## **Chair’s Annual Report** 

**Charity Name:** Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes **Charity Number:** 1156751 **Reporting Period:** March 2024 to March 2025 

## **Introduction** 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to present the annual report for Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes (WSBB) for the year ending March 2025. This report has been prepared in accordance with Charity Commission requirements and provides an overview of the charity’s activities, achievements, governance, and financial management during the year. 

## **Charitable Objectives and Public Benefit** 

The charity’s primary objective is to provide a free 24/7 on call transport service to NHS hospitals and healthcare providers within Warwickshire, Solihull, and the wider region. Our volunteers transport blood, medical samples, medication, donor breast milk, and other urgent items between hospitals and laboratories. 

The trustees confirm that the charity has continued to operate for the public benefit, in line with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission, by supporting the NHS and thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. 

## **Activities Undertaken** 

During the reporting period, Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes: 

- Responded to 3,291 requests from NHS trusts, transporting blood, pathology samples, donor breast milk, and medical supplies. 

- Operated a 24/7 service, staffed entirely by trained volunteer riders, drivers, and controllers. 

- Supported local NHS partners including University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Warwick Hospital, Rugby St Cross, George Eliot, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital, and others within the region. 

- Continued to participate in the nationwide Blood Bikes network relays to provide resilience and cross-cover when needed. 

- Continued our nightly service to re stock the WNDLR Air Ambulance with blood products. 



## **Service Statistics** 

The trustees are happy to report the following operational statistics for the reporting year: 

|**Measure**|**2024 Result**|**Notes / Impact**|
|---|---|---|
|**Jobs completed**|3,536|Urgent deliveries for NHS partners across<br>Warwickshire & Solihull|
|**Operational fleet**|5 motorcycles (increasing to<br>7), 2 hybrid cars, 1 van|Maintained and deployed to meet NHS<br>demand|
|**Estimated NHS**<br>**cost savings**|**£265,200**|Calculated at £75 per job, equivalent to<br>private courier costs [National Couriers<br>Direct]|



These figures demonstrate the scale and value of the service provided. By completing thousands of urgent journeys and covering well over one hundred thousand miles, WSBB delivered substantial public benefit and generated significant cost savings for NHS partners. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

The trustees are pleased to report another successful year of operations. Key achievements include: 

- Completion of 3,536 deliveries on behalf of NHS partners. 

- Reliable service delivery, maintaining a 24/7 operational presence throughout the year. 

- Expansion of the operational fleet a Kia Sportage hybrid car and a Honda NT1100, with two additional motorcycles to be introduced in 2025. 

- Continued positive recognition from NHS trusts for professionalism, reliability, and contribution to cost savings. 

- Active participation in awareness-raising and fundraising events across Warwickshire and Solihull. 

## **Governance** 

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, who met monthly throughout the year to ensure proper oversight of operations, risk management, and financial stewardship. During the year, the trustees: 

- Maintained compliance with all relevant charity and road safety regulations. 

- Reviewed safeguarding and operational procedures. 

- Managed risks associated with vehicle operation, fundraising, and service delivery. 

- Ensured the financial sustainability of the charity through regular monitoring and independent examination of accounts. 



## **Financial Review** 

Total income for the year amounted to £120,473, derived primarily from donations and community fundraising. Most notably we received substantial donations of £25,000 from the Mark Benevolent Fund, £10,000 from SWFT, £3254.59 from NFU Mutual and our own fundraising, including talks to local groups and collections supported by Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda totalled £104,482. 

Expenditure totalled £99,503, the majority of which related to: 

- Fuel, servicing, and maintenance of the charity’s fleet of motorcycles, cars, and van. 

- Insurance and safety equipment. 

At year end, the charity held reserves of £170,864, which the trustees consider appropriate to ensure continuity of service and cover unforeseen expenditure. 

## **Risk Management** 

The trustees regularly review the principal risks facing the charity. Key areas include volunteer safety, vehicle maintenance, and financial sustainability. Mitigations include: 

- Comprehensive training for all operational members. 

- Strict adherence to vehicle servicing and safety schedules. 

- Comprehensive insurance for vehicles and riders/drivers. 

- Careful financial planning. 

## **Future Plans** 

In the coming year, Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes intends to: 

- Expand the fleet adding 2 new motorcycles, enhancing operational resilience. 

- Continue investment in hybrid vehicles and a van to support diverse delivery needs. 

- Further strengthen community engagement to support fundraising and public awareness. 

- Maintain close collaboration with NHS partners to ensure the service continues to meet evolving healthcare needs. 

## **Acknowledgements** 

As chair I would like to thank the board of trustees for their unwavering support and commitment to the charity over the past year. In turn, the trustees wish to record their sincere 



thanks to our dedicated volunteers, whose commitment makes the service possible, and to our donors, supporters, and NHS partners. Their collective contribution enables Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes to provide a vital public service, free of charge, to the NHS and the wider community. 

## **Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:** 

Chrissie Smith WSBB Chair 



WARWICKSHIRF. & SOLIHULL BLOOD BIKES
RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
nds
Total
Funds
Recci
Donations
Gift Aid
Membership Subscriptioiis
Interest Receiiied
IAT Refunds
83,929
6,745
1,476
1.016
14,iOO
102,482
2,000
102,482
2,000
827
1,555
13,610
827
1,555
13,610
Assct Sales
Motor Vehicle
7,400
114,866
119,646
827
120,473
P2I"ments
Fuel
Vehicle Expenses
Vehicle Insurances
Hi - Viz Jackets & T-shirts
Stationery & Printing
Public Liability Insurance
Donation - Practical Presents
Promotional Materials
Overheads
Event Costs
13,719
14,902
4,993
1,455
764
1,999
18,171
14,255
3,685
1,783
834
2,102
1,851
832
3,485
1,345
18,171
14,255
3,685
1,783
834
2,102
2,551
832
3,485
2,002
700
1,692
3,139
248
658
Asset Purchases
Motorbike
Motor Vehicle
Vehicle Livery
Pathology Boxes
Laptop Bundle Incl ID Cards
Defjbrillators
Card Reader
20,140
12,515
32,520
3,018
12,515
32,520
3,018
551
1,750
1,750
5,905
320
69,827
98,146
1,358
99,503
45,039
Net Recei
ts
21,500
(531)
20,970
104,855
Bank Balances l April 2024
147,880
2,014
149,894
AdjustmeAlt to Unrestricted Funds
(1,112)
1,112
149,894
Bank Balances 31 March 2025
168,268
2,596
170,864
Page I

WARWJCK,(illlllV, & SC)LIFIULL FILO()D BIKW,S
NOTF,S TO Tlll,, Rrci,=Ii)'r,s & l)A YMFN'fs ACCOUNT
FC)11 Tiif YF,AII F.NDFD 3] MARCI12025
,I.8.scts Rct.:iinc(I f()r tlie Charil
'$ Oivn Use
Cost
1otor Ilchiclcs
Pcugeot Expcrt
16,398
To)'ota C-HR
33,346
Kia Sportaoe
32,520
82,264
Motor Blkcs
Yamaha
15,457
Yamaha
9,750
BKIW
15,609
BMW
20,140
Honda NT
12,515
73,471
Signed on behalf of all the trustees
Chrissie Smith
Chairperson
Simon Quantrell
Secretary
12 May 2025
Page I

CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Sectlon
Indepelldent Examin*'.s Repo
Report to the trustees
Iirll Itv
Warwickshire & Solihull Blood Bikes
On accounts for the year
ended
31 st March 2025
Charity no
(if any)
1156751
Set out on pages
One and Two
.(remembei' to inclucjp. t*p. i*,1Je. niim,ners of 2dditior,al shpe;s
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity ("the Trust") for the year ended DD I MM I YYYY.
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in acco-; dance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
("the Act").,
Responsibilities and
basis of report
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I
have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 1J5(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent rfhe charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to
examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of
applicable listed body]]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matteri have
come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that
disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any mater.
al
respect:
the accountirig records were not kept in accordance with section 130
of th8 Chariti?s Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not Gompiy with the applicable requirements
concerning tfrie form and content of accounts set out in the Charities
(Accounts arid Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement
that the acccpijnts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection
with the examination to which attentlof) sliould be drawn in this report in
order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Please delete the words in the brackets if.thèy do not apply.
/z
Signed:
Date:
Name:
Alan RiLhards
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
CIMA
IER
Oct 2018

(if any):
Address:
52 Leicester Street
Bulkington
Bedworth, CV12 9NG
Section B .
Dlsclosure > YY:
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern
(see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and
guidaiice for examiners).
Give here brief details of
any items that the
examiner wishes to
disclose.
IER
Oct 2018