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2025-10-31-accounts

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55

Charity registration number 1151672 (England and Wales)

CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Members Of Council

J Ball Esq Miss S Ball S Bate Esq S Blakeman Esq Miss C Bradbury R Brown Esq J Clarke Esq AP Ford Esq R Ford Esq A Garnett Esq I Garnett Esq J Garnett Esq DL FRAgS A Greenway Esq J Hague Esq R Hague Esq Mrs C Hale Mrs J Harding Miss S Heath H Hough Esq R Ikin Esq R Johnson Esq Mrs E M Leake D Leech Esq Mr A Kay WE Massey Esq Mrs C Newton J Norbury Esq Mrs D Nulty Rev J Parry Mrs S Prescott T Rimmer Esq T Stockdale Esq A Sutton Esq P Tanner Esq K Thomas Esq R Thomason Esq Mrs P Wade A Wallace Esq M Walton Esq J Tickle Esq C Webb Esq S Wilkinson Esq Ms J Wood S Wharfe Esq Miss L Young (Appointed 1 October 2025)

C Thyer Esq Business Development/ Temporary Commercial Manager Mrs A Hancock Show Office Miss K Holt Show Office

Senior management

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Honorary Directors Committee

A P Ford Esq (Chairman) T Rimmer Esq D Leech Esq (Vice Chairman) A Sutton Esq K Thomas (Treasurer) R Thomason Esq R Ford Esq Mrs P Wade J Hague Esq M Walton Esq H Hough Esq Honorary Life Warden J A Garnett Esq DL FRAgS Honorary Life Governors R Hague Esq, J Hollinshead Esq, J Ball Esq, S Wharfe Esq Honorary Life Vice Presidents Mrs K Bailey , R Cooke Esq, V Croxson Esq DL MBA FRAgS A Morgan Esq, D Roston Esq Life Vice Presidents I Barnes Esq, D J Best Esq J W Morgan Esq, Mrs A Newton K Cramp Esq, N Davies Esq W N B Richardson Esq Mrs N Davies, Major W S Dixon TD Mrs J B Smith, P R Smith Esq Mrs L M Ferguson, P Hickson Esq MBE D H Woolley Esq, E G Woolley Esq Mr & Mrs D J Hughes, A H Morgan Esq Revd Phillip J Robinson Charity registration England and Wales 1151672 Auditor Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited Maple House Park West Sealand Road Chester CH1 4RN Bankers NatWest Nantwich Branch 36 High Street Nantwich Cheshire CW5 5GA

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

CONTENTS

Page
Members' report 1 - 7
Independent auditor's report 8 - 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 28

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

The Members of Council present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the CIO's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

The objects of the Society are:

In furtherance of the objects the Council shall have the power to support local, rural-related charities as appropriate.

The objectives of those activities for the year, and the Society’s achievements against them, are discussed under the heading Achievements and Performance, set out below.

The principal activity of the Society is to hold The Royal Cheshire County Show, which takes place annually in June. The charity meets its objectives (see above) principally through holding the Show, as follows: -

The Show is organised into sections Agri-Business Centre, Catering, Cattle, Cheese & Food, Countryside Experience Area, Dog Show, Education, Health & Safety, Light Horse, Main Ring, Publicity, Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits and Cavies, Rural Life, Sheep, Goat Rare Breed, Shire Horse, Sponsorship, Trade Stands Traffic & Trophies. Each section is run by an organising committee who each report to the Council of the Society.

Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the Cheshire Agricultural Society, particularly throughout the month of June when preparations for The Royal Cheshire County Show are at their peak. During this period, hundreds of volunteers generously give their time and expertise to support every aspect of the showground, from the extensive build-up and site preparation to stewarding, assisting exhibitors, managing competitions, welcoming visitors, and helping with the breakdown after the event.

The Cheshire Agricultural Society organises annually The Royal Cheshire County Show as an inclusive event to all. The Show in general offers many informal educational opportunities to the visiting public, ranging from the exhibition of livestock, food production and cookery demonstrations through to conservation of the natural environment and demonstration of rural crafts.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

The Agricultural Centre not only offers a formal educational experience for the visiting public but in particular, for the many organised school visits that attend the Show.

Ensuring the Show remains inclusive, school groups enjoy a greatly reduced entrance ticket whilst a reduced entrance ticket is offered to senior citizens, students and disabled visitors. In addition, carers of disabled visitors are given free entry.

Public benefit

The Members of Council have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

We started The Cheshire Agricultural Society CIO’s year with the AGM on the 27th February 2025 held at Byley Village Hall, Byley, Cheshire. We elected our new President and Patroness for 2025 as below.

The Society’s aims and objectives are linked to The Royal Cheshire County Show, which is usually held annually in June.

The 2025 Royal Cheshire County Show was a highly successful two-day celebration of Cheshire’s agricultural excellence, attracting strong attendance, high-quality exhibitors, and enthusiastic public engagement. Livestock sections across cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, and poultry were well supported, with judges noting continued improvements in stock quality and presentation. Educational demonstrations and breed showcase added significant value for visitors and young farmers.

The Young Farmers’ Clubs delivered standout contributions, with the Wednesday float parade demonstrating exceptional creativity and teamwork, and the Tuesday evening Tug of War generating a lively and competitive atmosphere. Both events were widely praised and remain central to the Show’s community spirit.

Trade exhibitors provided a diverse and vibrant commercial offering, ranging from agricultural machinery and livestock equipment to rural crafts and artisan food. The Food Live theatre and Food Village were particularly popular, offering cooking demonstrations, tastings, and a wide selection of locally produced food and drink. These areas continue to grow in importance and visitor appeal.

The Agricultural Centre reinforced the Show’s educational mission through demonstrations on livestock handling, regenerative agriculture, soil health, and modern Agri-tech.

Visitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting improvements in site layout, catering, accessibility, and stewarding.

Financially, the costs continue to rise in producing the show and a similar show income reliance on the additional events held throughout the year are vitally important. Overall, the Trustees conclude that the 2025 Show successfully fulfilled its purpose of promoting agriculture, supporting rural communities, and providing an enjoyable and informative experience for all attendees

The enthusiasm we received from all our committed Principal Partners, Sponsors and Members was remarkable and made it feel all worthwhile. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Tabley, Knutsford in 2026 to the Cheshire County Show Ground to the Royal Cheshire County Show.

This continued support and enthusiasm for the Show helped us maintain our aims and objectives, to educate all that is good about Cheshire and its Agricultural and Rural Communities.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Financial review

Whilst the show was an undoubted success, the year was financially challenging as the Society battled with rising costs, inflation and the demands of delivery a high-quality show.

The results for the year set out in the annexed Statement of Financial Activities show that despite a 12.6% increase in income, there were net incoming resources of £3,637 (2024: outgoing resources of £230,028). The society’s surplus was supported by investment gains of £189,967 (2024: 122,084) on the sale of long term listed investments which were realised to meet liabilities.

Since the year end the society’s management have taken decisive action to mitigate future deficits, without taking away from the show’s offering or increasing the cost for the paying public. This action includes the tightening of financial monitoring, a full cost audit to identify significant savings and initiatives to develop new revenue streams.

Reserves policy

The reserves policy of the Society is to retain sufficient resources to cover the annual cost of running the Show and thereby meet any potential liabilities. The Council of Members consider the current free reserve level, which is more than £900,000 at the balance sheet date to be appropriate.

Investment policy

The Directors Committee takes a regular overview of the investments (with the Treasurer’s report) at each meeting. The directors will also take appropriate professional advice on specific matters as and when required.

The established policy for Cheshire Agricultural Society investment assets has been to retain sufficient liquidity in the current and deposit bank accounts to meet the regular running costs. As a consequence of significant falls in interest rates a decision was made previously to take a more active stance on the investments and split the medium to longer term requirements into various managed tranches as follows:

· Directly managed funds portfolio with Rathbones

· Reduced level of cash deposits, sufficient to cover requirements for the short-term liquidity.

Each of these discretionary portfolios is managed to a Balanced risk profile (i.e. between Cautious and Growth), within the Managers definitions. These are monitored regularly by the Directors for performance and liquidity.

The value of the investments (excluding cash) decreased compared to the previous year end due to the movement of the financial markets during 2025. Rathbones remit dividends back to the Society whereas Seven Investment Management retain income for investment within the fund.

The Members of Council have assessed the major risks to which the Society is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Major risks

The Society is engaged in a continuous review process of all risks associated with the Society’s activities. The primary risks are recognised as the health and safety of the public, exhibitors, and animals on and off the showground during the preparation, the event, and the taking down of the Show. The Members consider that the systems they have in place to manage such risks as have already been ascertained appear to be adequate in normal circumstances.

Plans for future periods

The Society has a sound financial base upon which to build for the future. It will endeavour to safeguard and grow the assets as indicated and facilitate the successful development of the County Show.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Structure, governance and management

The Society was founded in 1838 and was registered as a charitable incorporated organisation on 17 April 2013. The Society is governed by its Constitution.

The overall responsibility of the Society's affairs is vested in a Council of sixty elected members. All final decisions are made by the Members of Council. Members of Council are normally elected to serve for a three-year term with one third retiring each year by rotation. Any paid-up member is entitled to be nominated for election to Council provided they have consented to nomination. Retiring Members of Council are eligible by written nomination for re-election. The Members of Council are the trustees of the Society for the purposes of charity law.

The Members of Council (trustees) are familiar with the work of the Society having participated in the Royal Cheshire County Show over several years. New Members of Council are familiarised with the work of the Society by the existing and continuing members.

The financial and general business affairs of the Society are vested in an Honorary Directors’ Committee of 12 Council members. All decisions of this committee shall be subject to approval or ratification by the Council of Members.

With the wide-ranging interests of the Members of Council, it would be reasonable to expect an interaction with the individuals and organisations they represent. Transactions are carried out at arm's length and note 24 discloses any such transactions.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Members Of Council.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

The Members of Council who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: J Ball Esq Miss S Ball S Bate Esq S Blakeman Esq Miss C Bradbury R Brown Esq J Clarke Esq T Earl Esq (Resigned 27 February 2025) AP Ford Esq R Ford Esq A Garnett Esq I Garnett Esq J Garnett Esq DL FRAgS R Gate Esq (Resigned 27 February 2025) A Greenway Esq J Hague Esq R Hague Esq Mrs C Hale Mrs J Harding Miss S Heath H Hough Esq R Ikin Esq R Johnson Esq Mrs E M Leake D Leech Esq Mr A Kay WE Massey Esq Mrs C Newton J Norbury Esq Mrs D Nulty Rev J Parry Mrs S Prescott T Rimmer Esq T Stockdale Esq A Sutton Esq P Taylor Esq (Resigned 27 February 2025) P Tanner Esq K Thomas Esq R Thomason Esq Mrs P Wade A Wallace Esq M Walton Esq J Tickle Esq C Webb Esq P Whitlow Esq (Resigned 28 June 2025) E Whittaker Esq (Resigned 31 August 2025) S Wilkinson Esq D Williams Esq (Resigned 27 February 2025) Ms J Wood

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

S Wharfe Esq Miss L Young (Appointed 1 October 2025)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

1) At the first annual general meeting of the members of the CIO all the charity Trustees shall retire from office.

2) At every subsequent annual general meeting of the members of the CIO, one-third of the charity trustees shall retire from office.

If the number of charity trustees is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest to one-third shall retire from office, but if there is only one charity trustee, he or she shall retire;

3) The charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment. If any trustees were last appointed or reappointed on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot.

4) The vacancies so arising may be filled by the decision of the members at the annual general meeting; any vacancies not filled at the annual general meeting may be filled as provided in sub-clause (5) of this clause;

5) The members or the charity trustees may at any time decide to appoint a new charity trustee, whether in place or a charity trustee who has retired or been removed in accordance with clause 15 (Retirement and removal of charity trustees), or as an additional charity trustee. 6)A person so appointed by the members of the CIO shall retire in accordance with the provisions of sub-clauses (2) and (3) of this clause. A person so appointed by the charity trustees shall retire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting after the date of his or her appointment, and shall not be counted for the purpose of determining which of the charity trustees is to retire by rotation at that meeting.

None of the Members of Council has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Members of Council are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Organisational structure

Board of Directors including

Trustee/council members

Up to 60 people (this includes the board of directors)

Employed by the society

Statement of members' responsibilities

The Members of Council are responsible for preparing the Members' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

MEMBERS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Members of Council to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the CIO for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Members of Council are required to:

The Members of Council are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the CIO and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Auditor

Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited were appointed as auditor to the CIO and a resolution proposing that they be reappointed will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the Members of Council has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The members' report was approved by the Board of Members Of Council.

.............................. K Thomas Esq

Trustee

08/28/2026 Date: .............................................

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Cheshire Agricultural Society CIO (the ‘CIO’) for the year ended 31 October 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the CIO in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the members' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the CIO’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Members of Council with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Members of Council are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the CIO and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the members' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Members of Council

As explained more fully in the statement of members' responsibilities, the Members of Council are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Members of Council determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Members of Council are responsible for assessing the CIO’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Members of Council either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the company for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following area: the timing of the recognition of revenue. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the company operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act and local taxation legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included Data Protection Regulations and Health and Safety Regulations.

As a result of performing the above, we identified the timing of the recognition of revenue as the key audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud.

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Other matters

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with "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)" (as amended) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with current Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Jonathan Lucas (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Mitchell Charlesworth (Audit) Limited, Statutory Auditor

Accountants

Maple House Park West Sealand Road Chester

CH1 4RN 08/28/2026 Date: .........................

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 23,924 14,975
Charitable activities 4 926,795 877,494
Other trading activities 5 214,326 155,707
Investments 6 49,139 30,320
Total income 1,214,184 1,078,496
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 20,412 23,455
Charitable activities 8 1,380,102 1,407,153
Total expenditure 1,400,514 1,430,608
Net gains on investments 14 189,967 122,084
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds 3,637 (230,028)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 November 2024 1,338,024 1,568,052
Fund balances at 31 October 2025 1,341,661 1,338,024

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

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 OCTOBER 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
16
Investments
17
Current assets
Debtors
18
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
19
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the CIO
Unrestricted funds
22		 2025
£
34,696
150,585
185,281
(150,308)		 £
418,039
888,649
1,306,688
34,973
1,341,661
1,341,661
1,341,661		 2024
£
33,107
139,327
172,434
(225,648)		 £
436,933
954,305
1,391,238
(53,214)
1,338,024
1,338,024
1,338,024

08/28/2026

The financial statements were approved by the Members of Council on .........................

..............................

K Thomas Esq

Trustee

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
25
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from disposal of investments
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
£
(286,895)
(6,608)
(28,524)
284,146
49,139
298,153
-
11,258
139,327
150,585		 2024
£
£
(227,474)
(36,398)
(95,283)
447,759
30,320
346,398
-
118,924
20,403
139,327

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Cheshire Agricultural Society CIO is a charitable incorporated organisation, registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. The principal place of business is Clay House Farm, Flittogate Lance, Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 0HJ.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Society's constitution, the Charities Act 2011.FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ("FRS 102") and the Charities SORP "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). The Society is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the CIO. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

Details of plans to curb deficits made can be seen in the trustees annual report. At the time of approving the financial statements, the Members of Council have a reasonable expectation that the CIO has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Members of Council continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Members of Council in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Society is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

Government Grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable wen there is a reasonable assurance that the grant conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Showground Improvements Over the period of the lease Showground Equipment 10% reducing balance Office Equipment 25% straight line Office Improvements Over the period of the lease Trophies Nil

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Investments are included at market value, The market value of listed investments is taken as the stock exchange value at the balance sheet date. Any unrealised gains or losses on investments are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the CIO reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The CIO has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the CIO's balance sheet when the CIO becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the CIO’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.12 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to Income on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the CIO’s accounting policies, the Members of Council are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 23,924 14,975
4 Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable Activities
Sales within charitable activities 926,795 877,494
5 Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Farming and HS2 income 73,071 69,968
Letting and licensing arrangements 141,255 85,739
Other trading activities 214,326 155,707
6 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income from listed investments 46,708 28,719
Interest receivable 2,431 1,601
49,139 30,320

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

7 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Trading costs
Other trading activities 14,569 14,089
Investment management 5,843 9,366
Total costs 20,412 23,455

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
expenditure expenditure
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Depreciation and impairment 25,503 26,023
Rent 71,422 58,182
Sundry expenses 2,338 5,782
Computer maintenance 18,486 21,362
Repairs & renewals 18,762 6,258
Prizes 45,734 57,859
Commission on sale of tickets 4,792 20,516
Promotional material 13,680 11,539
Advertising, marketing, costs of new website 85,750 92,292
Showground expenditure 567,003 585,469
Judges and stewards 15,350 11,370
Postage and telephone 10,457 11,625
Catering expenses 26,159 32,935
Travelling expenses 1,498 2,983
Marquee hire 184,194 225,783
Donations payable 2,193 9,119
Other charitable expenditure 23,316 25,000
1,116,637 1,204,097
Grant funding of activities (see note 9) 1,046 -
Share of support and governance costs (see note 10)
Support 238,913 171,338
Governance 23,506 31,718
1,380,102 1,407,153
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 1,380,102 1,407,153

9 Grants payable

John Platt Scholarship

The Society is a member of the John Platt Scholarship along with Reaseheath College which awards two candidates each year a maximum of £2000. The scholarship is to enable a young person to travel in order to further advance a career in agriculture. The Society contributed 50% of the scholarships awarded.

This year there was 1 scholarship awarded (2024 - none).

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

10 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Office accomodation costs
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Unrestricted expenditure
Governance costs comprise:
Staff costs
Audit fees
Accountancy
Legal and professional
Office stationery
Postage and telephone
11
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2025
£
206,065
32,849
23,505
262,419
262,419
2025
£
-
10,494
5,000
5,501
1,162
1,348
23,505
2025
£
10,494
25,503		 2024
£
147,508
23,830
31,718
203,056
203,056
2024
£
16,390
6,075
3,800
2,751
1,411
1,291
31,718
2024
£
6,075
26,023

12 Members Of Council

None of the Members of Council (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the CIO during the year.

13 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
4 5

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

13
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
193,963
150,328
7,594
8,663
4,508
4,907
206,065
163,898		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
193,963
150,328
7,594
8,663
4,508
4,907
206,065
163,898
163,898

During the year 1 (2024: 0) termination payment was made to 1 employee (2024: 0) for £27,300 (2024: nil). £13,650 was paid in the year and £13,650 was paid in November 2025 and included in accruals at the year end.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was £112,337.

14 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments (1,951) 71,613
Sale of investments 191,918 50,471
189,967 122,084

15 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

16 Tangible fixed assets

Showground
Improvements
Showground
Equipment
£
£
Cost
At 1 November 2024
873,372
299,324
Additions
2,828
-
At 31 October 2025
876,200
299,324
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 November 2024
534,647
229,136
Depreciation charged in the
year
17,523
7,021
At 31 October 2025
552,170
236,157
Carrying amount
At 31 October 2025
324,030
63,167
At 31 October 2024
338,724
70,189		 Office
Equipment
Office
Improvements
£
£
62,630
43,784
3,780
-
66,410
43,784
60,264
43,784
959
-
61,223
43,784
5,187
-
2,365
-		 Trophies
£
25,655
-
25,655
-
-
-
25,655
25,655		 Total
£
1,304,765
6,608
1,311,373
867,831
25,503
893,334
418,039
436,933

17 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
Cash in portfolio
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 November 2024
944,517
9,788
Additions
28,524
223,875
Valuation changes
60,999
72
Management fees and interest
(565)
(30)
Profit on sale of shares
66,536
-
Disposals
(223,875)
(221,192)
At 31 October 2025
876,136
12,513
Carrying amount
At 31 October 2025
876,136
12,513
At 31 October 2024
944,517
9,788		 Total
£
954,305
252,399
61,071
(595)
66,536
(445,067)
888,649
888,649
954,305

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

17
Fixed asset investments
Investments at fair value comprise:
Directly invested funds portfolio (1)
Open ended investment (2)
Shares in NWF Group PLC
NFU Mutual UK Growth Investments		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
479,587
580,104
11,206
10,173
52,388
52,388
332,955
301,852
876,136
944,517		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
479,587
580,104
11,206
10,173
52,388
52,388
332,955
301,852
876,136
944,517
944,517

(1) The portfolio of directly invested funds (Rathbones) is an income fund. The income from the portfolio for the year was £12,641 (2024: £19,040). Management charges of £4,677 (2024 £6,374) were deducted from from the funds held. The portfolio also held an amount in cash of £7,490 (2024: £4,755) at the year end.

(2) The investment with the open ended investment company (Seven Investment Management) is an accumulation fund for which any income received is automatically reinvested into the fund. The management fees and services charges are applied directly to the fund. The fees included in the accounts of £nil (2024: £1,984) are based on an approximate calculation of the Society's proportion of the total charges applied to the fund. The portfolio also held an amount in cash of £33 (2024: £33) at the year end.

18 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
13,582
5,252
15,862
34,696		 2024
£
2,160
-
30,947
33,107

19 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
20
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 2025
£
-
36,011
61,278
2,534
50,485
150,308		 2024
£
12,630
18,200
170,740
2,324
21,754
225,648

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

20
Deferred income
Other deferred income
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 November 2024
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 31 October 2025
21
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2025
£
36,011
2025
£
36,011
18,200
(18,200)
36,011
36,011
2025
£
4,508		 2024
£
18,200
2024
£
18,200
9,719
(9,719)
18,200
18,200
2024
£
4,907

The CIO operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the CIO in an independently administered fund.

22 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 November Incoming Resources
Gains		 and losses At 31 October
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 1,338,024 1,214,184 (1,400,514) 189,967 1,341,661

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

22 Unrestricted funds (Continued)
Previous year: At 1 November Incoming Resources
Gains		 and losses At 31 October
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 1,568,052 1,078,496 (1,430,608) 122,084 1,338,024

23 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

The society holds a lease for the premises and showground land. Under the agreement there is an annual fixed rent (subject to rent reviews), and a variable element calculated as 20% of the annual income received by the Society from hiring the showground when not in use by the Society.

The variable rent amounted to £11,824 (2024: £11,474) and is included in the minimum lease payments during the period.

The variable rent is not included in the outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments.

At the reporting end date the CIO had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years
In over five years		 2025
£
65,330
260,390
872,084
1,197,804		 2024
£
18,917
1,200
1,041,250
1,061,367

Lessor

At the reporting end date the Society had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments.

Within one year
24
Related party transactions		 2025
£
50,000		 2024
£
4,500

Transactions with related parties

During the year the CIO entered into the following transactions with related parties:

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

24 Related party transactions

(Continued)

Amounts paid to trustees in respect of work carried out on the showground relating to the Royal Cheshire County Show and other maintenance:

RJ & J Moore (S Blakeman Esq) - £6,998 (2024: £7,188) A Kay Esq - £952 (2024: £832) R.T Contracting Services (R Thompson Esq) - £325 (2024: £513) A P Ford & Partners (AP Ford Esq) - £15,563 (2024: £18,299) R Ford Esq - £1,528 (2024: £1,325) D Leech Esq - nil (2024: £414) C Webb Esq - £475 (2024: £1,053) E Whittaker Esq - £1,215 (2024: £1,709)

Amounts paid to trustees for providing legal and professional fees to the Society:

KMT Farming & Consultancy (K Thomas Esq) - nil (2024: £1,778) Rostons Limited (T Rimmer Esq) - £1,284 (2024: £913)

Income was received from trustees as follows:

A P Ford & Partners (AP Ford Esq) - £6,750 (2024: nil) in respect of sale of standing crop. Rostons Limited (T Rimmer Esq) - £770 (2024: nil) in respect of proceeds from asset sales handled at auction by Rostons.

The outstanding balances with related parties were as follows:

Debtors

A P Ford & Partners (AP Ford Esq) - £6,750 (2024: nil)

Creditors

A P Ford & Partners (AP Ford Esq) - £1,216 (2024: nil) KMT Farming & Consultancy (K Thomas Esq) - nil (2024: £1,500)

Draft Financial Statements at 28 August 2026 at 12:10:55 CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CIO

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2025

25 Cash absorbed by operations 2025 2024
£ £
Surplus/(deficit) for the year 3,637 (230,028)
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (49,139) (30,320)
Gain on disposal of investments (191,918) (50,471)
Fair value gains and losses on investments 1,951 (71,613)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 25,503 26,023
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in debtors (1,589) (1,595)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (93,151) 122,049
Increase in deferred income 17,811 8,481
Cash absorbed by operations (286,895) (227,474)

26 Analysis of changes in net funds

The CIO had no material debt during the year.