North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2025
Charity Number: 1147282
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Chairman’s report | 3 |
|---|---|
| Key facts | 4 |
| Trustees’ report | 5-7 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11-14 |
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The financial year ending March 2025 was our most successful fundraising year on record — the first time we've ever raised more than £200,000 in a single year, and double the funds raised the previous year.
This was down to the generosity of the public, our sponsoring small and medium enterprises, corporate donations, and support from a number of freemasonry lodges. We are grateful to everyone who made donations, large or small, during the year.
This year marked further expansion in our services. For the first time, we partnered with the North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) and Greater Manchester Blood Bikes (GMBB). With careful planning and coordination with GMBB, we enabled NWAA to carry blood, supplied by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, on board their helicopters. This collaboration has been an amazing success, with lives directly saved as a result. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at NWAA and GMBB for making this happen.
We attended more events than ever, from pop-ups at local supermarkets to biker nights at cafes to village fairs. This raised much needed and appreciated funds, and spread the word to the general public as to what we do as Blood Bikers in the North West.
Our controllers provided 100% coverage for shifts, working into the small hours every night to coordinate our riders and safeguard the packages in their care.
Our fleet expanded with new Kia cars, and we placed orders for the latest R1300RT motorcycles from BMW Motorrad.
Finally, our Committee and Trustees worked incredibly hard together to run the Charity in accordance with its constitution. Thank you all for your service this year.
Colin Greene Chair
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025
Key Facts 2024-2025
Figures from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
152,891 13,783 Deliveries Total deliveries completed completed
since 2012
333 members
193,594 12 bikes miles covered
3 cars
Charity Number 1147282 Coverage Map of NW Trusts
(NB Royal Salford is in support of NWAA & Greater Manchester Blood Bikes)
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025
Charity Number 1147282
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Board of Trustees
The trustees present their annual report and unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025.
Constitution
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity. The constitution was first adopted 25th January 2012 and last amended on 24th July 2022.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity number : 1147282
Registered address : North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Unit 5, Momentum Place, Momentum Business Park, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6EF
The trustees who served during the year were as follows:
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the trust deed.
Organisational structure
The Board consisted of five trustees at the year end and is responsible for key policy decisions and the effective governance of the organisation overall. The Board takes care of the day to day running and legal requirements of the charity and the Board meets for a general meeting twice every year to discuss the direction and progression of the charity, especially projects and how they are benefitting the community. All projects and events are organised and taken into the community by volunteers who report back to the trustees on a regular basis. All members are subject to the overall jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees and their interpretation of these rules.
Colin Greene (Chair)
Adam Dennett Katherine Anne O’Connor MBE Oliver John Steele Haydn Williams
There were no changes in trustees since 31st March 2024.
Independent examiner : Mel Henry FCCA
Recruitment and appointment of new board members
Trustees are appointed to reflect the skills required to support the Board and its range of activities. A minimum of three Trustees will form the Executive Committee. Recruitment to the Board is either through volunteers or people they have met while working in the community. Such recruitment is based on an individual’s skills and empathy for the subject. The Board provides appointees with a full orientation on the services provided and the roles and responsibilities of a trustee, including their legal obligations under charity and company law. All appointees are informed of the content of the constitution and the decision-making processes of the charity.
Ainsworths Limited, Charter House, Stansfield Street, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 9XY
Bankers : HSBC Bank PLC.
49A Fishergate, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8BH
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025
Charity Number 1147282
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)
Principal objectives and activities
To provide a free, but out of hours transport service to local NHS hospitals by carrying urgent and emergency blood, platelets, samples, donor breast milk, patient notes, theatre equipment, etc. In fact, anything that can be safely carried by motorcycle between hospitals that is urgently required. This service is provided primarily, but not exclusively, in the North West region of England.
Public benefit
In setting out the charity’s objectives and planning of activities the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance and section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011. The trustees are confident that the charity offers services of real and practical use to the local population and therefore complies with the responsibility placed on all charities under the Charities Act 2011 to demonstrate a public benefit.
Review of the work of the charity 2024-2025
The charity commenced operations in May 2012 and n o w a p p r o a c h e s i t s thirteenth yea r of operations in 2025. As at 31st March 2025, the charity had completed 152,891 successful call outs since its inception, and is on course to break the 160,000 barrier in the 2026 full calendar year. Our riders, drivers and controllers handled 13,783 call outs in the year to 31st March 2025.
All our 333 volunteers are dedicated to helping the hospitals in and beyond our catchment area of 3,000 square miles, covering Lancashire and the South Lakes. We believe we are the largest a n d m o s t a c t i v e Blood Bike group in the United Kingdom.
In the year ended 31st March 2025 we saved the NHS approximately £813,094 (2024: £877,596).
Financial Review
The statement of financial activities shows how funds were raised and applied during the year. This statement separates funds which the charity controls itself (unrestricted funds) from those that have to be spent in a manner determined by the donor (restricted funds).
During the year ended 31st March 2025 incoming resources amounted to £284,122 (2024: £133,995) while resources expended amounted to £125,922 (2024: £122,971). The net result for the year was a surplus of £158,200 (2024: £11,024).
The trustees consider the results for the year to be satisfactory.
Reserves
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are free reserves of the charity, at levels which equate to an excess of its projected needs for the forthcoming year, thereby providing sufficient funds to ongoing costs. The management, administration and support costs as well as the ongoing development of projects is being undertaken by the trustees and others on a voluntary basis at £Nil cost. The trustees believe the net asset position is sufficient to satisfy such requirements although these levels of free reserves are reviewed on a regular basis.
Risk assessment
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to ensure that regular reports are produced and that necessary steps can be taken to address any issues arising.
Future developments
Next year will mark the 14th year of operation.
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025
Charity Number 1147282
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year end which give a true and fair view of the financial position of the charity during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees should follow generally accepted accounting practice and are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS102);
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
Charity requirements
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements set down by the Charities SORP (FRS 102).
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
..................................... Colin Greene (Chair)
-
state whether United Kingdom accounting standards and the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its activities.
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
I report on the accounts of the North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 14.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied that the Charity is not subject to an audit under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: -
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
-
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
-
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
-
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
M Henry FCCA
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters.
Ainsworths Limited, Chartered Accountants, Charter House, Stansfield Street, NELSON. BB9 9XY
Signed: Date: 16th October 2025
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31st March 2025
| Notes | Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds |
2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Incoming resources | |||||
| Charitable activities 2 |
253,808 | 30,314 | 284,122 | 133,995 | |
| Total incoming resources | 253,808 | 30,314 | 284,122 | 133,995 | |
| Resources expended | |||||
| Charitable activities 3 |
124,026 | 1,896 | 125,922 | 122,971 | |
| Total resources expended | 124,026 | 1,896 | 125,922 | 122,971 | |
| Net incoming resources | 129,782 | 28,418 | 158,200 | 11,024 | |
| Total funds brought forward | 379,543 | - | 379,543 | 368,519 | |
| Total funds carried forward 10 |
509,325 | 28,418 | 537,743 | 379,543 |
There are no acquisitions or discontinued operations in the year.
There are no other recognised gains or losses other than those shown in the statement of Financial Activities .
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BALANCE SHEET
North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
As at 31st March 2025
| Notes | 2025 2024 |
2025 2024 |
2025 2024 |
2025 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ £ |
£ | |||
| Fixed assets Intangible assets |
6 | 4,598 | - | ||
| Tangible assets | 7 | 111,364 | 87,994 | ||
| 115,962 | 87,994 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||
| Stock | 2,000 | 2,000 | |||
| Debtors | 8 | 18,027 | 15,006 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 404,846 | 279,716 | |||
| 424,873 | 296,722 | ||||
| Creditors | |||||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 9 | (3,092) | (5,173) | ||
| Net current assets | 421,781 | 291,549 | |||
| Net assets | 537,743 | 379,543 | |||
| Funds | |||||
| Restricted | 10 | 28,418 | - | ||
| Unrestricted | 10 | 509,325 | 379,543 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 11 | 537,743 | 379,543 |
The trustees are satisfied that the charity is entitled to exemption from the provisions of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 relating to the audit of the financial statements and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to the act.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.
The trustees have prepared the accounts in accordance with section 138 of the Charities Act 2011. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of the Charities SORP (FRS102).
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 16th October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
Colin Greene (Chair) - ...........................................
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31st March 2025
1. Accounting policies
Statutory information
North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes is registered with the Charity Commission in England. The registered charity number and address can be found in the Report of the Trustees on page 5.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) ‘ 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)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reproting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Expenditure
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis (inclusive of attributable value added tax which cannot be recovered) and has been classified under the principal categories related to the cost. Costs allocated to activities in the furtherance of the charity’s objects are those directly associated with achieving the charity’s goals. Support costs are those incurred in connection with the management of the company’s assets, organisational administration and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Intangible fixed assets and amortisation
Intangible fixed assets represent expenditure developing the charity website. Amortisation is provided so as to write off the cost of the asset, less its estimated residual value, over its expected useful life of as follows:
Website 10 years straight line basis
Assets under construction are only depreciated when they become operational.
Income
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Income from donations, legacies, fundraising and similar incoming resources are included in the year in which they are receivable.
Any income received for specific purpose is accounted for as restricted funds when receivable.
Cash flow
The charity is exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement as it qualifies as a small entity.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rate in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Motor vehicles - 30% on a reducing balance basis Plant and equipment - 25% on a reducing balance basis.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general activities of the charity. Surplus funds can be allocated to restricted projects if the trustees believe they are required. Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restriction imposed by the donors for the purpose of any appeal in which the funds are raised and can only be used for particular purpose within the objects of the charity.
Taxation
The organisation is a charity and is therefore exempt from Income Tax and Corporation Tax under the provisions of Section 505(1) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.
Irrecoverable VAT
Irrecoverable VAT is accounted for in the expenditure category under which the costs are incurred.
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 31st March 2025
| 2. Incoming resources Donations Grants received Membership fees Merchandise sales Bank interest received |
2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| 242,116 30,314 |
126,759 - |
||
| 1,920 | 1,630 | ||
| 3,360 | 2,025 | ||
| 6,412 | 3,581 | ||
| 284,122 | 133,995 |
The total income for the year was £284,122 (2024: £133,995) of which £253,808 was unrestricted (2024: £133,995) and £30,314 was restricted (2024: £Nil).
| 3. Resources expended Fundraising expenses Unit expenses Post and stationery Motor expenses Insurance Telephone Personal protective equipment (PPE) (Profit)/loss on sale of assets Repairs and renewals Bank charges Legal and professional fees Miscellaneous Support costs (note 4) Depreciation |
2025 2024 |
|---|---|
| £ £ |
|
| 8,140 9,828 |
|
| 7,638 8,862 |
|
| 1,015 2,245 |
|
| 61,553 52,670 |
|
| 1,253 2,351 |
|
1,134 1,045 |
|
| 840 5,925 |
|
| (2,957) (6,425) |
|
| 2,180 457 |
|
| 379 289 |
|
| - 240 |
|
| 7,282 5,650 |
|
| 2,040 695 |
|
| 35,425 39,139 125,922 122,971 |
The total expenditure for the year was £125,922 (2024: £122,971) of which £124,026 was unrestricted (2024: £122,971) and £1,896 was restricted (2024: £Nil).
| 4. Support costs Accountancy Bookkeeping services |
2025 2024 |
|---|---|
| £ £ |
|
| 730 695 1,310 - 2,040 695 |
5. Trustee remuneration There were no trustees’ remuneration, expenses or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2025, nor the year ended 31st March 2024.
| 6. | Intangible fixed assets | Website | Totals £ - 4,598 - 4,598 - - - - 4,598 - |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | |||||
| Cost | |||||
| As at 1st April 2024 | - | ||||
| Additions | 4,598 | ||||
| Disposals | - | ||||
| As at 31st March 2025 | 4,598 | ||||
| Amortisation | |||||
| As at 1st April 2024 | - | ||||
| Charge for the year | - | ||||
| Eliminated on disposal | - | ||||
| As at 31st March 2025 | - | ||||
| Net book value | |||||
| As at 31st March 2025 | 4,598 | ||||
| As at 31st March 2024 | - |
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 31st March 2025
| 7. Tangible fixed assets Motor Vehicles £ Cost As at 1st April 2024 178,103 Additions 71,137 Disposals (39,054) As at 31st March 2025 210,186 Depreciation As at 1st April 2024 94,535 Charge for the year 34,271 Eliminated on disposal (25,803) As at 31st March 2025 103,003 Net book value As at 31st March 2025 107,183 As at 31st March 2024 83,568 8. Debtors Other debtors Prepayments VAT 9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals |
Motor | Plant and | Totals £ 208,200 72,046 (39,054) 241,192 120,206 35,425 (25,803) 129,828 111,364 87,994 2024 £ 678 10,956 3,372 15,006 2024 £ - 5,173 5,173 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | machinery | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| 178,103 | 30,097 | ||||
| 71,137 | 909 | ||||
| (39,054) | - | ||||
| 210,186 | 31,006 | ||||
| 94,535 | 25,671 | ||||
| 34,271 | 1,154 | ||||
| (25,803) | - | ||||
| 103,003 | 26,825 | ||||
| 107,183 | 4,181 | ||||
| 83,568 | 4,426 | ||||
| 2025 | |||||
| £ | |||||
| - | |||||
| 12,916 | |||||
| 5,111 | |||||
| 18,027 | |||||
| 2025 | |||||
| £ | |||||
| 609 | |||||
| 2,483 | |||||
| 3,092 |
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North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Annual Report 2025 Charity Number 1147282
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 31st March 2025
| 10. Movement in funds As at 1st April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended As at 31st March 2025 |
Restricted | Unrestricted | Total funds £ 379,543 284,122 (125,922) 537,743 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| - | 379,543 | |||
| 30,314 | 253,808 | |||
| (1,896) | (124,026) | |||
28,418 |
509,325 |
Unrestricted funds represent the value of monetary and assets available for the use by the trustees in accordance with the charitable objectives.
- Related party disclosure There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st March 2025, nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.
| 11. Analysis of assets and liabilities between funds Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Bank balances As at 31st March 2025 |
Restricted | Unrestricted | Total 2025 £ 4,598 111,364 20,027 (3,092) 404,846 537,743 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| - | 4,598 | |||
| 10,744 | 100,620 | |||
| - | 20,027 | |||
| - | (3,092) | |||
| 17,674 | 387,172 | |||
| 28,418 | 509,325 |
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Intangible fixed assets | - | - | - |
| Tangible fixed assets | - | 87,994 | 87,994 |
| Current assets | - | 17,006 | 17,006 |
| Current liabilities | - | (5,173) | (5,173) |
| Bank balances | - | 279,716 | 279,716 |
| As at 31st March 2024 | - | 379,543 | 379,543 |
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