REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07964782 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1146717
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
FOR
BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
Nagler Simmons Chartered Accountants 5 Beaumont Gate Shenley Hill Radlett WD7 7AR
BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 6 | to | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 13 |
BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07964782)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
The Board of Befrienders Worldwide submits its annual report and financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2021.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
To improve the emotional and mental health of people who are experiencing feelings of distress and despair and to reduce the incidences of suicide.
Significant activities
Specifically our activities include the encouragement worldwide of establishing and developing centres who specialise in our work; developing and providing education and training tools and services; identifying best practices and supporting and promoting the application of these practices by the centres; developing technological platforms for communication and improved service delivery by the centres; encouraging and promoting applicable research; establishing partnerships with other relationship organisations; and developing material for public awareness campaigns.
Benefit to individuals
The majority of our centres are available around the clock every day of the year to receive calls and other contracts from people who are in emotional distress and may be contemplating suicide. There is no charge for the service which is provided mainly by volunteers who receive specific ongoing training. Often our centres are the only lifeline (literally) for people in distress.
Public benefit
In shaping the activites for this financial year, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Both the charity and our centres are very active in their countries in both promoting awareness and addressing the stigma of mental health issues.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Key projects/achievements
During the year, in addition to the activities described above, the charity continued developing its partnership with a shipping company in Asia to facilitate the provision of the emotional support services of our members to the seafaring community. The charity received income of £26,927 (2020: £24,564) for project management activities which covered project management costs of £26,685 (2020: £19,675) with a resulting surplus of £242 (2020: £4,889).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The results of the charity for the year ended 28 February 2021 are set out in the attached financial statements. A surplus of £9,048 (2020: £20,608) was added to the general fund.
Reserves policy
The charity's reserves at the year end were £57,949 (2020: £45,494). The Board of Trustees are of the opinion that reserves should be at least at a level to ensure the charity can run efficiently and meet the needs of the membership and sustain its development. It is Befrienders Worldwide's objective to maintain the accumulated reserves to cover its annual operating cost as a minimum.
A part of the unrestricted reserves are treated as designated funds and are set aside for specific purposes. Designated funds consist of the monies for the "Twinning Project" which encourages centres in different countries to work together and exchange best practice. In addition, cash and readily available funds are maintained at a level to at least meet all current liabilities at any given time.
Total unrestricted funds at the balance sheet date were £86,649 (2020: £78,922), split between general funds of £76,861 (2020: £69,134) and designated funds of £9,788 (2020: £9,788) held for the Twinning Project. A further £1,321 was held in a restricted fund following a donation by Lifelink Samaritans for the specific purpose of funding membership subscriptions for Samaritans of Wellington Inc.over a 5 year period.
Going concern
Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Board confirms that it has a reasonable expectation that Befrienders Worldwide has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and has assets to fulfil all obligations. For this reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07964782)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Befrienders Worldwide Limited is a body incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. The governing documents are the Memorandum and Articles of Association as approved by the members. It is also registered as a charity with the Charity Commission.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Members of the Board of Trustees are elected for a term of three years, renewable on agreement of the Trustee and the Board. Vacancies for new trustees are identified by the Board taking into consideration the balance of skills required and to reflect the international, multicultural nature of the charity. Candidates are interviewed by a panel of the Board and the appointments are approved at a Board meeting. Upon appointment trustees are required to complete a register of interests and are given a Trustee Handbook that includes the Memorandum and Articles of Association. There is also a formal induction process, and trustees may undertake relevant training where appropriate.
All trustees are non-executive and work for Befrienders Worldwide in a voluntary capacity.
Organisational structure
Befrienders Worldwide is governed by a Board of Trustees, which comprises the Chair, Treasurer and a minimum of three other board members.
Decision making
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Befrienders Worldwide. They meed regularly during the year to consider, determine and review strategy and policy.
Key risks and uncertainties
The Board assesses the risks to which Befrienders is exposed and the mitigation plans in place in order to minimise potential risk.
Risks reviewed cover four key areas :
Governance
Covers all aspects of trustee activities, strategy, charitable purpose/public benefit and the Memorandum and Articles of Association;
Operational Activities
Covers delivery of Befrienders' core activities, day to day operations, health & safety and HR activities;
Finance
Covers all aspects of financial risk;
External environment changes and development
Covers competitor activities, changes in operating environment and changes within Befrienders' stakeholder groups.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
07964782 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1146717
Registered office
5 Beaumont Gate Shenley Hill Radlett WD7 7AR
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07964782)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
Trustees
M L Taylor - Chair (resigned 31.3.21) M L Taylor - Treasurer (appointed 17.11.21) N G Hawkins - Chair (appointed 6.9.21) O F Monteiro - Treasurer until 17.11.21 P R Barker - Secretary (resigned 31.3.20) D A Brodtman M L Galliano M C A Gibson (resigned 15.3.21) M M Mulindi C M Paranavithana P Skruibis P Yoskittiphat D J Atkinson (appointed 17.11.21) N Sood (appointed 17.11.21) L Zeinoun (appointed 17.11.21)
Independent Examiner
R S Harris The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Nagler Simmons Chartered Accountants 5 Beaumont Gate Shenley Hill Radlett WD7 7AR
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19 November 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
M L Taylor - Treasurer - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Befrienders Worldwide ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 28 February 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company 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 your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
R S Harris The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Nagler Simmons Chartered Accountants 5 Beaumont Gate Shenley Hill Radlett WD7 7AR
26 November 2021
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
| 28.2.21 | 29.2.20 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |||
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 22,461 | 1,321 | 23,782 | 17,707 | |
| Other trading activities | 3 | 26,927 | - | 26,927 | 24,564 | |
| Other income | 4 | - | - | - | 1,305 | |
| Total | 49,388 | 1,321 | 50,709 | 43,576 | ||
| EXPENDITURE ON | ||||||
| Raising funds | ||||||
| Other trading activities | 26,685 | - | 26,685 | 19,675 | ||
| 26,685 | - | 26,685 | 19,675 | |||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Other Costs | 4,728 | - | 4,728 | - | ||
| Other | 10,248 | - | 10,248 | 3,293 | ||
| Total | 41,661 | - | 41,661 | 22,968 | ||
| NET INCOME | 7,727 | 1,321 | 9,048 | 20,608 | ||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 78,922 | - | 78,922 | 58,314 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 86,649 | 1,321 | 87,970 | 78,922 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07964782)
BALANCE SHEET 28 FEBRUARY 2021
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Intangible assets 9 18,912 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 77,753 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 (10,016) NET CURRENT ASSETS 67,737 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 86,649 NET ASSETS 86,649 FUNDS 11 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ - 1,321 - 1,321 1,321 1,321 |
28.2.21 Total funds £ 18,912 79,074 (10,016) 69,058 87,970 87,970 86,649 1,321 87,970 |
29.2.20 Total funds £ 23,640 66,367 (11,085) 55,282 78,922 78,922 78,922 - 78,922 |
|---|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 28 February 2021.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2021 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
-
(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
-
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
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continued...
BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE (REGISTERED NUMBER: 07964782)
BALANCE SHEET - continued 28 FEBRUARY 2021
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 19 November 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
M L Taylor - Treasurer - Trustee
N G Hawkins - Chair - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 2015)', the Charities Act 2011, Financial Reporting Standard 102' The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The presentation currency of the financial statements is Pound Sterling (£).
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Going Concern
In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, the trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have also considered possible other events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements. The trustees have concluded that despite the significant economic impact of Covid-19, there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
Legal Status
The charity is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and is registered with the Charity Commission. The registered office address, company and charity registration numbers can be found in the Report of the Trustees. The members of the company have undertaken to contribute up to their guarantee of £1 each towards the liabilities of the company, in the event that it is wound up whilst they are, or within one year of being members.
Intangible fixed assets
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.
Website costs will be amortised evenly over their estimated useful life of five years commencing from the date that economic benefits attributable to the website will flow to the charity.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes in accordance with the development plans of the organisation and to enable the completion of existing projects.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
continued...
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Fund accounting
Cash and cash equivalent s comprise of cash at bank and in hand and interest bearing deposits
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| 2. | DONATIONS AND LEGACIES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.2.21 | 29.2.20 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Membership fees | 3,200 | 431 | |
| Corporate donations | 14,623 | 16,586 | |
| Other donations | 5,959 | 690 | |
| 23,782 | 17,707 | ||
| 3. | OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES | ||
| 28.2.21 | 29.2.20 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Project management | 26,927 | 24,564 | |
| 4. | OTHER INCOME | ||
| 28.2.21 | 29.2.20 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Foreign exchange gains | - | 1,305 | |
| 5. | NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| 28.2.21 | 29.2.20 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accountancy and bookkeeping | 1,278 | 1,279 | |
| Website amortisation | 4,728 | - |
continued...
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Trustees' expenses
A total of £463 (2020: £923) reimbursed to trustees for out of pocket expenses incurred during the year ended 28 February 2021. One trustee was reimbursed for direct expenses, in accordance with the Articles of Association.
7. STAFF COSTS
The average number of employees during the year was nil (2020: nil), and no staff costs were incurred.
8.
| COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted funds fund £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 17,707 - Other trading activities 24,564 - Other income 1,305 - Total 43,576 - EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds Other trading activities 19,675 - 19,675 - Other 3,293 - Total 22,968 - NET INCOME 20,608 - RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 58,314 - TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 78,922 - |
Total funds £ 17,707 24,564 1,305 |
|---|---|
| 43,576 19,675 |
|
| 19,675 3,293 |
|
| 22,968 | |
| 20,608 58,314 |
|
| 78,922 |
continued...
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
9. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021 AMORTISATION Charge for year NET BOOK VALUE At 28 February 2021 At 29 February 2020 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income DEFERRED INCOME |
28.2.21 £ 2,636 7,380 10,016 |
Website £ 23,640 4,728 18,912 23,640 29.2.20 £ 7,185 3,900 11,085 |
|---|---|---|
| 28.2.21 | 29.2.20 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deferred income at 1st March | 2,778 | 6,627 |
| Resources deferred in the period | 2,668 | 2,778 |
| Amount released from previous periods | (2,778) | (6,627) |
| Deferred income at 28th February | 2,668 | 2,778 |
| Deferred income comprises the following: | ||
| Corporate donations | 736 | 766 |
| Project management | 1,932 | 2,012 |
| 2,668 | 2,778 | |
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | |||
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.3.20 | in funds | 28.2.21 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 69,134 | 7,727 | 76,861 |
| Twinning Project | 9,788 | - | 9,788 |
| 78,922 | 7,727 | 86,649 | |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Lifelink Samaritans | - | 1,321 | 1,321 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 78,922 | 9,048 | 87,970 |
continued...
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 49,388 |
(41,661) | 7,727 |
| Restricted funds | ||
| Lifelink Samaritans 1,321 |
- | 1,321 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 50,709 |
(41,661) | 9,048 |
| Comparatives for movement in funds | ||
| Net | ||
| movement | At | |
| At 1.3.19 | in funds | 29.2.20 |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 48,526 |
20,608 | 69,134 |
| Twinning Project 9,788 |
- | 9,788 |
| 58,314 | 20,608 | 78,922 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 58,314 |
20,608 | 78,922 |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement |
| resources | expended | in funds |
| £ | £ | £ |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| General fund 43,576 |
(22,968) | 20,608 |
| TOTAL FUNDS 43,576 |
(22,968) | 20,608 |
continued...
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BEFRIENDERS WORLDWIDE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Net | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| movement | At | ||
| At 1.3.19 | in funds | 28.2.21 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 48,526 | 28,335 | 76,861 |
| Twinning Project | 9,788 | - | 9,788 |
| 58,314 | 28,335 | 86,649 | |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Lifelink Samaritans | - | 1,321 | 1,321 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 58,314 | 29,656 | 87,970 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General fund | 92,964 | (64,629) | 28,335 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Lifelink Samaritans | 1,321 | - | 1,321 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 94,285 | (64,629) | 29,656 |
The trustees have set aside unrestricted funds for the Twinning Project to encourage centres in different countries to work together and exchange best practice.
Lifelink Samaritans - The restricted funds were donated by Lifelink Samaritans Tasmania Inc, in order to help fund membership subscriptions to Befrienders Worldwide by Samaritans of Wellington Inc over a five year period.
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 28 February 2021.
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