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2023-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1143494

Company registration number 07335344 (England and Wales)

THE LITTLE ZOO

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

THE LITTLE ZOO

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees G Emery
S Miller MBE
M Llewellyn
A Carr-Gomm
O Barrington
C Taylor (Appointed 6 June 2023)
Charity number 1143494
Company number 07335344
Principal address The Little Zoo
16a Farleigh Wick
Bradford On Avon
Wiltshire
BA15 2PY
Independent examiner Mark Garrett Chartered Accountant
23 Leafield Industrial Estate
Leafield Way
Corsham
Wiltshire
SN13 9RS

THE LITTLE ZOO

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 2
Independent examiner's report 3
Statement of financial activities 4
Balance sheet 5
Notes to the financial statements 6 - 12

THE LITTLE ZOO

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023.

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 constitution, 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

A) To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment, in particular the conservation of exotic animals and their habitats; and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among such animals. B) To promote humane behaviour towards exotic animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The charity's performance has been greatly improved following the lifting of restrictions placed due to COVID.

Wolf encounters remain the greatest source of income for the charity and have accounted for 90% of the charity's income (2021 85%)

Financial review

The charity generated a surplus during the year and this has returned the financial position to where it was before lockdown.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to at least 12 month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended on 27th July 2011.

The trustees of the charity, who are also the directors of the company, control the company.

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:

G Emery

S Miller MBE

M Llewellyn A Carr-Gomm O Barrington C Taylor

(Appointed 6 June 2023)

THE LITTLE ZOO

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are recruited from volunteers, and each is provided with assistance in understanding their responsibilities as a trustee together with a copy of the rules and regulations of the charity.

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 charity operates from property in which Mr G R Emery, a trustee of the charity, has an interest. A formal agreement is in place for the maintenance and use of the property by the charity. No rent was charged to the charity in respect of the property.

Other matters

The charity is managed by Mr G Emery, a trustee of the charity and his wife Mrs N Emery.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

G Emery

Trustee

15 May 2024

THE LITTLE ZOO

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LITTLE ZOO

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Little Zoo (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2023.

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 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act 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 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

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:

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.

Mark Garrett Chartered Accountant

23 Leafield Industrial Estate Leafield Way Corsham Wiltshire SN13 9RS

Dated: 15 May 2024

THE LITTLE ZOO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 2,414 1,463
Charitable activities 4 131,730 118,551
Total income 134,144 120,014
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 227 488
Charitable activities 6 109,475 96,832
Total expenditure 109,702 97,320
Net income and movement in funds 24,442 22,694
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September 2022 58,225 35,531
Fund balances at 31 August 2023 82,667 58,225

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

THE LITTLE ZOO

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Stocks
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension liability
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
-
87,708
87,708
(5,235)		 £
194
82,473
82,667
82,667
82,667
82,667		 2022
£
750
51,281
52,031
(617)		 £
6,811
51,414
58,225
58,225
58,225
58,225

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 August 2023.

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 15 May 2024

G Emery

Trustee

Company registration number 07335344 (England and Wales)

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Little Zoo is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], 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.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

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.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

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.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements 50% of cost Plant and equipment 50% of cost per annum

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Stocks

Stocks are stated at cost of unused items and material.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.9 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.

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.

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

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.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Other 2,414 1,463
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Wolf experiences
Services provided under contract 131,730 117,789
Ancillary trading income - 762
131,730 118,551

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

5 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Advertising 227 488
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
Wolf Wolf
experiences experiences
2023 2022
£ £
Direct costs
Depreciation and impairment 6,812 8,987
Direct charitable expenditure 79,713 65,354
86,525 74,341
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Support 22,350 21,651
Governance 600 840
109,475 96,832
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 109,475 96,832

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

7 Support costs allocated to activities

Utilities
Licences and insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Motoring
Miscellaneous expenses
Office supplies
Research
Bank charges
Delivery and collection
Subscriptions
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Wolf experiences
8
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2023
£
3,502
2,122
9,614
3,407
724
108
-
1,849
-
1,024
600
22,950
22,950
2023
£
6,812		 2022
£
3,204
2,527
9,011
4,207
155
292
57
1,778
98
322
840
22,491
22,491
2022
£
8,987

9 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Educational services to visitors were provided by Mr G Emery during the year. The amount paid to him for these services was £47,099 (2022 £40,108. The cost of the services has been recouped from visitor fees.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023 2022
Number Number
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

12
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold
improvements
Plant and
equipment
£
£
Cost
At 1 September 2022
4,392
36,570
Additions
-
194
At 31 August 2023
4,392
36,764
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2022
4,392
29,758
Depreciation charged in the year
-
6,812
At 31 August 2023
4,392
36,570
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2023
-
194
At 31 August 2022
-
6,811
13
Stocks
2023
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
-
14
Loans and overdrafts
2023
£
Bank overdrafts
1,133
Payable within one year
1,133		 Total
£
40,962
194
41,156
34,150
6,812
40,962
194
6,811
2022
£
750
2022
£
138
138

Bank overdrafts arise from the inclusion of uncleared items in the bank account balance.

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Bank overdrafts
14
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
1,133
4,102
5,235		 2022
£
138
479
617

THE LITTLE ZOO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

16 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 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2023
2022
£ £ £ £
General funds 58,225 134,144 (109,702) 82,667
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2022
2021
£ £ £ £
General funds 35,531 120,014 (97,320) 58,225

17 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties have been disclosed elsewhere in these financial statements.