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← The Alex Group

2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1159263

THE ALEX GROUP

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

THE ALEX GROUP

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees J A Livesey
D Cain
S Walsh
T O'Kane
A Anderson
S Edwards
A M Tuohey
J Holt
J Cain
C Chaplow (Appointed 10 July 2023)
Charity number 1159263
Company number 1159263
Principal address Rough Lee Home
Rough Lee Road
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 2LR
Registered office Rough Lee Home
Rough Lee Road
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 2LR
Independent examiner PM+M Solutions for Business LLP
New Century House
Greenbank Technology Park
Challenge Way
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5QB

THE ALEX GROUP

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Statement of cash flows 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 14

THE ALEX GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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 charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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).

Objectives and activities

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The principal objective of the charity is to provide 24-hour support to residents with physical disabilities. To this end, the charity has established a family type home consisting of suitable residential accommodation available for life, or if appropriate, respite care, giving the residents such facilities as to enable them to engage in fruitful activities to enhance their individual potential.

Strategies for achieving objectives

The Trustees place great emphasis upon ensuring the accommodation provided is of such a quality as to make the residents feel they are at home living in a family environment whilst having all the necessary facilities to support their particular physical needs and receiving a high standard of care. A full programme of social and intellectual activities is provided to ensure the residents feel fulfilled and content.

We continue to seek to recruit members to the Trustee team who can add value and in addition seek suitable volunteers to support the team and residents.

The Trustees are continually committed to ensuring the highest level of regulatory compliance and work closely with the Home Manager to improve systems and procedures in this regard.

Achievements and performance

Charitable activities

The home is an active and vibrant facility for our disabled adult residents many of which have been in the home for many years. The philosophy is very much a home from home and our energies are directed at making it the best it can be and a stable and loving environment. Eight of the rooms now have en-suite facilities and both shared rooms have been adapted to individual bedrooms.

The Staff under the leadership of Andrea Buckley and her Deputy Wendy Hargreaves are qualified and experienced. The team ensure a secure and supportive care environment for our residents and we have achieved and maintained a "Good" Care Quality Commission rating in all five areas.

Investment performance

The investment policy of the charity is to invest the available funds to maximise the return to the charity while at the same time keeping the funds as safe and secure as possible. Interest received for the year was £9,896 (2023 - £5,091).

Factors relevant to achieve objectives

The charity continues to be dependent upon the continued placing of residents in the home by the local authority and the Trustees and Management continue their efforts to seek fees which reflect the quality of care and the increasingly complex demands of residents.

The Trustees continue the tough task of balancing the books in a very challenging environment with an increasing cost base, an extremely tough regulatory and compliance regime and the ongoing need to invest in the Homes infrastructure.

THE ALEX GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Financial review

The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves at current levels to provide financial protection in the increasingly uncertain commercial environment. It is also necessary to retain funds for the ongoing renovation, modernisation and improvement of facilities to ensure that the Charity can continue to provide excellent standards of care to the residents of the home. The potential under occupation which may occur as a result of the increasing time lag in filling resident vacancies continues to give cause for concern in that home expenses costs will continue to rise whilst income may remain relatively static. In view of these circumstances the Trustees feel that reserves of £210,000 must be held as a minimum. This is the expected outgoings for a period of 3 months should the home be unoccupied. The Trustees feel that this length of time would be sufficient to fill any vacancies.

General trustee and management plans

The long-term benefit of the residents and the long term future of Rough Lee Home are, and will be, the focus in all of our meetings.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

J A Livesey D Cain S Walsh T O'Kane A Anderson S Edwards M Warren (Resigned 23 November 2023) A M Tuohey J Holt J Cain C Chaplow (Appointed 10 July 2023)

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust Deed. The charity is always ready to welcome new trustees who have the experience, empathy and knowledge of the charity and are willing to play an active role in promoting its success and development.

A council made up of appointed Trustees and elected members meet four times a year to administer the charity. The chief executive officer during the year ended 31 March 2024, and on the date this report was approved, was Mr J A Livesey.

The Trustees take responsibility for ensuring that they have skills and knowledge required to fulfil their roles efficiently and effectively. Wherever appropriate they will be supported by encouragement, guidance and training.

The Trustee Committee holds regular meetings and annually reviews pay and remuneration fro staff including performance issues and review of the Home Manager and Deputy.

THE ALEX GROUP

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees regularly assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed, have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks and are satisfied that the current systems in place mitigate exposure to the major risks albeit they are constantly under review.The primary risks identified are as follows:

  1. To ensure that the home remains financially sound and robust systems and procedures are in place to maintain strong financial control.

  2. To ensure that the home is fully compliant with all relevant legislation and provides the highest levels of care.

The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

James Livesey

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

J A Livesey Trustee

Date: ............................................. 13/09/2024

THE ALEX GROUP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ALEX GROUP

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Alex Group (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

Ceri Dixon BSc Hons ACA PM+M Solutions for Business LLP Chartered Accountants New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB

Dated: ......................... 16/09/2024

THE ALEX GROUP

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 3,152 22,772
Charitable activities 3 820,742 708,452
Other trading activities 4 7,366 6,341
Investments 5 9,896 5,091
Other income 6 15,319 8,295
Total income 856,475 750,951
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 7 891,117 736,564
Other expenditure 12 297 192
Total expenditure 891,414 736,756
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds (34,939) 14,195
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023 754,799 740,604
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 719,860 754,799

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

THE ALEX GROUP

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension liability
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds		 2024
£
24,859
180,504
205,363
(50,148)		 £
564,645
155,215
719,860
719,860
719,860
719,860		 2023
£
19,229
270,366
289,595
(58,945)		 £
524,149
230,650
754,799
754,799
754,799
754,799

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

13/09/2024

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

James Livesey

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

J A Livesey

Trustee

Company registration number 1159263 (England and Wales)

THE ALEX GROUP

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from
operations
21
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Investment income received
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
(60,967)
4,200
9,896		 2023
£
£
£
(42,991)
48,656
(146,745)
-
5,091
(46,871)
(141,654)
-
-
(89,862)
(92,998)
270,366
363,364
180,504
270,366

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, 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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

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

1.2 Charitable funds

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

1.3 Income

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

Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in profit or loss as and when they are received. Grants of a revenue nature for which there are no future performance-related conditions and costs are recognised as income in the period in which they become receivable.

1.4 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.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, 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:

Freehold land and buildings 2% to 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings 20% on reducing balance Computers 20% on reducing balance Motor vehicles 20% on reducing balance

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.

1.6 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.

1.7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Retirement benefits

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

2 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Donations and gifts 3,152 14,453
Grants - 8,319
3,152 22,772
Grants receivable for core activities
Other grants received - 8,319
- 8,319
Charitable activities
Caring for Caring for
Residents Residents
2024 2023
£ £
Services provided under contract 808,742 696,070
Sales of services by beneficiaries 4,200 4,582
Charitable rental income 7,800 7,800
820,742 708,452

3 Charitable activities

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising events 255 212
Letting and licensing arrangements 7,111 6,129
Other trading activities 7,366 6,341

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 9,896 5,091

6 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets 1,368 -
Other income 13,951 8,295
13,951 8,295

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
activites activites
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 458,870 399,959
Depreciation and impairment 17,638 18,466
Equipment leasing 5,970 5,641
Rates and water 8,548 8,202
Insurance 14,267 13,683
Light and heat 39,410 34,113
Telephone 2,229 2,277
Print, postage, stationery and advertising 919 2,407
Sundries 17,933 11,844
Subscriptions 4,558 4,265
Food and household 68,404 57,698
Gardening 244 752
Staff training 2,450 2,996
Repairs and maintenance 113,674 41,241
Motor expenses 6,862 5,566
Computer costs 4,487 1,691
766,463 610,801
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 99,399 93,343
Governance 25,255 32,420
891,117 736,564
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 891,117 736,564
8 Support costs allocated to activities
2024 2023
£ £
Staff costs 99,399 93,343
Governance costs 25,255 32,420
124,654 125,763
Analysed between:
Charitable activites 124,654 125,763

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Net movement in funds 2024 2023
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 17,638 18,466
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets (1,368) -

10 Trustees

None of the trustees or any persons connected with them received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
20
2024
£
515,101
36,232
6,936
558,269		 2023
Number
18
2023
£
457,523
30,415
5,364
493,302

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

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

12 Other

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Financing costs 297 192
297 192

13 Taxation

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

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023
827,962
125,175
Additions
59,248
1,719
Disposals
-
-
At 31 March 2024
887,210
126,894
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
322,815
116,333
Depreciation charged in the year
13,830
1,784
Eliminated in respect of disposals
-
-
At 31 March 2024
336,645
118,117
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
550,565
8,777
At 31 March 2023
505,147
8,843
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
17
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 Computers
£
3,907
-
-		 Motor
vehicles
£
46,485
-
(11,990)
34,495
37,412
1,807
(9,158)
30,061
4,434
9,073
2024
£
14,148
10,711
24,859
2024
£
11,890
9,056
1,738
27,464
50,148
2024
£
6,936		 Total
£
1,003,529
60,967
(11,990)
1,052,506
479,381
17,638
(9,158)
487,861
564,645
524,149
2023
£
9,856
9,373
19,229
2023
£
8,337
15,686
1,254
33,668
58,945
2023
£
5,364
3,907
2,821
217
-
3,038
869
1,086

THE ALEX GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

17 Retirement benefit schemes

(Continued)

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

18 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 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 754,799 856,475 (891,414) 719,860
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £
General funds 740,604 750,951 (736,756) 754,799

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

20 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

21 Cash generated from operations

Cash generated from operations
(Deficit)/surpus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations		 2024
£
(34,939)
(9,896)
(1,368)
17,639
(5,630)
(8,797)
(42,991)		 2023
£
14,195
(5,091)
-
18,466
15,003
6,083
48,656