Charity registration number 1131854
Company registration number 06724958 (England and Wales)
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Lady T Malloch-Brown P S Zuckerman C I S Doimi de Frankopan C G Egerton-Warburton
Charity number (England and Wales) 1131854 Company number 06724958 Registered office 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4DJ Independent examiner Christopher Bates FCA Begbies Chartered Accountants 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4DJ
Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Articles, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The charity’s objectives are:
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To advance research and apply the results of such research into the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity for the purposes of promoting sustainable development for the benefit of the public in areas around the world where poverty and hunger are widespread.
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The advancement of the education of the public in the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity.
The charity aims to engage and inspire a wide range of philanthropists and private sector partners to fund innovative game-changing research to create a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive global food system.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Activities
The charity's current activity is to support the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT which was set up in 2019 to advance scientific research in agricultural biodiversity, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, landscape restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
The year saw continued progress in strengthening the charity’s role as a bridge between the Alliance’s science and philanthropic supporters.
A Memorandum of Agreement between the Alliance and the Bioversity International UK and USA charities, signed in December 2024, clarified collaboration on fundraising, awareness raising and support, providing a framework for closer alignment during 2025. Trustees and the Executive Director also adopted a more focused donor engagement approach, concentrating on a smaller number of higher-potential individuals, foundations and partner organisations.
The charity strengthened its convening role through its inaugural Brown Bag Lunch in London in March 2025, featuring Geoff Hawtin, winner of the 2024 World Food Prize, speaking on seed and gene banks and the future of food. The event generated new interest in the Alliance’s work, including potential visits to the Future Seeds campus in Colombia. The charity also supported opportunities linked to London Climate Action Week, New York Climate Week and COP30, helping position the Alliance in discussions on food systems, climate resilience and regenerative agriculture, while strengthening relationships with organisations including Food Tank, Project Dandelion, Regen House and FAIRR.
Trustees received scientific presentations and updates on key Alliance initiatives, including My Farm Trees, PABRA, Future Seeds, low-emissions agriculture and AI-enabled agricultural innovation. The charity also worked with the Alliance to improve fundraising materials available to Trustees, including a new partnerships deck and project summaries to support engagement with prospective donors.
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships:
The charity’s fundraising work during the year remained focused primarily on relationship building and donor cultivation. Trustees continued to use their networks to introduce the Alliance’s work to prospective philanthropists, foundations and strategic partners.
The charity helped support stewardship of existing donors and contributed to the development of new opportunities. The Sall Family Foundation awarded a grant for Future Seeds and PABRA, while the Bezos Earth Fund continued to support Alliance science through its AI Grand Challenge. The Board also noted the success of Alliance scientist Jacobo Arango in securing funding for the Rumen Digital Twin, an AI-based tool designed to accelerate methane reduction in livestock systems.
In addition to major donor cultivation, the charity received smaller donations towards running costs from individuals and UK charitable foundations. Trustees recognised that while these gifts are smaller in scale, they are important in helping to sustain the charity’s operating platform.
The Board continued to discuss the need for clearer funding priorities, sharper project propositions, and better alignment between the charity and the Alliance’s fundraising and communications teams. A future fundraising and communications workshop was proposed to strengthen this work further.
Financial review
The charity was funded during the year by a contribution towards running costs of $89,967 (£65,708) from Bioversity International USA and donations of £15,000. The charity is seeking donations from UK foundations to cover running costs but further support is available from Bioversity International USA.
The 2025 funding has primarily been spent on staff and travel costs to promote the Alliance leaving a deficit of £60,133 (2024: £40,557) and reserves of £29,372 (2024: £89,504).
The Board reviewed and approved budgets during the year. Trustees noted that expenditure had been carefully managed, with outreach costs tracking below forecast. The charity continued to benefit from valuable in-kind support, including access to office and meeting space in London.
The Treasurer reported that the charity remained operationally stable but emphasised the importance of securing adequate working capital and continued support to allow Trustees to cultivate major donor relationships over the longer term. Trustees recognised that high-value philanthropic relationships often require sustained engagement over several years before funding is secured.
The charity’s administrative and governance arrangements continued to operate smoothly, with good working relationships maintained with banks, accountants, lawyers and relevant professional advisers.
Structure, governance and management
The charity continued to operate through a committed Board of Trustees, supported by the Executive Director. During the year, the Board reviewed its governance arrangements and trustee effectiveness, leading to improvements in board planning and oversight. Trustees also considered succession planning and future trustee recruitment, recognising the importance of broadening the Board’s skills, networks and geographic representation.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and is governed by its Articles of Association.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Lady T Malloch-Brown P S Zuckerman C I S Doimi de Frankopan C G Egerton-Warburton
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The charity shall maintain between 3 and 7 trustees to include a chair. vice-chair and a treasurer. New trustees may be approved by Ordinary Resolution of the members or by a simple majority of the trustees.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Signer ID: SIEF4ADFEB... P S Zuckerman
Trustee
28 July 2026
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Bioversity International (UK) (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Signer ID: ZOILDI1MGF...
Christopher Bates FCA
Begbies Chartered Accountants 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4DJ 28 July 2026
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 81,958 | 173,221 |
| Total income | 81,958 | 173,221 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Raising funds | 3 | 5,258 | 10,181 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 136,832 | 122,483 |
| Total expenditure | 142,090 | 132,664 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds | (60,132) | 40,557 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 January 2025 | 89,504 | 48,947 | |
| Fund balances at 31 December 2025 | 29,372 | 89,504 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Net assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 2,172 31,548 33,720 (4,348) |
£ 29,372 29,372 29,372 29,372 |
2024 £ 251 92,010 92,261 (2,757) |
£ 89,504 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89,504 | ||||
| 89,504 | ||||
| 89,504 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 28 July 2026
Signer ID: SIEF4ADFEB... P S Zuckerman Trustee
Company registration number 06724958 (England and Wales)
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Bioversity International (UK) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4DJ.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.7 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.8 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.9 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 81,958 | 173,221 |
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
3 Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fundraising and publicity | ||
| Fundraising agents | - | 3,034 |
| Other fundraising costs | 5,258 | 7,147 |
| 5,258 | 10,181 |
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Direct costs Staff costs Travel costs Office costs Share of support and governance costs (see note 5) Governance Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 104,951 25,429 1,272 131,652 5,180 136,832 136,832 |
2024 £ 108,866 7,799 1,711 |
|---|---|---|
| 118,376 4,107 |
||
| 122,483 | ||
| 122,483 |
The charity's sole charitable activity is to support the Alliance of Bioversity International.
5 Support costs allocated to activities
| Support costs allocated to activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Governance costs Governance costs comprise: Audit fees Accountancy Legal and professional |
2025 £ 5,180 2025 £ 3,480 1,700 - 5,180 |
2024 £ 4,107 |
| 2024 £ 2,500 1,247 360 |
||
| 4,107 |
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 6 | Net movement in funds | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial | |||
| statements | 3,480 | 2,500 |
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year. Trustee travel expenses amounted to £25,429 (2024: £7,799) for all four trustees.
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows: £80,001 to £100,000 |
2025 Number 1 2025 £ 100,000 3,630 1,321 104,951 2025 Number 1 |
2024 Number 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 £ 100,000 7,545 1,321 |
||
| 108,866 | ||
| 2024 Number 1 |
9 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
10 Debtors
| 10 Debtors |
||
|---|---|---|
| Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals |
2025 £ - 2,172 2,172 2025 £ - 257 4,091 4,348 |
2024 £ 251 - |
| 251 | ||
| 2024 £ 307 257 2,193 |
||
| 2,757 |
| 12 | Retirement benefit schemes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Defined contribution schemes | £ | £ | |
| Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes | 1,321 | 1,321 |
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
13 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 General funds Previous year: At 1 General funds |
January 2025 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 December 2025 £ £ £ £ 89,504 81,958 (142,090) 29,372 January 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 December 2024 £ £ £ £ 48,947 173,221 (132,664) 89,504 |
|---|---|
14 Related party transactions
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061
BIOVERSITY INTERNATIONAL (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
14 Related party transactions
(Continued)
The charity was funded during the year by a donation of $89,967 (£65,708) from Bioversity International USA which also operates in conjunction with the charity to to support the Alliance of Bioversity International. Lady Malloch Brown and P S Zuckerman are also trustees of Bioversity International USA.
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Document ID: 3ac295a5a6b349d6d6299dbb047c13f5d5cb075adfeae740b02dfe5cd6f7b061