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2024-03-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 08084334

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1148750

Stronghold Ministries Ltd Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2024

HASWELL BROTHERS LLP

Chartered accountants First Floor Pembroke House Ellice Way Wrexham Technology Park Wrexham LL13 7YT

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2024

Page
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 4
Statement of financial activities (including income and
expenditure account) 5
Statement of financial position 6
Statement of cash flows 7
Notes to the financial statements 8

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

Year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Stronghold Ministries Ltd Charity registration number 1148750 Company registration number 08084334 Principal office and registered The Stronghold office Forster Avenue Weaverham Cheshire CW8 3BH The trustees Mrs L G Cook (Resigned 8 March 2024) Mr W T Bulbrook Mr R J Madeley Mr E C Mason Mr S D Palmer Ms S L Vickers Rev M R Vickers Independent examiner Mr P T Harris FCA First Floor Pembroke House Ellice Way Wrexham Technology Park Wrexham LL13 7YT

Structure, governance and management

The charity's governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Stronghold Ministries Ltd, outlines the objectives and operational guidelines of the Church. The charity operates as a company limited by guarantee. Trustees are responsible for managing and administering the Church's resources in line with these objectives.

Appointments of new Trustees will continue through resolutions passed by the existing Trustees, with formal documentation completed for Companies House. Ongoing training and development opportunities are provided to all Trustees to ensure effective governance.

1

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Risk management

The trustees maintain a comprehensive risk management document that identifies and assesses the main risks affecting the charity. This document is reviewed at least annually by the trustees. Currently, no concerns or risks are deemed to materially affect the charity's ability to continue its operations.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of the church are, for the benefit of the public, as follows:

To advance the Christian faith (in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs) in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may think fit from time to time.

To relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by providing funds, goods, or services of any kind, including counselling and support, in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may think fit.

To advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may think fit.

The Trustees are obligated to utilise the income and may use the capital of the Church in promoting these objectives.

How our activities deliver public benefit

Our activities include traditional church-based services for regular attendees and members of the community. These consist of Sunday and mid-week gatherings. During 2024, we successfully conducted another Alpha course with increased participation compared to previous years. Weekly activities such as the Parents & Tots facility and the coffee shop, which operates three days a week, continue to provide vital social and pastoral support to the community.

Our outreach has expanded significantly through local initiatives and events, reinforcing our commitment to serving the Weaverham community.

Achievements and performance

During the financial year, we continued to provide Sunday services, offering both online and in-person options. Attendance across all services increased by 10% compared to the previous year. Mid-week Bible studies and prayer meetings also saw a steady rise in engagement. Our coffee shop has grown, serving over 150 patrons weekly, thanks to increased community involvement and staffing enhancements.

The Parents & Tots facility remains an integral part of our outreach, with over 15 families attending weekly. Our youth club, held on Friday evenings, now attracts more than 20 regular attendees, with additional support for volunteers and staff to improve its offerings.

We initiative, "Unlock Northwich," developed considerably targeting local non-churched youth, which has been well-received. Seasonal events, including Christmas carol services, saw record attendance, highlighting the community's enthusiasm and support for our programmes.

2

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

Financial review

Total receipts from unrestricted funds in 2024 amounted to £157,604, with £57,762 generated through trading activities. These funds supported the ministry and operational costs of The Stronghold Church. Restricted funds of £3,125 were received for specific services and projects, including the youth outreach programme and facility improvements.

Expenditures rose to £151,904 due to increased outreach activities and facility enhancements, resulting in a net income of £5,700. Our current cash balance is £31,200.

Reserves

The Stronghold trustees uphold a reserves policy to retain a minimum balance of £15,000 in unrestricted funds, reflecting an increase to align with inflation and current operational needs. This reserve ensures coverage for emergencies and supports planned outreach or infrastructure projects. As of this financial year, the reserve target has been met and exceeded.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 19 December 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Mr E C Mason Mr S D Palmer Trustee Trustee

3

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Year ended 31 March 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Stronghold Ministries Ltd ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the company (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 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 the 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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements 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

  4. the financial statements 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.

Mr P T Harris FCA Independent Examiner

First Floor Pembroke House Ellice Way Wrexham Technology Park Wrexham LL13 7YT

4

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)

Year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 5 96,626 3,125 99,750 104,464
Other trading activities 6 57,762 57,762 44,669
Investment income 7 92 92 32
   
Total income 154,480 3,125 157,604 149,165
   
Expenditure
Expenditure on raising funds:
Costs of other trading activities 8 70,533 70,533 59,639
Expenditure on charitable activities 9,10 78,247 3,125 81,371 91,485
   
Total expenditure 148,780 3,125 151,904 151,124
   
   
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds 5,700 5,700 (1,959)
   
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 57,726 57,726 59,685
   
Total funds carried forward 63,426 63,426 57,727
   

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

The notes on pages 8 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

5

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position

31 March 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 16 28,268 28,538
Current assets
Debtors 17 11,013 650
Cash at bank and in hand 31,200 29,988
 
42,213 30,638
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 18 7,055 1,450
 
Net current assets 35,158 29,188
 
Total assets less current liabilities 63,426 57,726
 
Net assets 63,426 57,726
 
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds 63,426 57,727
 
Total charity funds 20 63,426 57,727
 

For the year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors' responsibilities:

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 19 December 2024, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mr E C Mason Trustee

Mr S D Palmer Trustee

The notes on pages 8 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

6

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income/(expenditure) 5,700 (1,959)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 6,201 6,832
Other interest receivable and similar income (92) (32)
Interest payable and similar charges 5,391 3,812
Accrued expenses 900 135
Changes in:
Trade and other debtors (10,363) 8,153
Trade and other creditors 4,705 21
 
Cash generated from operations 12,442 16,962
Interest paid (5,391) (3,812)
Interest received 92 32
 
Net cash from operating activities 7,143 13,182
 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets (5,932) (2,374)
 
Net cash used in investing activities (5,932) (2,374)
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,211 10,808
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 29,988 19,180
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 31,199

29,988


The notes on pages 8 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

7

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2024

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is The Stronghold, Forster Avenue, Weaverham, Cheshire, CW8 3BH.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

8

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

9

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible assets (continued)

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Land and buildings - 20% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings - 20% reducing balance

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cashgenerating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

Financial instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments which are initially recognised at transactional value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

10

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Defined contribution plans (continued)

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

4. Limited by guarantee

The charity is a registered company limited by guarantee and has no share capital.

5. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 96,626 3,125 99,750
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Donations
Donations 79,968 24,496 104,464
  
6. Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Shop income 57,762 57,762 44,669 44,669
   
7. Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 92 92 32 32
   
8. Costs of other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
Costs of trading activities 70,533 70,533 59,639 59,639
   

11

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

9. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Advancement of the christian faith 64,267 3,125 67,392
Support costs 13,980 13,979
  
78,247 3,125 81,371
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Advancement of the christian faith 50,393 29,343 79,737
Support costs 11,748 11,748
  
62,141 29,343 91,485
  
10. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly Support costs 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Advancement of the christian faith 67,392 13,979 81,371 91,485
   
11. Analysis of support costs
Ministry trips
and travel
expenses Total 2024 Total 2023
£ £ £
Premises 6,881 6,881 4,903
General office 3,476 3,476 2,976
Finance costs 11 11 48
Governance costs 510 510 405
Depreciation 3,101 3,101 3,416
  
13,979 13,979 11,748
  
12. Net income/(expenditure)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
2024 2023
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 6,201 6,832
 

12

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

13. Independent examination fees

2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 900 810
 

14. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 52,313 40,176
Employer contributions to pension plans 878 579
 
53,191 40,755
 

The average head count of employees during the year was 4 (2023: 4). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

2024 2023
No. No.
Charitable activity staff 2 2
Trading activity staff 2 2
 
4 4
 

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).

15. Trustee remuneration and expenses

During the year Rev M R Vickers was paid a gross salary of £21,108 (2023 - £18,840) and employer pension contributions of £595 (2023 - £579) were made on his behalf.

During the year Mr R J Madeley, Mrs L G Cook and Rev M R Vickers were reimbursed for purchases made on behalf of the charity totalling £2,854 (2023 - £2,164). No other payments were made to trustees.

13

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

16. Tangible fixed assets

Long
leasehold Fixtures and
property fittings Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2023 40,516 46,437 86,953
Additions 5,932 5,932
  
At 31 March 2024 40,516 52,369 92,885
  
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 24,915 33,501 58,416
Charge for the year 3,120 3,081 6,201
  
At 31 March 2024 28,035 36,582 64,617
  
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024 12,481 15,787 28,268
  
At 31 March 2023 15,601 12,936 28,537
  
17. Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Other debtors 11,013 650
 
18. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024 2023
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 1,710 810
Social security and other taxes 984 515
Other creditors 4,361 125
 
7,055 1,450
 

19. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £878 (2023: £579).

14

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

20. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At
At 31 March 202
1 April 2023 Income Expenditure 4
£ £ £ £
General funds 57,726 154,480 (148,780) 63,426
   
At
At 31 March 202
1 April 2022 Income Expenditure 3
£ £ £ £
General funds 54,838 124,669 (121,780) 57,727
   
Restricted funds
At
At 31 March 202
1 April 2023 Income Expenditure 4
£ £ £ £
Ukraine Aid
Restricted Gift Aid
Hubaloo - Mother and Baby 229 (229)
Individuals in need 2,142 (2,142)
Easterfest 724 (724)
Outreach Unlock 30 (30)
The Grange Fund
   
3,125 (3,125)
   
At
At 31 March 202
1 April 2022 Income Expenditure 3
£ £ £ £
Ukraine Aid 4,087 8,494 (12,581)
Restricted Gift Aid 760 (760)
Hubaloo - Mother and Baby 187 (187)
Individuals in need 1,000 (1,000)
Easterfest 13,450 (13,450)
Outreach Unlock 1,165 (1,165)
The Grange Fund 200 (200)
   
4,847

24,496

(29,343)




15

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

20. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Ukraine Fund

Monies were raised in order to assist those in Ukraine who have been affected by the war.

Hubaloo

Donations collected in order to continue the Mothers and toddlers sessions that are run by the charity.

Gifts to individuals

This fund was setup in order to assist individuals in need, as determined when collections are made.

Easterfest

An easter celebration that the charity organises for community involvement and outreach.

Unlock

A fund to enable to provide outreach to the youths in the community.

The Grange

A fund in order to pay for the hire of the school hall to provide youth clubs and other outreach in the community.

21. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024
£ £
Tangible fixed assets 28,268 28,268
Current assets 42,213 42,213
Creditors less than 1 year (7,055) (7,055)
 
Net assets 63,426 63,426
 
Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2023
£ £
Tangible fixed assets 28,538 28,538
Current assets 30,638 30,638
Creditors less than 1 year (1,450) (1,450)
 
Net assets 57,726 57,726
 
22. Analysis of changes in net debt
At
At 1 Apr 2023 Cash flows 31 Mar 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 29,988 1,212 31,200
  

16

Stronghold Ministries Ltd

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2024

23. Related parties

During the year the trustees donated a total amount of £12,319 (2023 - £23,804)to the charity.

During the year the husband of Mrs Lisa Gayle Cook, a trustee, was employed by the charity during the year. He was paid a gross salary of £15,450 (2023 - £11,280) and employer pension contributions of £368 (2023 - £151).

During the year the daughter of Mr Simon Palmer, a trustee, was employed by the charity during the year. She was paid a gross salary of £3,792 (2023 - £1,728).

17