2025-01-17-accounts - Business Opportunities For The Physically Handicapped Limited

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Charities Commission Annual Report

2023 - 2024

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Introduction:

To conform to the legal duty placed upon the trust; this Trustees Annual Report is written to comply with the Charities Act 2006 and the Regulations of 2009. The financial report that forms part of the main report has been prepared by the trusts Treasurer.

This report has been produced to reflect a fair and constructive description of the organisation and how it functions and achieves its aims and objectives.

History:

The vision of providing a workshop for the disabled was the brainchild of Geoff and Joan Lythgoe. Their granddaughter had suffered vaccine damage as a baby. This had left her disabled and when she left full time education, they soon became aware that there was a complete lack of work opportunities for young adults with disabilities. They made a life changing decision which led to them setting up a centre that would offer basic work opportunities in a safe and caring environment.

In 1992 following some intense fundraising by family and friends, Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped obtained charity status and then leased a small unit from the local authority on the Charfleets Industrial Estate, Canvey Island. The unit was in a complete state of disrepair, however, with the help of local builders and tradesmen who gave up their free time and using their skills and expertise the unit was completely refurbished to a very high standard. The charity BOPH was founded in 1995 by Geoff and Joan Lythgoe and the doors were opened for the first time in that year and placements were offered for the physically handicapped and people with learning difficulties. Immediately it was a great success, and it was then fully realised the desperate need for such an organisation within the community.

BOPH soon outgrew its existing premises and in 1999 when the workshop and the adjacent unit became available for sale the charity purchased both units.

Administrative Details of the Charity:

Charities Full Name: Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped

Address: Units 4-7 Charfleets Close, Canvey Island, Essex. SS8 0PW

Registered Charity No: 1146329

Email Address: b.o.p.h@hotmail.co.uk

Web: www.boph.org.uk

Telephone No: 01268 515794

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Directors:

Chairman: Mr John Arthur Clarke F.I.B.M.S CMS(Director)

Finance: Mr Ian Knott CPFA (Director)

Company Secretary: Mr John Arthur Clarke F.I.B.M.S CMS (Director)

Directors: Mrs Jean Blackwell, Mr Roger Blackwell, Mr Peter May,

Mrs Sylvia Jillins, Mr Stuart Clarke

Volunteers:

At the present time, following on from the Pandemic there are no volunteers attending the workshop.

Employed Staff:

Manager:	Karen Bowers
Assistant Manager:	Josephine Geary
Full Time Supervisor:	Post vacant
Project Worker:	Brogan Bowers

All employed staff are paid the minimum wage.

Accounts Examiner:

Mr. Michael Machin

Fire Safety Consultant:

First Intervention Training Ltd, Coryton Refinery, The West Site, The Manorway,

Stanford le-Hope Essex SS17 9LL

Contact: 01375 676779, email: fitteam@btconnect.com

Organisational Structure & Management:

The Charity is run in accordance with the Charities Constitution which was adopted on the 27[th of] October 2004. Membership of the Charity is open to any person over the age of 18 years who is interested in furthering the aims and objectives of the Charity.

The overall responsibility for the Charity is taken by the Directors who are elected by the members at the annual general meeting. The Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer are also filled by election from the members at the Annual General Meeting each year.

There is an integrated management system in place for the day-to-day management of the disabled workshop and this is managed by a small group of fall time staff consisting of a fall time manager, assistant manager, workshop supervisor and a project worker.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Assets held by the Charity:

The Charity owns and manages the disabled workshop at Unit 4-7 Charfleets Close, Canvey Island. It is a single storey building that consists of a main workshop area, storage area, office area, social and eating area, kitchen and toilets. However, at the present time the kitchen area is only used by staff. Clients are only allowed in under supervision. The Charity has recently employed Croner to help with the legal aspects of employment and health and safety on a two year contract.

Relevant Organisations & Persons:

Bank:

Barclays Bank Ltd. High Street, Canvey Island, Essex

Accountant:

Mr. Ian Knott

69 Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JA

Independent Examiner:

Mr. Mr. Michael Machin

Training:

Training is the direct responsibility of the Supervisor. There is a simple policy in place at present and it is custom and practise to carry out ongoing training for staff particularly when new work is introduced into the workshop. All new volunteers, staff and carers receive induction training which includes:

➢ Premises familiarisation
➢ Fire Safety Arrangements
➢ Health & Safety familiarisation and basic requirements
➢ Hygiene familiarisation and basic requirements for using the kitchen and WC facilities.

In addition to the above selected staff and volunteers attend a basic first aid training course (Appointed Person) provided by an external provider and a Fire Safety Marshal course.

The entire Training program and policy is being reviewed again with the help of Croner in the following twelve months and a formal training policy will be adopted.

Child and Vulnerable Adults:

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks are carried out on all employed staff and the disclosure notices are securely filed on the premises. Records of CRB check notices for all visiting care workers are also kept securely on the premises. CRB checks for the volunteers are not required as they are supervised at all times by the staff or carers that hold current CRB checks. It is worth noting that the volunteers are never left alone with any vulnerable client.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Health and Safety:

There is a clear Health & Safety Policy Statement that is displayed and kept on the premises. Regular safety inspections are carried out each month and records kept in the general filing system. The relevant safety notices etc. are displayed and the unit keeps an accident book and strictly follows the legal requirements for reporting accidents (RIDDOR) etc. All new people joining the unit have a Health & Safety Induction and the records are kept on file. During this year the Company has followed all Covid – 19 Government guidance.

Chairman’s report:

I am reporting that we now employ Croner to assist with our legal duties as an employer on a two year contract.

Financial Overview for the year to 17[th] January 2024.

I am pleased to report that the charities turnover increased by just under 4% from the previous year. However, our main income stream, that of sales from our charity shops, reduced by some £2.6K (2.4%). Whilst this reduction may be viewed as not significant when compared to our turnover, income from our charity shop sales is the life blood of the charity without which BOPH would not exist. All other areas of income increased particularly charitable donations and investment income.

The chart below shows in stark detail our heavy reliance on the charity shops and our continuing urgent need to increase other areas of income which include Fund Raising and Packing Work.

Expenditure this year largely followed the same pattern as in previous normal years with wages being our dominant expense. Numerically our wages figure was very similar to the previous year however the workforce was restructured during the year to provide ongoing savings. All payroll costs reflect the increase in the National Minimum Wage rates and relate entirely to the workshop. Running costs at the workshop and both charity shops have substantially increased in the areas of energy and utility expenditure.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Net income before other expenditure on capital items shows nearly a threefold increase from the previous year moving from £1.9K to £5.4K. A satisfactory trend. However, the workshop required some necessary repairs and improvements that wiped out that surplus.

The chart below shows the breakdown of expenditure.

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year reports that the charity made a deficit of £12.7K.

Looking forward the scheme continues to battle several financial issues including high energy costs and a payroll/health and safety update program to ensure the charity is using its resources as effectively as possible. The charities revenue fund balance stood at £122K and this will enable the scheme to hopefully be well placed to meet the challenges going forward.

Volunteer Support Team.

The charity depends on a hard-core of volunteers to help with the activities in the charity shops. Previously much of the fundraising was carried out by the volunteers hence their support is invaluable to the financial well-being of the charity. To equate this to some monetary value is very difficult; however, a simple guide to the contribution they make can be considered as follows:

Volunteers day-to-day support in the charity shop:

The value of volunteers in the charity shop, based on four per day, equates to £58,350 for a 51week year again using an hourly minimum wage of £11.44.

Elsewhere voluntary services are also provided for payroll production, Fire Safety consultants and fundraising, etc. Therefore, an equivalent monetary value on the contributions made by volunteers can be very approximately valued at something in the region of up to £100K

Ian Knott - Hon. Finance Director.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Building Maintenance:

Maintenance carried out under the direction of the Director responsible for the upkeep of the buildings. Faults are rectified as soon as possible after the Director being made aware..

Fundraising Report:

Workshop report :

Outings can be organised again in the near future. We still follow Government guidelines regarding social distancing which unfortunately involved reducing the number of disabled adults and volunteers that could be accommodated in the workshop, hence the lack of volunteers. It was thought this would have an adverse effect on the amount of packing work that could be completed but in fact the amount has far exceeded that normally carried out. We now have vacancies, so are able to offer placements to those persons who meet our criteria.

Charity Shop Report:

The Charity shops, with continued help from our local community and a wonderful team of volunteers, are shops are now open again and are recovering well.

Admission Criteria:

The programme was initially designed for the physically handicapped; however, the majority of attendees referred to the workshop have a degree of learning difficulties. The general criterion for admission to the workshop is as follows:

❖ Be a minimum age of sixteen (no upper limit)
❖ Be able to travel to the unit independently.
❖ Be self reliant when feeding or taking medication.
❖ Be able to use the toilet facilities unaccompanied (unless accompanied by a support worker or carer).

There is a degree of flexibility regarding the criteria for acceptance to the workshop. For the workshop to be effective, it is important that all attendees maintain a good record of attendance and punctuality. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the placement. It should be noted that initially all new clients will be required to attend with a carer until they have undergone an assessment. Subject to the results of the assessment, it may not be necessary for the carers to be in attendance.

Description of benefits to clients and the community:

BOPH currently has 25 disabled people with ages ranging from 17 to 55 years and the majority of these have learning difficulties. They carry out small but valuable tasks like packing small items, providing packaging for cards, sorting etc. These individuals are incapable of being employed in a normal workplace, so the unit provides a safe place of work and offers them stability and an opportunity to enhance their personal development and to maximise their own potential. The unit also provides a much-needed respite for the carers five days a week and it is completely free of charge.

The workshop is open from Monday to Friday every week and the 25 adults are gainfully employed on small working tasks that may involve numeracy, literacy and practical skills and this is all conducted in a working environment.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Packing – this plays a very important part in confidence building and helps to develop the ability to work in a team. Skill Tasters – this provides our attendees with hands on experience in a wide range of skills. It is also beneficial to the long-term unemployed people, P C S O, Student Police Officers, Trident Students, Special Needs College Students, and volunteers all of whom attend BOPH for training. This provides then with an insight into a number of different skills and the ability to work with disabled people. It provides invaluable experience of the needs and capabilities of people with disabilities. Two of our volunteers discovered that they had discovered their true vocation and went on to gain employment in the caring profession (one of these is now the manager of a home for the disabled).

Confidence Building – this is greatly enhanced by taking our attendees out into the community to provide tasks such as, helping out at fetes and open days, selling small items that have been produced to generate funds for BOPH and this in turn improves their communication skills etc. Just to quote one of our attendees “my family used to try everything to get me out of the house and now thanks to BOPH they have trouble keeping me in”.

Primary Aims and Objectives of the Charity:

The Charity’s aims and objectives are to promote the welfare of physically and mentally handicapped persons and those with special needs in a manner which is now or may be deemed by law to be charitable, within the community of Castle Point and in particular for the provision of and assistance with facilities for employment training within the workshop for such persons.

Fundamental to achieving these aims and objectives, is the desire to provide an environment for disabled people within the community, which is safe and offers them stability and an opportunity to enhance their personal development and to maximise their own potential.

Strategy for achieving these objectives:

Continue to seek assistance from donors and sponsors by actively showing that the charity is meeting their objectives. This is achieved by ensuring the key donors and members of the public are kept informed of the charity’s activities via newsletters, press releases and media cover.

To seek and obtain suitable work that can be actively carried out by our clients. This is achieved by keeping in close contact with our current work providers and by writing to new company’s advertising the charities objectives and how we can be of assistance to their company.

To carryout fund-raising events, open days, bazaars, charity diners etc.

To support and provide assistance to the volunteers at the Charity Shop in the Knightswick Centre, Canvey Island.

Volunteer Support Team:

The charity depends on a hard core of volunteers to help with the activities in the workshop and the charity shop. Much of the fundraising is carried out by the volunteers and hence their support is invaluable to the financial and well-being of the charity. To equate this to some monetary value is very difficult; however, a simple guide to the contribution they make can be considered as follows: BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2014/2015 Page 7

Review of the year’s Aims and Objectives:

BOPH does not receive any funding or support from the government or local authorities. The aims and objectives can only be achieved by donations, work output and fund raising by the charity.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Primary Aims and Objectives of the Charity:

Strategy for achieving these objectives:

To carryout fund-raising events, open days, bazaars, charity diners etc.

To support and provide assistance to the volunteers at the Charity Shop in the Knightswick Centre, Canvey Island.

Volunteer Support Team:

The charity depends on a hard core of volunteers to help with the activities in the workshop and the charity shop. Much of the fundraising is carried out by the volunteers and hence their support is invaluable to the financial and well being of the charity. To equate this to some monetary value is very difficult; however, a simple guide to the contribution they make can be considered as follows: BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2014/2015 Page 7

Review of the year’s Aims and Objectives:

BOPH does not receive any funding or support from the government or local authorities. The aims and objectives can only be achieved by donations, work output and fund raising by the charity.

There have been 22 regular disabled clients that have attended the workshop during the year. One of the key aims is to provide the service and support that the charity provides free of charge to its clients. It is pleasing to report that this has been achieved, which in the current financial climate has been a remarkable achievement.

The charity shop which was opened in July of 2010 continues to be a great success and supports the main workshop financially. There has been no shortage of volunteers and the support from members of the public that have donated items for sale has been incredible. The income from the shop can be clearly seen in the annual accounts. However, although this cannot be relied on as the shop is on a short-term lease, its contribution this year has been substantial. There can be little doubt that the shop will continue and even if the lease is terminated the charity will seek alternative premises.

Usually, these activities raised valuable funds for the charity; however, more significantly each of these activities provided a high profile for the charity within the community. During the year the charity has received good coverage in the local news papers and our key sponsors and work providers have been kept fully informed of the charities progress throughout the year.

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

Our work providers have been very kind to us this year, and we have had a fairly constant flow of work for our clients. To be fair there have been some quiet periods where the work time has been filled with social activities. However, in the present financial climate the charity had anticipated and planned for this.

Many outside companies and organisations have carried out fund raising events for the charity, and we wholeheartedly recognise the time and effort that this has taken. On behalf of everybody involved at BOPH we would like to thank those involved for their continued support and donations:

Looking to the future:

Forward planning for the charity will include meeting the primary aims and objectives of the charity which will include:

❖ The charity will provide our services and facilities free of charge for all the physically and mentally handicapped clients that attend the workshop.

❖ The charity will offer continued support for the staff and volunteers that actively assist with running the workshop, charity shop and fundraising.

❖ The charity will strive to ensure that all those attending the workshop will continue to enjoy a safe and happy environment.

❖ The charity will make every effort to ensure there is sufficient work for our clients during the year.

❖ The charity will continue to improve good communications with our work providers and primary sponsors and encourage their continued support.

❖ In addition to meeting these aims the charity has identified the need to expand and offer the services currently enjoyed by its clients, to a substantial increase in number of physically and mentally handicapped within the community.

Kind donations were received this year from: -

Castle Point Bowling Club

Howden Joinery

The Lions Club of Castle Point

Benfleet Methodist Wives

In memory of Edith May

Grant Jeary

Alan Brown (Morrisons)

BOPH Charities Commission Annual Report Year 2023 - 2024

B&PH ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS th For the year ended 17 January 2025

BUSINESS oppoKfuNITIES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED srATEMEhrr of FINANCIAL ACtIVlTIES for the arended 17 JANUARY 2025 Unre¥(ricted Funds Totol Funds lastyeor Details INCOMING RESOURCES Donations 5.413.41 92.23 5,544.42 88.33 Fund Raising Packing Work Charityshop Investment Income 2,323.71 87.335.49 2.517.85 107,523.97 1,464.22 46.25 2,890.52 Other Income Total Income 98,055.36 117.185.04 RESOURCES USED Direct Choritable E¥penditure Wages & Payrol I Cost5 Fund Raising Events- Expenses Rent, Rates & Water Insurance 58.646.12 216.00 65.317.99 216.00 2.463.20 2,675.69 9.649.39 26,141.63 1,298.20 2,293.12 2,422.58 Light & Heat Charityshop Repairs& Renewals Printin& Postages& Stationery Telephone Equipment Sundry Expense5 7,247.63 27.912.38 1,414.00 82.78 1,284.49 268.00 1,047.00 127.08 5,154.52 107.797.24 3,686.46 111,767.02 Other Expenditure Capital Outlay Depreciation 10.200.00 8,012.00 8,012.00 7.874.00 18,074.00 Total Resources Used 115.809.24 129.841.02 Net Movement in Funds 117.753.881 {12,655.98) Fund Balances broughtfonvard 121,844.34 134.500.32 Fund Balances carried forward 104,090.46 121,844.34 BOPH Annual Accounts 2024-2025.docx Page I

BUSINESS OPPORTUNMES FOR THE PHY5101LLY HANDICAPPED BALAN SHE AS AT 17 JANUARY 2025 2024-Z5 2023-24 FIXED ASSETS Buildings 208.308.78 216,320.78 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank. Community Account High Intest Business Account Shop Account 29,265.02 205.516.83 24,684.02 259.465.87 249,107. 75 467.774.65 465.428.53 RRENT LIABILITIES Creditors 40,5(M).00 20,4CV.(XI TOTAL CAprrAL EMPLOYED 427,274.65 445,028.53 Represented by. Unrestrirted Funds 104,090.46 323,184.19 121,844.34 323.184.19 Capital Account 427.274.65 445.028.53 l M Knott CPFA Finance Director Signed on 2 2025 on behalfofthe Charity: Mr J Clarke Scheme Chairman l M Knott. Honorary Finance Director. BOPH Annual Accounts 2024-2025.doc< Page 2

Notes to the Accounts. 3. Accounting Policies. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and the Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice (SORP). A summary of the more important accounting policies which have been applied consistently is set out below: a) Basis of Accounting. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. b) Tangible Fixed Assets. The cost of tangible fixed assets is their purchase cost, together with any incidental costs of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of the tangible fixed asset on a straight- line basis over the expected useful economic life of the asset concerned. Trustees. 2024-2025 2023-2024 i) Amount of any remuneration/benefrts paid to any of the charitys trustees or people connected with them. ii) Transactions undertaken by the charity in which a trustee or connected person has a material interest. Expenditure. i) Amount of any payment made to an independent examiner. £Nil £Nil None None £Nil £Nil ii) Amount of any grants made to any other institution. £Nil £Nil Endowment and Restricted Funds- the charity has no endowment or restricted fund5. Investment Assets - tne charity ha5 no investment assets. 8. Paid Employees. 2024-2025 2023-2024 Total emoluments of all scheme employees. Average number of employees in the year. £58,646.12 3.00 £65,317.99 5.00 BOPH Annual Accounts 2024-2025.dorx Page 3

Tangible Fixed Assets. Free1xd Land & Buildings 2024-25 202>24 Asset Cost or Valuation At 18th. January Additions Disposals At 17th. January 323,184.19 312,984.19 10,200.00 323,184.19 323,184.19 Accumulated Depreciation At 18th. January Charge for the year Elimination on disposals At 17th. January 106,863.41 8,012.00 98,989.41 7,874.00 114,875.41 106,863.41 Net bod( value At 18th. January At 17th. January 216,320.78 208,308.78 213,994.78 216.320.78 10. Debtors and Prepayments - the accounts of the charity do not have any debtors or prepayments. 11. Creditors and Accruals- the accounts of the charity have creditors in 2024-25 relating to rent outstanding for the charity shops. No other creditors or accruals exist. 12. Other Disclosure Issues. This charity:_ does not have any commitments not provided for in the accounts. has not given any guarantees. has no loans does not have any contingent liabilities does not receive grants as a material part of income. BOPH Annual Accounts 2024-2025.IJoLX Page 4

Independent Examinerfs Report on the Accounts. Report to the Trustees/Members of Business Opportunities for the Physically Handicapped (BOPH} on the accounts for the year ended IT . January 2025 as set out on pages I to 4. Responsibilities and basis of report. As the charitvs trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Charitvs accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities {Accounts and Report51 Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and faTI view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: Mma hin. BOPFI Annual Accounts 2024-2025ASocx Page S

B&PH ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS th For the year ended 17 January 2025