Ir
BUILD UP
ANNUAL REPORT*
2023 - 2024
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## **Contents**
|**Contents**||
|---|---|
|**1. Our Impact**|**3**|
|Foreword by Hannah Monteith and Jaydiene Ramsay||
|Build Up’s Mission and Goals||
|Our Year in Numbers||
|Annual Highlights||
|This Year’s Progress Towards Our Goals||
|Thank you to our supporters||
|Next steps||
|**2. Trustees’ Report**|**18**|
|**3. Independent Examiner’s Report**|**22**|
|**4. Statement of Financial Activities**|**22**|
|**5. Balance Sheet**|**23**|
|**6. Notes to the Financial Statements**|**23**|
**2**
## **Welcome!**
Hello, my name is Jaydiene. I am 17 years old. I did my first ever Build Up project when I was 12, at Somerford Grove Adventure Playground and I have done a few projects with them since. To introduce this year’s annual report, I am going to give you an insight of my experience with Build Up.
When I get asked to work on a project it’s always a great experience. It gives you a chance to create something for the community while having fun. While doing a Build Up project in April, I learned about a construction focused college called the Building Crafts College. At the time I was studying computing which I hated, so I decided to take a risk and apply. I’m now learning site carpentry at the college. The decision to change career paths came from my love of being hands on and seeing things come together in real time. Participating in Build Up projects helped me realise that, which I will forever be thankful for.
Something I have built that I’m proud of is the treehouse at Somerford Grove. I am proud of it because I built it with my friends and we all had an excellent time. I received a prestigious award for it, and made a contact for life.
## **Jaydiene Ramsay, Youth Advisory Board**
The last 12 months at Build Up have been exceptionally busy, with projects taking place across eight London boroughs involving 306 dedicated young people.
Together we have built four new spaces and designed a further three, each created by the young people who use them. We are especially proud to have set up the Red Path Project, an innovative community co-design initiative and a first for London. The project puts local young people and residents in charge of the redesign of an important, but inaccessible, pedestrian and cycling path in Hackney.
I would like to personally thank all our young people, work placement team, volunteers, staff, partners, parents, funders and supporters. Without you, this year would not have been possible.
## **Hannah Monteith, Chair**
**3**
Our aim is to **build the power** of young people to shape where they live, and to fundamentally **change who can make decisions** about London.
**Build Up runs practical design and construction processes for young people aged 10-23, which create permanent, high-quality and accessible spaces for local communities. We have three main goals:**
**1. Young people develop skills, confidence and power to lead change**
**2. Local people are involved and included in regeneration**
**3. A stronger sense of community, now and in the future**
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## **Our year in numbers:**
**4924** young people directly benefiting from our spaces **306** young change-makers
paid staff positions for local young people
**10**
**4** new spaces
**6** project designs
**2** existing spaces improved
- **1** youth-led action research project
**6**
## **2023 - 24 Highlights**
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## **1. YEAR ONE OF OUR YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD**
Our Youth Advisory Board reviewed the results of their listening campaign to hear 100 young people’s experiences of their area. They identified “creating safe spaces where young people can hang out” as Build Up’s key priority. To make this happen, the board agreed that Build Up would run a public open call and commission a researcher to identify new projects outside of its current network.
## **2. BUILD UP OPEN CALL 2024**
Our Youth Advisory Board selected two public space projects for Build Up to deliver. In Lambeth, we will deliver a space designed with and for young people in Larkhall Park. In Lewisham, we will build on research produced by young researchers Aleksa Asme and Kaylah Stephens, which has linked experiences of poor mental health to a lack of safe youth spaces. Build Up will be working with Asme, Stephens, our Youth Advisory Board and local young people to identify a project that takes action on this research.
## **3. RED PATH PROJECT**
We set up the Red Path Project - an innovative community co-design initiative, which puts local young people and residents in charge of the redesign of an important pedestrian and cycling path in Hackney Wick. The project is led by four co-leaders, working with our partners Space Black, Hackney Quest and London Borough of Hackney.
## **4. YOUNG PEOPLE CREATED SIX PROJECT DESIGNS**
This year our young people created designs for a pedestrian and cycling path in Hackney, a new outdoor space for a community centre in Barnet, a community picnic area in Custom House, an extension to an Adventure Playground in Haringey, new a community garden in Lewisham and a fireside kitchen in Tower Hamlets.
## **5. YOUNG PEOPLE COMPLETED FOUR NEW SPACES**
This year our young people built four new spaces in four boroughs, learning skills in construction, carpentry, painting, gardening and landscaping. Our young people also helped maintain and improve two existing spaces for their community.
**7**
THIS YEAR'S PROGRESS
TOWARDS OUR GOALS...
## **1. YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP SKILLS, CONFIDENCE & POWER TO LEAD CHANGE**
This year **306 young people** have taken part in Build Up projects, leading the transformation of parks, estates and public spaces in their local neighbourhoods.
## **POWER & SELF BELIEF**
After taking part, **72%** of young people said that they felt able to have a say about their area or help their community, now or in the future.
**84%** feel more confident in leadership skills (leading others, overcoming challenges, independent working)
**80%** of parents & guardians felt that their young people developed more confidence and self-belief during the project.
## **CONFIDENCE AND RESILIENCE**
**86%** of young people feel the project helped them learn from their mistakes and overcome challenges
## **DEVELOPING SKILLS**
**69%** developed skills for working with others
**96%** learnt design and construction skills
**70%** developed their listening & communication skills
## **Shanice’s Story**
Custom House has been living in the shadow of regeneration for 20 years. This has left a legacy of poor, unstable housing, private and public sector abandonment and large numbers of people moving in and out of the area. The young people in the area are unsure if their estate will be the next to go and feel decisions are made without any input from the community they are in. The 20 years of delayed regeneration has meant a lack of investment and many spaces for young people have disappeared. Other spaces are inaccessible or of poor quality, leaving few places for residents of all ages.
member that, due to her chronic pain, she was really proud of being able to participate in all the practical elements of the project.
Shanice completed the project proud of what had been accomplished and excited to share the new space she had created with her family and friends.
**“When the whole thing is done then you get to see what you have achieved and you can be proud of yourself that you managed to get through it.**
**Build Up has made a space where we can actually go and just relax because the park is not always open at night. The small space we have is perfect for any family who does the same.”**
Shanice at 16 was one of the eldest members of the Build Up Custom House project. She had recently moved to Custom House and was keen to meet other young people her age. However, she described herself as shy and having trouble making friends. She suffers from chronic pain which in the past has held her back from participating in activities.
## **A lasting impact**
At the end of the build, Shanice felt energised and excited about the change she could make, “bursting with ideas on how it could be improved”. She told staff it had changed her perception of who could make a difference as before she just accepted the situation around her as normal.
## **Shanice’s Project Experience**
Shanice didn’t know anyone in the group. She was keen to make friends but aware that she was shy and found it difficult. On the project, she was able to use her skills to assist the other people and began to feel confident as someone the younger participants could rely on.
## **“**
**At first I didn’t think “I was basically an adult figure, I just felt like I had to be responsible there was anything At first I was quite shy, I don’t normally we could change interact with people but I have learnt to open about the up and talk to these people. Build Up has helped me communicate with people and neighborhood I felt not stay isolated. It helped me see there are people just a bit outside my block of my age like everything was who I can interact with.” normal, but after** Shanice was enthusiastic to keep the project on **Build Up I feel like** task and was happy to participate in all aspects **there is so much I** of the build. She especially liked planning the painting design for the ends of the table and **could change ”** benches, working with a group to develop an intricate flower design. At the end she told a staff
**9**
## **“**
**The biggest challenge was how to use the saw because it was very difficult at first, and I wanted to give up but the [Build Up staff] told me to keep having a go and it kinda helped me and I actually managed to do it very well**
## **”**
Hannah 12, Project Participant
**“[It made me feel like you can change [your local area], like ] here for example, put lots of plants to make it better and build benches and stuff ”** Ines 10, Project Participant
## **“**
**On the first day, because everyone knew that I was a math whizz, everyone made me do all the measurements, and from then on I’ve taken over this persona of being responsible and being an adult, so if I saw someone doing something and I felt like they needed to be watched over, I’d just stand there and help them**
Nafi 16, Project Participant
## **“**
**When the whole thing is done then you get to see what you have achieved and you can be proud of yourself that you managed to get through it and you got to finish it.**
**Because some people once they start something they cant ever finish it, so it makes you feel proud that you actually manage to finish something. And everyone else can benefit from it**
## **”**
Fatima 16, Project Participant
**10**
## **2. LOCAL PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED AND INCLUDED IN REGENERATION**
**“[I heard a bit of some storytelling from people over the time ] of like, ‘the young people just did it’, and I think that’s a really powerful and hopeful message that in the face of all of this neglect... the young people got together, imagined something better and then built it ”**
Becky Turner, Project Partner, People’s Empowerment Alliance for Custom House (PEACH)
## **“**
**More people are going to feel free to come to and gather because there’s a bench, a table and a garden, so lots of people can sit down and eat their food - it’s a mini meet up place. I personally know I am going to bring all my friends here as a meet up spot before we go somewhere else ”**
Nafi 16, Project Participant
## **“**
**The community has been centered at every stage of the process, rather than given a tokenistic consultation with minimal impact on the actual final product.**
**”**
Destiny 22, Project Participant
**11**
## **Freddie’s Journey**
My name is Freddie Beresford, I am 18 years old and I have lived on the Gascoyne estate for 3 years. I am an aspiring political journalist with a passion for social justice.
I first heard about the Red Path redevelopment project in August 2023. Living about 10 minutes from the path, I had used it many times as a convenient cut-through: coming off Mabley Green to head towards Stratford; walking from Homerton to meet friends on the green; getting home from Hackney Wick. I paid it very little mind, just viewing it as another run-down, neglected walkway I’d steer clear of in the dark. No-one else seemed to care about it, so why would I?
## **“**
Learning that there was a committed partnership of local and specialist charities working to improve the path was a surprise at first. It’s easy to get used to the idea that our streets aren’t worth working to improve; that no-one would really bother putting time and effort into a public works project like this. Reading about the project, it was a pleasant reminder that there are people who care, and that with the right focus of resources, it is possible to improve our own communities. The more I learnt about the project, the more excited I felt about its potential. I have a keen interest in accessible design, particularly tactile paving. I envisioned a path that was not only technically accessible, but easy and pleasant to use for all. My initial designs were relentlessly practical - I had a lot of ideas about how the path could be resurfaced to improve accessibility. After our first site visit the ideas of the rest of the team inspired me to think of the bigger picture more creatively: to consider how we could make walking down the path feel safe, comfortable and enjoyable rather than simply necessary.
From the beginning, this project was unusual. The idea to redesign at all was put forward by a young adult from the local community, who was also part of our design team. The community has been centred at every stage of the process, rather than given a tokenistic consultation with minimal impact on the actual final product.
Although some elements of the project were much harder for me than they likely would have been for a professional architect (amongst many other things, this project has taught me that I am not cut out for technical drawing), the final product, a design concept born out of an authentic local collaboration, is infinitely more valuable than something that could be drawn up by someone with no care for the area or how it is actually used by the community. Allowing local people to create our own spaces means an increased emotional investment and pride in them; a major issue with the path was that it felt neglected and poorly maintained. What better way to increase the number of local people who care about the space than have us design it ourselves?
**Working on the Red Path project, I felt empowered and valued. Although we had support from professional urban planners from Space Black and Build Up, and sought expertise from various external consultants, the design concepts drawn up were entirely drawn from the community: from us, as a team of local young people, but also from people we met at the community sessions we ran alongside the design sessions**
## **”**
We adapted our designs to consider what is valuable to the people who use the path. We met a local resident, for instance, who works to maintain the corner of Mabley Green that backs onto the path, and on his guidance we were able to design a new pathway into the green, which would make the Red Path feel more pleasant and open, without damaging the existing ecosystem.
I hope that the success of this project is part of a new movement towards urban planning which honestly centres communities. With a little faith and the right support, we have proven that local people are capable of creating bold, yet practical designs that meet the diverse needs of our neighbourhoods.
**12**
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## **3. A STRONGER SENSE OF COMMUNITY, NOW & IN THE FUTURE**
**100%** of people engaging with the project say they feel the space is more welcoming
**67%** have met or worked with people of different backgrounds and experiences
**77%** of young people engaged with other community members
## **“**
**From what I heard, there was a lot of positivity and stories of just hopefulness and pride in the young people. It was a big act of care in a place which doesn’t ever receive much care and I think some people saw that.**
**“I’ve seen the young people at certain other events, and there seems to be more connection or unity between them…so I think it’s improved relationships there.**
**The residents who were taking care of it were so excited, there was so much excitement just at something happening. Especially the fruit trees in the orchard, everyone is very excited for when they grow. ”**
Becky Turner, Project Partner, People’s Empowerment Alliance for Custom House (PEACH)
**14**
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## **Thank you to our supporters**
## **Grants and Donations**
Axis Foundation Canary Wharf Construction Fund City Bridge Trust Gowling WLG (UK) Charitable Trust Kunal Amin
London Borough of Greenwich (Greenwich Neighbourhood Growth Fund) London Community Foundation London Legacy Development Corporation Metropolitan Workshop Re:arc The Charterhouse Charitable Trust The Ellis Campbell Charitable Foundation The Fore
The Innholders’ Charitable Foundation The Lockett Trust The Music Sales Charitable Trust The Ogilvie Charities The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants The Worshipful Company of Coopers The Worshipful Company of Curriers The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers The Worshipful Company of Glovers The Worshipful Company of Vintners The Worshipful Company of World Traders Wick Award
## **In-Kind support**
Adventure Playground Engineers ARUP Canary Wharf Contractors Limited Lawsons Timber Building & Fencing Supplies London Borough of Greenwich Real Deals For You The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants Vectorworks
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## **Next steps...**
Next year, we are aiming to continue increasing young people’s involvement and decision-making in all aspects of our organisation, including identifying which projects we deliver, shaping their development and reviewing their impact. We will deliver on the current priorities of our Youth Advisory Board:
## **1. Create new and improve existing local spaces where young people can spend time outside home and school.**
## **2. Set up projects that give young people a voice during an area’s regeneration.**
## **Want to get involved?**
We’re always keen to connect with people and organisations that can help set up projects or support our work. To find out more, please visit our website or get in touch with our Director, Huan Rimington, using the contact details below.
**Phone:** 07427 704291 **Email:** info@buildup.org.uk
**Website:** www.buildup.org.uk **Instagram:** @build_up_foundation
**17**
## **2. Trustees’ Report**
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. They have complied with the duty to have due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission.
## **Administrative Details of the Charity, Its Trustees And Advisers**
## **Charity registration**
1163872
**Company number** 09365881
## **Registered office**
Cody Dock, 11c South Crescent, Canning Town, London E16 4TL
## **Website**
www.buildup.org.uk
## **Trustees**
Hannah Monteith (Chair) Neba Sere (Vice Chair) Linnie McLarty (Trustee)
## **Independent accounts examiner**
Kubed Solutions Limited
Kubed Solutions Ltd, P. O. Box 482, AL10 1GG, United Kingdom
## **Bankers**
NatWest Bank Black Lion House 45 Whitechapel Road London E1 1DU
## **Senior staff**
Huan Rimington (Director)
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and constitutes a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The company was incorporated on 23rd December 2014 and registered as a charity on 7th October 2015.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing strategic development, and ensuring legal and statutory compliance. It meets on a three-monthly basis. Trustees and company secretaries play an active role in operational matters as needs dictate. Responsibility for dayto-day management of the charity is delegated to the Director.
Trustee positions are advertised through networks, contacts and on our website. Anyone interested in joining the Board is required to complete an application outlining how their skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. All shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Chair of Trustees and the Director. New trustees receive a full induction prior to joining the Board.
## **Aims and Objectives**
Build Up Foundation (Build Up) runs practical construction projects for young people aged 1023 years old to design and build structures in their local communities. Working in community centres, housing estates and public places, we support young people to design and build places that matter to them and allow them to have a genuine say in the regeneration of their community.
We enable participants to take on new roles and experiences, which help them fulfil their potential and make successful pathways into long-term employment, education and community life.
Our objectives, as set out in our governing document, are:
To act as a resource for young people in the Greater London area by providing advice and assistance, and organising programmes of physical, educational and other activities as a means of:
(a) advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals;
(b) advancing education;
(c) relieving unemployment;
(d) providing recreational and leisure-time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit, who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances, with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
**18**
**Build Up’s Theory of Change**
##
# **At Build Up, our aim is to build the power of young people to shape where they live and to fundamentally change who can make decisions about London. We do this through practical design and construction processes, which create permanent, high-quality and accessible spaces for local communities.**
## **Young people develop skills,**
**Local people are involved and included in regeneration**
**A stronger sense of community, now and in the future**
**confidence and power to lead change**
People feel included in change that’s happening locally
People feel welcome, safe and want to spend time in their local area
Young people gain practical, vocational and social skills
Young people develop resilience, confidence & self-belief
People feel positive about the change that is being created in their community
People (and organisations) feel increased trust and connection with other residents of all ages, backgrounds and genders
Young people who have experienced marginalisation have the belief that they can effect change, now and in the future
The creation of permanent, high quality, accessible spaces for everyone
Young people are in charge of practical, physical and visible changes to the world around them
_The following activities take place across the consultation process, the design phase, the construction process, and the public opening and use of the new community space_
## **Young people make meaningful decisions:**
For example, being involved in **city planning meetings** with policy-makers, or **deciding what kind of facilities or structures will be included** in the project (play equipment, seating, garden areas etc.)
## **Young people access new roles & experiences:**
By **working directly with a wide range of tradespeople and professionals** , as well as **diverse groups of peers** who have different opinions, abilities and needs
Young people have the space and time to **reflect on learning** as they go, and **celebrate achievements**
## **Young people are trusted & given responsibility:**
They **use construction tools** and are guided in learning how to **assess and manage risks**
Young people are supported to **find what motivates them** within a project, then have opportunities to lead on activities e.g. **practical tasks, community engagement, presentation skills** etc.
## **Young people learn by doing:**
Applying **critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges** on and off site, and use of **peer-topeer learning** when teaching new skills
**Exploring inclusion issues** as they are encountered (e.g. sexism in construction), with staff **facilitating safe spaces** for young people to negotiate personal differences and conflict
## **Involving the wider community:**
Build Up works in **close partnership with local community groups.** Young people **consult other community members** to help shape their design ideas, and then work together during **volunteering days**
**Public openings** take place for young people to ‘hand back’ spaces to their community and celebrate achievements together
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## **Beneficiaries**
Build Up Foundation works with disadvantaged young people aged 10-23 years old with diverse needs. These include:
- Young people from low income households
- Young people with experience of the care system or deemed at risk to social services
- Young people with experience of the criminal justice system and/or at risk of offending
- Young refugees and asylum seekers
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic young people
- LGBTQ+ young people
- Young people experiencing behavioural difficulties, emotional trauma, mental health issues and barriers to education
- Young people at risk of gang exploitation
- Young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training)
- Young people who are deemed at risk and outside mainstream education (eg. in PRUs)
Across London, young people are being sidelined, ignored, forgotten, and feel they can’t take part in changes that affect their lives. All young people need opportunities and experiences to fulfil their true potential. Access to this experience depends on who you know; and for young people that don’t get one well with school, the way forward is harder still. Our young people are held back by our society; they are deprived of the support, resources and connections they need to grow up and make successful transitions into adulthood. We aim to change this.
## **Public Benefit**
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the trustees have given consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit (PB1, PB2 and PB3) and have taken these into account in making all decisions. We have not departed from this guidance in 202324.
Build Up’s objectives are “to act as a resource for young people in the Greater London area by providing advice and assistance and organising programmes of physical, educational and other activities”. These are pursued by providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people to gain skills and experience through designing and building new spaces for their communities.
## **In-Kind Support**
We would like to say a special thank you to our in-kind supporters, who have donated materials, goods and services throughout the year. The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants continued to support our projects through donating materials, tools and fixings. Lawsons Timber Building and Fencing Supplies have supplied timber to use on our projects at Hughes House and Somerford Grove. We have also been supported by pro bono engineering services from Arup and building work support from Canary Wharf Contractors Limited.
We would also like to thank and acknowledge support and assistance from Real Deals For You, Vectorworks, Royal London Borough of Greenwich, Adventure Playground Engineers and Wick Award.
## **Financial Review**
Build Up received total income of £320,692 during the financial year ending 31st March 2024 (2022/23: £245,043). This income comprised donations of £60,374 (2022/23: £41,609 ) and income from charitable activities, in the form of donations, grants and commissions, of £259,671 (2022/23: £202,391). Other income amounted to £647 (2022/23: £1,043).
Of the total income, £59,955 was restricted (2022/23: £65,501) to specific projects, equipment or activities and £260,737 (2022/23: £179,542) was unrestricted in its nature. All the restricted income has been expended during the year.
Build Up has continued to benefit from diverse income streams from a range of funders as can be seen in Note 2 to the accounts. The majority of income received has been unrestricted, notably £53,593 from the Re:arc Institute, £38,624 from London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), £29,988 from the Ellis Campbell Trust, £26,533 from the Royal London Borough of Greenwich and £20,000 from The Fore. Notable restricted income has been received from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (£16,245) and the Canary Wharf Construction Fund (£15,497).
During the year we were able to use this income to fund ten key projects which has also been reflected in the increase in our overall expenditure during the year from £236,342 in 2023 to £319,330. Of this, expenditure on charitable activities increased from £231,542 to £318,980 which is reflective of the increased income we have received during the year. Despite uncertain economic conditions, Build Up has continued to commit to worthwhile projects incurring the necessary staff and material costs to ensure this work continues. Nearly all our annual income has been spent in direct or indirect pursuit of our charitable activities.
## **Pension Arrangements**
All eligible Build Up employees have been enrolled into the organisation’s NEST pension scheme, unless they have opted out. Employer contributions of £7,329 (2022/23: £6,228) have been made by Build Up during the year.
## **Reserves Policy**
Build Up’s total reserves have grown in recent years and are £152,607 at 31st March 2024. This represents a small increase since last year (£151,245). Reserves comprise £147,607 in general funds and £5,000 designated funds. There are no restricted funds carried over into the next year.
Reserves are maintained to provide a financial buffer to support the organisation through periods of uncertainty. Specifically to:
- Comply with the reserves policy of maintaining 4 months of forecasted operational expenditure to provide stability in case of unexpected events and ensure that the organisation remains robust. As at 31st March 2024, this amounts to £148,210.
- Mitigate the uncertainty of going into the next financial year with significant unsecured income that could prevent us from carrying out our planned charitable activities if the funding does not transpire.
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The Trustees have assessed Build Up’s financial viability by considering its reserve position, cash flow and future expected income and confirm at the time of signing that it remains a going concern.
## **Risk Management**
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to them. As at 31st March 2024 the biggest risk to Build Up’s operations continued to be the uncertain economic conditions impacting on our commissioners, funders and supporters, as well as resulting increases in material costs. We have set up robust systems to budget, track and manage expenditure, thus reducing risks of unforeseen costs. We review the budget for the current and coming year at least quarterly and have engaged the necessary financial expertise to oversee our financial obligations.
The company has taken advantage of small company exemptions, being a small company, not to include a Strategic Report; however the content in the Trustees Report constitutes similar content to a Strategic Report, as described in SORP Information Sheet 5, published by the Charity Commission.
Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 16th December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:-
Hannah Montieth (Trustee and Director - Chair)
Neba Sere (Trustee and Director - Vice Chair)
We will continue to work with a wide variety of commissions, funders and supporters, which together provide greater resilience, and we will hold reserves to allocate to project delivery in event of unforeseen funding gaps. We proactively fundraise to secure multi-year funding alongside support for specific projects.
Other risks faced include the availability of grant funding and commission income as well as further disruption caused by inflationary price increases. Build Up has a robust financial management system that forecasts financial information for the next 3 years in order to plan ahead and anticipate financial challenges.
## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities**
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, they have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and group, and of the income, expenditure and financial activities of the charitable group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies then apply them consistently;
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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## **3. Independent Examiner’s Report**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
## Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust, 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## Independent examiner’s statement
attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Name: Gouri Kubair
## **4. Statement of Financial Activities**
## **INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT INCORPORATING AND INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
|Notes
**Income from:**
Donations
2
Charitable activities
2
Other operating income
3
Total
**Expenditure on:**
Fundraising
Charitable activities
4
Total
**Net Income / (expenditure)**
**Transfers between funds**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds**
Funds brought forward
11
**Total funds carried forward**|Unrestricted
General
£
43,629
216,461
647
260,737
349
259,026
259,375
1,362
-
1,362
146,245
147,607
350
259,025|Unrestricted
Designated
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
5,000|Restricted
£
16,745
43,210
-
59,955
-
59,955
59,955
(0)
-
(0)
-
(0)|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**60,374**
**259,671**
**647**
**320,692 **
**350**
**318,980**
**319,330**
**1,362**
**-**
**1,362**
**151,245**
**152,607 **|Total
2023
£
41,609
202,391
1,043|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||245,043|
||||||4,800
231,542|
||||||236,342|
||||||8,701
-|
||||||8,701|
||||||142,544|
||||||151,245|
All transactions are derived from continuing activities.
There were no recognised gains and losses in either the current or the previous year. The notes on pages 23 to 25 form part of these financial statements.
Address: Kubed Solutions Ltd, P. O. Box 482, AL10 1GG, United Kingdom
Date: 16th December 2024
**22**
## **5. Balance Sheet**
## **AS AT 31 MARCH 2024**
|Notes
**Fixed assets**
9
**Current assets**
Cash at bank and in hand
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
9
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
10
**Net current assets**
**Net assets**
**Funds**
Unrestricted funds
General funds
12
Designated funds
12
Restricted funds
12
Total funds
8|**2024**
£
6,166
97,474
125,169
222,643
76,202
146,441
152,607
147,607
5,000
-
152,607|2023
£
10,085
115,978
59,594|
|---|---|---|
|||175,572
34,412|
|||141,160|
||||
|||151,245|
|||146,245
5,000
-|
|||151,245|
For the financial year ended 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 Companies Act 2006. No member of the charity has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit of these financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the charity.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 16th December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Hannah Montieth (Trustee and Director - Chair)
Neba Sere (Trustee and Director - Vice Chair)
Registered company number (England and Wales): 1163872 Registered charity number (England and Wales): 09365881
## **6. Notes To The Financial Statements**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **1 Accounting Policies**
## **1.1 Accounting convention**
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and reporting by charities (SORP 2015 – FRS 102 version), applicable accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006. The charity has taken advantage of the Small Entity provisions of FRS 102. The financial statements are presented in Sterling (£).
## Statement on going concern
After reviewing the charity’s forecasts and projections, the directors have reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
## **1.2 Company status**
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The directors of the company are the trustees named on page 5. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.
## **1.3 Incoming resources**
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
## **1.4 Expenditure**
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is inclusive of all VAT, which cannot be reclaimed, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
- Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
- Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
- All costs are allocated between expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, other costs are apportioned on the basis staff time incurred.
## **1.5 Depreciation**
Apart from purchases of individual items of furniture and office equipment costing less than £1,000 and computer software, which are written off in full in the year of purchase, all fixed assets are depreciated over their anticipated useful lives on a straight line basis as follows: IT equipment - 3 years, Motor vehicles - 5 years.
## **1.6 Funds**
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds which the Trustees have earmarked for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor. The aim and use of any restricted funds are set out in the notes of the financial statements.
**23**
## **1.7 Gifts in Kind**
Gifts in kind and donated goods and services are recognised in the accounts when the benefit to the charity is quantifiable and measurable. The value is the price the charity estimates it would pay should it purchase equivalent goods or services. The estimated valuation of gifts in kind is based on the value of the contribution to the charity, or the valuation the charity would have had to pay to acquire the goods or services. A corresponding amount is recognised within expenditure in the period of receipt.
## **3 Other Operating Income**
|**3 Other Operating Income**|||
|---|---|---|
|Miscellaneous income|**2024**
**£**
647
**647**|2023
£
1,043|
|||1,043|
## **2 Analysis of income**
|Donations
Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants
Worshipful Company of Coopers
Worshipful Company of Fan Makers
Kunal Amin
Lockett Trust
Ogilvie Charities
Gowling WLG (UK) Charitable Trust
Chester Music Ltd
Worshipful Company of Glovers
Metropolitan Workshop
Donations under £500
Donated materials and services
Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants
ARUP Engineering
Canary Wharf Contractor Fund
Lawsons Timber Building & Fencing Supplies
Vectorworks
Grants and commissions
Re:arc Institute
London Legacy Development Corporation
Ellis Campbell Trust
Royal Borough of Greenwich
The Fore
Canary Wharf Construction Fund
London Community Fund
The Kennington Association
People's Empowerment Alliance for Custom House (PEACH)
Charterhouse Charitable Trust
Axis Foundation
Vintners' Foundation
Hackney Quest
Worshipful Company of World Traders
Evergreen Play Association
City Bridge Trust
Worshipful Company of Innholders
Worshipful Company of Curriers
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Greenwich Ward
Stonegrove Community Trust|Unrestricted
£
3,150
3,000
2,880
1,000
1,000
750
525
500
431
7,000
7,000
9,019
5,286
2,088
**43,629**
53,593
38,624
29,988
26,533
20,000
15,000
10,273
9,500
5,000
3,600
3,000
925
425
**216,461**|Restricted
£
16,245
500
**16,745**
15,497
7,753
6,500
5,000
4,160
2,000
1,800
500
**43,210**|**2024**
Total
**£**
16,245
3,150
3,000
2,880
1,000
1,000
750
525
500
500
431
7,000
7,000
9,019
5,286
2,088|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**60,374**|
||||53,593
38,624
29,988
26,533
20,000
15,497
15,000
10,273
9,500
7,753
6,500
5,000
5,000
4,160
3,600
3,000
2,000
1,800
925
500
425|
||||**259,671**|
## **4 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities**
## **a) by fund type**
|Public spaces
Support costs
Public spaces
Support costs
**b) by activity**
Public spaces
Public spaces
Adventure Playgrounds, Youth and
Community Groups
Adventure Playgrounds, Youth and
Community Groups
Adventure Playgrounds, Youth and
Community Groups
Adventure Playgrounds, Youth and
Community Groups|Unrestricted
funds
£
52,205
151,333
55,487
259,025
Unrestricted
funds
£
79,616
58,866
25,524
164,006
Activities
undertaken
directly
£
74,372
181,189
255,561
Activities
undertaken
directly
£
110,677
84,871
195,548|Restricted
funds
£
22,167
29,856
7,932
59,955
Restricted
funds
£
31,061
26,005
10,470
67,536
Support
costs
£
18,455
44,964
63,419
Support
costs
£
20,372
15,622
35,994|**Total funds**
**2024**
**£**
74,372
181,189
63,419|
|---|---|---|---|
||||318,980|
||||Total funds
2023
**£**
110,677
84,871
35,994|
||||231,542|
||||**Total funds**
**2024**
**£**
92,827
226,153|
||||318,980|
||||Total
Total funds
2023
£
131,049
100,493|
||||231,542|
**14**
## **5 Analysis of support costs**
|Staff costs and professional fees
Office, rent and governance|**2024**
**£**
45,241
18,179
63,419|2023
£
24,544
11,450|
|---|---|---|
|||35,994|
## **6 Staff remuneration and numbers**
|Wages and salaries paid to employees
Employer's national insurance contributions
Employer's contributions to pension plans|**2024**
**£**
94,466
5,123
7,329
106,917
106,918|2023
£
87,953
4,013
6,228|
|---|---|---|
|||98,194|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
The average number of full time equivalent employees is 2 (2023: 2)
## **7 Trustee remuneration and expenses**
The trustees received no remuneration or reimbursements of expenses in the year or previously.
## **8 Fixed assets**
|**Cost**
Total at 1st April 2023
Additions
Disposals
**Total at 31st March 2024**
**Depreciation**
Total at 1st April 2023
Disposals
Depreciation
**Total at 31st March 2024**
**Net book value**
At 31st March 2023
**At 31st March 2024**|**IT**
**equipment**
**£**
4,354
-
**4,354**
2,918
-
953
**3,871**
1,437
**483**
2,917
**3,870**
**484**|**Motor**
**vehicles**
**£**
14,580
-
-
**14,580**
5,932
-
2,966
**8,898**
8,648
**5,682**|**2024 Total**
**£**
18,934
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**18,934**|
||||8,849
-
3,919|
||||**12,768**|
||||10,085|
||||**6,166**|
## **9 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year**
|Debtors
**10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Creditors|**2024**
**£**
125,169
**2024**
**£**
76,202|2023
£
59,594|
|---|---|---|
|||2023
£
34,412|
## **11 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|Fixed assets
Current assets
Less: current liabilities
**12 Movements in Funds**
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Designated funds
Restricted funds|At 31
March
2023
£
146,245
5,000
-
151,245|General
Designated
funds
funds
£
£
6,166
-
217,644
5,000
(76,202)
-
147,607
5,000
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
£
£
260,737
259,375
-
-
59,955
59,955
320,691
319,330
Unrestricted funds|Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
Transfers
£
-
-
-
-|Total
Funds
£
6,166
222,644
(76,202)|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||152,607|
|||||**At 31**
**March**
**2024**
**£**
**147,607**
**5,000**
**(0)**|
|||||**152,607**|
General funds are intended to provide a financial buffer and are in line with our reserve policy of being 4 months of organisational running costs.
At the end of both 2023 and 2024 financial years £5,000 was set aside by the Trustees as a designated fund with the intenion of using this amount towards internally funded project activity, as opposed to the project being funded by an external funder. Rather than use the full annual surplus to supplement our reserve postion, the Trustees wanted to ensure funds were available to either start or complete a project where sufficient funds were not received or where the project outputs changed. This fund is expected to be used in the 2025 financial year.
**25**
**Build Up Foundation** Registered Charity 1163872, Company Number 09365881 This report has been designed using resources from Flaticon.com and Pixel perfect