REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 08084334 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1148750
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
FOR
STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
M. D. Coxey and Co. Limited Chartered Accountants 25 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1BT
STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 2 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 3 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 5 | to | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 | to | 12 |
STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 08084334)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable 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 gatherings in Weaverham Primary Academy and mid-week gatherings at the Stronghold. Regular 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. During 2024-25, we also conducted Alpha courses for those curious about faith and saw a big increase in attendance for the 'Unlock' Café for the local non-church youth.
Our outreach has expanded significantly through local initiatives and events, reinforcing our commitment to serving the Weaverham community.
During the financial year, we continued to provide Sunday services, offering both online and in-person options. Attendance across all services increased compared to the previous year. Mid-week Bible studies and prayer meetings also saw engagement. Our coffee shop has grown, serving over 150 patrons weekly, supported by volunteers as well as staff.
The Parents & Tots facility remains an integral part of our outreach, with over 15 families attending weekly. Church youth have well attended meetings and the non-church youth club, held on Tuesday and Friday evenings, now attracts more up to 30 regular attendees, and advertises special events which are very popular.
There were several successful outreaches led by the youth this year. In Micham, London in July and Dagenham, East London in October. Activities included travel, accommodation, Drama, Band, Street work, preaching.
Seasonal events saw record attendance, highlighting the community's enthusiasm and support for our programmes. 'Christmasfest' was held under a tent with Carols, live music, Mulled wine, doughnuts, Fun, Mince pies & hot drinks. Our Café had a stall at the summer Rose Queen fete.
A sister church has offered the use of their facilities, so we look forward to see expansion in the next financial year into Sandiway and to Northwich as per the leaders strategy.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total receipts from unrestricted funds in 2025 amounted to £238,851, with £63,274 generated through trading activities. We were in receipt of multiple substantial one-off giving which will support our expansion plans.
These funds supported the ministry and operational costs of The Stronghold Church. Restricted funds of £7,055 were received for specific services and projects, including the youth outreach programme and facility improvements. Expenditures rose to £177,388 due to increased outreach activities and facility enhancements, resulting in a net income of £68,516. Our cash balance at the end of the year is £79,587.
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 08084334)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
RESERVES
The Stronghold trustees uphold a reserves policy to retain a minimum balance 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.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
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.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
08084334 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1148750
Registered office
The Stronghold Forster Avenue Weaverham Cheshire CW8 3BH
Trustees
W T Bulbrook R J Madeley E C Mason S D Palmer S L Vickers Rev M R Vickers
Independent Examiner
M. D. Coxey and Co. Limited Chartered Accountants 25 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1BT
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 21st December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
E C Mason - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Stronghold Ministries Limited ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2025.
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 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
Joanne Evans FCCA ACA
M. D. Coxey and Co. Limited Chartered Accountants 25 Grosvenor Road Wrexham LL11 1BT
22nd December 2025
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 175,375 Other trading activities 2 63,274 Investment income 3 202 Total 238,851 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 78,591 Charitable activities Advancement of the Christian faith 94,082 Other - Total 172,673 NET INCOME 66,178 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 63,426 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 129,604 |
Restricted fund £ 7,053 - - 7,053 1,224 3,491 - 4,715 2,338 - 2,338 |
31.3.25 Total funds £ 182,428 63,274 202 245,904 79,815 97,573 - 177,388 68,516 63,426 131,942 |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 99,750 57,762 92 157,604 69,897 81,371 636 151,904 5,700 57,726 63,426 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 08084334)
BALANCE SHEET 31ST MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 39,003 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 16,004 Cash at bank 77,249 93,253 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 (2,652) NET CURRENT ASSETS 90,601 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 129,604 NET ASSETS 129,604 FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted fund £ - - 2,338 2,338 - 2,338 2,338 2,338 |
31.3.25 Total funds £ 39,003 16,004 79,587 95,591 (2,652) 92,939 131,942 131,942 129,604 2,338 131,942 |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 28,268 11,013 31,200 42,213 (7,055) 35,158 63,426 63,426 63,426 - 63,426 |
|---|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st March 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(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
continued...
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 08084334)
BALANCE SHEET - continued 31ST MARCH 2025
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 21st December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
E C Mason - Trustee
S D Palmer - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit 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 2019)', 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.
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.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Long leasehold - 20% on reducing balance Fixtures and fittings - 20% on reducing balance
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.
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.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
continued...
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.3.25 | 31.3.24 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Shop income | 63,274 | 57,762 |
| INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest |
31.3.25 £ 202 |
31.3.24 £ 92 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation - owned assets Other operating leases |
31.3.25 £ 7,750 100 |
31.3.24 £ 6,201 - |
3.
4. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
During the year Rev M R Vickers was paid a gross salary of £28,200 (2024: £21,108) and employer pension contributions of £659 (2024: £595) were made on his behalf.
Trustees' expenses
During the year Mr R J Madeley, Mr W Bulbrook and Rev M R Vickers were reimbursed for purchases made on behalf of the charity totalling £2,819 (2024: £2,854)
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 99,750 Other trading activities 57,762 Investment income 92 Total 157,604 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 69,897 Charitable activities Advancement of the Christian faith 81,371 Other 636 Total 151,904 NET INCOME 5,700 |
Restricted fund £ - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds £ 99,750 57,762 92 157,604 69,897 81,371 636 151,904 5,700 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 6. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
| fund | fund | funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 57,726 | - | 57,726 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 63,426 | - | 63,426 | ||
| 7. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| COST | Long leasehold £ |
Fixtures and fittings £ |
Totals £ |
||
| At 1st April 2024 | 40,516 | 52,369 | 92,885 | ||
| Additions | 2,216 | 16,269 | 18,485 | ||
| At 31st March 2025 | 42,732 | 68,638 | 111,370 | ||
| DEPRECIATION | |||||
| At 1st April 2024 | 28,035 | 36,582 | 64,617 | ||
| Charge for year | 2,638 | 5,112 | 7,750 | ||
| At 31st March 2025 | 30,673 | 41,694 | 72,367 | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| At 31st March 2025 | 12,059 | 26,944 | 39,003 | ||
| At 31st March 2024 | 12,481 | 15,787 | 28,268 | ||
| 8. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||
| Other debtors | 31.3.25 £ 16,004 |
31.3.24 £ 11,013 |
|||
continued...
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accrued expenses MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.24 £ 63,426 - 63,426 Incoming resources £ 238,851 7,053 245,904 At 1.4.23 £ 57,726 57,726 |
31.3.25 31.3.24 £ £ 1,450 982 243 4,361 959 1,712 2,652 7,055 Net movement At in funds 31.3.25 £ £ 66,178 129,604 2,338 2,338 68,516 131,942 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (172,673) 66,178 (4,715) 2,338 (177,388) 68,516 Net movement At in funds 31.3.24 £ £ 5,700 63,426 5,700 63,426 |
|---|---|---|
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
continued...
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
10. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 157,604 TOTAL FUNDS 157,604 A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: At 1.4.23 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 57,726 Restricted funds Restricted fund - TOTAL FUNDS 57,726 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (151,904) 5,700 (151,904) 5,700 Net movement At in funds 31.3.25 £ £ 71,878 129,604 2,338 2,338 74,216 131,942 |
|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 396,455 7,053 403,508 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (324,577) 71,878 (4,715) 2,338 (329,292) 74,216 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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STRONGHOLD MINISTRIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
11. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
During the year the trustees donated a total amount of £50,563 (2024: £12,319) to the charity.
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