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2023-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1157147

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

FOR

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

Leukaemia Busters

MP3, Southampton General Hospital Southampton Hampshire SO16 6YD

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9
to 14

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023. 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 2015).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Leukaemia Busters was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) formed under a constitution dated 21st May 2014. The objectives of the charity are to relieve patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood-related cancers through funding the pursuit of pure and translational scientific research aimed at the development of new improved therapies for these malignant diseases. The objective is achieved through research conducted in our dedicated research laboratory, The Simon Flavell Leukaemia Research Laboratory based at Southampton General Hospital. The charity's vision is a world in which leukaemia and related conditions are safely, quickly and completely cured and our mission is to fund and conduct research focused on providing antibody-based treatments that will provide this for leukaemia patients.

The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's latest general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and planning future activities and are satisfied that our main research activities meet requirements.

We pursue a research portfolio that has a translational value; that is research that is intended to yield practical benefits for patients through the development of novel treatments based on antibodies or other similar molecules. Unlike many medical research charities Leukaemia Busters raises funds for direct application by its own scientists in its own laboratory in Southampton, and for collaborations with major national and overseas institutions under the management of the charity's scientific directors. In this way we have been able to hold firm to on-going investment in promising lines of research that meet our core objectives without our research having to compete for grant awards from external bodies whilst still maintaining scientific excellence through exhaustive independent peer review of our publications and scientific work.

Research activities

This has been a very active research period in our laboratories with experimental investigations underway designed to determine the mechanisms by which saponins enhance immunotoxin potency against target leukaemia or lymphoma cells. In order to gain insights into the physical processes involved in saponin-mediated enhancement of cell killing by immunotoxins, chemical inhibitors of specific components of the cellular machinery responsible for internalization of materials taken up by target cells have been employed to determine their effects on target cell killing. We have focused in particular on endosomal escape of the saporin toxin part of the immunotoxin into the cytosol of the target cell. Having previously demonstrated the role of cholesterol present in the target cell plasma membrane (see Smith, Johnston, Wensley, Holmes, Flavell & Flavell (2020) Int J Mol Sci 21, 8734 & Smith, Baker, Holmes, Koster, Hunt, Flavell & Flavell (2017) Biochim Biophys Acta, 1859, 993 ) we are now beginning to explore the kinetics of cell killing and the effect that saponins exert on this. Our most recent original research paper in this area was published recently: Wensley, Smith, Holmes, Flavell & Flavell (2022) The effects of small molecule pharmacological agents on the triterpenoid saponin induced endolysosomal escape of saporin and a saporin-based immunotoxin on target human lymphoma cells. Biomedicines, 9, 300.

During this financial year we have produced a review paper published in the journal “Toxins” that details the clinical experience with saporin-based immunotoxins that also includes a summarized details of our own three clinical trials in patients with lymphoma, myeloma and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Flavell, D.J. & Flavell, S.U. (2022) Plant-derived Type I Ribosome Inactivating Protein-based Targeted Toxins: A Review of the Clinical Experience. Toxins, 14, 563

Methods to improve the therapeutic index of immunotoxins and other antibody-based therapeutics for leukaemia and other cancers will be of great value in safely improving therapeutic outcomes for patients. We are hopefully optimistic that our investigations into saponins saponin-mediated enhancement of immunotoxin potency will eventually lead to the development of this or similar systems for use in clinical practice thereby improving treatment for patients. Publication of our research results in the international scientific/medical literature ensures that novel findings are widely available to the scientific community.

The trustees have also been actively exploring the possibility of funding external awards to young scientists in other leukaemia research institutions. In particular, PhD scholarships to attract new bright young minds into the research field of immunotherapy for haematological malignancies would be an efficient way of achieving this goal. The trustees consider this to be an important way forward and a relevant means for the charity to meet its set objectives in future.

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LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

One way that this might be achieved is by transitioning to a grant-giving charity in support of young scientists working in the relevant field. The trustees currently envisage a competitive system whereby research proposals submitted by applicants following advertising on science platforms would be rigorously peer reviewed and selected for support on the basis of scientific excellence and relevance. This may be undertaken and administered in-house by the charity or alternatively in liaison with another established cancer research charity, piggy-backing on their pre-existing administrative structures. This matter is now urgently up for consideration by the trustees and appropriate actions undertaken as they become necessary.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The Trustees are committed to the running of the CIO with extremely low overhead costs. The charity does not employ expensive fundraisers but instead relies on voluntary and community efforts to raise funds. The Trustees continue to improve and refine, where necessary, good governance practices without adding an unnecessary burden to operating costs. The trustees remain confident that income streams will increase once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and will make particular use of social networking and internet-based technologies to achieve this.

The Trustees continue to maintain robust and reliable financial management systems that adhere to current regulations which have proven successful in the past. The CIO has a clear sense of both purpose and direction that is driven by positive outcomes in the research it funds that is viewed as an important incremental step towards clinical benefits for patients. The CIO retains a small but strong group of dedicated Trustees who between them share a good range of skills including scientific, business and management. As a charity funding medical research with responsibility for on-going laboratory and staffing costs we have an obligation to remain financially sound and prudent. Our management systems are transparent and Trustees exercise effective controls over money and assets.

We strongly believe that as an established local charity our clearly stated aims, well publicised achievements and prudent financial management have been the hallmarks of our success. The resultant low administrative overheads that we incur will allow us to truthfully tell organisations and individuals that ninety six pence of every pound donated goes directly towards our charitable objectives. Maintaining our low running costs is absolutely essential if we are to project the right ethos to staff, beneficiaries and the wider public.

The Trustees are mindful of the charity’s exposure to risk and have put in place checks and balances designed to minimise these. The charity adheres to all aspects of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and treats all personal data it collects with absolute confidentiality never sharing this with any third party or to be used in ways that might be considered as unethical.

The scientific research objectives of the charity are clearly stated. Laboratory-based research work streams are carefully costed before commencement to ensure that we operate within the bounds of affordability. Increasing efforts will be made to attract funding from other charitable trusts, supportive academic institutions, government or other international sources. The majority of our funding to date has come from charitable trusts, charitable donations from individuals, other charitable organisations or legacies and we will continue to build on these.

Our financial reporting is detailed, scrutinised and approved by the Board of Trustees in twice yearly meetings dedicated to this purpose. Pro bono support of our financial reporting is openly offered by Alison Powell ACMA, CGMA, CPFA, our independent examiner. The Trustees are enormously grateful to her for her generosity in offering her free services to the charity. The trustees have elected not to invest capital sum of money but to instead keep the charity’s cash assests in bank accounts offering the highest current rate of the interest. Bank interest rates are regularly monitored and capital money move a best judged appropriate.

The professional contributions to the charity's fully qualified postgraduate and postdoctoral scientific research staff cannot be understated and are absolutely vital to the success of the charity's stated objectives. The trustees intend to safeguard these scientific posts recognising that they are central to achieving the charity's set objectives. All contracts of employment and salary scales for the science staff are drawn up to closely parallel those offered to University of Southampton employees. This helps ensure that we remain competitive for and retain high quality research staff. All our scientific staff are enrolled on a workplace pension scheme run by the government approved "Smart Pension", identified and selected by the Trustees as being best in terms of online operative simplicity and benefits offered to pension holders. Laboratory operating and consumables costs are scrutinised, reconciled and allocated at each Board of Trustees meeting. Larger items of equipment are purchased using a 'best value' procedure that entails obtaining a minimum of three quotations and selecting that which offers best value for money.

Page 2

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

The charity's Trustees recognise the growing importance of legacies to our funding and see this as a priority for the future financial health of the charity. The Trustees are enormously grateful to those kind individuals who consider leaving the charity a legacy in their will in particular the late Paul Vincent Cousins and the late Dorothy Isabel Dewhurst. Indeed the Trustees are very grateful to all those loyal supporters, past and present, who have unstintingly supported the Leukaemia Busters over the past years and hope that they will be able to continue to do so in the future to keep our work alive. It is these individuals who have made possible the lifesaving work we have conducted in the past. The Trustees are optimistic that improving economic forecasts will ensure that future funding levels will safeguard the charity's work in the development of new and improved treatments for leukaemia and other blood cancers.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment policy and objectives

In accordance with the CIO constitution the Trustees have the power to invest in any investments as they see fit to further the objectives of the CIO. The current policy is to adopt a low risk investment strategy based on maximising income from bank deposits.

Financial position

During the year ended 31 March 2023 the CIO received donations and legacies totalling £100,561. The total fund balance at the end of the year amounted to £418,469.

The Trustees confirm that the CIO's assets are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations to meet all existing commitments.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees adopt a reserves policy of maintaining sufficient funds to meet the costs of approved research projects, and to build funds to support work in the future. To ensure that this obligation is fulfilled the trustees have set £100,000, sufficient for one year’s worth of laboratory operations as its minimum reserve. The charity nevertheless seeks to establish break clauses in its grant approvals as a matter of prudence to ensure that the charity never becomes overextended.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document (a constitution) that constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

Governance position

The trustees continue to retain and improve, where necessary, good governance practices without adding an unnecessary burden to operating costs.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

All trustees undergo a common selection and induction process. The trustees have highlighted key areas of experience and competency that the trustee group needs to contain. To function effectively the board needs to have diverse skills covering: Business & Governance; Marketing & Media; Scientific & Medical. All new recruited trustees undergo the same application, selection and induction process, to make sure all are fit for purpose, and can make a positive contribution to the charity.

Organisational structure

The board of five trustees provide the steerage and financial control of the charity with the day to day management delegated to the Charity & Scientific Director Dr D J Flavell. Executive Scientific Director Dr S U Flavell together with Dr D J Flavell is responsible for the effective management of the science programmes of the charity through a combination of administrative and scientific skills. A well developed and clearly defined reporting system for the scientific directors to the Trustees has been developed over the years to protect all aspects the charity's position and ensure good governance and best practice. The trustees have set objectives to continue to improve systems and processes in line with market best practice, and the board has formally adopted the "Code of Good Governance" principles.

Page 3

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Induction and training of new trustees

All potential new trustees are required to complete a standard application form detailing their skills and the benefits they will bring to the charity. All trustees are provided with the CIO governing document, a role description detailing their responsibilities, and Charity Commission and "Code of Good Governance" good practice guidelines. All appointees are invited to visit the charity's locations and meet with key staff and trustees prior to their application being formally considered by the board. The trustees are kept abreast of regulatory and general governance developments through internal communications, board presentations and other reference material.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1157147

Principal address

c/o Southampton General Hospital Mailpoint 3 Tremona Road Southampton Hampshire SO16 6YD

Trustees

R W Sutcliffe Dr S U Flavell Dr D J Flavell Mrs J Sherborne Mrs B Robinson-Grindey

Independent Examiner

Alison Powell B.Sc. (Hons), ACMA, CGMA, CPFA

Bankers

HSBC Bank PLC 55 Above Bar Street Southampton SO14 7DZ

Nat West Bank PLC 12 High Street Southampton SO14 2BF

Virgin Money 10 College Place Southampton Hampshire SO15 6YD

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LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Patrons

David and Thorunn Gower

Officers

Dr D J Flavell (Charity & Scientific Director) Dr S U Flavell (Executive Scientific Director)

Fundraising Presidents

Harry and Sandra Redknapp

Ambassadors

Stewart Dunn Lawrie McMenemy Bruce Parker Sally Taylor

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 26th October 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

....................................................... R W Sutcliffe - Trustee

Page 5

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Leukaemia Busters

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Leukaemia Busters (the CIO) for the year ended 31st March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Alison Powell ACMA, CGMA, CPFA

Date: 27th October 2023

Page 6

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

Unrestricted
INCOME FROM
Notes
fund
£
Donations and legacies
2
88,849
Fundraising
3
11,712
Grants
-
Bank Interest
4
2,448
Total
103,009
EXPENDITURE ON
Office and Administration
3,172
Fundraising Costs
224
Leukaemia research
105,208
Total
108,604
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(5,595)
Transfers between funds
-
Net movement in funds
(5,595)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
424,064
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
418,469
Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2023
Total
funds
£
88,849
11,712
-
2,448
103,009
3,172
224
105,208
108,604
(5,595)
-
(5,595)
424,064
418,469
2022
Total
funds
£
45,526
10,966
35,652
1,378
93,522
2,592
1,092
93,248
96,932
(3,410)
-
(3,410)
427,474
424,064

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

BALANCE SHEET 31ST MARCH 2023

Unrestricted
fund
FIXED ASSETS
Notes
£
Tangible assets
9
1,962
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
-
Cash in hand
419,618
419,618
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
10
(3,111)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
416,507
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
418,469
NET ASSETS
418,469
FUNDS
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2023
Total
funds
£
1,962
-
419,618
419,618
(3,111)
416,507
418,469
418,469
418,469
-
418,469
2022
Total
funds
£
49
-
428,077
428,077
(4,062)
424,015
424,064
424,064
424,064
-
424,064

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 26th October 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................ R W Sutcliffe – Trustee

……………………………… S U Flavell – Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, 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 2015)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

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.

Raising funds

Fund raising costs

Fund raising costs represent promotional expenses incurred by the CIO.

Promotional items

Promotional items are written off in the year of purchase

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Plant and machinery - 25% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from 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.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Bank Interest

Bank Interest is accounted for at the time it is crystallised on the bank statement.

Page 9

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Friendship scheme
In memoriam/bequests
Donations
Legacy income
Total
Summary of legacy income
The late Paul Vincent Cousins
The late Dorothy Isabel Dewhurst
The late Mrs Barbara Davis
The late Jean Brenda
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
RideLondon-Essex 100 2022
Gary Meech Coast to Coast walk
Jane Cross Nature Walk, IOW
Bee Flavell Virtual London Marathon 2021
Andy Pillar London Marathon 2021
Hayley Gibbens Jurassic Coast-Ultra Challenge
RJ Williams Memorial Golf day
Len & Jessi 50thWedding Anniversary
Scafell Pike walk
Skydive
Total
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
2023
£
8,748
4,144
16,950
59,007
88,849
2023
£
9,816
49,191
-
-
59,007
2023
£
3,831
2,701
2,481
-
-
-
1,000
1,487
12
200
11,712
2022
£
8,029
6,364
23,475
7,658
45,526
2022
£
-
-
7,158
500
7,658
2022
£
-
-
-
5,031
2,701
2,100
1,084
50
-
-
10,966
Deposit account interest 2023
2022
£
£
2,448
1,378

Page 10

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

Two trustees were employed by the charity to manage its scientific research programme for the period ended 31st March 2023.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st March 2023 nor for the year ended 31st March 2022.

6. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:


Scientific staff
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
7.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 45,526
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
3,684
Charitable activities
Leukaemia research
93,248
Total
96,932
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)(3,410)
Transfers between funds
-
Net movement in funds
(3,410)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
427,474
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
424,064
Other trading activities
10,966
Grant income
35,652
Investment income
1,378
Total
93,522
2023
4
Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-

-
-
2022
4
Total
funds
£
45,526
3,684
93,248
96,932
10,966
35,652
1,378
93,522
(3,410)
-
(3,410)
427,474
424,064

Page 11

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

8. RESTRICTED FUND

The restricted fund includes the following:

Fixed assets

These have been written down in line with the accounting policy.

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1st April 2022
Additions
At 31st March 2023
DEPRECIATION
NET BOOK VALUE
At 1st April 2022
Charge for year
At 31st March 2023
At 31st March 2023
At 31st March 2022
Plant and
machinery
£
40,428
2,583
43,011
40,379
670
41,049
1,962
49

Page 12

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

11.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At
01/04/22
Unrestricted funds
£
General fund424,064
Restricted funds
Restricted fund
-
TOTAL FUNDS
424,064
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

At
01/04/21
£
General fund 427,474
Restricted funds
Restricted fund
-
TOTAL FUNDS
427,474
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Net
movement
in funds
£
(5,595)
-
(5,595)
Incoming
resources
£
103,009
-
103,009
Net
movement
in funds
£
(3,410)
-
(3,410)


Page 13

LEUKAEMIA BUSTERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS – continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
93,522
-
93,522
Resources
expended
£
(96,932)
-
(96,932)
Movement
In funds
£
(3,410)
-
(3,410)

12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related transactions for the year ended 31[st] March 2023.

Page 14