Mears Foundation Annual Report & Accounts The Mears Foundation | Annual Report & Accounts 2022 | 1 For the year ended 31 December 2022
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Our Vision and Mission
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Objectives and activities
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Activities 2022
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Strategy Forward Look
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Operating environment
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Grant Strategy
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Structure, Governance & Management
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Financial review
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Responsibilities of the trustees
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Small company provisions
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Accounting policies
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Statement of financial activities
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Balance sheet
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Notes to the financial statements
The Mears Foundation is the independent charitable arm of Mears Group.
The Foundation is a grant-making trust that seeks to harness the goodwill, talents, and skills within Mears Group plc to benefit charities or good causes that provide practical help and support to vulnerable people in communities in the United Kingdom & Northern Ireland.
We work with groups and individuals who share our values to improve their lives and life chances by providing them with opportunities and skills to become stronger and more self-reliant.
The Mears Foundation undertakes to raise money through charitable donations and fundraising activities. The income is then applied to such charities or good causes and for such charitable purposes as set out in our Grant Strategy below.
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Activities 2022 saw the Foundation continue to grow its income with corporate supporters to extend the Foundation’s ability
2022 from donations and therefore managed to increase to support community projects for public benefit and for the
considerably the amount Foundation to support its
awarded to causes that support Friends’ social value plans.
the building of communities in
The Foundation received 99
the United Kingdom by 140%.
applications for support, all of
This is mainly due to the which were acknowledged.
successful launch of the Friends
of Mears Foundation initiative The Foundation was
that launched in 2021. This pleased to award 70
programme seeks partnerships
grants to charities
offering support to their
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to volunteer support by Mears Group plc staff.
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Case Study
Savte Learners & Volunteers Support
The Foundation awarded a grant to SAVTE who in partnership with Mears employees are delivering English speaking sessions to service users in the Wakefield area. These sessions are to fill the gap for support that is not officially available until the service users have been in the UK for six months. The grant has been used to provide the learners with learning materials, volunteer recruitment, training and placement support.
Mears Foundation and local Mears colleagues have transformed an underused open space in Thurrock into a community garden and food growing space benefiting isolated residents and families, thanks to a partnership between the council and Mears Foundation
Mears Thurrock branch were approached by local residents who wanted to develop a community garden, to provide residents with a place to meet and socialise. There is an area of green space which is currently not being utilised to its full extent. With a variety of residents in this area from veterans to vulnerable residents, all benefitted from the area being re vamped.
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Case Study
FareShare
FareShare is the UK’s people in need with the
only national surplus food interventions that address the
redistribution charity. They root causes of hunger, rather
turn the environmental than just the symptoms
problem of food waste into
The Mears Foundation
the social solution of feeding
partnership with FareShare
people in need. FareShare
is helping to address the
recover quality surplus food
issue of food poverty. With
from the food industry and
the grant the Foundation has
ensure it’s redistributed to
donated FareShare are able
frontline charities. In 2020/21,
to ………………………………..
FareShare provided enough
food for 131 million meals. The partnership also allows
colleagues from Mears
As more people are turning
branches get involved in
to the voluntary sector
volunteering opportunities
out of necessity to access
such as the one run in
decent and healthy food
December 22 where 36 staff
in the wake of the cost-of-
volunteered for the Tesco
living crisis, small service
Winter Food Collection. On
provision charities like the
average each volunteer
ones FareShare gets food to
collected enough donations
are serving more people than
to make up an additional 888
ever before.
meals.
Food is playing a vital role
in connecting people with
the local services that can
provide regular meals
and wraparound support.
FareShare food connects
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The Mears Foundation Helping tackle digital poverty.
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Strategy Forward Look
Operating environment
2022 has been dominated by the cost-of-living crisis. Inflation ran at a double-digit pace, the highest in 40 years and far outpacing wage growth. Food prices were up almost 20% and the cost of heating a typical home has jumped more than 150%.
The crisis is even more acute for the poorest UK households, which typically spend a higher proportion of their income on food and housing costs. Based on forecasts from the Autumn Budget of 2022, real household disposable income in the UK will fall by 4.3 percent in the 2022/23 financial year, the biggest fall in living standards since the mid 1950s, when this type of data was first produced.
In 2023, the Mears Foundation will continue its work to build communities in the United Kingdom through grants and partnerships that alleviate the following issues.
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Food
FareShare is the UK’s national network of charitable food redistributors, made up of 18 independent organisations. FareShare take good quality surplus food from right across the food industry and get it to nearly 9,500 frontline charities and community groups.
The UK’s food poverty rate is among the highest in Europe. Over 14 million people in the UK are struggling to get enough to eat – that is 1 in 5 of the UK’s population. Meantime, millions of tonnes of good food is wasted by the UK food industry every year.
In 2023, we will seek to grow and develop our partnership with FareShare.
The food is distributed to charities across the UK, including school breakfast clubs, older people’s lunch clubs, homeless shelters, and community cafes.
FareShare redistributes food industry surplus, which would otherwise go to waste, to the people who need it most.
Over 3 million tonnes of the food that goes to waste each year is still edible – that’s enough for 7 billion meals.
Digital
Digital poverty is the inability to interact with the online world fully, when, where, and how an individual needs to. It exacerbates and is exacerbated by other socio-economic, educational, racial, linguistic, gender, and health inequalities. It is both the product and the cause of other forms of socioeconomic disadvantage.
Digital Poverty is a result of and a cause of financial hardship.
More and more people are accessing the internet through a smartphone only (21%), particularly those in lower socio-economic grades.
Those most likely not to have internet access at home:
those aged
those in DE households
the most financially vulnerable
The Foundation will look to support programmes that help with Device & Connectivity (Affordability, Data, Infrastructure) Access (Accessibility, Availability) and Capability (Skills, Education and understanding)
Figures from World Wide Fund for Nature and WRAP.
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Loneliness affects almost a quarter of the UK population. And its impact can be truly profound. Many studies demonstrate the link between loneliness and poor physical and mental health. Some claims suggest that it can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and that loneliness can increase your overall risk of death by 26%.
The impact of loneliness reaches far beyond the individual. Recent studies have estimated that the economic & wellbeing cost of severe loneliness per person is equivalent to nearly £10k per year, because of the impact on people’s wellbeing, health and productivity.
We all feel lonely at times – it’s a normal human emotion. We are biologically wired for social contact, and loneliness is our signal that we need more.
Most of us will experience loneliness at some point in our lives, regardless of age, circumstance, and background. We all experience loneliness differently.
Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to early deaths and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, cognitive decline and poor sleep. It’s as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Social Isolation has also been found to cause several mental health issues including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.
The Foundation will support direct interventions focussed on helping people maintain existing relationships and develop new ones. This includes supporting group activities such as lunch clubs and walking groups, one-to-one approaches like befriending schemes, access to psychological support for people for whom loneliness is part of broader mental health issues as well as developing volunteering, including people who might not ordinarily volunteer, mobilising peer support, and intergenerational support in neighbourhoods.
People who feel lonely are more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s (and other formsof dementia) than those who do not feel lonely.
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Grant Strategy
The Mears Foundation awards grants to
projects in the United Kingdom only.
The Foundation exists to support the
vulnerable in our communities by awarding
grants to charities and projects who are
offering people and those communities a
lifeline.
The Foundation awards grants that are
submitted /endorsed by a member of
Mears Group plc workforce. The projects
we look to support are ones that alleviate:
a Poverty in the following forms
a Food
a Digital
a Social Isolation and Loneliness
Grant requests received and supported by
a Mears Group plc employee are reviewed
in March and September and awarded in
May and November annually.
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Structure, Governance & Management
The charity was incorporated on the 16 September 2009 and is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The Foundation is managed by its General Manager, Heather Tyrer, under the guidance of the Chair and the Board of Trustees.
Registered Charity Name The Mears Foundation
Charity Number 1134941
Company Number 07021016 (England and Wales)
Chair Ms Christine Losecaat MBE
Company Secretary/ Treasurer Mrs Judith Herbert
Trustees
Ms Karen Duncan Ms Diana Green (resigned 23/12/2022) Mr Patrick Grace Mrs Judith Herbert Ms Diane Keay Mr Kevin Morrow (resigned 20/11/2022) Ms Alison Wilkinson
Executive Staff
Heather Tyrer
Registered Office
1390 Montpelier Court Gloucester Business Park Brockworth Gloucester GL3 4AH
Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC 18 Southgate Street Gloucester GL1 2DH
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During the year, the charity raised funds in the amount of £302,130.
From these funds, the £39,360 incidental running costs of the charity were met and grants of £206,411 given. The excess funds remain in the bank account to carry forward for future projects and grants.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
On Behalf of the Board
Christine Losecaat MBE
Chair
X February 2023
Responsibilities of the trustees
The charity’s trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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a make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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a prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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a select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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a observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Basis of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of current asset investments at market value, in accordance with the Financial Reporting
Incoming Resources
Donations and gifts
All monetary donations and gifts are included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable, provided that there are no donor-imposed restrictions as to the timing of the related expenditure, in which case recognition is deferred until the precondition has been met.
Grants receivable
Revenue grants are credited as incoming resources when they are receivable provided conditions for receipt have been complied with, unless
Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015), the Companies Act 2006 and the recommendations in the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting by Charities (the SORP).
they relate to a specified future period, in which case they are deferred.
Grants for the purchase of fixed assets are credited to restricted incoming resources when receivable. Depreciation on the fixed assets purchased with such grants is charged against the restricted fund.
All other income is included in the statement of financial activities when received or when the charity is legally entitled to the income.
Fund Accounting
Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes laid down by the donor. Such purposes are within the overall aims of the organisation.
Expenditure for those purposes is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of overheads and support costs.
Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming
resources received or
generated for expenditure on the general objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds which have been designated for specific purposes by the Trustees, for necessary work in connection with the ongoing provision of services yet fail to meet the stringent criteria of contractual obligation set out in FRS12
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Resources expended
Grants payable
Grants payable are accounted for in the period in which the performance conditions attaching to the grant payment are met or, where no performance conditions apply, when a legal or constructive obligation arises.
Other expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, which is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:
costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising;
- a 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;
a governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity;
a all costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activity on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
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| activities | |||
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| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| Note | Funds ‘22 (£) | Funds ‘21 (£) | |
| Incoming resources | |||
| Voluntary income | 1 | 270,222 | 81,401 |
| Activities for Generating Funds | 2 | 27,603 | 39,606 |
| Incoming resources from Charitable | 3 | 4,306 | 3,078 |
| Activities | |||
| Total incoming resources | 302,131 | 124,085 | |
| Resources expended | |||
| Cost of Generating Funds | 7 | 1,317 | 2,638 |
| Charitable Activities | 4 | 216,984 | 68,569 |
| Salaries | 8 | 38,043 | 36,028 |
| Total resources expended | 256,344 | 107,235 | |
| Net incoming resources for the period | 45,787 | 16,850 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 51,051 | 34,201 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 96,838 | 51,051 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form part of these financial statements.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
| Note Current assets Cash at bank Debtor – Mears Group Match funding Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear 9 |
Unrestricted Funds ‘22 (£) Unrestricted Funds ‘21 (£) 128,152 81,401 21,417 39,606 |
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| 149,569 84,371 (52,731) (33,320) |
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| Net assets | 96,838 51,051 |
| Funds General Funds |
96,838 51,051 |
| Total funds 10 |
96,838 51,051 |
For the year ending 31 December 2022 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015).
These financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 2nd February 2021 and are signed on their behalf by:
Trustee’s responsibilities:
- a the members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 476
Christine Losecaat MBE
Chair
- a the trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to Judith Herbert accounting records and the preparation Treasurer of accounts
Company Registration Number: 07021016
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special
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| statements | ||
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| 1 Voluntary income | Total Funds ‘22 (£) |
Total Funds ‘21 (£) |
| Donations | 174,118 | 78,901 |
| Friends of Foundation contributions | 96,104 | 2,500 |
| Total incoming resources | 270,222 | 81,401 |
| 2 Incoming resources from activities for generating funds |
Total Funds ‘22 (£) |
Total Funds ‘21 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Website Link | 35 | 5 |
| Sponsored Events | 17,396 | 13,115 |
| Mears Fundays | 787 | 1,480 |
| Collections / Rafes | 9,385 | 25,006 |
| 27,603 | 39,606 |
| 3 Incoming resources from charitable activities |
Total Funds ‘22 (£) |
Total Funds ‘21 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Aid | 4,306 | 3,078 |
| 4,306 | 3,078 |
| 4 Costs of charitable activities by | Total Funds | Total Funds |
|---|---|---|
| fund type | ‘22 (£) | ‘21 (£) |
| Auctions & Rafes | 180 | 206 |
| Sponsored Events | 10,148 | 5,456 |
| Mears Fundays | 245 | 279 |
| Donations | 140,479 | 62,628 |
| Digital Poverty Campaign | 35,932 | |
| Fareshare Partnership | 30,000 | |
| Total incoming resources | 216,984 | 68,569 |
| 5 Costs of charitable | Total Funds | Support | Total Funds | Total Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| activities by activity type | ‘22 (£) | costs (£) | ‘22 (£) | ‘21 (£) |
| Mears Fundays | 245 | 206 | 245 | 279 |
| Auctions & Rafes | 180 | 5,456 | 180 | 206 |
| Sponsored Events | 10,148 | 279 | 10,148 | 6,059 |
| Donations | 140,479 | 62,628 | 140,479 | 62,628 |
| Digital Poverty Campaign | 35,932 | 35,932 | ||
| Fareshare Partnership | 30,000 | 30,000 | ||
| Direct costs | 216,984 | 216,984 | 69,172 |
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6 Governance costs
Governance costs were met by Mears Group PLC.
7 Analysis of support costs
| 7 Analysis of support costs | 2022 (£) | 2021 (£) |
| Charity giving administration fee | 872 | 1,008 |
| Staf Expenses | 181 | 992 |
| Compliance Fees | 35 | |
| Merchandise | 124 | 603 |
| PR Fees | 140 | |
| 1,317 | 2,638 |
8 Staff costs and emoluments
| 8 Staf costs and emoluments | 2022 (£) | 2021 (£) |
| Salaries | 38,043 | 36,028 |
| 38,043 | 36,028 | |
| 9 Creditors: Amounts falling due | 2022 (£) | 2021 (£) |
| within one year | ||
| Salaries | 52,731 | 33,359 |
| 52,731 | 33,359 |
10 Analysis of net assets between funds
All funds are designated as General Funds.
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For more information on anything enclosed within this report please email heather.tyrer@mearsgroup.co.uk
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