Company registration number: CE003247 Charity registration number: 1159176
The Paradise Cooperative CIO
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Triple Bottom Line Accounting (TBLA)
The Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ
The Paradise Co-operative
Contents
Reference and Administrative Details 3 Trustee’s report 4-12 Independent Examiner’s Report 13 Statement of Financial Activities 14 Statement of Financial Position 15 Notes to the Financial Statements 16-20
2
The Paradise Co-operative
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees Mr S Thompson Rachel Stokes Paul Roger Lickman Joanne Osborn John Deakins Claire Powell Principal Office 5 Tranmere Road, London SW18 3QH, UK Company Registration Number CE003247 Charity Registration Number 1159176 Independent Examiner Triple Bottom Line Accounting (TBLA) The Enterprise Centre University Drive Norwich NR4 7TJ
3
The Paradise Co-operative
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01 Jan 2024 To 31 Dec 2024
Charity name: The Paradise Co-operative
Charity registration number: 1159176
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The charity has two combined objectives 1. To promote and provide for the benefit of the community, facilities for education and other leisure time occupation with the object of improving the quality of life of the public at large. 2. To advance the education of the public at large in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry protection and improvement of the natural environment, through best environmental practice including the use of no chemicals and minimal use of machinery |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Community Volunteering We ran free weekly volunteer sessions throughout the year. Our community joined us to learn new skills in sustainable urban growing and connect with others. 1. Community Growing Volunteer Sessions Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds join us every Sunday to grow and learn together. Regular free workshops enhance educational value for volunteers. 2. Mindful Growing Volunteer Sessions Designed to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing and combat loneliness and isolation by allowing local people to learn new skills in a welcoming and inclusive space. We provide free workshops and activities to support nature connection. Community Food Initiative |
4
The Paradise Co-operative
Through our Community Food Initiative, we continue to support local social enterprises with donations of organically grown, sustainable produce. All produce is sown, grown, and harvested by our volunteer community. Excess produce is shared with volunteers. Schools Education Programme 2024, over 3,000 children from local primary schools visited to take part in sessions designed to connect them with nature through curriculum-led workshops. We also worked with schools to deliver assemblies focused on biodiversity and provided staff training, equipping teachers with practical advice on connecting children with nature. Additionally, we offered free workshops to 90 children in receipt of pupil premium funding, focusing on activities that enhance wellbeing through nature connection Wildlife Regeneration Biodiversity enhancements took place across our garden, including the installation of ponds, creation of pollinator habitats, and the addition of bird boxes. We also continued leading community education efforts focused on protecting and enhancing urban wildlife. Additionally, we participated in a broad range of national campaigns focused on monitoring and recording plant and animal populations in urban spaces Community Workshops and Events We offered a broad range of community workshops aimed at providing participants with new skills while fostering meaningful community connections. These events included community cooking sessions, educational opportunities, and activities for children and families. We also hosted several community build sessions, where members learned practical skills in sustainable urban design.
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the |
Para 1.18 | Trustees have read the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
|---|---|---|
5
The Paradise Co-operative
guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Community Education Across our volunteer programmes and events, there were over 1,150 volunteer attendances. Participants engaged with vital opportunities for environmental education, helping them develop skills related to sustainable food growing and land management for biodiversity. 93% of adults who took part agreed they learnt something new at our events. Over 3,000 children benefited from opportunities to engage in curriculum-led, nature-focused workshops, supporting them in developing a lasting connection with nature while enhancing educational objectives. Community wellbeing Our workshops and volunteer sessions help local people build lasting connections |
6
The Paradise Co-operative
with both their community and nature. 100% of participants at our partnership events reported they connected with others through nature. Through all our programmes, we aim to enhance wellbeing by providing opportunities to connect with nature and others in a unique, biodiverse environment. We recorded a 28% increase in wellbeing from before to after our workshops, which are designed to foster community connection and wellbeing. Volunteers are able to contribute meaningfully to their wider community, both by supporting our on-site projects and by contributing to our Community Food Initiative. Positive environmental impact We provide our volunteers with the skills they need to grow food using sustainable methods and promote biodiversity beyond our garden. By growing food for local social enterprises within a mile of our garden, we reduce food miles and encourage the use of local, sustainable produce. Last year, 400kg of food was grown and donated through our Community Food Initiative.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising activities against objectives Para 1.41 set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives
7
The Paradise Co-operative
Other
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The Charity continues to work towards a sustainable operating model through charging for education courses to cover the costs of operating them and maintaining the field site for the wider community. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Cash reserves are held for expected legal fees connected with a planned site tenancy agreement and a contingency fund to ensure contractors can still be paid in the event of a cash flow crunch. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | The unrestricted balance at the end of the year was £20,499. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The Charity remains dependant on a single field site held under an agreement with the Ministry of Justice and on being able to generate income from school education courses. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including Para 1.47 any fundraising) Investment policy and objectives including any Para 1.46 social investment policy adopted A description of the principal Para 1.46 risks facing the charity
8
The Paradise Co-operative
Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g. unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Appointment by existing trustees |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
9
The Paradise Co-operative
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | The Paradise Co-operative |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1159176 |
| Charity’s principal address | 5 Tranmere Road, London SW18 3QH, UK |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scot Thompson | Chair of Trustees | |||
| Joanne Osborne | Trustee | |||
| Paul Lickman | Treasurer | |||
| John Deakins | Trustee | |||
| Rachael Stokes | Trustee | |||
| Claire Powell | Trustee | 1-Jan-2024 to 29-Feb-2024 | ||
10
The Paradise Co-operative
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name n/a
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| n/a | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
11
The Paradise Co-operative
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) | Signature(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name(s) | Full name(s) Scott Thompson |
Paul Lickman |
| Position (eg Secretary, | Chair | Treasurer |
| Chair, etc) | ||
| Date17 | 17thJune 2025 |
12
The Paradise Co-operative
Independent Examiner’s Report to the trustees of The Paradise Co-Operative
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 11 to 18.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b)
-
of the Act, and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, with the seeking of explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
• the accounts did 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.
Peter Ellington FAIA
Triple Bottom Line Accounting Limited The Enterprise Centre University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ
13
The Paradise Co-operative
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024
| Notes Income and Endowments from: Grants and Donations 3 Charitable activities 4 Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 Governance costs 6 Staff costs 7 Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 12 Notes Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 Governance costs 6 Staff costs 7 Total Expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 £ £ £ 45,222 102,669 147,891 41,399 - 41,399 |
|---|---|
| 86,621 102,669 189,290 |
|
| 46,444 51,350 97,794 13,036 - 13,036 19,807 7,514 27,322 |
|
| 79,287 58,864 138,152 |
|
| 7,334 43,805 51,139 |
|
| - - - |
|
| 7,334 43,805 51,139 13,165 20,993 34,158 |
|
| 20,499 64,798 85,297 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2023 £ £ £ - 57,836 57,836 44,931 - 44,931 |
|
| 44,931 57,836 102,767 |
|
| 15,369 44,799 60,168 1,306 - 1,306 25,009 12,248 37,258 |
|
| 41,684 57,047 98,730 |
|
| 3,247 789 4,036 |
|
| 0 0 0 |
|
| 3,247 789 4,036 9,919 20,204 30,123 |
|
| 13,165 20,993 34,158 |
14
The Paradise Co-operative
Statement of Financial Position for the Year Ended 31[st] December 2024
| Note Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total funds |
2024 2023 £ £ 4,464 - 80,968 34,158 |
|---|---|
| 85,431 34,158 135 - |
|
| 85,297 34,158 |
|
| - - 64,798 20,993 20,499 13,165 |
|
| 85,297 34,158 |
For the financial year ending 31 December 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Trustees' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
-
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements on pages 12 to 20 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on ___ and signed on their behalf by:
.........................................
15
The Paradise Co-operative
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. Charity Status
The Paradise Cooperative CIO is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales. It operates under the Charities Act 2011 and is governed by its constitution. As a CIO, it has no share capital, and trustees have no financial liability beyond their obligations under charity law.
2. Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Key Accounting Estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.
Statement of Compliance
The financial statements comply with :
-
Charities SORP (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015, as amended)
-
FRS 102 (Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland)
-
Charities Act 2011 and CIO Regulations 2012
Basis of Preparation
-
Prepared on an accruals basis under the historical cost convention.
-
The CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
Going Concern
The trustees confirm there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements are prepared on this basis.
Exemption from Preparing a Cash Flow Statement
The charity has adopted SORP Bulletin 1 (February 2016) and is exempt from presenting a cash flow statement.
Judgements
Key judgements include the allocation of support costs, recognition of restricted income, and impairment of assets. Estimates are based on historical experience and trustees’ assessment of future events.
Income and Endowments
-
Donations and legacies : Recognised when the charity is notified in writing of the amount and settlement date. Conditional income is deferred until conditions are met.
-
Grants receivable : Recognised when entitlement is confirmed. Income with unfulfilled performance conditions is deferred unless fulfilment is probable.
Expenditure
-
All costs are allocated directly to activities or apportioned using a staff time/floor space basis.
-
Expenditure eligible for future grant claims is deferred and matched to related income.
Charitable Activities
Includes direct costs (e.g., project delivery) and indirect support costs (e.g., IT, HR) necessary for service provision.
Support Costs
16
The Paradise Co-operative
Central functions (e.g., finance, administration) allocated to activities using a reasonable and consistent basis.
Governance Costs
Includes audit fees, trustee training, and statutory compliance costs.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from UK corporation tax under Section 478 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010, provided income is applied for charitable purposes.
Trade Debtors
Recognised at transaction price and measured at amortised cost. Provisions for impairment are made where recovery is uncertain.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Includes cash in hand, bank deposits, and short-term liquid investments with minimal risk of value change.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented
as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.
3.Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies Grants |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 45,222 - 45,222 - - 102,669 102,669 57,836 |
|---|---|
| 45,222 102,669 147,891 57,836 |
17
The Paradise Co-operative
4 Income from charitable activities
| Beekeeping Sales Services Other income |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ - - - 1,628 33,667 - 33,667 29,863 2,732 - 2,732 - 5,000 - 5,000 13,440 |
|---|---|
| 41,399 - 41,399 44,931 |
5.Expenditure on charitable activities
| Courses Garden Schools 2022/23 Running costs Subcontractor cost Miscellaneous Materials Subscriptions Bank Charges Computer Software Repairs Printing, Postage & Stationery |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ - - - 850 - - - 43,370 - - - 11,693 - - - 3,540 40,971 38,798 79,769 - - - - 714 4,288 12,433 16,721 - 240 - 240 - 117 - 117 - 140 - 140 - 665 119 784 - 23 - 23 - 46,444 51,350 97,794 60,618 |
|---|---|
6. Governance costs
| Accountancy fees Insurance Legal fees |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 1,308 - 1,308 578 728 - 728 728 11,000 - 11,000 - |
|---|---|
| 13,036 - 13,036 1,306 |
18
The Paradise Co-operative
7. Staff Costs
| Salaries Employers Pension Number of staff 8. Debtors Trade debtors PAYE |
Unrestricted funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 19,576 7,341 26,917 37,258 231 173 405 - |
|
|---|---|---|
| 19,807 7,514 27,322 37,258 |
9. Funds
| 9. Funds | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds General funds Beekeeping funds Corporate Events Paradise Learning Total Unrestricted Restricted funds Community Garden NLCF (21-24) |
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at 01-Jan-24 resources expended 31-Dec-24 £ £ £ £ 5,548 56,381 (47,152) 14,777 7,617 - (7,617) - - 1,963 (1,963) - - 28,277 (22,555) 5,722 |
| 13,165 86,621 (79,287) 20,499 |
|
| 5,816 13,997 (19,813) - |
19
The Paradise Co-operative
| Community Garden NLCF (24-27) Send Schools and Families Project Wimbledon 25 Paradise Together Flax Project Wandsworth Micro Grants Wandsworth Grant Fund - Accessibility Wandsworth Grant Fund - Biodiversity Designated Reserves Total restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds General funds Beekeeping funds Corporate Events Paradise Learning U Total Unrestricted Restricted funds Community Garden NLCF (21-24) Send Schools and Families Project Wimbledon 25 Paradise Together Wandsworth Micro Grants Wandsworth Grant Fund - Accessibility Wandsworth Grant Fund - Biodiversity Designated Reserves Total restricted funds Total funds |
- 61,345 (15,737) 45,608 (47) - - (47) - 15,981 (15,981) - - 500 - 500 - 1,000 (1,000) - 6,224 - (6,224) - - 9,845 (108) 9,737 9,000 - - 9,000 |
|---|---|
| 20,993 102,668 (58,863) 64,798 |
|
| 34,158 189,290 (138,152) 85,297 |
|
| Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at 01-Jan-23 resources expended 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ 3,090 43,303 (40,845) 5,548 6,829 1,628 (840) 7,617 - - - - - - - - |
|
| 9,919 44,931 (41,685) 13,165 |
|
| 1,204 47,822 (43,210) 5,816 10,000 14 (10,061) (47) - - - - - - - - - 10,000 (3,776) 6,224 - - - - 9,000 - - 9,000 |
|
| 20,204 57,836 (57,047) 20,993 |
|
| 30,123 102,767 (98,732) 34,158 |
20