the lease to be accepted for a community grant. Due to changes in Stoke Council we have not had the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a 25 yr lease so we can apply for major capital investment within the hall. The finances are run in the same way as we have done for the last 12 years. All community rentals are paid into the community centre account under Love Stoke Church. The Charity pays all the bills and repairs and any improvements within the community centre. The Coffee Shop proceeds all goes into the coffee shop account, and are paid into the main account once cost and supplies have been paid for. The cabin has been used to hold small groups. But we have had an enquiry by a lady who comes to the church to rent it for her to serve the community by running a beauty shop in 2025 summer onwards. The main community building is used for many activities within Meir Park, Slimming World, Over 55, karate and one-off local events. We continue to be very active within community groups and with Stoke City Council, who are very supportive. Robert and Emily Price are the Senior leaders of Love Stoke Church. ## **Financial review** See pages 6-15 ## **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** ## _**Policy on reserves**_ The directors have considered the level of reserves they deem wise to retain, appropriate to the charity’s needs. This is based on the charity’s size and level of financial commitments held. The directors aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The directors will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. At 31 March 2025 the charity had unrestricted reserves of £76,447 ## **Plans for future periods** ## _**Aims and key objectives for future periods**_ The coffee shop has been open two years and this has given us the hub to really link in with the community and build strong relationships both with young and old. We are looking to change out the toilets and make a changing room for the disabled and sight impaired, also make the toilets accessible to all. We have applied to the national lottery for this grant. ## **Structure, governance and management** ## _**Nature of governing document**_ Love Stoke Church is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee incorporated on 29th March 2008 and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charitable company was administered by the trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law and are listed on page 2. ## _**Recruitment and appointment of trustees**_ Love Stoke Church selects known potential trustees to fulfil a specific role within the board to provide levels of expertise necessary for the oversight and guidance to comply with our role and responsibilities as a charity. ## _**Induction and training of trustees**_ To ensure that the potential trustee understands the role, guidance can be given including directing them to the Charity Commission's guidance for a well-run charity and guidance for a well-managed company. ## **Risk Management** The directors have examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they are able to mitigate the significant risks. ## **Small Company Provision** This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on SEPTEMBER 2025. and signed on its behalf by: ...... _Robert Price_ .............. Robert Price Company Secretary and Trustee Company registration number: 06548592 Charity registration number: 1124003 ## **Love Stoke Church** (A company limited by guarantee) Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Contents** |Reference and Administrative Details|1| |---|---| |Trustees' Report|2 to 4| |Independent Examiner's Report|5| |Statement of Financial Activities|6| |Balance Sheet|7| |Notes to the Financial Statements|8 to 18| ## **Love Stoke Church** ## **Reference and Administrative Details** |**Trustees**|Robert Price| |---|---| ||Emily Ruth Price| ||Doreen English| ||Philip Harding| ||Karen Tullet| |**Secretary**|Robert Price| |**Registered Office**|Meir Park Community Centre| ||Lysander Road| ||Meir Park| ||Stoke On Trent| ||ST3 7TW| |**Company Rgistration Number**|06548592| |**Charity Registration Number**|1124003| |**Solicitors**|Norwell Meller| ||24 Market Place| ||Burslem| ||Stoke-on-Trent| ||ST6 4AX| |**Bankers**|Natwest| ||46 High Street| ||Cheadle| ||Stoke-on-Trent| ||ST10 1AQ| |**Independent Examiner**|Daryl Denson| ||Dudson Centre| ||Hope Street| ||Stoke-on-Trent| ||ST1 5DD| Page 1 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** The Trustees, who are directors for the purpose of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025. ## **Objectives and activities** ## _**Objects and aims**_ a) to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of belief appearing in the Memorandum and Articles of Association in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and the World as the trustees may from time to time think fit and such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the charity. b) to further Christian education in such parts of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and World as the trustees may from time to time think fit. c) to relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick or to relieve distress caused thereby in such parts of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area and in such parts of the United Kingdom and the World as the trustees may from time to time think fit. d) to provide and maintain facilities (whether purpose built Community Centre or otherwise) for the benefit of the community of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding neighborhood which facilities may without limitation include the provision of child-care services and meetings, lectures and classes and other forms of education, recreation and leisure-time occupation without distinction of race, sex, political, religious or other opinion and with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants as the Trustees may from time to time in their discretion determine. To advance the Christian faith, to further Christian education, to relieve persons who are in condition of need and to provide and maintain facilities for the benefit of the community ## _**Public benefit**_ The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Page 2 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** ## **Achievements and Performance** ## a) Advancing the Christian Faith This year we have ran Love Coffee with a team of volunteers from the church and community and we have seen so many people blest and find faith in and through their time in the coffee shop. Advancing the Christian faith community centre. As a charity we are still are looking to build the canopy outside to give dog walkers shelte and also for extra space in the summer as the coffee shop fills to capacity on some days. Love Coffee and the canopy will be safe places to dwell and talk about spiritual health and wellbeing. The church has been working on a grant for the refurbishment of the toilets and this has taken over two years of work. We finally got the award for the grant in March 2025. for £98,000 to re do the entrance to the hall and refurbishment of the toilets within the community hall. This will happen in the first quarter of 2025 (May to July) and we will report in next years trustees report. The church runs many programs throughout the year which include a Sunday Morning meeting in the hall. We engage with other churches and often have guest speakers in from the churches of Stoke On Trent. ## b) Furthering Christian Education We work with leadership groups we identify within the charity and they are being taught how to run church services on a monthly rota. This has lead on from the Legacy Leadership that many went through. We look forward to doing am Alpha coarse in late 2025 ## c) Relieving Need As a church we are committed to helping those in need and are doing this through our members engaging in Love Coffee and meeting our community to help with loneliness, help with antisocial behaviour by having a safe place for the youth. We have provided food to family who needed help, and have a pay forward scheme in successful. ## d) Managing Facilities In September we completed the 12th year of operating Meir Park Community Centre under a 15 year lease signed in 2013, again exceeding the performance measure contained within the lease. This continues to be a strong arm for our work in the community. We also signed another lease agreement for an additional 9 years in 2021 that will run after the 15year lease finishes, this was needed as we required 10yrs on the lease to be accepted for a community grant. Due to changes in Stoke Council we have not had the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a 25 yr lease so we can apply for major capital investment within the hall. The finances are run in the same way as we have done for the last 12 years. All community rentals are paid into the community centre account under Love Stoke Church. The Charity pays all the bills and repairs and any improvements within the community centre. The Coffee Shop proceeds all goes into the coffee shop account, and are paid into the main account once cost and supplies have been paid for. The cabin has been used to hold small groups. But we have had an enquiry by a lady who comes to the church to rent it for her to serve the community by running a beauty shop in 2025 summer onwards. The main community building is used for many activities within Meir Park, Slimming World, Over 55, karate and one-off local events. We continue to be very active within community groups and with Stoke City Council, who are very supportive. Robert and Emily Price are the Senior leaders of Love Stoke Church. ## **Financial review** See pages 6-15 ## **Love Stoke Church** Page 3 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** ## _**Policy on reserves**_ charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The directors will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. At 31 March 2025 the charity had unrestricted reserves of £75,569.98. ## **Plans for future periods** ## _**Aims and key objectives for future periods**_ The coffee shop has been open two years and this has given us the hub to really link in with the community and build strong relationships both with young and old. We are looking to change out the toilets and make a changing room for the disabled and sight impaired, also make the toilets accessible to all. We have applied to the national lottery for this grant. ## **Structure, governance and management** ## _**Nature of governing document**_ Love Stoke Church is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee incorporated on 29th March 2008 and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charitable company was administered by the trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law and are listed on page 2. ## _**Recruitment and appointment of trustees**_ Love Stoke Church selects known potential trustees to fulfil a specific role within the board to provide levels of expertise necessary for the oversight and guidance to comply with our role and responsibilities as a charity. ## _**Induction and training of trustees**_ To ensure that the potential trustee understands the role, guidance can be given including directing them to the Charity Commission's guidance for a well-run charity and guidance for a well-managed company. ## **Risk Management** The directors have examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they are able to mitigate the significant risks. ## **Small Company Provision** This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on SEPTEMBER 2025. and signed on its behalf by: ~~.................................~~ ........ Robert Price Company Secretary and Trustee Page 4 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Love Stoke Church ("the company")** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 202 5 . ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Love Stoke Church are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, | report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination | have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 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: accounting records were not kept in respect of Love Stoke Church as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records; or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dudson Centre Hope Street Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5DD Page 5 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)** |**Note**
**Income and Endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
3
Other trading activities
4
Total Income
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Net movement in funds
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
15|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
22,873
74,597
97,470
-123,386
-123,386
-25,916
-25,916
102,363
76,447|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
36,943
66,303
103,246
-121,298
-121,298
-18,052
-18,052
120,415
102,363| |---|---|---| All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2020 is shown in note 15. The notes on pages 8 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6 **Love Stoke Church** ## **(Registration number: 06548592) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025** |**Note**
**ixed Assets**
angible Assets
11
**urrent Assets**
ebtors
12
ash at bank and in hand
13
**reditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
14
**et current assets**
**et assets**
**unds of the charity:**
**estricted income funds**
estricted funds
**nrestricted income funds**
nrestricted funds
**otal Funds**
15|**2025**
**£**
73,060
1,724
5,860
7,584
-4,197
3,387
76,447
0
76,447
76,447|**2024**
**£**
93,989
2,703
9,254
11,957
-3,583
8,374
102,363
0
102,363
102,363| |---|---|---| For the financial year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors' responsibilities: section 476; and accounting records and the preparation of accounts. signed on their behalf by: Robert Price Company secretary and trustee The notes on pages 8 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates** The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. ## **Statement of compliance** 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 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011. ## **Basis of preparation** Love Stoke Church 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. ## **Going concern** The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity. ## **Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement** The charity opted to adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements. ## **Income and endowments** All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably. ## _**Donations and legacies**_ Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. ## _**Grants receivable**_ Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released. Page 8 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **Expenditure** All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges ## _**Charitable activities**_ 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** ## **Government grants** Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income. ## **Taxation** The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity. Substantial items are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and will have continued value. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt. ## **Depreciation and amortisation** Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life on a straight line basis, the Board of Directors have agreed to increase the rate of depreciation in line with the end of the current lease (2028), so all assets will be written off before the new lease commences, as follows: |**Asset class**|**Depreciation method and rate**| |---|---| |Equipment|20%| |Vehicles|20%| |Modular Building|20%| |Building Improvements|20%| Page 9 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **Trade debtors** Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. ## **Cash and cash equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. ## **Fund structure** Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. ## **2 Charity status** The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. ## **3 Income from donations and legacies** |Donations and legacies;
Donations from individuals
Gift Aid Reclaimed
Gransts, including capital grants;
Government grants
Grants from other charities
**4 Income from other trading activities**
Sales of goods and services
Community events and rentals|**2025**
**£**
17,693
5,181
0
0
22,873
**2025**
**£**
54,434
20,163
74,597|**2024**
**£**
3,755
12,688
20,500
0
36,943
**2024**
**£**
44,308
21,994
66,303| |---|---|---| Page 10 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **5 Expenditure on charitable activities** |**Note**
Ministry
Gifts to Others
Conferences
Community Hall Facilities
Community Hall Maintenance
Community Hall Programmes
Depreciation
Insurance
Other
Staff Costs
Governance costs
6
**6 Analysis of governance and support costs**
**Note**
Independent examiner fees
Examination of the financial statements|**2025**
**£**
1,995
0
0
17,928
6,146
280
23,936
1,788
44,245
27,069
0
123,386
**2025**
**£**
0
0|**2024**
**£**
4,665
0
0
24,357
13,807
208
23,435
846
35,980
18,000
0
121,298
**2024**
**£**
370
370| |---|---|---| ## **7 Trustees remuneration and expenses** During the year the charity made the following transactions with trustees: ## **Robert Price** Robert Price invoiced adhoc as a consultant when funds were available £10,979 (2024: £10,975). ## **Emily Ruth Price** Emily Ruth Price received remuneration of £27,069 (2024: £18,000) during the year in her role as senior leader. No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year. ## **8 Staff costs** The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: |**Note**
**Staff costs during the year were:**
Wages and salaries
Pension Costs|**2025**
**£**
27,069
27,069|**2024**
**£**
18,000
18,000| |---|---|---| The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows: ||**2025**||**2024**|| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**No**||**No**|| |Staff||2||2| _No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year._ Page 11 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **9 Taxation** The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. |**11 Tangible fixed assets**
**Note**
**Cost**
As at 01 April (b/fwd)
Additions
As at 31 March (Year End)
**Depreciation**
As at 01 April (b/fwd)
Additions
As at 31 March (Year End)
**Net book value**
As at 01 April (b/fwd)
As at 31 March (Year End)
**12 Debtors**
Trade debtors
Accrued income
**13 Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash at bank
**14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals|**2025**
**£**
130,115
3,006
133,121
-36,126
-23,936
-60,062
93,989
73,060
**2025**
**£**
988
736
1,724
**2025**
**£**
5,860
5,860
**2025**
**£**
0
4,124
73
4,197|**2024**
**£**
128,345
1,770
130,115
-12,691
-23,435
-36,126
115,654
93,989
**2024**
**£**
1,967
736
2,703
**2024**
**£**
9,254
9,254
**2024**
**£**
0
3,510
73
3,583| |---|---|---| Page 12 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **15 Funds** |Opening balance (b/fwd)
Incoming resources
resources expended
Closing balance (c/fwd)
**16 Analysis of net assets between funds**
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets|**2025**
**£**
102,363
97,470
-123,386
76,447
**2025**
**£**
73,060
7,584
-4,197
76,447|**2024**
**£**
120,415
103,246
-121,298
102,363
**2024**
**£**
93,989
11,957
-3,583
102,363| |---|---|---| ## **17 Related party transactions** There were no related party transactions in the year. Page 13 Company registration number: 06548592 Charity registration number: 1124003 ## **Love Stoke Church** (A company limited by guarantee) Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Contents** |Reference and Administrative Details|1| |---|---| |Trustees' Report|2 to 4| |Independent Examiner's Report|5| |Statement of Financial Activities|6| |Balance Sheet|7| |Notes to the Financial Statements|8 to 18| ## **Love Stoke Church** ## **Reference and Administrative Details** |**Trustees**|Robert Price| |---|---| ||Emily Ruth Price| ||Doreen English| ||Philip Harding| ||Karen Tullet| |**Secretary**|Robert Price| |**Registered Office**|Meir Park Community Centre| ||Lysander Road| ||Meir Park| ||Stoke On Trent| ||ST3 7TW| |**Company Rgistration Number**|06548592| |**Charity Registration Number**|1124003| |**Solicitors**|Norwell Meller| ||24 Market Place| ||Burslem| ||Stoke-on-Trent| ||ST6 4AX| |**Bankers**|Natwest| ||46 High Street| ||Cheadle| ||Stoke-on-Trent| ||ST10 1AQ| |**Independent Examiner**|Daryl Denson| ||Dudson Centre| ||Hope Street| ||Stoke-on-Trent| ||ST1 5DD| Page 1 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** The Trustees, who are directors for the purpose of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025. ## **Objectives and activities** ## _**Objects and aims**_ a) to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of belief appearing in the Memorandum and Articles of Association in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and the World as the trustees may from time to time think fit and such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the charity. b) to further Christian education in such parts of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and World as the trustees may from time to time think fit. c) to relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick or to relieve distress caused thereby in such parts of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area and in such parts of the United Kingdom and the World as the trustees may from time to time think fit. d) to provide and maintain facilities (whether purpose built Community Centre or otherwise) for the benefit of the community of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding neighborhood which facilities may without limitation include the provision of child-care services and meetings, lectures and classes and other forms of education, recreation and leisure-time occupation without distinction of race, sex, political, religious or other opinion and with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants as the Trustees may from time to time in their discretion determine. To advance the Christian faith, to further Christian education, to relieve persons who are in condition of need and to provide and maintain facilities for the benefit of the community ## _**Public benefit**_ The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Page 2 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** ## **Achievements and Performance** ## a) Advancing the Christian Faith This year we have ran Love Coffee with a team of volunteers from the church and community and we have seen so many people blest and find faith in and through their time in the coffee shop. Advancing the Christian faith community centre. As a charity we are still are looking to build the canopy outside to give dog walkers shelte and also for extra space in the summer as the coffee shop fills to capacity on some days. Love Coffee and the canopy will be safe places to dwell and talk about spiritual health and wellbeing. The church has been working on a grant for the refurbishment of the toilets and this has taken over two years of work. We finally got the award for the grant in March 2025. for £98,000 to re do the entrance to the hall and refurbishment of the toilets within the community hall. This will happen in the first quarter of 2025 (May to July) and we will report in next years trustees report. The church runs many programs throughout the year which include a Sunday Morning meeting in the hall. We engage with other churches and often have guest speakers in from the churches of Stoke On Trent. ## b) Furthering Christian Education We work with leadership groups we identify within the charity and they are being taught how to run church services on a monthly rota. This has lead on from the Legacy Leadership that many went through. We look forward to doing am Alpha coarse in late 2025 ## c) Relieving Need As a church we are committed to helping those in need and are doing this through our members engaging in Love Coffee and meeting our community to help with loneliness, help with antisocial behaviour by having a safe place for the youth. We have provided food to family who needed help, and have a pay forward scheme in successful. ## d) Managing Facilities In September we completed the 12th year of operating Meir Park Community Centre under a 15 year lease signed in 2013, again exceeding the performance measure contained within the lease. This continues to be a strong arm for our work in the community. We also signed another lease agreement for an additional 9 years in 2021 that will run after the 15year lease finishes, this was needed as we required 10yrs on the lease to be accepted for a community grant. Due to changes in Stoke Council we have not had the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a 25 yr lease so we can apply for major capital investment within the hall. The finances are run in the same way as we have done for the last 12 years. All community rentals are paid into the community centre account under Love Stoke Church. The Charity pays all the bills and repairs and any improvements within the community centre. The Coffee Shop proceeds all goes into the coffee shop account, and are paid into the main account once cost and supplies have been paid for. The cabin has been used to hold small groups. But we have had an enquiry by a lady who comes to the church to rent it for her to serve the community by running a beauty shop in 2025 summer onwards. The main community building is used for many activities within Meir Park, Slimming World, Over 55, karate and one-off local events. We continue to be very active within community groups and with Stoke City Council, who are very supportive. Robert and Emily Price are the Senior leaders of Love Stoke Church. ## **Financial review** See pages 6-15 ## **Love Stoke Church** Page 3 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Trustees' Report (Incorporating the Directors' Report)** ## _**Policy on reserves**_ charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The directors will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. At 31 March 2025 the charity had unrestricted reserves of £75,569.98. ## **Plans for future periods** ## _**Aims and key objectives for future periods**_ The coffee shop has been open two years and this has given us the hub to really link in with the community and build strong relationships both with young and old. We are looking to change out the toilets and make a changing room for the disabled and sight impaired, also make the toilets accessible to all. We have applied to the national lottery for this grant. ## **Structure, governance and management** ## _**Nature of governing document**_ Love Stoke Church is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee incorporated on 29th March 2008 and is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charitable company was administered by the trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law and are listed on page 2. ## _**Recruitment and appointment of trustees**_ Love Stoke Church selects known potential trustees to fulfil a specific role within the board to provide levels of expertise necessary for the oversight and guidance to comply with our role and responsibilities as a charity. ## _**Induction and training of trustees**_ To ensure that the potential trustee understands the role, guidance can be given including directing them to the Charity Commission's guidance for a well-run charity and guidance for a well-managed company. ## **Risk Management** The directors have examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they are able to mitigate the significant risks. ## **Small Company Provision** This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on SEPTEMBER 2025. and signed on its behalf by: ~~.................................~~ ........ Robert Price Company Secretary and Trustee Page 4 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Love Stoke Church ("the company")** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 202 5 . ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Love Stoke Church are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, | report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination | have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 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: accounting records were not kept in respect of Love Stoke Church as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or the accounts do not accord with those records; or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dudson Centre Hope Street Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5DD Page 5 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)** |**Note**
**Income and Endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
3
Other trading activities
4
Total Income
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Net movement in funds
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
15|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
22,873
74,597
97,470
-123,386
-123,386
-25,916
-25,916
102,363
76,447|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
36,943
66,303
103,246
-121,298
-121,298
-18,052
-18,052
120,415
102,363| |---|---|---| All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2020 is shown in note 15. The notes on pages 8 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6 **Love Stoke Church** ## **(Registration number: 06548592) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025** |**Note**
**ixed Assets**
angible Assets
11
**urrent Assets**
ebtors
12
ash at bank and in hand
13
**reditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
14
**et current assets**
**et assets**
**unds of the charity:**
**estricted income funds**
estricted funds
**nrestricted income funds**
nrestricted funds
**otal Funds**
15|**2025**
**£**
73,060
1,724
5,860
7,584
-4,197
3,387
76,447
0
76,447
76,447|**2024**
**£**
93,989
2,703
9,254
11,957
-3,583
8,374
102,363
0
102,363
102,363| |---|---|---| For the financial year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors' responsibilities: section 476; and accounting records and the preparation of accounts. signed on their behalf by: Robert Price Company secretary and trustee The notes on pages 8 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates** The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. ## **Statement of compliance** 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 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011. ## **Basis of preparation** Love Stoke Church 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. ## **Going concern** The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity. ## **Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement** The charity opted to adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements. ## **Income and endowments** All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably. ## _**Donations and legacies**_ Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. ## _**Grants receivable**_ Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released. Page 8 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **Expenditure** All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges ## _**Charitable activities**_ 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** ## **Government grants** Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income. ## **Taxation** The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. ## **Tangible fixed assets** Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity. Substantial items are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and will have continued value. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt. ## **Depreciation and amortisation** Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life on a straight line basis, the Board of Directors have agreed to increase the rate of depreciation in line with the end of the current lease (2028), so all assets will be written off before the new lease commences, as follows: |**Asset class**|**Depreciation method and rate**| |---|---| |Equipment|20%| |Vehicles|20%| |Modular Building|20%| |Building Improvements|20%| Page 9 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **Trade debtors** Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. ## **Cash and cash equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. ## **Fund structure** Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. ## **2 Charity status** The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. ## **3 Income from donations and legacies** |Donations and legacies;
Donations from individuals
Gift Aid Reclaimed
Gransts, including capital grants;
Government grants
Grants from other charities
**4 Income from other trading activities**
Sales of goods and services
Community events and rentals|**2025**
**£**
17,693
5,181
0
0
22,873
**2025**
**£**
54,434
20,163
74,597|**2024**
**£**
3,755
12,688
20,500
0
36,943
**2024**
**£**
44,308
21,994
66,303| |---|---|---| Page 10 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **5 Expenditure on charitable activities** |**Note**
Ministry
Gifts to Others
Conferences
Community Hall Facilities
Community Hall Maintenance
Community Hall Programmes
Depreciation
Insurance
Other
Staff Costs
Governance costs
6
**6 Analysis of governance and support costs**
**Note**
Independent examiner fees
Examination of the financial statements|**2025**
**£**
1,995
0
0
17,928
6,146
280
23,936
1,788
44,245
27,069
0
123,386
**2025**
**£**
0
0|**2024**
**£**
4,665
0
0
24,357
13,807
208
23,435
846
35,980
18,000
0
121,298
**2024**
**£**
370
370| |---|---|---| ## **7 Trustees remuneration and expenses** During the year the charity made the following transactions with trustees: ## **Robert Price** Robert Price invoiced adhoc as a consultant when funds were available £10,979 (2024: £10,975). ## **Emily Ruth Price** Emily Ruth Price received remuneration of £27,069 (2024: £18,000) during the year in her role as senior leader. No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year. ## **8 Staff costs** The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: |**Note**
**Staff costs during the year were:**
Wages and salaries
Pension Costs|**2025**
**£**
27,069
27,069|**2024**
**£**
18,000
18,000| |---|---|---| The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows: ||**2025**||**2024**|| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**No**||**No**|| |Staff||2||2| _No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year._ Page 11 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **9 Taxation** The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation. |**11 Tangible fixed assets**
**Note**
**Cost**
As at 01 April (b/fwd)
Additions
As at 31 March (Year End)
**Depreciation**
As at 01 April (b/fwd)
Additions
As at 31 March (Year End)
**Net book value**
As at 01 April (b/fwd)
As at 31 March (Year End)
**12 Debtors**
Trade debtors
Accrued income
**13 Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash at bank
**14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals|**2025**
**£**
130,115
3,006
133,121
-36,126
-23,936
-60,062
93,989
73,060
**2025**
**£**
988
736
1,724
**2025**
**£**
5,860
5,860
**2025**
**£**
0
4,124
73
4,197|**2024**
**£**
128,345
1,770
130,115
-12,691
-23,435
-36,126
115,654
93,989
**2024**
**£**
1,967
736
2,703
**2024**
**£**
9,254
9,254
**2024**
**£**
0
3,510
73
3,583| |---|---|---| Page 12 **Love Stoke Church** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025** ## **15 Funds** |Opening balance (b/fwd)
Incoming resources
resources expended
Closing balance (c/fwd)
**16 Analysis of net assets between funds**
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets|**2025**
**£**
102,363
97,470
-123,386
76,447
**2025**
**£**
73,060
7,584
-4,197
76,447|**2024**
**£**
120,415
103,246
-121,298
102,363
**2024**
**£**
93,989
11,957
-3,583
102,363| |---|---|---| ## **17 Related party transactions** There were no related party transactions in the year. Page 13